Politics

We The People: New GOP Majority Will Open Next Congress by Reading the U.S. Constitution

A lot of politicians talk about the Constitution, but in January, the new House Republican majority will do more than just reference the nation’s cornerstone document. According to the Washington Times, the new incoming majority has called for a full reading of the U.S. Constitution on the floor of the House of Representatives on Jan. 6.

The goal, backers said, is to underscore the limited-government rules the Founders imposed on Congress – and to try to bring some of those principles back into everyday legislating.

“It stems from the debate that we’ve had for the last two years about things like the exercise of authority in a whole host of different areas by the EPA, we’ve had this debate in relation to the health care bill, the cap-and-trade legislation,” said Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte, Virginia Republican, who proposed the reading. “This Congress has been very aggressive in expanding the power of the federal government, and there’s been a big backlash to that.”

Setting aside time at the beginning of the congressional session for the reading is just one of the changes to House rules that Republicans say are designed to open up the legislative process. They say the new rules also will try to bring some restraints to lawmaking after decades in which both Republican and Democratic leaders whittled away opportunities for real legislative give-and-take.

The biggest changes would make it easier to cut spending and harder to create entitlement programs, while imposing restrictions that could keep leaders from jamming massive bills onto the House floor before lawmakers have had a chance to digest them.

“To begin to restore trust with the American people, Republicans have pledged to operate Congress differently: with real transparency, greater accountability and a renewed focus on the Constitution,” said Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon, who led the GOP’s transition team. “The sweeping reforms offered in this package make clear we intend to keep that promise.”

Comments (340)

1 2 3 ... 9
  • Values101
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:45am

    Awsome, i.m sure Harry Reid will be reading along with his pocket Constitution.

    Report Post »  
    • cykonas
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:50am

      Did you notice that Harry’s was small and had a red cover? Who was it that wrote a Little Red Book? Are we sure it’s really the U.S. Constitution inside that book?

      Report Post » cykonas  
  • Gunonesis
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:35am

    Don’t just read it, please shove a copy of the constitution down each democrats commie throat. Then have Issa conduct investigations and hearings for these pathetic commie dirtbags who subverted the constitution. Finally, impeach and jail all the commies for high crimes and misdemeanors.

    Report Post » Gunonesis  
  • Reasonabiliy
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:33am

    Hey I like the idea, It should be done at every opening of Congress and be required. We have to start doing things different if we expect different results. I’m sure some progressives will sleep through the reading but we can hope to be their nightmare when they awake!

    Report Post » John 3:16  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 3:06am

      Smart move…..reading the US Constitution……..into the congressional record……from a legal standpoint……

      I heard US Congressman John Boehner ….wants to have The Rules Committee TELEVISED……so the American people can see what their government is doing and how we are doing it.

      I find this thrilling……since it will keep the Pelosis and Reids from making backroom deals w democrats on the rules committee…..to give the appearance of legitimacy to their malfeseance in office…..and racketeering activities….such as with scumbag democrat Louise Slaughter of The Rules Committee…..who devised the Slaughter Solution….w House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to force the passage of obamacare…wo taking a vote…..by pelosi just uttering the words “deemed to pass”.

      Report Post »  
  • SlimnRanger
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:31am

    Merry Christmas ya’ll,I am excited about the 112th congress i feel a difference coming on and i hope it will be for the good

    Report Post »  
  • Zay Gezunt
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:29am

    The Constitution….a wonderful document granting freedom to all except women,slaves, and native Americans.

     
    • gopsnativeson
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:21pm

      Perhaps you should read the whole document, including the amendments.
      Or maybe you could just show us another form of government that has produced a greater country,

      Report Post »  
    • dontbotherme
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 12:47am

      zay gezunt – read it. Read the Constitution & the Amendments & the Bill of Rights. True education is an amazing thing.

      Report Post »  
  • cykonas
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:28am

    I applaude the symbolism of the reading. It will make great CSPAN. However, reading is, after all, just more talking. It’s important that we all watch after the talking is done and they start doing. Our taxes have never gone up because they talked about it. Our budget has never increased because they talked about it. Our country has never gone to war because they talked about it. The crazy mishmash of overlapping, redundant and unconstitutional regulatory agencies did not come about because they talked about it.

    Along with reading the Blaze, and Drudge, and whatever else you choose to read I’d like to suggest that every one of you go to http://www.thomas.gov every day. On the right side of the page toward the top is a link to Yesterday in Congress. It’s a summary page of what they DID, and what they talked about. If you want more details there are further links provided. I can’t be sure but I think you will be amazed at some of the stuff that goes on in Congress every single day.

    Mr. Goodlatte has started the inevitable Republican spin already with “This Congress has been very aggressive in expanding….” Does he really expect that we will believe that this just started in ‘06? Or ‘10? I take it as a personal insult that he thinks I’m that stupid. Mr. Goodlatte surely knows that the malaise that has become our Congress started a long time ago. And if he doesn‘t then good Virginians should act accordingly the next time he’s up for reelection. True, the pace has accelerated of under both of the last two administrations, but please don’t buy the inane crap that this is all a Democrat Party problem and the Republican party is here to make everything better. Limbaugh and Hannity etal are right about a lot of stuff, but on this point we part company. The Dems are like a machete. The Repubs are like a pocket knife. Both will kill us, one just a little faster than the other. Personally, I’d rather live, as long as I can live free.

