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Saturday, June 30, 2012

Accurate Analysis on Healthcare Ruling Evades Public: Time For Light to Shine on Truth of SCOTUS Ruling

The fanfare of Healthcare Act supporters claiming that the Supreme Court Ruling validates the Act's constitutionality is quite overrated. It is as overrated as the wails of Healthcare opponents who expected sweeping statements of its unconstitutionality is a mournful loss of American liberties. In fact, nothing of these two parallel positions is accurate.


The Ruling by SCOTUS did not ignore the Constitution but affirmed it.
One problem is the tendancy of liberals to assume any lack of a dogmatic "no," is a "yes." Another problem is that many conservatives wanted the SCOTUS to affirm their conservative POLICY just as dogmatically, which would undermined the Constitution.  Perhaps they expected SCOTUS to wipe the slate clean of Obamacare altogether. This is not the scope of SCOTUS--they determine the constitutionality of law, not irradicate it. In this case, it was a law so all-encompassing—and legally invasive, entangled in all forms of governance and consuming—that the only responsible way for SCOTUS to address the many issues was to thoroughly parse them out one by one. That they have.


WHAT PEOPLE ARE MISSING ON BOTH SIDES IS WHAT SCOTUS ACTUALLY SAID:
The Justices did not say Obamacare was constitutional.
Instead, what they did was discuss the most dominant themes. Thus, instead of a one-fell-swoop-decision, SCOTUS pointed out to America—read: reminded America—of the many checks and balances afforded in that great document.  Among the many major points SCOTUS re-affirmed are these Constitutional paradigms:

1.) That Congress has the authority to tax.
There is nothing new here. (See Art. I, Sec. 8.) The Justices did not say Obamacare was constitutional. In fact, having read the document (only 60 pages), I can attest that what is being reported (by those who have neither read it, nor understand it or the principles the Justices discussed), is factually misrepresenting the Ruling. What the justices said was constitutional was that Congress has authority to collect taxes. This is merely a reiteration of Art. I, Sec 8 of the Constitution.  Additionally, they clarified that the so-called penalties, along with all other collection of monies are, contrary to what supporters of the Healthcare Act have told the public, a tax. That makes Pelosi, Obama, et al. deceivers of Americans.

2.) The "regulating" referred to in Art I Sec 8 does NOT mean "create." Therefore, Congress cannot regulate a non-activity.
Congress cannot create new authority--only make regular those authorities already granted in the Constitution. (This goes to the Mischief Rule.)
The Court was quite vocal about the inappropriateness of Congress' attempt to create a power they have never had in legislating (read: forcing) citizens into action. This was clearly stated in the Ruling. (567 U.S. __2012, 21-27) Specifically, Roberts writes,
…the Government’s logic would justify a mandatory purchase to solve almost any problem…People, for reasons of their own, often fail to do things that would be good for them…Under the Government’s logic, that authorizes Congress to use its commerce power to compel citizens to act as the Government would have them act.
That is not the country the Framers of our Constitution envisioned. (567 U.S.__2012. 22,23)
Clearly:  To this end many hoped the Supreme Court would, in simple terms, throw the entire Act out, or at least disable it sufficiently to render it null and void. Sadly, many are so enraged by poor information that they don’t realize that SCOTUS actually did, in large measure, do that very thing, as cited above. But in the process, also reminded Americans of their responsibility to act on their own authority.

3.) SCOTUS RE-AFFIRMED that the power to control legislation by Congress lies with the PEOPLE--not SCOTUS.
Furthermore, the Justices specifically explained WHY they did not throw the whole Act out, saying that the sanctity of the people's authority to choose their legislation via the representatives (of both houses of Congress, in particular, but not to exclude the President) must be preserved; and it is therefore up to the people--not SCOTUS--to remedy the law. That is what was said. (ibid. 6,7) Apparently some are celebrating the assumption that the people will not exercise their authority and right to have what 80% of them demanded not be enacted in the first place. (You might remember that the preponderance of Representatives was fired. I suspect, after this nod from SCOTUS, more is to come with some mighty powerful hiring to follow. That is, if people actually understand what SCOTUS said.)  is being reported (by those who have neither read it, nor understand it or the principles the Justices discussed), is factually misrepresenting the ruling. What the justices said WAS constitutional was that Congress has authority to collect taxes. Duh, reiteration of Art. I Sec 8. Additionally, they clarified that the so-called penalties, along with all other collection of monies ARE a tax. That makes Pelosi, Omaba et al decievers of Americans.

That point aside: The Ruling specifically states that the Constitution grants individual immunity from participation AND state immunity from it as well. To the point, neither Congress, nor the President can compel anyone or a state to enjoin Obamacare. SCOTUS actually reinforced state and individual sovereigny and liberty. They were quite voca about the inappropriatenss of Congress' attempt to create a power they have never had in legislating (read:forcing) ciizens into action. This was clearly stated in the Ruling.

