Lies, etc. from Crusaders Against Babies

by David Safier

Have you wondered, as I have, how those 19th century legislators could be so stupid? I mean, when they supported the 14th amendment, how could they completely ignore the fact that it would apply, not only to ex-slaves and their children, but to babies born to other folks in the country who aren't citizens?

The answer to your wondering — if, indeed, you were wondering — is, no, they couldn't be that stupid. The issue was front and center in the congressional debates over the 14th amendment.

Here's a statement by Senator Edgar Cowan of Pennsylvania, who was against enacting the 14th amendment:

Therefore I think, before we assert broadly that everybody who shall be born in the United States shall be taken to be a citizen of the United States, we ought to exclude others besides Indians not taxed, because I look upon Indians not taxed as being much less dangerous and much less pestiferous to society than I look upon Gypsies. I do not know how my honorable friend from California looks upon Chinese, but I do know how some of his fellow-citizens regard them. I have no doubt that now they are useful, and I have no doubt that within proper restraints, allowing that State and the other Pacific States to manage them as they may see fit, they may be useful; but I would not tie their hands by the Constitution of the United States so as to prevent them hereafter from dealing with them as in their wisdom they see fit.

And that was one of the less racist things he had to say.

Here is a reply from Senator John Conness of California:

The proposition before us, I will say, Mr. President, relates simply in that respect to the children begotten of Chinese parents in California, and it is proposed to declare that they shall be citizens. We have declared that by law; now it is proposed to incorporate the same provision in the fundamental instrument of the nation. I am in favor of doing so. I voted for the proposition to declare that the children of all parentage whatever, born in California, should be regarded and treated as citizens of the United States, entitled to equal civil rights with other citizens of the United States.

[snip]

We are entirely ready to accept the provision proposed in this constitutional amendment, that the children born here of Mongolian parents shall be declared by the Constitution of the United Sates to be entitled to civil rights and to equal protection before the law with others.

Add the Republican lie, "They never meant the 14th amendment to apply to anyone but ex-slaves," to the beheadings and the Phoenix kidnappings and the rise in crime and all the other things these craven liars say, then repeat over and over even when the facts are presented to them.

Come on, MSM, do your job. Report on the lies!

NEWS FLASH: THE STAR REPORTED ON ONE OF THE LIES! ON THE FRONT PAGE! Today's lead story in the Star says the Obama administration is doing much more to crack down on illegal immigration than the Bush administration. I'm proud of Tucson's only daily for reporting the story, and giving it top billing. (Gosh, it feels nice to type the words, "I'm proud of Tucson's only daily . . .")