Bills to Fix America's 'Deficit of Decency'

Human Events Online ^ | February 18, 2004 | Chris Field

[hinterlander]

The other day, Sen. Zell Miller, the Right's favorite Democrat, gave a compelling speech in which he lamented the "deficit of decency" in America and pondered ways by which we might regain our moral bearings.

During the speech he noted the many attacks on morality by the "Culture of Far Left America" and an out-of-control federal judiciary, remarking that it's happening in a number of areas "whether it is removing a display of the Ten Commandments from a Courthouse or the Nativity Scene from a city square" or "eliminating prayer in schools or eliminating 'under God' in the Pledge of Allegiance" or "making a mockery of the sacred institution of marriage between a man and woman or, yes, telecasting around the world made-in-the-USA filth masquerading as entertainment."

Miller emphasized the need for elected officials to do something to address it pointedly saying:

The desire and will of this Congress to meaningfully do anything about any of these so-called social issues is non existent and embarrassingly disgraceful. The American people are waiting and growing impatient with us. They want something done.

So what is Miller doing in his last year as a Senator? One tack he has taken is to sponsor legislation to put the U.S. back on the right track. Here are three important bills he mentioned and to which conservatives ought to give their attention.

Federal Marriage Constitutional Amendment

The amendment (S.J.Res. 26), one which many conservatives believe does not go far enough because it does not prohibit civil unions, would add the following to the Constitution:

Marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. Neither this Constitution, not the Constitution of any State, not State or Federal law, shall be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents there of be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.

The Religious Liberties Restoration Act

This bill (S. 1558) will reserve to the States (a) the power to display the Ten Commandments on or within State property; (b) the power to recite the Pledge of Allegiance on or within State property (noting that the official Pledge will remain as it currently reads, including those two words that have been such anathema to the Left -- "under God"); and (c) the power to recite the national motto -- "In God we trust" -- on or within State property.

Most importantly, this bill will keep these powers out of the jurisdiction of Federal courts other than the Supreme Court.

The Constitution Restoration Act

This third bill Miller mentioned (S. 2082) will, according to the legislation's official title, "limit the jurisdiction of Federal courts in certain cases and promote federalism." The bill has three major parts designed to accomplish this.

1. Jurisdiction: Federal courts, including the Supreme Court, will not have jurisdiction to review any case in which a plaintiff is seeking relief against the government -- Federal, State, or local -- or a government officer for the "acknowledgement of God as the sovereign source of law, liberty, or government."

2. Interpretation: "In interpreting and applying the Constitution of the United States, a court of the United States may not rely upon any constitution, law, administrative rule, Executive order, directive, policy, judicial decision, or any other action of any foreign state or international organization or agency, other than English constitutional and common law."

3. Enforcement: First, the bill will make any Federal court decision, which, by the enactment of this legislation, would be considered outside that court's jurisdiction, non-binding precedent for any State court.

Second, the bill provides for the impeachment, conviction, and removal of any Supreme Court justice or Federal court judge who engages in activity exceeding that court's jurisdiction, as outlined by this bill.

It's refreshing to know that at least a few senators are out there, including a Democrat, looking out for our nation's morality and religious liberties as seen by the Founding Fathers in their original intent when creating our Constitution.

To you liberals out there, call me what you want -- prude, right-winger, conservative, morality cop, religious kook, whatever -- but I will always prefer the vision of America as seen by those men who founded the nation to yours. Always.

[Prolifeconservative]

WHEW, thank God the Democrats aren't smart enough to put Zell Miller on the Presidential ticket.

[rebel25]

ooh if it only it comes to pass, pray for our nation, one thought i've had is Zell as a member of team Bush this year, offically

[FormerLib]

If they were, they probably wouldn't be a problem anymore!

[StonyBurk]

I hope these Bills are passed into law--but I am convinced
that the Party of division,deception, and immorality will
oppose them every step of the way. AM also convinced that
depsite the best efforts of modern politicians to convince us otherwise-- government is not our salvation--nor can it
save us from our lust and depravity--it can however--and too often does hasten in the demise of a civilization.

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP - Reverse the Secularization of America movement

[Leatherneck_MT]

Wish they were. He'd win hands down and we would have a good man in the White house. (Not saying GW ain't a good man, but I'd vote for Zell.)

[monkeywrench]

#2 of the Constitution restoration act! The courts couldn't use international law, or treaties for their findings.

[King Black Robe]

Go Zell!!!!!!

[Prolifeconservative]

I guess I should clarify my earlier statement. If the Democrats were smart they'd put ole Zell on the ticket as the VEEP, it would make the ticket appear as moderate and possibly lead to a winning formula in November. Then the President (whoever it is) can turn around and govern as the flaming liberal they are, with Zell relegated to the do-nothing position as Veep.

However, I think Zell is too smart to be sucker-punched by his own party.

[Leatherneck_MT]

ACK

Ok now that's a nightmare.