“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here.”
– Patrick Henry
Category: Government
Amendments 16 – 27 of the United States Constitution
Amendment 16 – Status of Income Tax Clarified
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.
Proposed 7/12/1909
Ratified 2/3/1913
Amendment 17 – Senators Elected by Popular Vote
The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.
When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.
This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution.
Proposed 5/13/1912
Ratified 4/8/1913
Amendment 18 – Liquor Abolished
1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.
2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.
Proposed 12/18/1917
Ratified 1/16/1919
Amendment 19 – Women’s Suffrage
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Proposed 6/4/1919
Ratified 8/18/1920
Amendment 20 – Presidential, Congressional Terms
1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin.
2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.
3. If, at the time fixed for the beginning of the term of the President, the President elect shall have died, the Vice President elect shall become President. If a President shall not have been chosen before the time fixed for the beginning of his term, or if the President elect shall have failed to qualify, then the Vice President elect shall act as President until a President shall have qualified; and the Congress may by law provide for the case wherein neither a President elect nor a Vice President elect shall have qualified, declaring who shall then act as President, or the manner in which one who is to act shall be selected, and such person shall act accordingly until a President or Vice President shall have qualified.
4. The Congress may by law provide for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the House of Representatives may choose a President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them, and for the case of the death of any of the persons from whom the Senate may choose a Vice President whenever the right of choice shall have devolved upon them.
5. Sections 1 and 2 shall take effect on the 15th day of October following the ratification of this article.
6. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission.
Proposed 3/2/1932
Ratified 1/23/1933
Amendment 21 – 18th Amendment Repealed
1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
2. The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.
3. The article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.
Proposed 2/20/1933
Ratified 12/5/1933
Amendment 22 – Presidential Term Limits
1. No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once. But this Article shall not apply to any person holding the office of President, when this Article was proposed by the Congress, and shall not prevent any person who may be holding the office of President, or acting as President, during the term within which this Article becomes operative from holding the office of President or acting as President during the remainder of such term.
2. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years from the date of its submission to the States by the Congress.
Proposed 3/21/1947
Ratified 2/27/1951
Amendment 23 – Presidential Vote for District of Columbia
1. The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct: A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the States, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.
2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Proposed 6/17/1960
Ratified 3/29/1961
Amendment 24 – Poll Tax Barred
1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay any poll tax or other tax.
2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Proposed 8/27/1962
Ratified 1/23/1964
Amendment 25 – Presidential Disability and Succession
1. In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.
2. Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.
3. Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
4. Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.
Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.
Proposed 7/6/1965
Ratified 2/10/1967
Amendment 26 – Voting Age Set to 18 Years
1. The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.
2. The Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Proposed 3/23/1971
Ratified 7/1/1971
Amendment 27 – Limiting Congressional Pay Increases
No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.
A Crucial Moment in History
In the year 1787 there was very serious debate of the Constitutional Convention. It was not being accomplished, and it seemed all was to no avail.
Peter Marshall and David Manuel write, “At this crucial moment, when there was not a man present who had any real hope of finding and effective solution, it was Ben Franklin who rose to speak. This elder statesman, who was also one of the most prominet physicists of his age, quietly said:”
“In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence of our favor… And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?’
‘I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: ‘That God governs in the affairs of man.’ And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid?’
‘We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little, partial local interests; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.’
‘I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business.” From THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY by Peter Marshall, Jr. and David Manuel, pp. 342 & 343 paperback.
O how we need again, to hear the words of this man in the history of our nation. If we are not dependent upon God, our Providence, for the leadership of this nation we will become the laughing stock of the world.
The Verdict is In
And Justice has been served. If the Grand Jury would have decided with public pressure, or emotion there would not be justice.
They did however base their decision on the evidence and testimony they were given. Justice has been served.
Let us all be part of the human race, grieve with the family who tragically lost a son; and grieve with the city of Ferguson, MO for the trials they have experienced by mob rule, and the great injustices done to local businesses and people.
Let us also pray for the peace of all who are not at peace.
-tim
Book – Empire of the Summer Moon
On July 17 of 2013 I posted an article on this book, “Empire of the Summer Moon” by S. C. Gwynne, copyright 2010. I neglected to write further of it after I finished a few weeks later.
I am a slow reader, and it just never happened.