    The Republicans will, I promise you, try to lull us into believing that everything is going to be OK now that they enjoy the majority. Been there, heard that, BS! Talk is maybe the only thing worth less that our dollar. The ONLY way it has any chance of being OK is if we stay focused, vigilant and hold them accountable to the rock solid principles of our Constitution. Keep your powder dry, and your eyes and ears open. We’ve let them off the hook for decades. Times up. Merry Christmas.

    Report Post » cykonas  
  • Rob
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:26am

    It will be the first time the liberals have ever heard it… but of course, they don’t care.

    Report Post »  
  • swonga
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:23am

    Amen! I hope it is televised and hope that the Blaze is able to report on who was present and was NOT.

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:17am

      Those not should be “pressed” for an explaination … NO EXCUSES!

      Report Post »  
  • Boojer56
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:15am

    They should not only read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, they should hang huge copies of them on the house and Senate walls.They should read them every time they go in to session right after they say the Pledge of Allegiance.

    Report Post »  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 1:06pm

      That is exactly the way to separate the TRAITORS to our country…….serving in Congress…….by starting off every session…..with the Pledge of Allegiance.

      Whomever disagrees can resign……or be forced to resign.

      Report Post »  
  • jimmythebullet
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:08am

    if they REALLY want this gesture to mean something,they should let someone RECITE,not read,it.
    my newly elected rep.,Col. Allen West,from south fla. knows it by heart,word for word.

    Report Post » jimmythebullet  
    • Steverino
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:01am

      JIMMY – that’s a great idea. You are fortunate to have Col. Allen West to represent you. I wish were so fortunate here in MI.

      Steve

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:16am

      Good point .. and I bet West knows what it means … perhaps he could recite it like Red did the pledge ….with telling them what it means .. I really don’t think some are smart enough (Sheila Jackson Lee, Pelosi, etc) to understand without explaination.(even with it may be hard for these brain-trusts).

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPbIls0iOnI

      Report Post »  
  • Toodumtu
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:05am

    I applaud the House for reading aloud the Constitution. At least now they will be aware there is in fact a document to follow when they are makeing laws. Now the trick is to get them to follow the letter of the law. From what i’ve seen in the past 30 or so years, it’s doubtful as hell if things will change much.

    Report Post »  
  • INconservative
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:05am

    All members of Congress and the Senate should be required to be there in person to hear the reading of the Constitution…..a test afterward would not be a bad idea either. They should have to score at least 90% on the test since most are college graduates and lawyers….they should be able to understand the material……

    Report Post »  
  • starznbarz
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:57am

    Congress: We`ve heard your words – your actions will determine your future. It`s different now – we`re not joking. http://www.starznbarz.com

    Report Post » starznbarz  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 12:58pm

      Very interesting work. Beautiful photography. Thanks for the information. Good luck……good work.

      Report Post »  
  • nohsaw
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:49am

    with all three branches present

    Report Post »  
    • BlueStrat
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:57am

      @ NoShaw

      “with all three branches present”

      I think you meant FOUR branches, thanks to Progressives:

      1) Executive

      2) Legislative

      3) Judicial

      4) Bureaucratic

      Like all the “discovered” rights to entitlements, etc the Progressives didn’t bother with that pesky Constitutional Amendment process before they decided to add another branch. The People just didn’t rate a memo from the Progressives on it.

      Why would a farmer bother to keep his livestock informed of his decisions?

      This is how they see us.

      It’s not how they will see us soon.

      They think we’ll be easily prodded along and react violently when they desire it in order to clamp down. They think we‘ll be begging them to help us when the economic troubles and shortages they’ve engineered come to pass. They think we’ll be so scared & desperate that we’ll welcome global governance for promises of government handouts and an end to riots & troubles they themselves have engineered.

      They will be sorely mistaken. They will pay the price personally, politically, ideologically, and historically for their hubris…and, it will likely happen by their own hand by their own actions. It’s what has almost always happened throughout history to those that would enslave their fellow man. God has a funny…and very real, if you read history…way of exacting punishment upon those who lust for power at any price.

      Report Post »  
  • MayberryBoy
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:41am

    My question is: What are they gonna do when they get to the part about the qualifications for president?

    Report Post » MayberryBoy  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:25am

      excellent question

      Report Post »  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:56am

      When they get to the part about the qualifications to be president
      they should make Sheila Jackson Lee read it.

      Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:27am

      MAYBERRYBOY
      I, as a Citizen of the United States of America, vote that they IMPEACH barry and send him back to Kenya. I have feared that this would cause a racial war. But now I realize he is setting up his own Civil War within our country, so ….remember Ft. Sumter, SC where the first engagement of the War Between the States took place. Let us use the Congress of the United States as the battle ground for this coming storm and put America back under the protection of the Constitution.
      Obama has violated EACH AND EVERY requirement and oath of his office. He wants to be WORLD LEADER and his job is to destroy America in order to achieve his insane desires. That is why he demeans the US and bows to foreign leaders. Obama has only one purpose, and that is to DESTROY the United States of America. That is why this ‘puppet’ with no experience was put in place. We The People must stop him from destroying our Republic. Encourage everyone you know to contact all their elected representatives, in your state and in Washington, and tell them WE THE PEOPLE DEMAND that America be GOVERNED according the Constitution of the United States.

