Sunday, February 8, 2009

Federal Bailout

So. just for grins I thought I'd take a quick look at the Constitution. I was looking for the part that spelled out why and when the Federal government was supposed to lend a helping financial hand. I didn't see anything about helping dumb financial institutions making loans to people who can't afford the payments. I didn't see anything about helping poorly run and managed automobile businesses try to get back on their feet. I'm still looking for the part that says when there is a natural disaster the government is supposed to supply you with funds, a trailer, food and clothing. This is a sincere call for help. WHERE IS IT? I just don't see it.

1st Freedom of religion, speech, press, to petition, and to assemble

2nd The right to keep and bear arms

3rd No quartering of soldiers in private houses during times of peace or war

4th Interdiction of unreasonable Searches and seizures

5th Indictments; Due process; Self-incrimination;
Double jeopardy, and rules for Eminent Domain.

6th Right to a fair and speedy public trial, Notice of accusations,
Confronting one's accuser, Subpoenas, Right to counsel

7th Right to trial by jury in civil cases

8th No excessive bail & fines or cruel & unusual punishment

9th Unenumerated rights

10th Limits the power of the Federal government

11th Immunity of states from suits from out-of-state citizens and foreigners not living within the state borders. Lays the foundation for sovereign immunity.

12th Revision of presidential election procedures

13th Abolition of slavery, except as punishment for a crime.

14th Citizenship, state due process, applies Bill of Rights to the states, revision to apportionment of Representatives, Denies public office to anyone who has rebelled against the United States

15th Suffrage no longer restricted by race

16th Allows federal income tax

17th Direct election to the United States Senate

18th Prohibition of alcohol

19th Women's suffrage

20th Term Commencement for congress (January 3) and president (January 20).

21st Repeal of Eighteenth Amendment; state and local prohibition permitted

22nd Limits the president to two terms

23rd Representation of Washington, D.C. in the Electoral College

24th Prohibition of the restriction of voting rights due to the non-payment of poll taxes

25th Presidential Succession

26th Voting age nationally established as age 18

27th Variance of congressional compensation

Nope, it's just NOT there!