NationStates Jolt Archive

So did you hear? Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to be president of the United States. He says he wants to aim for the top. To bad for him the Constitution says only people born in the United States can be president. Born in Austria, Arnold wants to have a constitutional amendment to change that. It is not enough that people in California actually elected him but now he wants the country? Regardless the constitution won't let him. So. Should there be an amendment to let immigrants be prez?

There should be an amendment allowing all foreign-born U.S. citizens except Arnold Schwarzenegger to become President.

no there should not be
as it stands no i think the only people that are bonr out side the 50 states that can be are those born in embisys and military bases
not sure about guam or porto reico or places like that though

There should be an amendment allowing all foreign-born U.S. citizens except Arnold Schwarzenegger to become President.
YEAH
we've already had one second-rate actor as president, we dont need another

Im not sure how Arnold would go about getting an amendment- I would imagine most of the politicians who *could* help him have presidential ambitions themselves and probably wont want to help another Piranha enter the Tank.

On a slightly off topic note I wonder if any of the forums California based posters could say how they feel Arnie is shaping up as a governor?

There should be an amendment allowing all foreign-born U.S. citizens except Arnold Schwarzenegger to become President.

Sounds good to me. The last time a right-wing Austrian was elected was a bit of a problem for Germany

John McCain should run for office in 2008.

Governor Schwarzenegger enjoys significant support in California right now from people of all affiliations. He likable, even if you wanted to hate him at first, which I tried, seeing him in action is eerily inspiring.

California is a prime example of Leftist tax and spend policies gone wrong. Big government empowers big business and deprives smaller companies and working individuals of opportunities to contribute to a stronger economy, so people get angry, move to Nevada, and then the state has an even larger recession. This is the basic formula under Davis and previous administrations.

Schwarzenegger has such a huge task in front of him, that anything he does is a marked improvement, and in light of his progress, he is doing some things I personally would prefer more Governors to do. If he wasn't under the shadow of Bush so much, I think he'd be even more Libertarian and fiscally disciplined. From liquidating state-owned and seized assets, to making a conscious effort to talk about cutting government. He's said that he'd consider down the road making government a part-time job in Sacramento, which is a damn fine idea, as Mark Twain used to say...No man's Life, Liberty or Property is safe while the legislature is in session.

Secound rate actors?! how darn you!!
he is a 3rd rate actor ;)

me_________arnie
:eek: :sniper:
:( :mp5:

Even if a law was passed to let immigrants run for president, Arnold would be in his mid 70s by the time it happened... but than again, Nader is in his 70s and he's running for president... :(

Even if a law was passed to let immigrants run for president, Arnold would be in his mid 70s by the time it happened... but than again, Nader is in his 70s and he's running for president... :(

Reagan was 70 years old when he was elected...didn't stop him.

Here's a chance for a moderate republican to run for office and you shun him?...I guess you would rather have Jeb Bush run instead :rolleyes:

Im not sure how Arnold would go about getting an amendment- I would imagine most of the politicians who *could* help him have presidential ambitions themselves and probably wont want to help another Piranha enter the Tank.

On a slightly off topic note I wonder if any of the forums California based posters could say how they feel Arnie is shaping up as a governor?

He's better then Davis, but isn't getting anything done because of those people he so affectionately calls "girly men". He's trying and that's sure is a hell alot better then some politicians. Even if he could run for office i don't think the GOP would fund him since he is endorsing the stem cell research prop.

As much as I love to make fun of the guy....well....because, I mean, he is Arnie, he is quite a smart guy and does have some terrific ideas when it comes to politics. I'm torn: do I want to laugh at his hillarious accent and the fact that an action hero is running california or do I want to respect everything he has done?......laughing is easier though.....

i thiink their should be an amendment to let immigrants run, but they should have have stricter rules than those that are US-born.

My prediction- Schwazzenager/McCain in 2008. Just kidding, but they did predict we Americans would have Arnold as President in the movie Demolition Man

I think Arnold actually compares pretty favorably to a lot of politicians. He seems a lot smarter than Bush, and I might even be tempted to vote for him over someone like Kerry - he's a lot more likeable. At the least he's less of a politician than your average politician. Really, it's too bad that he can't run. :D

So did you hear? Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to be president of the United States. He says he wants to aim for the top. To bad for him the Constitution says only people born in the United States can be president. Born in Austria, Arnold wants to have a constitutional amendment to change that. It is not enough that people in California actually elected him but now he wants the country? Regardless the constitution won't let him. So. Should there be an amendment to let immigrants be prez?


Yes, then and only then can we get a civilized european as president.

And i dont mean arnold.

Yes, then and only then can we get a civilized european as president.

And i dont mean arnold.