      Frightening story on Fox New page about Hugo Chavez…. Read it…you will see Obama’s path forward.

      Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 6:26pm

      That is a great question..And as they read that part we should all e-mail our Reps and ask if they understand what it says !! Legally Oblamer has dual citizenship, unless his mom revoked her citizenship before he was born, in which case he would be a British citizen thru his father..

      Report Post »  
  • ronmorgen
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:41am

    I hope they read the Bill of Rights too, and follow these documents. We need to start repealing federal law, and spending. The individual states should have the ballance of power.

    Report Post » ronmorgen  
  • justice
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:38am

    Lets hope they change this time around. For our Countries sake.

    Report Post »  
    • apollo18
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 9:09am

      Reading the Constitution CAN NOT fix Reid and Pelosi. They need waterboarding.

      Report Post »  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:35am

    In other important news: Merry Christmas to all at The Blaze and all who make for lively debate in the comment sections.

    “Those who walked in darkness have seen a great light”

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • NancyBee
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:41am

      Merry Christmas to all! I have enjoyed all the debates, too. This is a great way to start out the New Year. May God have mercy on The United States of America!

      Report Post » NancyBee  
  • Reagan/Demint.deciple
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:31am

    OMG !!!! I love this. What a concept, read the constitution in congress …OUT LOUD, might I add….
    I don’t care who disagrees with me, but this is a GREAT way to start and I’m ALL for it..

    Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:09am

      I’m with you…it’s a great BEGINNING!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • felina g
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:15am

      Lest they forget……………..

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:51am

      Pfffffffffffffffffffffffttttttttttttttttttttt…They know not what they read…
      An empty gesture to apease those who don’t know the Constitution.

      Report Post »  
    • EP46
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:10am

      Agree. And the new House memebers are going to have speakers ‘teaching’ them about the Constitution. We need ALL VOTES posted on the day a vote is taken…Name and Yea or Ney…NO PRESENT VOTES like obama did. Representatives are not elected to vote PRESENT. I have asked my Congressman to see if they can set up a Debt Clock that is ‘in you face’ during each vote on a spending bill.
      And to REGAN/DEMIT … Jim Demit is my Senator and we have PROMISED him that RHINO Lindsey Graham will be gone in 2012 and we will send someone to help him. I told Lindsey we could forgive a lot of things…but not his Vote to Confirm 2 Progressive Supreme Court Justices that serve for LIFE. We can vote out Presidents and Congressmen but not Supreme Court Justices. When the President of the U.S. nominates someone for Justice it should be someone who will follow the constitution and protect America. This President will not defend America and neither will Sotomayor or Kagen. Watch the RHINOs and send them packing. Call and email often. We only have 2 years to save this Nation. If we do not take back our country in 2012 we will never have another election.
      We will be the USSA……United Socialist States of America.
      IMPEACH OBAMA and send him back to Kenya.

      Report Post »  
    • ronaldreaganthegreat
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:32am

      Spot on brother! I cant wait to see Stretch Pisslosi and Ding Harry reading it. Stretch will probably be stepping on her 52DD fake teats;-)

      Report Post » ronaldreaganthegreat  
    • ronaldreaganthegreat
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:34am

      EP 46, right on baby! Impeach the unfit fraud from Kenya immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Report Post » ronaldreaganthegreat  
    • chfields62
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:16pm

      Its definitely a step in the right direction, but as plenty of others have said, it means nothing if they don’t act on it!!! Its time to show some faith in the newly elected, give them the benefit of the doubt and see what happens. Worse case, we boot them out in 2 years and get a new group in, it will change eventually. In the meantime, expect the ******** and dumbocrats to fight tooth and nail to keep that from happening!!

      Merry Christmas!!

      Report Post »  
    • TheBMT
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 12:57am

      Would be smart to have it explained as well. Maybe get people who understand the constitution the way our founders intended like Tom Woods and Edwin Viera. Barack Obama can read the constitution, but we know his “interpretation”.

      Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 6:14pm

      And on top of that Baughman is going to have Judge Napalatono teach the freshman house members about constitutional law..A lot of the new members are not lawyers, Thank God!! Also the Anti-********* remarks on this site are way out.. Have you mud slingers ever been to a ****** meeting? If not maybe you should attend one or two before making your hate filled remarks..just sayin

      Report Post »  
  • FREEDOMFIGHTERFORLIBERTY
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:31am

    Great idea!!!!!!! Getting them to follow it is the trick.

    Report Post »  
  • FREEDOMFIGHTERFORLIBERTY
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:27am

    Great idea!!!!!!! Now all they have to do is follow it.

    Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:17am

      Costly and condescending. btw, even going to read the 15th and 17th amendments? :)

      tifosa  
  • mtnclimberjim
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:26am

    Big deal, they still won’t understand it. It will be read in spanish and ebonics.

    Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:26am

      good point

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:48am

      You are absolutely right you racist, tea party basta@@ LOL

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:25am

      What they need to do is remove the Commerce Clause from the enumerated powers. Congress has no business dictating or regulating (modern definition) the markets.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • Nvrforget
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:22am

    Oh look, an empty gesture wasting the time we pay for.

     
    • guyperram
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:31am

      Probably, but at least they will be busy and not going out of their way to destroy the country.
      With what they have “accomplished” congress is pretty much irrelevent anyway. We are ruled now by departments.
      Have a Merry Christmas, their tanks don’t roll until after the New Year.

      Report Post »  
    • A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:39am

      Agreed. It’s an empty gesture, given what the RINO’s did to us during the lame duck session.

      What’s the point of reading the Constitution, since you obviously don’t believe in it? Even Mark Levine carries a Constitution with him so he can reinterpret it according to a Progressive paradigm.

      “… and to try to bring some of those principles back into everyday legislating”

      Try? No, that’s what the 2nd Amendment is for. You WILL NOT infringe on our unalienable rights, or else it is our duty to throw off or abolish by force tyrannical government.

      Report Post »  
    • seeker9
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:54am

      Dr, you are right. The progs apply what I call “ceative interpretation” of the Constitution.

      Report Post » seeker9  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:13am

      I dont think it is a waste of time.
      If it were me Id have the constitution tatooed on Harry Rieds ass.
      That way at least Barney Fwank could read it for once.

      Report Post »  
    • G.W. Dobbs
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:17am

      It is NOT an empty gesture, imho. The CONSTITUTION should be a CONGRESSIONALLY TAUGHT, REQUIRED COURSE for everyone Serving America and every child in school. After all, the Elected SWEAR to uphold the Constitution and do NOT mostly because they KNOW NOT that to which they swear. I, too, have been GUILTY; I had to undertake reading and learning the Constitution MYSELF as a mature adult because I did NOT know it.

      Report Post »  
    • Nvrforget
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:20am

      Politicians aren’t stupid. They know EXACTLY what’s in the Constitution, I’d be willing to bet most of them know it by heart. The problem is that they choose to ignore it.

      I don‘t just think it’s an empty gesture, I see it more as a bold insult to every American. The only thing more obvious would be them waving the flag with one hand, holding the bible with the other and reciting the pledge before they start lying, lying, lying. Seriously, is there a cheaper way to “show” they believe in this country (pinky swear)?

       
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:55am

      I am hoping that the idea behind reading the Constitution is to signify to the Progressives that there are new referees on the playing field and the official game rules are going to be read to refresh memories. Now it is up to us ‘fans’ to keep the new refs honest!

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
    • gopsnativeson
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:48am

      You have to start somewhere, & educating the congress themselves of the constitution & the bill of rights will open a discussion on the floor of all programs, agencies etc,

      Americans are beginning to educate themselves about our constitution, & we hold them all accountable every 2 years.

      It took us 40-50 years of progressive & liberal policies to get this far away from the constitution, & it’s not going to go back over the course of 1 or 2 elections.

      We all must do our part to vote, vote, & vote every elections at every level & replace liberals & pregressives with conservatives & constitutionalists in our government.

      If we’re dillegent & attentive, we can transform our country in as little as 12-20 years, back to the country we all love & want to preserve for our children & our granchildren.

      Report Post »  
    • Nvrforget
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:56am

      “If we’re dillegent & attentive, we can transform our country in as little as 12-20 years, back to the country we all love & want to preserve for our children & our granchildren.”

      I’m honestly curious because I could never get a clear answer to this:

      When was the country “perfect”? To what status do you want to return to? To what point in time would you like to go back to?

       
    • clipper
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:03am

      @ Cobra Thanks.BTW sorry for the scrooge comment in the santa story.Merry Christmas.

      Report Post »  
    • guyperram
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:39am

      There are an awful lot of people still in serious denial as to exactly where we are now. The new poll, discussed this morning on Fox, shows that around 69% of Americans feel less secure with their governments direction and the future for their children. That is amazing! They will pay lip service to the constitution, which they have made a meaningless document. We are only two, very short, steps from whatever new form of Marxist government they are going to present us with.
      Reality sucks. Merry Christmas.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:34am

      @NVRFORGET it‘s not a matter of what time in history I’d want to return to. I want to be in a country that has a Federal Government that does just the basics, things that States and Individuals just can’t do, mainly overall security of the nation and preventing fraud between States. Let the States decide the big issues. Let the Individual decide the rest. I live on the border of Kentucky and Tennessee, which is also very close to the border of like 6 other states. If Tennessee ****** me off I have plenty of options to move to. If I want to save the environment, I’ll move to California where the environment might be worth saving. Hahaha. You get the point.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • Nvrforget
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:41pm

      @Americansoldier

      Sure, there‘s nothing wrong with what you’re saying and I agree with you. Improving the country is a continuous process and must never stop.

