U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, a Dunn Republican, spoke on the House floor Thursday on her second day on the job. She was among dozens of House members from both parties who took turns reading part of the U.S. Constitution aloud Thursday morning on the House floor.
Her time lasted just 30 seconds. Her remarks, in their entirety:
“…or as an executive or judicial officer of any state, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.”
So what was she reading? Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which established citizenship rights for former slaves and detailed rules of representation following the Civil War. Section 3 prohibited lawmakers from serving in Congress or their state governments if they had been part of the insurrection, unless they received a waiver from Congress.
Also joining the reading of the Constitution on the House floor Thursday were Democratic Reps. Mel Watt of Charlotte and David Price of Chapel Hill.
Watt, formerly a lawyer in a civil rights firm, read from the 14th Amendment:
“…nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law, now deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
There was a smattering of applause as he left the podium.
Price, formerly a political scientist, read a few moments earlier, from the 12th Amendment. That amendment set up electors to vote for the president.
Comments
Abridged Constitution
January 7, 2011 - 8:21am — dubiousActually, they didn't read the Constitution. They read an abridged version of it. It seems the new Republican majority - who wrapped themselves in the Constitution in the last election - did not want to recognize the parts that might shed light on the (gasp!) dirty little compromises that were necessary for the support of the southern states, such as Article 1, Section 2, Paragraph 3 that counted black slaves as three fifths of a person. They also didn't want to highlight how the Constitution can be an instrument of sheer stupidity, so the Eighteenth Amendment was SKIPPED in its entirety.The Republicans could have used the occasion as a solemn lesson of history. Instead, they turned it into cheap, cynical political theater.
What was the point of the
January 7, 2011 - 8:10am — SweetsieWhat was the point of the headline. Barbara Barrett is a liberal idiot.
How long was Bobby Ray's
January 7, 2011 - 7:19am — wayunderthedomeHow long was Bobby Ray's moment of fame? The famous "Who are you?" video was about 30 seconds or so, wasn't it?
Give us an update......did the 'old Ford pickup' make it back from D.C.? What mileage did it get on the trip home?
Have they finished counting the votes yet?
Ellmers
January 7, 2011 - 4:16am — Prn13NormTypical slanted pro Liberal headline. Mass media is an American disgrace!
Typical jack*** N&O headline
January 6, 2011 - 11:26pm — AgentPierceThis stoopid headline is just another jack*** cheapshot by The N&O ..... why not Mel Watts' 30-second of Fame .... or David Price Says Nothing ......