A Precident for Arnie?

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Sorry guys, I read this today in the newspaper and just couldn't resist!!!

Roy MacGregor, the editor of the Toronto 'Globe and Mail' quotes Pat MacAdam (all these Scots!) of the 'Ottawa Citizen' that there has, in fact, been a foreign-born American President in the past: the 21st President Mr Chester A. Arthur!

After doing some research on my own, there is a bit of controversy about the issue. Most sites say he was born in Vermont, MacGregor article says he was born in Dunham, Quebec (which, I may be mistaken, was still a colony of France.)

Apparently, Arthur took over the identity of a younger brother (born in the States) who had died AFTER the family had moved to Vermont, thus falling into line with Article 11 of the American Constitution. He allegedly made that up when challenged over his ablilty to stand as VP at the Republican convention.

Now, it can't be proved one way or another where he was born. I'll admit that I don't know if any other Presidents can prove where they were born, but do you think that the controversy itself provides a precident for future Presidents (ie Arnie?) Sure, 1829-1830 was a long time ago, but something that has been controversial for nearly 200 years surely has some merit.

Thoughts/comments?

[klassybandit]

It was interesting reading. Although I am inclined not to believe that Arthur was born in Quebec. But who knows for sure?

It appears that the rumor (or truth?) got started when Garfield/Arthur was running for election. And of course political campaigns are always honest and fair and politicians never look for dirt :)

Arthur Hinman investigated at the request of the Dem party, and originally reported that Arthur was from Ireland! So, Hinman's research (at least in my mind) is instantly questioned. But after almost 200 years, no one will ever know for sure.

As far as future Presidents go, I am willing to listed to criteria that would make it eligable for a non-American born citizen able to run. As long as it's not Michigan's current Gov.!!

[champion]

What's up with Michigan's gov?

Anyway, there's no way that could be used as a precedent for the attempt to amend the Constitution, because there's no proof. It'd be like saying "Hey, this one president over a hundred years ago could have been born in Canada....so hey, why not?" Not very convincing and would come across as being desparate. Which it is. If this amendment is going to pass. it has to do so on its own merits, which have to be bigger than one man. At this point, I am strongly against this amendment.
-Champi

[klassybandit]

What's up with Michigan's gov?

-Champi


I'm back!! I've been so busy with work/personal life that I haven't had any time to check in here.

Anyhow, you asked what was up with Michigan's Gov? Well.... since she has taken over taxes have increased (especially property tax), jobs have decreased, companies are leaving left and right to open in another state (not a differnt country) where it is more beneficial for them to have a plant or office. I actually do not know of one good thing that she has done although I will admit that I don't know of everything she has attempted or succeeded to do.