This cannot really be a finished review, but I will state I was involved in the story. The history has much to do with Quanah Parker, his mother Cynthia Ann Parker, and Quanah’s rise in the white man’s world.
The following is a quote from the book about Quanah Parker:
“Quanah speaks English, is considerably advanced in civilization, and owns a ranch with considerable livestock and a small farm; wears a citizen’s suit and conforms to the customs of civilization–withal a fine-looking and dignified son of the plains….He is tall, muscular, as straight as an arrow; look-you-straight-through eyes, very dark skin, perfect teeth, and heavy, raven-black hair–the envy of feminine hearts….He has a handsome carriage and drives a pair of matched grays.”
The quote is a chapter 20 footnote for a quote from James T. DeShields, article “Cynthia Ann Parker: The Story of Her Capture”.
I found it to be very interesting for history, and after I really got into the story found it hard to put the book down.
It is not a children’s story. It is for an adult reading.
-tim
A Book I am Reading – Empire of the Summer Moon
Let me tell you about a book I am reading. One I am finding very interesting. It is not a book dealing with any aspect of Christianity, but the history of our nation; at least one part of it. It has to do with one of the Native American tribes of this nation. The Comanche.
The book is titled “Empire of the Summer Moon” by S. C. Gwynne copyright 2010. Let me first of all say that I am not a “PC” (Politically Correct) person. For the most part when it comes to being an American citizen I do not recognize Black people as “African American”, nor do I recognize Asian people as “Asian American”, nor whites as “Caucasion American”, nor; well you get the picture. However when it comes to what we know as the American Indian; I have absolutely no whims or problems with referring to them as “Native Americans”, because they are the only true Natives on this continent, or in this Nation.
Back to the book. Mr Gwynne gives us a history of not only the Comanche Indian, but of the early days of the Republic of Texas with many of its problems, atrocities, and tragedies. He deals with the Parker family from which came Cynthia Ann Parker who as a nine year old girl was taken captive by the Comanche, lived with them for 24 years, was rescued and she herself returned to the tribe, because she had three children born to her by a chieftain Peta Nocona and one of these children was a son who is known in American History as Quanah Parker.
The Comanche tribe was “the most powerful Indian Tribe in American History”. This according to the sub title to the book. James Parker, and uncle of Cynthia Ann Parker was an early Texas Ranger, and according to Mr. Gwynne’s history was a murderer, drunkard, preacher, and thief.
According to this account of history the Comanche were the most vicious, vile, and most feared on the plains. Even the Apache feared them.
I have only read nine of the 22 chapters. If they are as interesting as the first nine it will be a good read. One thing I learned in the ninth chapter, is that a movie directed by John Ford, starring John Wayne used James Parker’s story for the basis of the movie “The Searchers”. James Parker according to history searched high and low, for many years for his own daughter Rachel, a grandson James Pratt Plummer, and Cynthia Ann Parker; without much success.
The history of our nation is full of history, good and bad. History is made for us to learn from; not always to copy.
-tim
The Top Five Reasons to Vote for President Obama
With the election coming up in a couple of months I thought I might look at some reasons one should vote for Obama.
The number one reason I thought of is economical, and has to do with the fact that he is already in office, so why waste another 200, 000 or more per year on retired Presidents salary. I mean if we elect Romney, President Obama will still be getting an income from the American people, why not make him earn it?
The second reason I can think of is that the man likes going around making speeches, and turning peoples eyes upon himself. He must really be an important fellow who demands such respect, and awe in the hearts and minds of those who adore him. His promises are as good as his word; and we know how good that really is.
My third reason to vote for the President is because he wants to divide the wealth of our nation. Under his ideas the rich will stop getting richer; the poor will stop getting poorer; and I am really sure that there will be more food on everyone’s tables, more gas in our cars, and more coal, oil, and electrical production. Who among us would not like to have the same wealth as Bill Gates, Donald Trump, or the WalMart family? Is that the way his ideas would work?
The fourth reason would be because he is such a good family man. He is for everyone having the right to marry, even two men or two women. I am that sure eventually he would be in favor of a man or woman marrying their own son or daughter; or their own sibling. Is there anything wrong with that?
Sorry about the title; but I could not think of any more reasons to vote for President Obama in November.
-tim
It is the Fourth of July…
…Once again. It is wonderful to remember the birth of our Nation, her heroes, her victories, and even her failures. Yes we have had some failures, and hopefully we will or have learned from them; though I am not so sure about the D.C.er’s . That could mean Debilitated Criminals or it could be District of Columbia. You take your pick.