      I was just asking what Gopsnativeson meant by saying we would be able to return to the country we love (paraphrased). It‘s just that I’ve heard that point often and I always wonder to what status of America the people who say that want to return to. Somehow I can never get a straight answer to that.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:24pm

      I understand and I don’t believe we really had a moment in our history that was perfect. We’ve had 227 years to get it right. We haven’t really gotten there. We were close at first but it spiraled out of hand pretty quickly. I’d say the Civil War was a contributing factor in the way it set precedent towards States rights and the ability to succeed from the Union.

      It’s a possibility, but not until the Conservatives in this country get over their hypocrisy.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
  • MsUnderestimated
    Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:21am

    I’ll be watching to see how many folks slip up or just lip-sync to the reading. I‘d wager a month’s pay that 75% of our Congressional Critters even know half of what’s contained in the Constitution.

    Report Post » MsUnderestimated  
    • Reagan/Demint.deciple
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 7:37am

      Yeah, it will be funny to watch, when one of them are in the middle of a sentence and slows the talking to a crawl and then just stops and stares at the document, and in the back of his mind thinking (damn I didn‘t know that was in there and I don’t want to say it ) .. should be interesting ..

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • DashRipRock
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:04am

      This will be the most watched opening of a congress in history

      Because everyone (including myself) wants to watch Boehner snatch that gavel out of Pelosi’s hands

      Report Post »  
    • G.W. Dobbs
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:09am

      Yes, the PRESIDENT of the United States, a supposedly “Constitutional Scholar” and “Teacher” of the CONSTITUTION no less quotes the Declaration of Indepence and says he is quoting the CONSTITUTION. NONE of the Congress has even read the Constitution, unless, of course, somone points out to them that thy have broken a Constitutional tenant, THEN they are forecd to see what they have done. The MOST IGNORANT openly has been Hose Speakr Nancy Pelosi who along with Obama and Reid have NO CONGRESSIONAL RESTRAINTS. NONE. Communists have their own set of Rules: DESTRUCTION.

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:22am

      It will do nothing to slow the corruption
      because the Bankers own them and that has nothing to do with the constitution
      http://www.scionofzion.com/federalreserve.htm
      I think they should read the Patriot act out loud directly
      after they finish the constitution.

      tower7femacamp  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 8:45am

      Laugh out Loud!! Which one of them will actually follow it? Some of them probably also read the 10 Commandments too. So what!

      If they FOLLOW the Constitution, they will not be able to do ANYTHING but UNDO the MESS they caused by shutting the whole thing down. No welfare, no Social Security, no pork and no regulations. No EPA, No FDA, No U.N., No FCC, No Czars and then they would have to bringing our troops home and defending the homeland on OUR shores. They would have to run the illegals out and set up a way fro people to enter legally, from outside our walls!!They would have to let the STATES make their own laws and stop confiscatiing our money.

      Read it…Yea, a lot of good that will do! Idiots!

       
    • MiketheTrucker
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:05am

      The biggest laugh will likely be provided by the progressives like Polosi and Frank when they begin to cry, and make a sorry attempt to “debate” the restrictions on the federal government.

      That alone will be worth the price of admission.

      Report Post »  
    • Marcobob69
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:06am

      I’m with you on that, Ms!!! The hard part will be trying to make them “stay within the confines” of the Constitution, as Judge Napolitano would say!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:08am

      Reading it is fine. I just want the members of Congress to follow it and apply it. Until I see some action…it is just more window dressing to me. Proof is in the pudding. The Constitution is not worth the paper it is printed on unless it is ENFORCED.

      Report Post »  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:14am

      First: Obama is not a Constitutional scholor. He taugh Cloward and Piven almost exclusively. Obama in fact knows very little about the constitution. I have my doubts thet he ever in fact even went to college. Where is the proof? Some ones word? Words can be bought by Soros billions. They can read and reread the constitution but it is a meaningless document and has been for many uears. The SOTUS no longer upholds the Constitution they just legislate through case law. The states have not had any power or voice since 1913 and the 17th Amendment. The Gov’t has been unbalanced so they are amassing more and more power. Until balance is restored by repeal of the 17th A the Gov’t will simply keep on expanding its power until ultimately we will follow the path of Rome . We will have a republic in name only. Our representatives will only go through the motions. BUT wait!!!! That is what is happeniong now. Obama just gets some regulator to make the changes he wants while Congress sits on their thumbs. Restore the balance of power, REPEAL THE 17th AMENDMENT.

       
    • poverty.sucks
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:17am

      I bet initially the Democrats will attempt to block that motion and force a committee hearing.

      poverty.sucks  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:48am

      I wish they would lead off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and invite the President to listen to that “endowed by” clause he repeatingly and purposefully misrepresents in his talks,

      Xcori8r  
    • clipper
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:50am

      Reading and defending are two different things.Talk to me when someone actually defends the constitution.

      Report Post »  
    • Cobra Blue
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 9:58am

      Clipper

      Well said.

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200 {cat folk art}
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:12am

      I wish them luck in their new session; and like Untamable Kate says, hold their feet and bodies to the fire itself. Let the proof be quickly seen in the actions they take, and as most of us figure, the Progressives are most likely to go with knives out and blood in their eyes (if they have any left) to stop each and every bit of legislation passing.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • tommee
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:27am

      While reading the Constiution, the Republicans should also show a slide show of a time when people traveled in wagons pulled by horses, when black people were being herded off of slave ships and when women could only watch their husbands vote. Most of the people back then thought the world was less than 10,000 years old – OOPS… most Republicans still do!

