The discussion centers around the evolving role and rules governing politicians, particularly in the context of term limits, the nature of political service, and the influence of money in politics. Participants explore whether changes are necessary to improve the effectiveness and integrity of political representatives.
Participants express a range of opinions, with no clear consensus on the best approach to restructuring the role of politicians. Disagreements persist regarding the effectiveness of term limits, the influence of money in politics, and the interpretation of constitutional mandates.
Some claims made by participants rely on interpretations of the U.S. Constitution, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes various assumptions about the motivations of politicians and voters, as well as the historical context of political service.
This discussion may be of interest to individuals concerned with political reform, the role of money in politics, and the historical evolution of political service in the United States.
Thus the calls the for something like a 'federalism amendment':BobG said:...That interstate commerce clause has just been butchered all to hell. The number of 5-4 decisions in the Supreme Court make it clear that it's really hard for people to figure that thing out. I don't know of a good solution for that except to hope for judges that take a more restrained view of what sort of things the federal government can lump under interstate commerce.
.Randy Barnett said:Section 1: Congress shall have power to regulate or prohibit any activity between one state and another, or with foreign nations, provided that no regulation or prohibition shall infringe any enumerated or unenumerated right, privilege or immunity recognized by this Constitution.
Section 2: Nothing in this article, or the eighth section of article I, shall be construed to authorize Congress to regulate or prohibit any activity that takes place wholly within a single state, regardless of its effects outside the state or whether it employs instrumentalities therefrom; but Congress may define and punish offenses constituting acts of war or violent insurrection against the United States.
Section 3: The power of Congress to appropriate any funds shall be limited to carrying into execution the powers enumerated by this Constitution and vested in the government of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof; or to satisfy any current obligation of the United States to any person living at the time of the ratification of this article.
Section 4: The 16th article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed, effective five years from the date of the ratification of this article.
Section 5: The judicial power of the United States to enforce this article includes but is not limited to the power to nullify any prohibition or unreasonable regulation of a rightful exercise of liberty. The words of this article, and any other provision of this Constitution, shall be interpreted according to their public meaning at the time of their enactment