Hear we go! Immigrants are made American citizens so why can't they be President? Not Arnold though. Have to be a "conservative democrat." Right way to get our country back on track and the immigrant will most likely have more respect for the freedoms of our country. Doubtful that conservatives will allow an amendment for this though.

Actually one version of the amendment proposal is being offered by Senator Hatch of Utah.

He's a full-fledged Conservative through and through.

if arnold becomes the pres tht will only encourage other celebs to run for office and then where will we be?
right in a stinking rotting hell hole
oh wait were way past that thanx to the most retarded pres ever

Actually one version of the amendment proposal is being offered by Senator Hatch of Utah.

He's a full-fledged Conservative through and through.

Ouch! But who says a politician can't be contradictory? Doesn't mean an immigrant will ever be in the Oval Office.

Governor Schwarzenegger enjoys significant support in California right now from people of all affiliations. He likable, even if you wanted to hate him at first, which I tried, seeing him in action is eerily inspiring.

California is a prime example of Leftist tax and spend policies gone wrong. Big government empowers big business and deprives smaller companies and working individuals of opportunities to contribute to a stronger economy, so people get angry, move to Nevada, and then the state has an even larger recession. This is the basic formula under Davis and previous administrations.

Schwarzenegger has such a huge task in front of him, that anything he does is a marked improvement, and in light of his progress, he is doing some things I personally would prefer more Governors to do. If he wasn't under the shadow of Bush so much, I think he'd be even more Libertarian and fiscally disciplined. From liquidating state-owned and seized assets, to making a conscious effort to talk about cutting government. He's said that he'd consider down the road making government a part-time job in Sacramento, which is a damn fine idea, as Mark Twain used to say...No man's Life, Liberty or Property is safe while the legislature is in session.

California gone wrong? Thats why we have an economy stronger than most nations in the world, including russia? We bring almost 1.5t dollars to america a year.

My family makes between 130-150k a year, before tax. Thats 3x the national gdppc, and my family isn't considered wealthy or rich at all.

As a Californian, I hate arnold, plain and simple. He wasn't elected for his policies, etc. Everyone here who looks at it intelligently knows that, many who support him even. He was elected because he's a movie star. It was sad to hear him say "I vant to pump yoo up for da elections!" While supporting bush.

Did I mention he supports bush? In a strong blue state, we have a republican, and not even a kerry-leaning one.

California gone wrong? Thats why we have an economy stronger than most nations in the world, including russia? We bring almost 1.5t dollars to america a year.

My family makes between 130-150k a year, before tax. Thats 3x the national gdppc, and my family isn't considered wealthy or rich at all.

As a Californian, I hate arnold, plain and simple. He wasn't elected for his policies, etc. Everyone here who looks at it intelligently knows that, many who support him even. He was elected because he's a movie star. It was sad to hear him say "I vant to pump yoo up for da elections!" While supporting bush.

Did I mention he supports bush? In a strong blue state, we have a republican, and not even a kerry-leaning one.

Two things:

One) I dunno how well he's doing, because I'm not too current on the local politics, but I will agree that he was elected because...well, we're California, home of Hollywood.

Two) He's kissing Bush's ass because that's what almost ALL of the republicans are doing right now.

Two things:

One) I dunno how well he's doing, because I'm not too current on the local politics, but I will agree that he was elected because...well, we're California, home of Hollywood.

Two) He's kissing Bush's ass because that's what almost ALL of the republicans are doing right now.

Arnold most likely has a brain trust, power behind the throne whatever doing the heavy lifting. His wife being a Democrat most likely keeps him from sliding right.

Yeah, Cali's doing just great. You ship in most of your water and energy from Colorado (which really sucks because we agreed to it and now we're stuck in drought conditions), had the fun rolling blackouts because of mis-management, have some of the highest taxes and localized crime rates (LA, SF, PA), have had to pass reform upon reform to even begin to figure out who is a citizen and who isn't after you started the ESL program and giving illegal immigrants US Drivers Licenses ...

Don't get me wrong, there's a lot of nice places and good things in Cali, but Davis was screwing up bad. At least Arnold is doing better than he was (though it would almost be hard not to).

Arnold for Prez, eh? I wondered how long it would be before he suggested it (others suggested it ever since he ran). Honestly, I'd vote for him over either Bush or Kerry. Say what you want about him, he's a very smart businessman, and that's one thing our country could use right now. He's also for limiting or /reducing/ the size of government, and I'm all for that! Let's cut out the waste so we can actually fund useful projects or, heaven forbid, /actually/ cut taxes across the board and grow the economy even faster!

But the problem is, it opens the door for other countries subverting the politics of the US. They're already doing a good enough job without naturalizing someone from, lets say China, and getting them elected and then pandering to the Chinese!