       
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:36am

      I am pretty sure that some long time members will be hearing what’s in the Constitution for the FIRST time … at least that is how they have governed. I call this a good start .. will reserve judgement on if they FOLLOW it in the future. This should be manditory attendance .. anyone not there should be locked out until they have “proof” that they know what is in it.

       
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:47am

      Great! They’ll read it!

      …but will they understand or follow it?

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • tobywil2
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:51am

      You can download the Kindle Edition of the Constitution from Amazon.com for free. If you dont have the Kindle, free software to read the Kindle Editions on your computer is available from Amazon.com. You could be reading the constitution on your computer in less than 15 minutes and it won’t cost you a dime. http://commonsense21c.com/

      Report Post » tobywil2  
    • CYCLONE
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 10:55am

      …hhhhmmmmm… maybe they ought to throw in the O’l BILL OF RIGHTS too… they have seemed to mangle, destroy and piss on that too…..

      …..(*F-in’ jerkwads*)…..

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:02am

      It’s what I will call a “good start” … Now if they actually follow it I will be impressed. Remember those who do not and come up for election in 2012 .. and throw them OUT!

       
    • tobywil2
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:13am

      sorry about that, Amazon now charges $0.99 for the Kindle Edition of the U. S. Constitution.

      Report Post » tobywil2  
    • AmericanSoldier
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:22am

      @TOMMEE I enjoy hearing from Liberals that think going back to the original intent of the Constitution means we’d go back to horse drawn carriages and slavery. It’s the same jolly I receive when I hear the same Liberals say without tightening gun laws, we’ll live in the wild wild west again. It cracks me up.

      Back in those days, the Constitution did not allow for slavery or prevented women from voting. It was the individuals that made that choice, at the very most, at the state level. Is this a flaw? No, it’s how it should be. Do you truly believe that if we enforced the Constitution by the books that slavery would be legalized? Such straw men won’t hold up much in here.

      Report Post » American Soldier (Separated)  
    • tifosa
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:10pm

      BREAKING: Fox joins the war on Christmas: http://www.foxnewsinsider.com/2010/12/24/happy-holidays-from-fox-news/ Sad news….

      tifosa  
    • CrazyTexan
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 12:23pm

      No, Tommee,
      The Constitution is not perfect it had its flaws and that is why we added the 13th, 14th 15th and 19th amendments to clarify that “all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator (not by government) with certain inalienable rights” because apparently, somehow that wasn’t clear to some people, and the part in parenthesis is still obviously not clear to some. The point is that if there is something about it that you feel is not right or outdated you don’t just try to find a way to circumnavigate it with precedent or progressive “case law”, you officially amend it as prescribed within said document. Until that is done, the law is as the Constitution stands and therefore, the supreme law of the land. Without adherence to the Constitution we have become a land ruled by men rather than law, in which case we have become a Banana Republic and are wide open to the same destructive, destabilizing actions of greed and corruption as places like Venezuela, Mexico or Columbia where mob rule and control of the public coffers decide the laws that the common citizenry are subjected to and can change as often as the “great leader” changes his undies. Bottom line is that if there is still something you don’t like in the document, then let’s see if we can change it, but it should be done legally and “transparently” as prescribed under law rather than by circumvention, “judicial precedent” and negotiations of an elitist political class behind closed doors.

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 1:39pm

      I guess you don’t own a gun Tommee…When it all melts down and you get hungry because the Government can’t afford to feed you, come break into my house and I will show you how one works…

      Report Post »  
    • TheAmericanRifleman
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 3:49pm

      Flip on the lights and watch the roaches flee into the crevases.

      Report Post » TheAmericanRifleman  
    • walkwithme1966
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 3:53pm

      If they were elected to the House, shouldn’t they already know the Constitution? What idiots we elect!!
      http://maboulette.wordpress.com

      Report Post » walkwithme1966  
    • enderwiggen
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 4:03pm

      I’ll be watching for more than lip syncing. Our republic is fading and measures need to be taken to restore our liberty. dmc

      Report Post »  
    • NapoHill15
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 4:35pm

      TOMMEE
      That’s a curious perception that you have, of Republicans and the Constitution; but only curious because of the contradictions in your beliefs: You only know Republicans and the Constitution by what you have been told from the context of a “progressive.” Look a little further . . .

      To simplify, before the Republicans were “republicans” as we know them to be, they were of an ideology that viewed slavery with great distaste all the way back to the founding. It was the southern Democrats that eventually seceded from the Republic for the very purpose of maintaining their rights to slavery and its expansion as a primary engine of their growth, both politically and economically. Conservatives, since the founding, wanted slavery to end as being a norm of their society. This is very similar to how conservatives want modern environmentalism to end now but are finding it very difficult to achieve for similar reasons.

      If you would like that explained, slavery was viewed at the time of the founding as an established institution in the colonies. It was ingrained in the economy for both liberals and conservatives of the time. As a result, there were great political and economic complications in getting slavery to end. Anyone that contemplated its ending, such as the anti-federalist Jefferson, would have had to wait for many of men’s minds to catch up to his and others like him.

