I was unable to read previous posts, so I am not sure if this blog is intended to pertain strictly to our readings, or to the presidency in general. If the latter, I would like to comment upon Ahmadinejad's visit to New York and his speech at Columbia. I was interested in his visit for many reasons, but I was curious to see President Bush's remarks on the issue. I expected Bush to come down strongly on Columbia and Ahmadinejad, but rather, he expressed his acceptance of the situation and referenced free speech in defending the Iranian leader's right to speak.
Bush's reference to free speech made me consider something. Does the Consitution apply to Americans only, or to all who are on American soil? I am curious about this because the answer would connect Ahmadinejad's visit with Minuteman Project leader Jim Gilchrist's cancelled event. Extension of the Constitution only to American citizens would have a significant legal impact on the millions of illegial aliens here now. While this does not relate exactly to the presidency, Bush's remarks prompted this consideration.
- Michael Powell
1 comment:
I think this is a very interesting question, and one with a somewhat unclear answer. In light of events at Guantanamo Bay, I think it is very relevant. On the one hand, the government had to try Jose Padilla in American courts due to his status as a citizen. On the other hand, they intentionally send enemy combatants to Cuba, presumably so as not to have to bring them onto American soil and thereby subject them to American laws. Any further insight, maybe by future law students?
Geoff Lewis
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