What do you think of these constitutional amendments?

[Powerlock]

These are totally theoretical of course, and are certainly in no final seriously thought out form. But how does the general idea sound?

It seems to me that for some time the US has been going to wars for pathetic reasons. Getting people killed both US and those in whatever nation is being attacked. Bush is just the latest example of this, and I seriously doubt he will be the last.

So perhaps the constitution should be changed to adapt to the military mistakes we (should) have learned from.

Basically the first proposal will deal with the chicken hawks and will insure that legit matters (such as WW2) are dealt with, while matters such as Iraq and Vietnam don't occur. It will insure that the repubs calling for war will be essentially signing up when they support it. (though chances are they won't)

The second deals with the lies that have come out of every administration in every BS war. Somehow I doubt bush & pals would be so inclined to lie facing certain jail time, impeachment, and fine.

The third is the only way I can see dealing with the war profiteers. If congress selects a military commander in times of conflict it is MUCH less likely HAL and others will end up getting a cut of the action.

Here are three proposals:

1. Prior to engaging in any military conflict that is optional or "pre-emptive" (i.e. we have not been attacked first) - if sufficient time exists - congress shall pass a resolution calling/autorizing such military action.

After such authorization has been passed a vote in all 50 states and US territory (i.e. puerto rico) shall be held among all persons eligible for military service and current service members. If 50% or more of this vote is for the congressional resolution the resolution shall be authorized.

All people voting for the resolution shall be immediatly be placed in a draft lottery that will start as soon as possible after the approval vote. Those persons who voted against resolution shall not be obliged for military service.

Those who were eligible to vote but chose not to shall also be obliged for service if the resolution passes. There shall be exceptions for those who were unable to do to so. (i.e. hospitlized, prison, etc.)

Additionally, all service members voting against the resolution shall have any combat position they may hold substituted with a draftee or service member when possible and if they so desire.

2. Regarding any federal elected or appointed official knowingly providing information to the american people which serves to increase desire to instigate support for military action.

Any such information that an official knows to be false; OR any information that has not been almost to a certainty confirmed is a crime.

All elected or appointed officials who may commit said crime shall be subject to impeachment and removal from office. Such person shall hold no office in the united states ever again.

Additionally an official shall be charged with this crime which shall be punishable with a minimum 7 year sentence and $500,000 fine. Persons convicted of this crime shall not be eligible for an executive pardon or reprieve.

3. Within 90 days (if possible) from start of military action congress shall appoint a supreme military commander for the duration of the conflict.

This commander shall work with the president, secretary of defense, and all other needed officials or government agencys. However, this commander shall not answer to the president in military matters. The commander shall be under the full jurisdiction of congress.

After conclusion of military action the commander shall be dismissed.



on edit: Also a federal law calling for an investigation after military action regarding any monetary profits government officials may have made should be conducted after/during a conflict. If it turns out this is the case, well jail time again and any such profits shall be returned to the people they were stolen from.

[Bobby Digital]

1. Let's see...

All three of these proposals would be quite a drastic change in the functioning of the military. I don't think they are realistic in terms of the way global politics functions at the moment--to my knowledge, historically there has never been a country in which the decision to go to war was voted on by the populace. Plus I don't know how realistic it would be to divide the military before a war begins, or to enlist entire segments of the population at once following a vote.

[Hippo_Tron]

2. I want four constitutional ammendments...

1) The right of any couple regardless of gender to join the union of marriage shall not be infringed.

2) Supreme court justices should be appointed by a majority vote of the currently serving supreme court justices with advice and consent of the senate.

3) The government shall implement no laws forcing citizens to serve in the military against their will.

4) The well regulated militia and the right to bear arms are the same clause damnit. Didn't you fascists learn punctuation in elementary school?