It's hard for an immigrant to be in that position. What if for some reason, we had to go to war with their home country? Or simply impose sanctions? Could they do what's in the best interest of the US and world instead of what might be better for their last homeland?

But the problem is, it opens the door for other countries subverting the politics of the US. They're already doing a good enough job without naturalizing someone from, lets say China, and getting them elected and then pandering to the Chinese!

It's hard for an immigrant to be in that position. What if for some reason, we had to go to war with their home country? Or simply impose sanctions? Could they do what's in the best interest of the US and world instead of what might be better for their last homeland?

People can still have concerns of their home countries even if their 2nd or 3rd generation immigrant. They still have pride of their home countries and if an Irish president who is 6 generations down would he go out of his way to help Ireland?

no there should not be
as it stands no i think the only people that are bonr out side the 50 states that can be are those born in embisys and military bases
not sure about guam or porto reico or places like that though

You have the spelling abilities of a 7 year old.

People can still have concerns of their home countries even if their 2nd or 3rd generation immigrant. They still have pride of their home countries and if an Irish president who is 6 generations down would he go out of his way to help Ireland?

That's certainly true, but do you think they'd be /as/ attached as someone who was born and lived in another country? I don't.

That's certainly true, but do you think they'd be /as/ attached as someone who was born and lived in another country? I don't.

My last post was hypothetical but I really don't know any reason why an immigrant can't run the country. I'm sure that when the country was first formed the Founding Fathers didn't want our new country to fall into the hands of an outsider. Now that we are more established it shouldn't be a problem if it isn't obvious that the candadite is caught up in the affairs of his home country. I don't think Arnold would spend time thinking about helping Austria, not that I'd want him anywhere near the president's chair.

Sounds good to me. The last time a right-wing Austrian was elected was a bit of a problem for Germany

If you think Arnold if "right-wing" then you need to have your head checked.


Same goes for Hiter.

My last post was hypothetical but I really don't know any reason why an immigrant can't run the country. I'm sure that when the country was first formed the Founding Fathers didn't want our new country to fall into the hands of an outsider. Now that we are more established it shouldn't be a problem if it isn't obvious that the candadite is caught up in the affairs of his home country. I don't think Arnold would spend time thinking about helping Austria, not that I'd want him anywhere near the president's chair.

It may have been hypothetical, but it's right on the money. No, I personally don't think Arnold would be a problem and I actually think he'd make a better choice from president than the two numbnuts we current get to pick between.

The problem is, if you allow an immigrant to become president, what's to stop China, or Russia back when it was the long-thinking USSR, to send a subvertive agent ... someone who was raised in that country and agreed to a "mission" ... to come over to the US, live for 20 or 30 years while maintaining contact with their country and then becoming president? Not having an immigrant be president (their children can be) is the closest stopgap we have to that. Of course, they can still be heavily involved in politics (as Arnold proved), just not president.

But the problem is, it opens the door for other countries subverting the politics of the US. They're already doing a good enough job without naturalizing someone from, lets say China, and getting them elected and then pandering to the Chinese!

It's hard for an immigrant to be in that position. What if for some reason, we had to go to war with their home country? Or simply impose sanctions? Could they do what's in the best interest of the US and world instead of what might be better for their last homeland?

Hmm... I guess we could economically annex Europe, or at least the nations of it we're fond of? This IS a Jennifer Government forum, after all...

Arnold's a sane libertarian- Left wing socially, and right-for-California-but-still-moderate economically. Or, if not him, his dream-team of advisors and backers, at least. They'd be decent for the country for one term, but if we trusted them with too much time in office, I imagine he'd turn into something representative of the Libertarian party, meaning that'd destroy civilization as we know it.


Sounds good to me. The last time a right-wing Austrian was elected was a bit of a problem for Germany

But that was socially right wing, which is for people who lack dick. Hitler spent like there's no tommorrow, and while this surprisingly worked for a while, and more surprisingly was improving of it's own before the Marshall plan came into effect, it's not that bright unless you have one hell of a new product to show the world.

He's better then Davis, but isn't getting anything done because of those people he so affectionately calls "girly men". He's trying and that's sure is a hell alot better then some politicians. Even if he could run for office i don't think the GOP would fund him since he is endorsing the stem cell research prop.
That's funny. i doubt you are from Calfornia. You see, I am personally in contact every day with various individuals that I know from California, and I have never heard a complaint from them. I think you may be talking out of your ass. From what I have heard, he has done a damn good job of getting things done quickly, and cutting through the political bullshit.

Now, he will never become President for two reasons. One, he is foreign born. Two, he is a moderate. Neither party will run a goddamn moderate! Why!? Because they don't care about us.

