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The draft Constitution: What do you think?
My fellow eAmericans. I am a new member of Congress, though I have served there three terms before WW3.
This morning I had a PM from Max McFarland telling me we have a new draft Constitution to vote on. It was a big surprise. I checked the forums all weekend and there was NO NOTICE that a Constitution was going to be drafted. Turns out some members wrote it in a locked chat room to which I have not yet requested access.
I remember when the last Constitution -- the one we're completely replacing now -- was drafted by a handful in secret and presented as a done deal for us to ratify. So today's event is strangely familiar.
I'm disinclined to approve something made of whole cloth without having participated, without having had the chance to participate, and without even a transcript of what was discussed to review and understand what was done and why.
Maybe it is a perfectly good draft. You can decide for yourself. Here is the text:
eUSA Constitution
I. Governing Principles:
1. The three branches of government are the executive, congress, and military. These three branches are separate but equal.
2. This constitution, and thus this government, recognizes the supremacy of eRepublik admin law. This is a guiding document, to cover subjects not already governed by eRepublik admin law.
3. This constitution is regulatory, not permissible. As such, all rights not specified in this constitution are considered to be rights of the people unless legislated otherwise by congress.
II. Congressional Principles:
1. Congress shall organize itself as it sees fit.
2. Congress controls the nation's money, holds authority and responsibility over allocation of tax revenue, and shall take under advisement expert opinion from the executive and military.
3. Any citizen or organization receiving funds from congress should employ those funds as indicated in the budget or funding request approved by congress.
III. Executive Principles:
1. The country president is the head of state, chief diplomat and commander in chief of the eUSA. The country president may delegate power to congress or appoint advisers and aides to assist, as possible within eRepublik admin law.
2. The country president designs a cabinet, which administers all national programs which do not fall under the military. Any national programs created and administered by congress shall eventually transfer to the executive. In some cases, exceptions may be made, when the programs are essential to the performance of congressional duties.
3. While the country president has the inherent power to initiate battles, the country president should consult with the military on matters of military strategy.
4. The country president may make proposals to congress which fall under his responsibilities as head of state, chief diplomat, commander-in-chief, and eUSA country president.
IV. Military Principles:
1. The eUSA armed forces shall organize and operate themselves as they see fit.
2. The joint chiefs of staff are responsible for matters of military strategy, and should consult the country president.
(To spread the word, shout this article: http://tinyurl.com/yb4xoy4. Thanks to ralphwiggummm for asking me about this & for providing the TinyURL.)
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Here's the link to the existing Constitution:
<a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcd6cv9v_25pg2jr8dd" target="_blank">http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dcd6cv9v_2[..]jr8dd</a>
It's as pointless as the old one.
You don't hold a constitutional convention just for fun. What problems were there with the old one which justify the change?
not a fan personally.
boo. lol. so what are they doing in congress, wasting there time?
Hey guys: I don't have much readership.
If you think this is worth viewing -- while the vote is open in Congress -- please shout it.
IMO, a Constitution should be neither secret nor rushed.
"boo. lol. so what are they doing in congress, wasting there time?"
Wasting their time SECRETLY
This should be rejected because it was done in secret. What are the reason for change? Each numbered article should be debated and voted on by the citizens! This is just another example of how individual citizens are left out. Not much fun when an unknown group of people make decisions for you.
I disagree with this.
What do I think?
I think there is nothing preventing anyone from calling a public unlimited constitutional convention moving forward, however, as an elected Congressman and "delegate" with the interests of all US citizens in mind, I support this revision and the intent behind it.
Respectfully,
rainy sunday
Connecticut
"a Constitution should be neither secret nor rushed"
Fine, but only when a constitution has a point and it actually affects the country - which it doesn't.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch#v=74cFP9jTx4I" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch#v=74cFP9jTx[..]jTx4I</a>
I think it should be discussed with all members of congress before it is considered, "a final draft" I personally don't think it balances powers enough. And I don't see anything stating the rights of the people, it looks more like a declaration of the powers of the government.
We've been drafting ineffectual constitutions for as long as I can remember in 13 terms of Congress. This one is no different.
The draft has passed 41-4. This is your new eConstitution.
Thank you for your comments.
This draft passing shows that Congress is just a rubber stamp controlled by some long time players.