      This is how liberalism is manipulating environmentalism today. Slavery was established as a societal-wide norm century’s back; and now, with the “green” movement, just like with slavery, conservatives would like very much to end environmentalism. And don’t make the mistake of thinking that conservatives are not environmentalist in their nature. They simply believe liberals abuse the powers of environmentalism. That’s made plain to see how it is now defined by Al Gore, the UN and the over inflated, over empowered departments of natural resources that each of our states has incubated.

      So, similar to how liberalism has inserted itself within our contemporary society by way of the so called “green movement,” historically liberalism has been very successful in having its strategies for growth and powers materialize as the norms of our society since early in the founding. In that we compare how the “green movement” of today is working similar to how liberalism pushed for the continuance of slavery as a mechanism of power, as an economic utility of a political party in the past. Slavery was the most economical means to plant plow and clear the fields of the Democratic South, and then for expanding its powers and influences. Know that it was the pro-slavery ideology of the Southern Democrats that fought the anti-slavery ideology of conservatives from the North for political power and influence. It was the South that wanted to secede then to maintain their economic system based off cheap slave labor, agriculture and a southern and westward expansion of that base.

      And TOMMEE, all your other accusations are falsehoods as well. Simply, if you look to our constitution as the mechanism that has allowed for all the “progressive” thought that has taken root in our country thus far, since the founding, all liberal arguments against the Constitution become grossly flawed. Our constitution is one that has allowed for the upward mobility of all people over the course of time, primarily liberals. We cannot point to another system, another constitution anywhere in the world that along the course of its history that has been as successful at allowing for evolution to take place as in America.

      Consider that our constitution, as it was written, is actually a document from the perspective and awareness of man’s evolution; that man naturally will demand dominance over other men because liberalism, by its nature, is constantly seeking dominance. Therefore, man needs protection from other men; protection to maintain equality, freedoms and liberties. This is so because the Founders clearly understood their own natural flaws as a human species, the human mind; its motivations; its desire to overreach. But unlike with liberals, the mind of conservatives’ views evolution with deference, respect for a higher being; that the environments that we live in cannot be over regulated and over controlled by Man as was the case with slavery; disrespect taken to the point that natural selection was merely one Man imposing his animalistic craving for dominance over another.

      Ironically, and most symbolically of today, of considering liberalism and conservatism, the species of man that captured and called another species savages and then insisted on their right to keep them in bondage, was the less evolved species of them both, and by far.

      And that my new friend is why Christianity is and was an integral part of our constitution. And as ironic as it may sound, the relationship between our constitution and Christianity is all about evolution; it’s about evolving and surviving, growing. To exemplify, most have evolved our intellect far beyond that which sees slavery as being tolerable. And then, know that Christianity teaches a broad and evolutionary understanding of liberal thought, an understanding that the Founders had as a philosophy, as they penned a constitution. They knew the natural state of liberal man was an entity evolving both towards God and away from God . . . Evil existed everywhere but especially in the concentrations of power that is government. Again, it was recognized that man simply needed protection from other men. In that sense, the Founders, beyond all that they were, they were also naturalists and environmentalists as they sought to preserve the natural environment where intellectually evolving man could seek their God freely and openly.

      Reading the Constitution then at the opening of the new session should be viewed as opening a window after two hundred years of evolution where natural selection has left ideological corpses stinking up the place to all high heaven.

      Report Post »  
    • getalong
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 4:36pm

      Reading the Constitution and upholding the Constitution are two different things. I voted Republican, but frankly, I feel like I got shafted. First they only extend the tax rate for small businesses for only two years. What the heck is that suppose to for businesses long-range planning and investments. Then they allow the Food Safety bill to pass which will be an assault on every independent farmer and small food business, and will cause food prices to go sky high because of all the stupid regulations they will require, than they allow the START treaty to go through. I mean do you really think that Russia is serious about getting rid of their nuclear weapons. I mean look who is running the country – an KBG officer – Putin. What the hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope they know that Americans will kick Republicans out in 2012 as easily as they kicked out the socialist democrats.

       
    • joe3
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 5:03pm

      Tommy America is the Constitution. Love it or leave it. That goes for congress too.

      Report Post »  
    • godlovinmom
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 5:31pm

      I pray they read it..live it..and enforce it…can you imagine how long its been since anyone even looked at our constitution…maybe therre is hope for us afterall…

      Report Post » godlovinmom  
    • Barry Soetoro
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 6:20pm

      Tea Party and Republican conservatives will open the new Congress next month with a full reading of the Constitution. How nice. When they get to part about the President being a “natural born citizen” I hope they ignore that it means “one born in the U.S. of TWO U.S. citizen parents”, or I’m screwed. Let me be clear, my dad was a British colonial Kenyan, so I don’t have TWO U.S. citizen parents. That means I’m not a “natural born citizen” but a British citizen by birth. Make no mistake, even if I was born on the 4th of July in Lincolns’ White House bed, I am not Constitutionally eligible to hold the office of the President of the United States of America!

