What would make you switch parties?

[honeychile]

Originally posted by James
Was she not born a citizen? I think the foreign born law applies to those as a non-citizen doesn't it?

IF Honeychile is born to her american Parents while oversease, Honeychile can still be president right?

If her parents had been American, yes, she would enjoy dual citizenship. But since they weren't, she was born a citizen of Mozambique.

She is a naturalized American.

[honeychile]

Originally posted by The1calledTKE
If Laura Bush was born in another country would some of you still have a problem of her being first lady?

Yes. I'm not sure how many times I have to say this, but I have a problem with the FIRST LADY of the UNITED STATES not being born IN the United States.

You are free to call me narrow or inflexible about this, but that's how I feel. This was a HUGE thing in PA when John Heinz first ran for Senator (my parents were on his campaign), and it was a HUGE hurdle that only his being a Heinz was able to overcome!

[Lil' Hannah]

Originally Posted by honeychile

Yes. I'm not sure how many times I have to say this, but I have a problem with the FIRST LADY of the UNITED STATES not being born IN the United States.

So I was looking for another thread today and came across this one. I'm curious to know after 13(!!) years and our current first family, do any of the (admittedly few) active posters who posted in this thread feel the same way?

[pip_hiangel]

Originally Posted by Lil' Hannah

So I was looking for another thread today and came across this one. I'm curious to know after 13(!!) years and our current first family, do any of the (admittedly few) active posters who posted in this thread feel the same way?

How dare you blaspheme our first lady.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by Lil' Hannah

So I was looking for another thread today and came across this one. I'm curious to know after 13(!!) years and our current first family, do any of the (admittedly few) active posters who posted in this thread feel the same way?

I still feel the same way about the libertarian party as back in '04. Wow. It's crazy to see all of those old names. Thanks for necroing this thread.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by Lil' Hannah

So I was looking for another thread today and came across this one. I'm curious to know after 13(!!) years and our current first family, do any of the (admittedly few) active posters who posted in this thread feel the same way?

Wow - blast from the past! Hope all is well.

In terms of the question - I'm very close to changing parties now. The reason is that it's become clear my current party doesn't represent my beliefs and values.

[justamom]

You know honeychile, I never gave this much thought-never HAD to. But if I lean one way, I have to agree with you. I'm a bit of an isolationist...I'm damn PROUD to be American. I want my First Lady to be an American too!

The first lady represents all of us in matters that don't grab headlines everytime, but the role is as much or as little as "she" wants it to be. They don't come up with cliche's without reason and the "Power behind the throne" has to come from somewhere.
Many a corporate wife would support this statement.

[bethany1982]

Originally posted by justamom
Boy, oh boy am I with you on that one!
(We WILL see Hillary...and sooner than we want. God help us.)

I might convert if the Dems quit supporting issues, that for me, are morally repugnant.

Honestly, if the Dems were more toward the center, I could easily change if I was unimpressed with the Republican candidate or the Republicans quit helping those that REALLY need help!

I'll second all of that...

[valkyrie]

Originally posted by justamom
You know honeychile, I never gave this much thought-never HAD to. But if I lean one way, I have to agree with you. I'm a bit of an isolationist...I'm damn PROUD to be American. I want my First Lady to be an American too!

My dad was born in Lithuania but he is just as much of an American as you or I am.

[damasa]

Originally posted by justamom
You know honeychile, I never gave this much thought-never HAD to. But if I lean one way, I have to agree with you. I'm a bit of an isolationist...I'm damn PROUD to be American. I want my First Lady to be an American too!

]

I think honeychile is talking about naturalized Americans.

From what I take in your post you are talking about a person being an American citizen. Would you then be accepting of a first lady that was granted American citizenship?

[honeychile]

I may be wrong concerning someone with dual citizenship:

US Constitution, Article II, Section 1:

"Clause 5:

No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States."

*****

I see no exceptions for dual citizenship. If I remember right, there is some question as to the propriety of the birth of one of the earlier Presidents (Jackson?) whose parents were born in Ireland, and whether he was born on the ship en route or here in the United States. It would have had to have been someone born after 1787, but definitely before Lincoln. Ack! I'm going to have to find this out!!

[AGDee]

As far as what would make me switch, a total reversal of party platforms is the only thing that would make me change. That includes gun control, abortion issues, health care issues, economic issues, civil liberties issues, defense issues, etc.

I could not make a blanket statement about whether a First Lady would have to have been born in the US. My grandparents weren't born in the U.S. but they were more patriotic and dedicated to this country than many Americans. They cherished their right to vote and were Americans by choice.

I have a sorority sister whose husband was transferred to London for two years and two of their children were born there. They had to become naturalized citizens since they were born in the UK. It was very easy for them to attain citizenship, but they are not considered natural born citizens. The US doesn't recognize their UK citizenship anymore but the UK does, so if they don't make an Olympic team here, they can compete in the Olympics for the UK (if they made it and wanted to). I wouldn't say they are any less American because they were born in the U.K. Then again, our Governor is Canadian born and I voted for her! I can think of instances where it might sway my decision though. I would look at it on a case by case basis.

Dee

[Peaches-n-Cream]

My mother is a dual citizen. She was born in the US, but her mother was born in Ireland. She is American and Irish. I could become an Irish citizen without giving up my American citizenship. It is only a matter of paperwork.

I still don't see the big deal about having a First Lady who is not born in the US. I think that it might happen soon.

I cannot predict where I will be in the future, but I really can't see myself switching parties.

[Rudey]

Since people like hijacking my thread you'd think they'd at least give some thought as to why that rule is there? Is it to elect the person that acts "most American" and what is American? Stop acting like you know and stay on topic.

-Rudey

[CarolinaDG]

Originally posted by honeychile
Teresa Heinz Kerry was born in Africa, in Mozambique.

As I said before, I had the same problem when Sen. John Heinz was interested in the White House.

James, have you forgotten the much touted "Two for the price of one!" campaign?

There is a requirement that all US Presidents must be US born. 5th grade history right there.

And how long has Mrs. Kerry lived in the US? Are we talkin' she was born in Africa because her father was in the army, or she is of African descent and moved over here 5 years ago? Big difference.