Violation of the Constitution that no one talks about

[malkusm]

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution delegates the power for Congress to exclusively legislate over the capital of the United States. Of course, the capital is Washington D.C. ... However, let's look at that clause in the Constitution:


To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings

This clause has never been amended or stricken from the Constitution.

According to Wikipedia (which cites the U.S. Census), Washington D.C. is currently:


Area
- Federal district 68.3 sq mi (177.0 km)
- Land 61.4 sq mi (159.0 km)
- Water 6.9 sq mi (18.0 km)

Question: If Ron Paul becomes President, could he pay off a portion of the federal debt by following the Constitution and selling off 58.3 square miles to the states of Maryland and Virginia?

[Oukvekpwv]

+rep :D

[Theocrat]

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution delegates the power for Congress to exclusively legislate over the capital of the United States. Of course, the capital is Washington D.C. ... However, let's look at that clause in the Constitution:



This clause has never been amended or stricken from the Constitution.

According to Wikipedia (which cites the U.S. Census), Washington D.C. is currently:



Question: If Ron Paul becomes President, could he pay off a portion of the federal debt by following the Constitution and selling off 58.3 square miles to the states of Maryland and Virginia?

As great of an idea as that is, I don't think it will happen. Our Congress doesn't even follow Article I, Section 8 by declaring wars anymore.

[malkusm]

As great of an idea as that is, I don't think it will happen. Our Congress doesn't even follow Article I, Section 8 by declaring wars anymore.

Agreed, but we might as well be consistent in opposing all violations of the Constitutions (even the antiquated ones). And, like I said -- if Ron Paul were President, couldn't he pitch it as a partial solution to the debt crisis?

[dannno]

That would be awesome.

[Theocrat]

Agreed, but we might as well be consistent in opposing all violations of the Constitutions (even the antiquated ones). And, like I said -- if Ron Paul were President, couldn't he pitch it as a partial solution to the debt crisis?

I guess he could.

[mrsat_98]

Now lets take a good long look at 4 USC 105-110.

http://www.civil-liberties.com/pages/buck.html

TITLE 4 > CHAPTER 4 > § 110
Prev | Next
§ 110. Same; definitions
How Current is This?
As used in sections 105–109 of this title—
(a) The term “person” shall have the meaning assigned to it in section 3797 of title 26.

Section 3797 is now Section 7701 Its takes a little digging to find it.

(b) The term “sales or use tax” means any tax levied on, with respect to, or measured by, sales, receipts from sales, purchases, storage, or use of tangible personal property, except a tax with respect to which the provisions of section 104 of this title are applicable.

This is the sales tax that is getting stolen from you at the store.



(c) The term “income tax” means any tax levied on, with respect to, or measured by, net income, gross income, or gross receipts.

This is the income tax the people think they are required to pay.

(d) The term “State” includes any Territory or possession of the United States.

They redefined a word used in the Constitution. Eisner vs McComber.



(e) The term “Federal area” means any lands or premises held or acquired by or for the use of the United States or any department, establishment, or agency, of the United States; and any Federal area, or any part thereof, which is located within the exterior boundaries of any State, shall be deemed to be a Federal area located within such State

Now go to google books and google "buck Act" in the books you can view for free and see the lawyers explain what happened.

[malkusm]

I'm not sure that the definition of Federal area is so applicable here though, since the Constitutional clause I referenced is restricted to the "District as may ... become the Seat of the Government of the United States."

However, that is shocking that they redefined "State" in the code...

[Kodaddy]

Ten miles square is 100 square miles, so they're 30 square miles shy of the limit.

[Austin]

Ten miles square is 100 square miles, so they're 30 square miles shy of the limit.

Good first post. :o

[libertybrewcity]

It probably won't be first on the list. I think he would need approval from Congress first.

[AFPVet]

This is interesting... I have never considered this.

[Austin]

Guys... guys... wait.. guys:


Ten miles square is 100 square miles, so they're 30 square miles shy of the limit.

[brushfire]

Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution delegates the power for Congress to exclusively legislate over the capital of the United States. Of course, the capital is Washington D.C. ... However, let's look at that clause in the Constitution:
...
Question: If Ron Paul becomes President, could he pay off a portion of the federal debt by following the Constitution and selling off 58.3 square miles to the states of Maryland and Virginia?

Its actually what is referenced in my signature, using obama's remarks about the 1967 Israeli boarders. Just goes to show that there were people who did not read the constitution 200+ years ago.

[Legend1104]

Ten miles square is 100 square miles, so they're 30 square miles shy of the limit.

Problem solved

[tekkierich]

I think it was 10 miles square (diamond) when originally conceived. Virginia got her land back around the civil war and it never reverted to the District. Secondly, Maryland wouldn't want those other 40sq miles away from the core of the city any how. You would need to pay Maryland to take it.

[Napoleon's Shadow]

Seriously, since when was the Constitution ever adhered to? Even with our first few Presidents, Jefferson included sadly.

[sirgonzo420]

The boundaries of the UNITED STATES are written in stone....

http://www.boundarystones.org/

http://dcist.com/attachments/Ben%20Schuman%20Stoler/2007_1031_BoundaryStones.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruRx9CNTIEI/TeWaUtzJHCI/AAAAAAAAMX4/OeFXiQIMSY8/s1600/Location-Boundary-Stones-Original-Federal-Territory.JPG

[Travlyr]

Seriously, since when was the Constitution ever adhered to? Even with our first few Presidents, Jefferson included sadly.

True dat; however, the powers in charge have always, up until just a few short years ago, had the advantage of secret actions first and face the consequences later. That shit went out the window with the Internet. Their gig is up. If they continue their reign of terror, they will pay dearly.

[Revolution9]

The boundaries of the UNITED STATES are written in stone....

http://www.boundarystones.org/

http://dcist.com/attachments/Ben%20Schuman%20Stoler/2007_1031_BoundaryStones.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruRx9CNTIEI/TeWaUtzJHCI/AAAAAAAAMX4/OeFXiQIMSY8/s1600/Location-Boundary-Stones-Original-Federal-Territory.JPG

So..is the ten miles square ten miles along the edge of the quad poly or from corner to corner of said quad?

Rev9

[oyarde]

Who would want any of that property for the price it would go for ??

[Seth]

On July 16, 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act, which approved the creation of a new national capital to be located on the Potomac River, the exact area to be selected by President Washington. The initial shape of the federal district was a square measuring 10 miles (16 km) on each side, totaling [b]100 square miles (260 km2), formed from land donated by the states of Maryland and Virginia.

The District has a total area of 68.3 square miles (177 km2), of which 61.4 square miles (159 km2) is land and 6.9 square miles (18 km2) (10.16%) is water.[36] The District is no longer 100 square miles (260 km2) due to the retrocession of the southern portion of the District back to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1846.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington,_D.C.

[oyarde]

The boundaries of the UNITED STATES are written in stone....

http://www.boundarystones.org/

http://dcist.com/attachments/Ben%20Schuman%20Stoler/2007_1031_BoundaryStones.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ruRx9CNTIEI/TeWaUtzJHCI/AAAAAAAAMX4/OeFXiQIMSY8/s1600/Location-Boundary-Stones-Original-Federal-Territory.JPG
I may be interested in purchasing one of those markers ,look pretty good in the yard :)

[Rothbardian Girl]

Seriously, since when was the Constitution ever adhered to? Even with our first few Presidents, Jefferson included sadly.

Thank you for the point about Jefferson... I see too much Jefferson love here sometimes (I respect what he did BEFORE his presidency, sure, but I see too many people citing him as an example of a libertarian or constitutionalist president).