Naemanson,
We need to agree on definitions. I think I have a rather different view of conservatives than you
Well we might. I had said "American Conservatives" (see post numbered "14-Apr-01 - 08:47 AM", this thread)
In America, there are several kinds of conservatives as I mentioned in an earlier post.
I'm a libertarian flavored Republican.
"I believe conservatives are more focused on the status quo, not rocking the boat, a strict and restrictive interpretation of the rule of law."
Well, the status quo at the moment is borderline socialism with the government attempting to become the health care industry, power producing industry, retirement security industry, education industry (mission accomplished)etc.
I don't think we want to "conserve" that but rather the Constitution as written.(strict reading)
Reagan, or maybe it was Bush Sr., authorized the Iran-Contra trade in order to side step the constitutional checks placed on the Presidency
The Boland (sp?) amendment, I believe, was the piece of legislation in question.
I'm not sure of the status of the "amendment" or if it was ever ratified by the states.(I didn't find it)
The congress had seemed to forget that the Constitution gave the power to conduct foreign affairs to the president.
I know that the Constitution grants certain rights to each person in the United States. That is the way it is worded. There are no words in the Constitution about those freedoms belonging to citizens
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquillity, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America
Here "the people" establish the Constitution and authorize the limits on government. The Declaration of Independence further states "certain inalienable rights" which implies they are universal, given by God (or nature).
No insomnia here.
Nitey nite.
mav out
sj