From CNSNews:
CNSNews.com: “Madam Speaker, where specifically does the Constitution grant Congress the authority to enact an individual health insurance mandate?”
Pelosi: “Are you serious? Are you serious?”
CNSNews.com: “Yes, yes I am.”
Pelosi then shook her head before taking a question from another reporter. Her press spokesman, Nadeam Elshami, then told CNSNews.com that asking the speaker of the House where the Constitution authorized Congress to mandated that individual Americans buy health insurance as not a "serious question."
“You can put this on the record,” said Elshami. “That is not a serious question. That is not a serious question.” MORE
You would think that any legislation that would bring 1/6th of the US economy under the Fed’s control would have to stand up to this type of questioning. So yeah it is a serious question.
I believe for Nancy and many in Washington on both sides of the aisle, this is not a serious question because for them, they have gotten way past the stage of even asking anymore. Much of Congress and Obama included, feel that once they are in office they have supreme power to do as they please. The Constitution is merely window dressing to maintain a façade of liberty.
In this regard, We The People are to blame, for too long we never barked when our freedoms were taken away for the next “free government goodie”. We never demanded Constitutional conformity for much of the legislation that has been passed over the years. We never demanded that Washington not take side steps around the Constitution and we certainly never demanded that Washington go through the rigors of changing the Constitution legally when no Constitutional authority existed for their plans.
Perhaps if we were more vigilant much of the government largess that is sinking us today never would have come to pass.
Via: Memeorandum
Via: CNSNews
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17 comments:
The look on her face was priceless.
Not a serious quesion, indeed.
During a visit with one of my senators he told me he wouldn't vote for anything that is unconstitutional. I asked him why he then vote for healthcare reform when it seems that it isn't. He didn't answer. Which was a good trick since I was sitting right there.
Excellent points Clifton. Americans slept for far too long. So many things go into the "How did we get here?" question.
The people who are 'in charge' now are narcissistic. It is up to the thinking voters to decide now to vote on principle, rather than looking for letters behind names and to motivate others to do so as well.
It wasn't seen as a serious question because they do not see the Constitution as a serious document --only a hurdle they must jump over in order to progress their agenda.
~Leslie
Nancy always repeats herself when she's befuddled and lying. Which is often. Seems her press spokesman has developed the same habit. Hilarious.
The question is absolutely unserious. I am also perplexed that conservatives continue to press this question, when they push Congress to pass laws banning abortion (or certain types), etc. Abortion is not listed in the enumerated powers of Congress either. But I guess conservatives view the Constitution as "a hurdle they must jump over in order to progress their agenda."
Pelosi Was Right to Dismiss Question Regarding Constitutionality of Healthcare Reform
Maybe she's been sleeping through the oath she takes at the beginning of each new Congress. You know the one that goes "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;..."
Hello. Well, yes, of course that the reporter was serious. He was as serious as all the people are these days as the health care reform can fundamentaly change their lives. The Us has a fame of a free and democratical country, so I agree that people should say aloud what they really want now.
Take care,
Lorne
JACG:
Oh they all talk a good game about the Constitution, but whatever you do, don't really question them on it.
I am so glad you caught him!
Leslie:
Exactly. We are all going to have to do some very strategic voting to clean up the mess our inattentiveness has wrought. Dare I say it will take more than a couple of election cycles to full clean Washington.
From the comments in that article:
"The Government won't allow us to buy health insurance over a state line (interstate commerce), but will use the constitutional power to regulate interstate commerce to force us to buy insurance???"
Hits the nail right on the head, huh?
Writer X:
As my grandmother use to say, "the apple does not fall far from the tree".
Darren Lenard Hutchinson:
when they push Congress to pass laws banning abortion
The Supreme Court used judicial activism to create the right of abortion out of thin air. Prior to that it was an issue reserved to the states.
As such, any power not specifically given to the Federal Government automatically becomes an issue for the state.
Conservatives do not view the Constitution as a hurtle. True conservatives hold the document in high regards and many of us have a far better understanding of it and its intended purposes.
Since you found the reporter's question so un-serious, I invite you to do a little more homework on our nation's most important document in hopes you will achieve a better understanding.
http://www.heritage.org/about/bookstore/constitutionguide.cfm
Lorne:
Here in the US, much of Congress today has taken a rather arrogant and dismissive tone towards the people. They have clearly forgotten that in America the power actually rest with We The People. Thankfully many Americans are remembering that fact and is about to open up a can of Whup-azz on Congress next November.
Chris W:
Nope during that part of the oath, Nancy was playing the theme to Jeopardy in her head.
Angie Lee:
Exactly! They don't know the Constitution nor do they care to follow it. It is all about what gives them the most power and control.
In my opinion, this question alone should be an offense that could have her removed from office.
And if I may, to the commenters who do not understand - the Constitution was created exactly as a constraint to our government, and it must always be considered where in that document anything being considered at the federal level is or is not allowed to be made law.
Soloman:
In my opinion, this question alone should be an offense that could have her removed from office
I could not agree more!
Those of you who, like Darren, have no clue, take a look at The Federalist No. 41, or for quick reference, click on my link.
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