[gokenin]

How could a president born in Panama such as John McCain be "natural born?"

If McCain is natural born, could a president be born in Puerto Rico, Guam or Samoa? How about an embassy?

This terminology is really a bit silly, in a lot of ways.

Until the Panama canal zone was given back to the Panamanians it was considered to be US property similar to why a US embassy is American soil regardless of where it is located. So if he was born in the zone then he was on US soil.

[mikemike]

I think some of the orginal motivation for it would be to prevent a wealthy foreigner coming in and buying their way into the highest office. It was quite a while after the founding of the republic before it achieved the status hegemony it enjoys today.

Still today you have wealthy foreign born people like George Soros, Arriana Huffington, and Rupert Murdoch that attempt to exert exceptional influence over american politics.

[Rico]

McCain was born at a US military base in Panama which is considered sovereign US soil which makes McCain a natural born citizen.

Someone answered the OP's original question but it seems to have slipped by the reason why is written into the United States Constitution that to be President of the United States you must be a natural born citizen.

It can be found in the US Constitution under Article II, Section 1, Clause 5.

[GeneV]

Until the Panama canal zone was given back to the Panamanians it was considered to be US property similar to why a US embassy is American soil regardless of where it is located. So if he was born in the zone then he was on US soil.

So, a president could come from a U.S. possession or be someone who happens to be born at an embassy? Can the workers at a commissary drop anchor babies?

I'm really not arguing with McCain's eligibility, but more addressing the silliness of this term "natural born."

[GatorPentax]

The term "natural born" was probably created to protect Americans that just happen to be outside of the country at the time of their birth. For example, if your mother was on vacation (for some odd reason) during her 3rd trimester in Cambodia, it wouldn't really make sense to label you as a citizen of Cambodia. Same goes for military personel overseas.

You can't honestly expect the mother to hold the baby in until they're back on US soil.

[GeneV]

The term "natural born" was probably created to protect Americans that just happen to be outside of the country at the time of their birth. For example, if your mother was on vacation (for some odd reason) during her 3rd trimester in Cambodia, it wouldn't really make sense to label you as a citizen of Cambodia. Same goes for military personel overseas.

You can't honestly expect the mother to hold the baby in until they're back on US soil.

That is a pretty obtuse way to express that concept, if that is what they intended. Back then, people didn't travel outside the country much, and the trips were so arduous, that if that were the concern, I would wonder whether enough pregnant Americans took off for other countries to make it worth a line in the Constitution.

[GatorPentax]

ok I admit Cambodia was a stretch (meant to be humorous), but not Canada, Mexico, or any of our territories. And don't forget our military, they're all over the world.

[Parallax]

Gene, do you not see the irony of an attorney musing about how something is written in a confusing manner or expressed in an obtuse way?

[GeneV]

Gene, do you not see the irony of an attorney musing about how something is written in a confusing manner or expressed in an obtuse way?

Actually, this is what we do all day. If politicians would just write what they mean, we would have a lot less business.

---------- Post added 07-07-10 at 12:00 PM ----------

ok I admit Cambodia was a stretch (meant to be humorous), but not Canada, Mexico, or any of our territories. And don't forget our military, they're all over the world.

Not at the time of the Constitution. That's why I have some trouble believing that is why that language is there.

[szurinaga]

Some people believe that JFK was assassinated because he was a second generation American that came from Ireland. Also the fact that he is the only U.S. president to be a Catholic

[deejjjaaaa]

Land of the free huh

what is your problem ? in some countries people were killed when they were trying vote, in some when they were refusing to vote...

[GatorPentax]

Actually, this is what we do all day. If politicians would just write what they mean, we would have a lot less business.

AMEN TO THAT!!
---------- Post added 07-07-10 at 12:00 PM ----------



Not at the time of the Constitution. That's why I have some trouble believing that is why that language is there.

Well some would say that the founding fathers had amazing foresight. You have to give them credit for creating a document that prevents tyranny and limits government power.

[szurinaga]

what is your problem ? in some countries people were killed when they were trying vote, in some when they were refusing to vote...

And in some countries like the US, they throw away thousands of votes into the Florida Swamps so their company man can become president. America Isn't that free anymore. What freedoms do you have in the US that Europe Canada or Japan dont have?

[Jodokast96]

I'I was just stating how hypocritical it is for the US to make us fight in their army but not even vote for the president. Country of the free my ass.

They make you? When was the draft reinstated?

[GeneV]

Well some would say that the founding fathers had amazing foresight. You have to give them credit for creating a document that prevents tyranny and limits government power.

I would give them credit for that.