Furthermore, the Justices specifically explained WHY they did not throw the whole thing out, saying that the sanctity of the people's authority to chose their legislation via the representatives (of both houses of Congress, in particular, but not to exclude the President) must be preserved; and it is therefore up to the people--not SCOTUS--to remedy the law. THAT IS WHAT WAS SAID: Apparently somebody, somehow, believes the people will not excercise their authority and right to have what 80% of them demanded not be enacted in the first place. (You might remember that a preponderance of Represenatives were fired. I suspect, after a nod from SCOTUS, more is to come with some mighty powerful hiring to follow.)

The Ruling specifically states that the Constitution grants individual immunity from participation AND state immunity from it as well. To the point, neither Congress, nor the President can compel any one or a state to enjoin Obamacare. SCOTUS has actually reinforced state and individual sovereignty and liberty, not slighted it.
The idea that Congress has created taxes against the will of the people is only partially true, at best. The verity is that Congress is elected by the people, thus what Congress does, technically and by Constitutional authority, has been sanctioned by the people. The people then, having the ultimate authority can “fire” the Representative or Senator who neither respects their wishes, ignoring their duty to representation, nor obliges the sovereign will of their respective states. This is true for any legislation irrespective of its relationship to taxes. (However, it is difficult to imagine any legislation by Congress as being unrelated to taxes.) Quoting one of the most arduous defenders of the Constitution, John Marshall, Justice Roberts emphasizes the difference between the constitutionality of passing an act and enforcing one.  He writes
“Proper respect for a co-ordinate branch of the government” requires that we strike down authority to pass [the] act in question [when] clearly demonstrated…[Policy judgments] are entrusted to our Nation’s elected leaders, who can be thrown out of office if the people disagree with them. It is not our job to protect the people from the consequences of their political choices. (567 U.S.___2012, 6. Emphasis added.
The people are responsible for finding those who adequately and accurately reflect their wishes.  SCOTUS simply reminded—and more effectively hinted—to the people of their solemn Constitutional duty—that is not the Court’s. In other words, SCOTUS was not obliging to the people passing the buck to them.


4.) SCOTUS RE-AFFIRMED the sovereignty of the individual. 
 Justice Roberts writes that the argument held by the Government that they have the right to require our “participation” under the Necessary and Proper Clause is unfounded.  While quoting from precedence, (McCulloch, supra, at 413, 418), Justice Roberts re-affirms, through the Mischief Rule, a fundamental doctrine of the Constitution, saying

‘…we have…carried out our responsibility to declare unconstitutional those laws that undermine the structure of government established by the Constitution. [They] are not consistent with the letter and spirit of the constitution, and are not proper...Rather, they are…merely acts of usurpation.’ (ibid. 28)
Applying these principles, the individual mandate cannot be sustained. (ibid. 29
…The commerce power…does not authorize the mandate. (ibid. 30)
Roberts further expounds on the constitutional principles behind the Necessary and Proper Clause, explaining its misuse by the Government in defense of “Obamacare.” (ibid.29)

5.) SCOTUS RE-AFFIRMED the sovereignty of States to determine whether a federal program is pertinent and applicable to their individual state.[i]
The Court made a clear distinction between mandating a state to comply if they opt in to Obamacare and penalizing a state for refusing to participate.  Roberts says that they are not curtailing Congress’s power to require States interested in accepting Affordable Healthcare Act funds, to comply with their stipulations. But they cannot compel a state unwilling to participate in the Act either by requirements or penalizing them by reducing their existing Medicaid funds.  This is of paramount importance in a time where the Federal Government has increasingly used forms of coercion on states through a financial choking. (ibid. 55)[ii]
The only main concern, which is clearly constitutional, if unfortunate in this case, (given Congress has the authority to tax), is the reaffirmation of taxing for Obamacare independent of the acceptance of health insurance. It is not the authority to tax that is at odds with Americans. It is, as this Court has suggested, that it is unwise to do so.

Conservatives, moderates, and even liberals who dislike Obamacare, should stop listening to sources, including main stream media, who don't know how to read--let alone understand--the Constitution, historical perspectives, or rulings by SCOTUS.

Just because SCOTUS didn't come right out and remove the Affordable Healthcare Act, aka “Obamacare,” all together, does not in the slightest give victory to supporters of the unconstitutionality of key parts of the Act. Quite the contrary is true.
It would behoove Americans to learn, first, to read the actual texts for themselves; and secondly, to know and understand constitutional tools such as Rules of Construction, historical imperatives, the many discussions and debates of the Framers, and so forth before believing anything they hear or read from, in particular, but certainly not limited to, main stream media. My concern is that some people would like it if Americans were not aware of what this ruling actually says. It is up to each individual American to circumvent this attempt, by being well equipped to counter nothing other than nonsense.

