Constitutional Amendment Poll

[Neophyte]

The proposed Constitutional Amendment to prohit gay/lesbian marriage failed miserably in the US Senate this week. Proponents of this Amendment promise to bring it up again next year in the new session. Like it is a life and death issue...

Here are few possibilities for Constitutional Amendments that I personally think make a lot more sense today and would go a long way toward benefiting the country more than this one (which I don't agree with at all).

1. An Amendment to offically impose term limits for Congressmen and Senators. Congress seemed to think that this was a good idea for the Presidency after FDR was elected by the people 4 times in a row. Now I think what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. It would go a long way toward killing special interests in this country.

2. An Amendment making English the official language of the country. I live in a state where this is becoming a real problem. Everywhere around me are those from other countries who expect me to learn their language to communicate with them. They expect my wife to learn their language to teach their children. If we were only talking about one other language I might be ok with it as I think it would be good for all Americans to speak some other lanaguage fluently. However, in my wife's classes this last year she had students born in some 23 different countries who spoke more than 23 different languages. She cannot learn that many different languages over the summer. Therefore the solution is to settle on one language of the land and expect all who live here to learn it.

3. An Amendment requiring a balanced budget. I know there is a lot of arguement about this and it is considered a bad idea by as many economists as those who consider it a good idea. What I do know is that the government is setting a terrible example for the American people with its "spend what we want and not what we have" mentality. If we need emergency loopholes for this one then fine, let's define them but lets get this spending under control.

Those are just for starters. I offer them as possible options for those who just have to alter the document by which this country has been governed for over 2 centuries.

Questions? Comments? Rash Political Statements?

[Destino]

No thanks.

[herrmag]

I consider myself to be fairly conservative, at least slightly to the right of center, but this is pathetic. Why are we worried about gay marriage? I don't remember them beheading anyone, or threatening to murder as many Americans as possible. Let the states handle it. Funny, aren't Republicans supposed to believe in more state autonomy?

[codeorama]

Term limits is the only one I'd have an interest in, otherwise I say "no of the above".

I think it's funny as hell that the govt would waste time and effort on "gay marriage".

[TheDoyler23]

I said term limits.

[jbooma]

our government can not be run like states with a balanced budget, it isn't possible

[atloldskin]

The conservative groups are upset with gay marriages for many reasons. First and foremost, it is against their religious beliefs. Second, the legality issues become "dicey" when one state allows it and another does not. Third, civil unions currently exist and are not as controversial. Fourth, gay marriages confer all new legal (plus taxation and benefit) rights to couples which will be "paid for" with government taxes. Fifth, these conservative groups believe that it drastically breaks down the concept and value of the traditional family. That is why an amendment was sought.

[Phat Hog]

None of the above issues warrant a Constitutional Amendment.

[SkinsHokie Fan]

A big part of the debate during the 1995 Congress was term limits. It is interesting that it never got to Clinton's desk

[Cskin]

No thanks.

Wow... Destino... you really went out on a limb there.

I'm shocked... truly shocked! A liberal not wanting term limits on Congress. Tough to keep the unions and special interest groups in the pockets of the Dems with term-limits

**Career politicians have ruined this country. Our forefathers envisioned people representing their states as a burden... a burden to bare for the good of the country. Now... it's a career to make millions while having no accoutability to the people.

You don't support English being the adopted language of the United States? I wonder why? It couldn't have anything to do with the burgeoning voter base of the Democrats that speak every other language but English.

**If you want to live in France, you must learn the French language. Want to live in Spain, better brush up on your Spanish. German... ditto... Russia... ditto. In the US.... nah.... the liberals in power will make living in the US easy on you by making the US establishment learn THEIR language.

Balanced Budget... you don't support that? Well... like someone else mentioned... it's more difficult to forecast a national federal budget than it is a state budget. I would, however, be in favor of spending limits. ... Pay as you go... new spending program must include same spending cut.

[Cskin]

Question Destino... if we truly are an immigrant nation... the melting pot of the world... why is it that the first immigrants to this country were enthusiastic to learn the English language and meld into the culture of America while today's immigrants do not? They were thankful for the opportunties they were provided here in the new America... a chance to start over and have the freedom to pursue their happiness.

I guess today's immigrants don't think of that as a blessing... a privledge. Today, since we're leaning over backwards to accomodate them... it's their RIGHT to be here!

Illegal immigration is the single greatest issue this country will face in the next 25 years. American culture as we know it will be erased from history because of a new population who could care less about America's heritage.

[Mr. S]

i am liberal, I chose only no ammending, but I didnt see the 'official language' option. We need to make English our official language. I hate how everything is turning into Spanish here. I understand we are merely trying to help them, but my parents moved here from India in the early and late 70's, and learned English right off. Sure they still talk their native languages at gatherings, but at home we speak English as well, have been ever since 91 when I came back from a vacation to India to school and the teacher didnt understand what language I was speaking.

No offense to other immigrants, I know there are many who try and do know English, but there are many who dont, and I feel that if my family learned English when they came here right off, then other immigrants should as well.

[troyster]

I voted for the national language. I get bitter that I have to make an extra selection at the ATMs everytime I get money out now. I know its a small thing but it bugs me.

[Cskin]

Mr. S., good for your parents. That's just it... coming to this country is not a right. When you get here, it is your responsibility to become familiar with the culture and obtain the skills needed to be a productive law-abiding US citizen. Illegal aliens from Mexico and Latin America could care less to learn the English language.... most everything they need to use for basic life is provided to them in Spanish.

And let's not get into the medical benefits issue. Americans being turned away from hospitals due to no health insurance while the federal govt. demands hospitals not turn away illegals. Hell... even the hospital paperwork is provided in Spanish.... clearly marked "FREE"

[luckydevil]

Balanced Budget Amendment( if done the right way)