Do They Have the Guts?

DO THEY HAVE THE GUTS?

By Maj. Gen. Jerry R. Curry (ret'd)
CurryforAmerica.com

In the history of all mankind there has never been a nation like the United States of America. It adopted the world’s first written constitution and established a government based on the self-evident truths revealed in the Declaration of Independence and implemented by the Constitution. It laid out the broad principles of freedom and liberty by which all nations and peoples could hope to be governed.

But now America’s “shining city on a hill” is operating under a cloud that casts doubt on our President’s honesty, integrity and legitimacy. This is not just about the failure to show a long form birth certificate, passport or school records, but about so much more.

Neither political party, the administration, nor our present congressional leadership -- including the Attorney General, the White House Staff, and the leaders of the House, Senate and Supreme Court of the United States – have the right to play political games with the future of this great nation and its citizens. This is not about playing “gotcha” or about which political party is the cleverer. This is about governing America in accordance with its Constitution.

It wasn’t a game when our Founders signed the Declaration of Independence pledging their willingness to sacrifice their lives and the lives and fortunes of their families on the sacred altar of freedom. Now is the time for members of the House, Senate and Supreme Court to lay aside their petty parlor tricks and games and get as serious as our Founders were. With focus and determination Patrick Henry shouted, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Where are our Patrick Henrys today and why aren’t they shouting?

President Obama earned our admiration by running a very successful presidential campaign and he is obviously enjoying the perks and privileges of that victory. One such perk is the American tax payers paying for 30 rooms so his wife and daughters can vacation in a five star hotel in Spain when Camp David is available. But let us not overly begrudge the Obamas the spoils of victory.

Still it is time for him to man up and say, “Look folks, I’m a native born American citizen who meets all the prescribed constitutional requirements to be president. I’m not going to play legal games with the office and I refuse to accept it under those conditions. So tell me what it takes to prove to the nation and the American people that I meet the constitutional requirements to be president and I will lay my bona fides on the table for all to see and examine.”

Since there is no chance that will happen, it’s time the members of the House, Senate and Supreme Court served notice on the President and his Administration by pointing out that he cannot successfully and honorably be President and run the nation while under a constant cloud of suspicion. He needs to set aside all personal and political interests and do what is constitutionally best and right for the American people.

On the other hand the House, Senate and Supreme Court need to tell the President that although we love and respect him, we have to tell him that there is a cloud of suspicion over the legitimacy of his presidency that needs to be cleared up -- fast. That lack of legitimacy is the hidden elephant in his tent. It’s time for Obama to demonstrate to the nation that he is either a man of honor, truth and integrity worthy of performing the office of President or he is not.

It is not that we doubt him or think he and his administration are bad people. But if he is truly constitutionally qualified to be president, it shouldn’t be hidden or too difficult to prove. The facts should be laid out in the open where all of our citizens can examine them and see the truth for themselves. In short, it is time to fish or cut bait; to say, “Mr. President either you clear the doubts away, or resign from office now, or the Congress will impeach you.”

Of course all this presupposes that our political leaders in Washington have the guts it takes to look the President directly and firmly in the eye and deal with him on an adult level. So far there is no indication that such honest and forceful leadership exists anywhere in Washington.