(I discussed some of the ins and outs of this ruling on a special of Foundation of a Nation the night of the ruling, June 28, 2012). You can listen or watch that broadcast at the network location:
www.alfiredupmedia.com )

[i] Refer to 1995 SCOTUS decision written by Scalia re-affirming Marshall, re-affirming the Framers.  (Also see Amends. 4, 5, 9, & 10)
[ii] In early 2012, Mr. Obama threatened the State of Texas that if they refused to oblige the abortion section of Medicaid, he would choke the state by withholding $35M in funding.  Governor Rick Perry did not flinch. He said the State would find the funds elsewhere; and the Attorney General to Texas, Greg Abbott filed suit. https://www.oag.state.tx.us/oagNews/release.php?id=3995; www.foxnews.com/.../perry-blasts-obama-for-federal-funding-cuts-to-medicaid/ )
                                                                                                                       

Monday, June 18, 2012

"I'm Sick of This!": Battle Cry of the Obama Fatigued



“I'M SICK OF THIS!” I said in a Facebook post, and then related some of the comments below. Not to my surprise, several liberal friends appeared to render to Mr. Obama’s defense, by suggesting that the President’s contemptuous bark was justified. They went so far as to exonerate his latest action through past presidents such as Abraham Lincoln.  
Mr. Obama's last press conference reinforced again the obvious intent of Obama to ignore his Presidential duty.  The President's job is specifically to EXECUTE the LAW; not make it. See Art. II, Sec 3, "...he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed," and Art. I, Sec 1. "All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in the Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives." (Emphasis added.)

How is it that the entire country is not outraged by Mr. Obama's attack in response to a citizen questioning his motives and purpose after creating an Executive Order that legalizes illegal immigration? Mr. Obama lambasted a citizen—albeit a reporter, saying he had no right to question his policy, and then said he created the order for the good of the Country. Mr. Obama is either full-on lying, or blatantly delusional. It is the Congress' job to legislate this and all other issues effecting and affecting law. If Mr. Obama doesn't like it, then he should have stayed a Senator.

Taking legislation into his own hands (again) is a gross violation of his oath of office "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This should be an offense to every citizen. Violating the Constitution is NEVER in the best interest of America!

NEVER.



Taking legislation into his own hands (AGAIN) is a gross violation his oath of office "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This should be an offense to every citizen. Violating the Constitution is NEVER in the best interest of America!

NEVER.
How is it that the entire country is not outraged by Mr. Obama's attack in response to a citizen questioning his motives and purpose after creating an Executive Order that legalizes illegal immigration? Mr. Obama lambasted a citizen, saying he had no right to quesion his policy, then said he created the order for the good of the Country. Mr. Obama is either full-on lying, or blatantly delusional. It is the Congress' job to legislate this an all other issues effecting law. If Mr. Obama doesn't like it, then he should have stayed a Senator.

Taking legislation into his own hands (AGAIN) is a gross violation his oath of office "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This should be an offense to every citizen. Violating the Constitution is NEVER in the best interest of America!

NEVER.How is it that the entire country is not outraged by Mr. Obama's attack in response to a citizen questioning his motives and purpose after creating an Executive Order that legalizes illegal immigration? Mr. Obama lambasted a citizen, saying he had no right to quesion his policy, then said he created the order for the good of the Country. Mr. Obama is either full-on lying, or blatantly delusional. It is the Congress' job to legislate this an all other issues effecting law. If Mr. Obama doesn't like it, then he should have stayed a Senator.

Taking legislation into his own hands (AGAIN) is a gross violation his oath of office "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This should be an offense to every citizen. Violating the Constitution is NEVER in the best interest of America!

NEVER.How is it that the entire country is not outraged by Mr. Obama's attack in response to a citizen questioning his motives and purpose after creating an Executive Order that legalizes illegal immigration? Mr. Obama lambasted a citizen, saying he had no right to quesion his policy, then said he created the order for the good of the Country. Mr. Obama is either full-on lying, or blatantly delusional. It is the Congress' job to legislate this an all other issues effecting law. If Mr. Obama doesn't like it, then he should have stayed a Senator.

Taking legislation into his own hands (AGAIN) is a gross violation his oath of office "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This should be an offense to every citizen. Violating the Constitution is NEVER in the best interest of America!

NEVER.How is it that the entire country is not outraged by Mr. Obama's attack in response to a citizen questioning his motives and purpose after creating an Executive Order that legalizes illegal immigration? Mr. Obama lambasted a citizen, saying he had no right to quesion his policy, then said he created the order for the good of the Country. Mr. Obama is either full-on lying, or blatantly delusional. It is the Congress' job to legislate this an all other issues effecting law. If Mr. Obama doesn't like it, then he should have stayed a Senator.

