TheScout

"Therefore, since the interpretations of the Supreme Court are the last word on the meaning of the Constitution" "the Constitution gives the Supreme Court the judicial power to make determinations of constitutional law" Not to start a new argument, but where exactly does it say the Supreme Court has the authority to exclusivly determine the constitutionality of anything. It doesn't that is why thoroughout our history there have been disagreements over who should determine what is constitutional and what is not. Every branch of government is co-equal is co-equal in its def

"Do you think it is in the best interest of the US to drop back to people dying from the flu and having life expectancies of 45?" Of course not, but after reading the Constitution, it seems clear the federal government does not have public health powers. "How is providing for the common defense or general welfare unconstitutional?" Because there is nothing in the the federal constitution which allows Congress the power to act under these blanket statements. These, found in the Preamble simply state the rationale for framing the Constitution. I am not proposing that we d

If we resort to the idea that any good idea is constitutional, how do we know that some day the government will decide that abolishing freedom of speech is a good idea, or freedom of the press, or the right to bear arms. Our written constitutional is what protects us from the government. If the people think it is a good idea to alter the powers of the government, they may approve a constitutional amendment.

Yes if Congress makes appropriations that are contrary to the Constitution, which I believe federal publich health funding clearly is, it is unconstitutional. Our federal government is one of limited enumerated powers. Just because something is a good idea does not make it constitutional.

Hunt, The Preamble does not empower or limit the government in any way. It is only a statement of the rationale for creating the Constitution. Article 1, Section 8 clearly spells out the only instances in which Congress can spend money and there is nothing that remotely mentions public health in any form. Furthormore, the 10th Amendment, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved for the States respectively, or to the people." Again clearly says all powers not granted to the federal government

Packsaddle, I do not believe in government funding for public health research. I think that if people talk about research funding, or any sort of expenditure, it always must bring up a question of constitutionality. Reading the federal constitution, it seems plain to me federal spending for public health research is not authorized. So I do deny the right of the federal government to do so. I would interpret my state constitution, New York, to allow such funding, even though I do not support it. I would also assume most other state constitutions would as well since they tend to

Packsaddle, you say, "You clearly think public health is NOT a legitimate function of the federal government. Why then would it be a legitimate function of a state government as opposed to a county or parrish? Or city? Or family?" Its because different governments have different powers and authority. The constitution limits the power of the federal government to spend except in several enumerated cases. Just cause you think public health research is a good idea does not mean that it is constitutional. There is not a "good idea" clause in the constitution. Dan, you said, "No than

"So we should abolish the entire NIH? Nothing that the NIH does or funds is a core function of the federal government. I'm sure that $20 billion that the NIH gave out in research grants last year could better spent in Iraq, huh?" Well the NIH was founded in 1930. The United States did OK for over a century and a half without it. And instead of spending it in Iraq or anywhere, they can give the money back to you and me. It is ours anyway. I can spend it better than they can. "Are you saying that public health is not a legitimate function of government?" Yes. Our federal governme

Why is a federal subsidy of stem cell research needed anyway. If there really is a potential for a cure, private companies will respond due to a profit motive. Some states are begining to subsidize it as well. I do not think it is proper for the government to be spending my hard earned money on researh that is not related to the core functions of the federal government. "They also knew those Founding Fathers did, that outside of its legitimate functions, government does no thing as well or as economically as the private sector of the economy." -Ronald Reagan

Good to hear, but the most important part of the teachings of the BSA is not even the skills learned, but the values, discipline, and commitment learned while absorbing those skills. Regards, TheScout

Thats easy! We all talk about having a boy run troop. Let the PLC decide what to do.

Its not tough luck if he did not do his Duty to God. It is one of the requirments.

James Madison was the President during the War of 1812. He served 1809-1817.

I have to ask. Why do they toast President McKinley?

Never thought I was this good a Catholic. 1. Eastern Orthodox (100%) 2. Roman Catholic (100%) 3. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (98%) 4. Seventh Day Adventist (73%) 5. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (68%) 6. Orthodox Quaker (67%) 7. Hinduism (65%) 8. Orthodox Judaism (65%) 9. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (63%) 10. Islam (62%) 11. Jehovah's Witness (61%) 12. Sikhism (37%) 13. Reform Judaism (36%) 14. Jainism (36%) 15. Bah' Faith (34%) 16. Christian Science (Church

Adults should not be inspecting uniforms at all. Thats what junior leadership is for.

The 50 Miler can't be done by bike.

gwd, It does not have to be arbitrary requirements imposed on the boys. In my troop when I was a youth the PLC wrote a sort of troop constitution which governed the elections.

What does the PLC think?

Well said. Greying Beaver

Couple Suggestions. For your essay, make sure you just focus on two or three of the attributes and explain them well. You might want to think about adding "delegating" as well. May I also suggest you look at a few ROTC units since you want to be an army officer. It can be a fall back option if you don't get into the service academy. Many guys prefer it to West Point as it is a lot more fun before your career, as I can testify as I am currently a ROTC cadet. Either way you end up with the same commission.

If sticking to their guns and morals costs the BSA membership, God bless them. No one should sacrafice their principles.

It is the shame that the BSA has to pioneer a program that they are scared of publicizing. What does that say for the virtues of the program?

I guess you are right, If girls can be in Little League where you live, that must mean they should be in Cub Scouts too.

While we are at it, I'm thinking about making up my own requirements for Eagle Scout. Any suggestions?