We will be gathering in a few hours down at the Ole Swimming Hole of the Blankenship family, along the banks of Flat Creek; not quite one half mile, down stream from our house.
Last July I wrote a post about “Survival” and told you I had a rifle and knew how to use it, but I did not have a four wheel drive or a shotgun. Well, now I have a four wheel drive, and I someday I will get a shotgun. With God’s help and by His grace we survive whatever evil, the devil, the world, and the chastisement of the LORD comes our way.
Have a wonderful celebration today. Remember from whence you came, and from whence your freedom came. Thank the LORD for our soldiers, who have fought, bled and died that we might be free; however, even more thank the LORD for giving us FREEDOM.
-Tim
Easter Weekend
This past Easter weekend was a big event around our house; here along the Flat Creek, as it flows by. Most of our kids and grandkids were around most of the time, and for a few hours all were around.
We had a cook out Friday evening with barbequed hamburgers on the grill, with hickory charcoal, and oak wood. My were those burgers really delicious.
Madge and I ordered some trees, plants, flowers, and/or shrubs a while back, and they were delivered by our wonderful United States Postal Service.
I had an annual checkup with my cardiologist yesterday, and I am a research patient as well. They are trying out Plavix on me. I have taken it for a year now, and for a year I will be on a pill provided by the doctor’s office, Plavix or Placebo; none of us know. For a year I do not have to purchase the pills, they are provided. I also do not have to pay a co-pay, and they pay me when I visit the doctor. Now, that is different.
Anyway, when we arrived back home yesterday afternoon I began planting trees. They are just small seedlings, about 2 feet in length, maybe a little less. I wore myself out, but I did get nine of them planted. I have two more Poplars to plant, then three Blue Spruces, and 12 Rose of Sharons. We will eventually have some shade around here.
Last Thursday evening I mowed our front yard, then I mowed the back yard on Saturday. My it sure is looking good around here. The old rider I am using is hanging in there. I did break the bead on the left front tire Saturday doing some finish up mowing around the road. I hit a hidden stump. It will be simple enough to fix, unless I punctured the tire; I do not think I did though.
We got some rain this morning. My how things green up after a rain. The sun is shining now, and it is so gorgeous out.
Sunday morning was great for worshiping the Lord of the Universe, who died was buried, and rose bodily from the grave. What a wonderful and glorious Creator.
-Tim
Yesterday’s Vote
Yesterday February 07, 2012, was a voting day in Missouri. In Barry County we had to items on the agenda. One was for Presidential candidates, choosing whether you wanted a Democrat ballot, or Republican ballot. I am not particularly fond of either party right now; but I did choose the Republican ballot and voted for Rick Santorum.
Another thing on our ballot was for a 911 tax. It recently failed. That was back in November by a very slim margin. I think the leaders of our 911 system have stuck it to the people of the area, saying they needed the funding, when they have operated since that time without a hitch. Many agencies need to learn to cut back on foolishness in spending. That is true in Barry County too. My vote on this initiative was “No!” for the tax. However, it passed; and I understand by a 2 to 1 margin. The majority has spoken; now we all will pay for it. Now they will probably come back in a couple to five years and ask for more.
Let’s get real though. In our present economy is it the right thing to do to increase taxes? Never. The idea would be to promote economic growth; and with that tax revenues will increase. So much for stimulating the economy. Remember Winston Churchill’s quote;
“I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” — Winston Churchill
Enough said here along the banks of Flat Creek.
-Tim
Think About This before Voting…
I received this on an email group I am on.
Think About This Before You Vote …
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm and three or more is a congress. — John Adams
If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. — Mark Twain
Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But then I repeat myself. — Mark Twain
I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. — Winston Churchill
Democracy must be something more than two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner. — James Bovard
Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys. — P.J. O’Rourke
Government is the great fiction, through which everybody endeavors to live at the expense of everybody else. — Frederic Bastiat
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics won’t take an interest in you!– Pericles (430 B.C.)
No man’s life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session. — Mark Twain
Talk is cheap…except when Congress does it. — Anonymous
The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin. –Mark Twain
What this country needs are more unemployed politicians. — Edward Langley
A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. — Thomas Jefferson
We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office. — Aesop
Some pretty wise thoughts.
-Tim
Flat Creek Rolling 