If you think Arnold if "right-wing" then you need to have your head checked.
He IS right-wing. Moderate right-wing. Maybe you need to study politics a *wee* bit more.

It may have been hypothetical, but it's right on the money. No, I personally don't think Arnold would be a problem and I actually think he'd make a better choice from president than the two numbnuts we current get to pick between.

The problem is, if you allow an immigrant to become president, what's to stop China, or Russia back when it was the long-thinking USSR, to send a subvertive agent ... someone who was raised in that country and agreed to a "mission" ... to come over to the US, live for 20 or 30 years while maintaining contact with their country and then becoming president? Not having an immigrant be president (their children can be) is the closest stopgap we have to that. Of course, they can still be heavily involved in politics (as Arnold proved), just not president.

I can understand the security risk but would this be good enough to these new American citizens who say they are just that:citizens. Is it a violation of their civil rights to be denied the right to go for the highest office?

Sweet sassy molassy, it's just like that game "perfect Dark" predicted!

Actually, its very close to something else.

Anybody else remember the Doctor Who about that people who were absolutely controlled by their media? The famous people=the government? You know, you saw them on TV, they controlled you. Thats what this is becoming. They are famous, thereby they can walk right into politics with huge support.

Just say no to Celebrity Politicians!

Born in Austria, Arnold wants to have a constitutional amendment to change that. It is not enough that people in California actually elected him but now he wants the country? Regardless the constitution won't let him. So. Should there be an amendment to let immigrants be prez?
Wouldn't it be easier for him to just annex Austria? The he would have been born in the country.
Besides, a clash between Arnie and Inspector Rex would be worth seeing!

He IS right-wing. Moderate right-wing. Maybe you need to study politics a *wee* bit more.

OMFG! You're Right! He's a pro gun control, pro homosexual agenda, & pro environment "right-winger" who surrounds himself with democraps.

Any Citizen Should be allowed to enter politics...all the way.

It makes no sense for a country as inclusive and tolerant of immigrants as the US to not let immigrants have a chance to become president.

We're inclusive and tolerant of immigrants? Heh. Tell that to the mexicans in the southwest, the irish in the northeast, and the cubans and hatians in the southeast.

But you're right. While we're at it, since we're tolerant of foreigners too, maybe we should let foreigners run for president as well. I mean, we allow dual citizenships, right?
</sarcasm>

I heard somewhere (the most reliable source I swear, actually I think it was on an A&E Biography of Arnie) that an amendment that might be considered would allow foreign born citizens who have lived in the US for more than 20 years to run for presidency.

I heard somewhere (the most reliable source I swear, actually I think it was on an A&E Biography of Arnie) that an amendment that might be considered would allow foreign born citizens who have lived in the US for more than 20 years to run for presidency.

Actually, that's ammendment's been proposed several times: Senator Orrin Hatch, R-Utah; Representative John Conyers, D-Michigan; and Representative Vic Snyder, D-Arkansas, have all put forward similar amendments in the past two years. Look 'em up if you want. I'm not sure what the current one is, but it's out there.

What's to stop him running for VP? Do you need to be a natural-born American to do that job?
From what I've read, he seems to be doing a pretty good job, especially as he has to negotiate with the Dem controlled council. He is a very moderate right-wing, and moderates are always preferable in power (IMO).
He supports civil unions, financial prudence, is banning smoking in public. How is he a Bush supporter, really?

What's to stop him running for VP? Do you need to be a natural-born American to do that job?
From what I've read, he seems to be doing a pretty good job, especially as he has to negotiate with the Dem controlled council. He is a very moderate right-wing, and moderates are always preferable in power (IMO).
He supports civil unions, financial prudence, is banning smoking in public. How is he a Bush supporter, really?

He seems to be a contradictory man. His wife is a Democrat so maybe it rubs off on him. I'm sure though that VP has the same rules and running for President since the VP may suddenly become prez at any point.

The law to be president says "All who are born in U.S. soil has the right to become president."

What's to stop him running for VP? Do you need to be a natural-born American to do that job?
From what I've read, he seems to be doing a pretty good job, especially as he has to negotiate with the Dem controlled council. He is a very moderate right-wing, and moderates are always preferable in power (IMO).
He supports civil unions, financial prudence, is banning smoking in public. How is he a Bush supporter, really?
Well, in order to be the VP, you have to qualify to be the President, and to qualify for that office, you have to be a natural born citizen.

As far as his support for Bush is concerned--they may not agree on all issues, but Schwarzenegger is openly campaigning with Bush. He made an appearance with him in Ohio on Friday, so if that doesn't make him a Bush supporter, I don't know what would disqualify him.

The law to be president says "All who are born in U.S. soil has the right to become president."

Yes, the question is whether this should be changed.