The American Spectator

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A Sight for Soros Eyes

11.18.04 @ 12:01AM

PRESIDENT ARNOLD
Re: George Neumayr's The Arnold Amendment:

George Neumayr writes: "The framers' reasons for prohibiting foreign-born presidents remain perfectly valid. Perhaps they are even stronger in post-9/11 America. Has the threat of 'undue foreign influence,' as they put it, passed? No, it has probably intensified in the American people's mind."

To clarify for any skeptics, don't think of this as the "Arnold Amendment." Close your eyes, take a whiff, and visualize the "Soros Amendment."
-- Dan Martin
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

While I normally agree with the ideas presented in The American Spectator, I must respectfully disagree with the commentary by George Neumayr "The Arnold Amendment."

My nine-year-old adopted Chinese daughter (and yes she is a citizen) has already said that she is going to be the first woman president of the United States. This is a kid that instead of watching the St. Louis Cardinals in the recent baseball playoffs wanted to watch the debates. Her best comment was when Kerry was talking about abortion (which being adopted is very important to her) -- "Dad, why doesn't he (Kerry) answer the question?" I cannot explain the logic of why she can't run for president, but her children (prayerfully many years in the future) could run.
-- Jim Bednarek
Ellisville, Missouri

I agree with George Neumayr's assessment of the short-sightedness surrounding ideas to amend the Constitution to allow foreign-born citizens to run for President. The Framers (capital F intentional) knew what they were doing; let's give them the credit they deserve.

In fairness to Governor Schwarzenegger, he'd probably be a very good President, and I have no doubts about his loyalties to America. However, he's not the problem. The problem is that amending the Constitution in this manner would, as Mr. Neumayr explains, open up the Presidency to other persons whose loyalties we can't be sure about, and that must never be allowed to happen.

Of course, in their ceaseless efforts to troll for votes by any means necessary, the Democrats will pursue this issue. It's simply another reason why the nation needs to consign this party, and this idea, to the dustbin of history. Both are bad for a healthy America.
-- Gavin Valle
Peapack, New Jersey

It's almost as if those who want to change the constitution for Arnold and Jennifer (Granholm) are wanting in the intelligence department. Didn't this last election tell them something? Without pro-life evangelicals the Republicans can't win. Do they honestly think the evangelicals will vote for the pro choice groper? Whenever I see Fred Barnes get all giggly and goosey over Arnold, it kinda makes me sick. Arnold is from a BLUE state, guys.
-- Annette Cwik

With regard to the qualifications for President of the United States, I think that one qualification should be changed. And that is the minimum age. It should be raised to 50. This of course would have affected only three presidents historically: T. Roosevelt, Kennedy, and Clinton. Considering the last two a case can clearly be made. In our day and time, I do not think anyone under 50 has the proper experience to adequately handle the office.

With regard to foreign-born persons becoming president, bad idea. It may be Cold War spy-stuff paranoia, but who could vouch for the background of a foreign born person. The Soviets were apparently very effective in getting deep cover agents into the West.
-- Roger Thompson

Spot on! And you would expect that a natural born sitting President would understand the dangers and not sign any legislation permitting such action. I personally would have thought Mr. Bush would have vetoed McCain-Feingold under the purview of his oath to defend the Constitution. But I was wrong.

How about an article on the imminent dangers in the treaty powers and their affect on our liberties?
-- John McGinnis
Arlington, Texas

Although George Neumayr makes some very interesting points on this, I think that he has made some fundamental errors.

Firstly, the ban on foreign-born people standing for President applies not only to foreign nationals but also to American citizens. Any American not born on American soil is not eligible to stand for President. If nothing else changes, the language should be modified to correct this loophole.

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