      The good news is that they can‘t legally impeach me because I’m not legally the president. The bad news is that they could just arrest me as an illegal usurper. If they do that, then Biden, my cabinet czars and my entire staff goes too. Every law I signed is null and void. Each of my judicial and political appointments, all the way from my Supreme Court nominations to the Ambassador I appointed to my homeland of Kenya, will be rescinded. These upstart Constitutional conservatives wouldn’t really do that, would they?

      If they are not “just another Congress of fortune seekers” or JACOFS, these newly minted patriots know they are each honor bound by their oath to the Constitution, to immediately have me arrested as a usurper and my illegal administration removed from the White House. Then according to the rules of succession, John Boehner or who ever the next Speaker of the House is, would assume my duties as President for the remainder of my term. That’s quite an incentive for simply obeying the Constitution and following the law!

      The old adage about power corrupting better take hold quickly. It certainly worked well on that last lame gaggle of democratic socialists progressives and RINO’s the voters just fired. With all the money and favors I can dish out, so far not one member of Congress has dared challenge my eligibility. However, this new crew of Tea Party patriots sound serious about limited Constitutional government, so my luck may be about to run out.

      Sure, I’m all about hope and change but that was just a stupid slogan, this is real life. Hopefully they’re reading the Constitution as a pretense to placate the voters with no intention of obeying it, or the coming change could be my residence and I hear it’s cold in Leavenworth!

      Since I may being going to jail in a few weeks, maybe I should just stay in Hawaii where at least it’s warm. I could hide out at Neil Abercrombie’s, Linda Lingle‘s or Chiyome Fukino’s place. They hid me from the long arm of the law before.

      Merry Christmas everyone!

      Report Post » Barry Soetoro  
    • Jsh1284
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:02pm

      TIFOSA .. do you not watch Fox News? They air that commercial ALL the time .. and have since the Christmas season began. The fact is they air far more Christmas commercials than anyone else. Plus they had a Christmas special that they aired almost all evening last night. So yeah .. unless they want to be bashed for being biased (even more than they already are) they need to at least have ONE commercial that includes the OTHER guys and gals out there. There are plenty of non-Christian conservatives etc that watch Fox News who would be offended that they didn’t include them in SOMETHING! I have no problem with a “happy holidays” commercial as long as it’s balanced and they include Christmas stuff too.

      They aren’t going “anti-Christ” here. They’re just trying to include more of their fan base in the festivities. Now if they cut all Christmas content altogether and only aired “happy holidays” content .. then you could say they joined the war on Christmas …

      Report Post » Jsh1284  
    • junepug
      Posted on December 25, 2010 at 11:03pm

      By following the enclosed link, you can read the entire Constitution, including all amendments.

      http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Preamble

      Report Post »  
    • Blazergirl
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 1:26am

      Act I, Scene I. The Newly Elected Congress to Read Our Constitution. This is just the beginning to see how this will all “Play” out. Remember America that WE THE PEOPLE have to continue to make sure that our Congress plays out what we elected them to do. We must continue to watch very closely how this new Congress is governing . Also remember that WE THE PEOPLE are the only ones that can ensure the continuing outcome of this “play”.

      Report Post »  
    • JKN
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 6:10am

      My message to Republicans: Stop talking, stop reading and start DOING! The American people are demanding transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, smaller government, lower taxes, less regulations, a whole lot less corruption, and secure borders!

      Instead of just reading the Constitution, a fine “display” for the American people, start respecting the Constitution and basing all of your legislation on just that.

      We’re tired of empty rhetoric…

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 6:39am

      And I’d add that an equal -if not more of the American people don’t know -and don’t care what is written in the Constitution.I’ve never met a Democrat–nor a Libertarian, nor an Independent (like Joe Lieberman
      claims to be) that could understand the Constitution is a written instrument .As such its meaning does not alter. That which it meant when it was adopted it means Now.”US supreme Court 1905-South Carolina v.the United States ,Justice David Brewer

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 1:43pm

      JSH: “BREAKING NEWS” was sarcasm. And yes, I watch and the commercial has always appeared hypocrisy given what’s said esp. on/by Hannity. Maybe HE doesn’t watch… ;)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • OneFunR6
      Posted on December 26, 2010 at 11:55pm

      Sorry Barry,

      As much as I hate your politics, you’re stuck with the job,…… until Jan 2012.

      Tho I like your posts, for the most part, the Federal law reads a follows:

      Title 8 of the U.S. Code

      TITLE 8 > CHAPTER 12 > SUBCHAPTER III > Part I > § 1405

      § 1405. Persons born in Hawaii

      A person born in Hawaii on or after August 12, 1898, and before April 30, 1900, is declared to be a citizen of the United States as of April 30, 1900. A person born in Hawaii on or after April 30, 1900, is a citizen of the United States at birth. A person who was a citizen of the Republic of Hawaii on August 12, 1898, is declared to be a citizen of the United States as of April 30, 1900.

      http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode08/usc_sec_08_00001405—-000-.html

      Report Post » OneFunR6  
    • Modawg734Blue
      Posted on December 27, 2010 at 12:02am

      @AmericanSoldier,
      Great posts.

      Report Post »  
1 2 3 ... 9

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love