brookshes

you can respect the office while not respecting the person. I think it's disturbing to have a President with such a cult following (that doesn't go for everyone).

hello and welcome.

If that was directed at me, "Amendments to the Constitution of the United States of America" - yes. This includes the Bill of Rights, our first 10 amendments.. the most important part of the Constitution. Are all amendments Constitutional? - no. Which ones do I believe to be unconstitutional? the 13th amendment (abolished slavery) was not needed, as slavery should have never happened in the first place.. 9th amendment -"The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." Although the Constitution doesn't proclaim this notion, our founding fathers, in the Declaration of Independence made it known that our country was being founded on the notion of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".. 'rights' given to us by our Creator, that even the government could not take away.. the 9th amendment, I believe covers that notion. This made slavery illegal before the 13th amendment. Slavery was wrong before it was written in the Constitution. Not unconstitutional, just not needed. the 16th amendment - was never ratified by the majority of Congress needed - invalid. the 27th amendment.. I could go on with the list. All amendments aside from the "Bill of Rights" should have been left to the state governments. The constitution was written to protect the people and the states Rights, *it* gave regulation to the Federal government, not privilage.

I don't care too much for Obama. I didn't care for Bush or Clinton either. Any politician that has worked to expand the Federal government is wrong, and out of their Constitutional authority. We have seen a MASSIVE increase in the Fed since Obama took oath, and for the past 100 years, the erosion of states authority (and I say authority, because there is no such thing as state or federal government having rights.. rights are for the people, and the government has no authority over those rights.. they can pass as many laws as they wish.) Government is only given privilage, and that is given through the Republic, by the people. All politicians lie, even the ones that I have some respect for.. they wouldn't be politicians (elected ones anyway) if they didn't lie. Is something bad going to happen? Yes, it's all down hill from here.. just my opinion though. Is that something to be depressed about? No. This life is but a short journey, and a small part in a much larger plan than we can even come close to understanding. Personally, I feel that there are people on this Earth today that will see the Second Coming of the Lord first hand. I think, personaly, it is exciting to see the signs that are being fulfilled. Are we to fear? If we have nothing to fear after this life, then we have nothing to fear. We were placed in this time period for a reason, and we should all realize that. The Lord would not place us in situations that we could not handle with his help.

IMO, the Constitution IS the checks and balances you speak of.. at the top of all three brances of federal government is state governments, atop that, the people.. now for the rest: 1) Federally funded public education - No. 2) Federal Reserve System - no, the closest thing is the 16th amendment, which establishes the power for the federal government to tax income.. it was never ratified, BUT.. in short answer, no. (INCOME TAX IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL) 3) Balance of Power (Checks and Balances) - see my original statement ^up top^. 4) Citizen detention without trial - No. 5) Slavery - the abolition of slavery is the 13th amendment. 6) Paper currency - no, Congress is given the right to "COIN" money, and regulate the value thereof. Teacher, did I pass? :)

trust me, if it is the one, you will know from that moment on, with no doubt. people say there's no such thing as love at first sight, only because they have never experienced it. I'm not just talking about looks either.. you will know what I mean when you find her. general answer: the person you can be yourself with, as if they arn't there.. if you can understand the meaning there.

I would say that it's fine, but that's coming from a member that smokes too. I would wait for further input

the market will correct itself, how fast depends on how much government steps in. the more the goverment steps in, the longer these problems last. our market is not set up for government regulations, and any government involvement will only slow the recovery process.

thank you all for the warm welcome. sorry it took me so long, work keeps me pretty busy.

I just wanted to post and say hello to everyone. I am a member who is trying to regain activity in the church. I have put myself through a lot growing up (I'm now 24) that has lead me down the road of inactivity. However, I never lost my testimony that the church is the True Church. I won't go too much into all of that for now. Instead.. Hello, my name is Brooks. I was born into the church, and most of my family is very active holding temple recommends. I was born and lived most of my life in SE Georgia, afterwhich I moved to NOVA (northern VA) to the DC area. I now reside in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. I teach English at a private school here. I am married (my wife is Catholic, but respects the church). We were married October 6, 2005 in Arlington, VA. No kids as of yet. But we have a cute 4 month old Border Collie named Lady I enjoy reading history and political science (any non-fiction really). I enjoy Electronic, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classic and Classical music. I look forward to good conversation with all of you.