Taking legislation into his own hands (AGAIN) is a gross violation his oath of office "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." This should be an offense to every citizen. Violating the Constitution is NEVER in the best interest of America!

NEVER.
Some have pointed out that the citizen, a reporter, who spoke out of turn was “conservative.”Whatever the pont is to that statement, he was rude. It does not follow that the PRESIDENT of the UNTIED STATES should be rude back. If he wants respect, he needs to be respectable.  He could easily have done what many a President before him has done on BOTH sides of the isle; Ignore the man and get on with his speech.

To his speech then, which consequently included a response to the reporter.  My point stands above: Policy or no policy—the President of the United States has NO authority to legislate.  Ends do NOT justify the means—ever. This country was founded upon playing by the rules--unlike ANY other country.  Mr. Obama is not willing to oblige and by his own admission is deliberately turning this country into anything but the Constitutional America that was founded.

That leads to a comment referencing  the Emancipation Proclamation as further justification of Obama's misuse of Executive Orders, claiming that Lincoln did the same to free the slaves.  I share a perspective base upon the history:  The Proclamation stands as an example of executing the law, not making it. In that case, the Constitution itself, as the Supreme Law of the Land (Art. VI) was the law Lincoln was obligated in good faith to execute. One of the great divides between the states at the time of the creation of the Constitution was slavery.  A compromise was designed where, by 1808, the slave trade would be abolished. The date was intended to provide enough time—a full generation (from 1789 to 1808)—for Slave States to adjust their lifestyle and economy to phase out the practice.  Furtermore, Lincoln was obligated by his oath to defend, preserve and protect the Constitution.

In 1805 Congress began preparing for this phase out with negotiations on an Act to eliminate the slave trade by the 1808 deadline. To be clear, no actual legislation dictating the abolishment needed to be made. By admission in the Constitution, it was law. But legislation spelling out how and what penalties should incur would certainly be necessary and useful.  The act abolishing slavery with the intent to be enforced in 1808 was signed into law in 1807. 

Unfortunately, abolishing the slave trade did not result in a willingness to phase out slavery as intended. Instead, the South ignored the injunction and intention of 1789 contract by taking advantage of the perpetuation of massive slave growth internally-through plantation slave families. It was not until Abraham Lincoln declared the Emancipation that something was done. More than three million slaves—some records claim upwards of five million—were freed immediately upon the declaration, despite that the Civil War had already begun nearly two years earlier.  An important note: By the time Lincoln had to deal with this issue it had become not just a massive philosophical and cultural divide between quibbling sides of the country, but a logistical problem with laws of one state encroaching upon the laws of another. A black crossing from one state to another did so at peril. The nation was becoming increasingly confusing and travel restrictive.  War was ongoing—indeed in full throttle, irrespective of Lincoln’s further catapult with the Emancipation or his earlier declaration of war.

That fact is, in executing the Proclamation Lincoln was merely administering what was supposed to have already happened, an end to slavery. (Despite his own public indifference to either side’s position)*, by the time he made the Proclamation it was as much about settling a deadly case of sibling squabbles that were sure to end in a massive conflagration or the breakup of the most powerful and supposedly FREE country the world had ever seen, as obliging the Constitution. But a gentle balance between the intentions of the Founders in the original bargain and the sovereignty of states caused a major quandary—the largest of its kind of conflicting checks and balances to that date. Consequently, more than 50 years past the date assigned in the Constitution to settle the issue, the intentional procrastination created a festering canker because the intent of the Constitution was being sidelined.

There is a popular attitude of late to villainize Lincoln as the instigator of the Civil War. This is wholesale cherry-picking of history.  The fact is, had the states with slavery obliged their end of the bargain on principle, rather than claiming states’ rights (which could have been an issue, except the states agreed to the compromise, and it was then not a matter of state sovereignty but honoring contracts), as a rouse to abuse  human beings and hold them captive for the sake of wealth and empire, there would have been no uproar, no civil war, and no need for the Emancipation Proclamation.  But that is not how governing goes.  Mistakes and their subsequent adjustments occur constantly in the affairs of the public. As soon as we have a perfect citizenry, we might have a perfect policy.

That does not, however, justify deliberate breach of contract. Mr. Obama has breached his oath of office so many times, to such a blatant degree, and in such a method and manner as to smack the American public in the face.—It is a wonder we haven’t see him lifting his middle finger to us, like his liberal colleague, Harry Reid so famously has. His actions, none-the-less, indicate his attitude toward America.  This latest Executive Order is just another offense to the Constitution that forbids the President from legislating. 

*Records show that President Lincoln was personally opposed to slavery, but as a matter of public policy, he was neutral in hopes that the states would settle their differences rationally and peacefully. It was not until the matter was a crisis of stabilizing the nation that he declared a side publicly.