2007-08-04 15:57:41 · 18 answers · asked by ? 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Other - Politics & Government
It is currently a constitutional requirement. I am inclined to think that it is time that this requirement was changed.
This country was built by immigrants. just about all of us are descended from people who were not born here. I see no compelling reason why someone who comes to this country and loves it enough to want to contribute by participating in the elective process at any level should be denied just because they weren't born here.
This does not mean that they will be elected. If people who choose to vote think that being born outside the country would disqualify someone from office, they can vote for someone else. So what is the risk?
If you look around at who is in office, can anyone honestly say that we are now getting enough of the best qualified candidates running for office?
2007-08-04 16:11:05 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
No.
A foreign born citizen can be directly involved in the federal government at many levels - but the president should necessarily be a life long, natural born citizen.
It is just plain naive and risky to assume that the president's natural homeland would not have an inordinate influence on his foreign policies.
2007-08-04 23:21:10 · answer #2 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that if they have been a US citizen for a set amount of time (the amount of time being debatable) then I see no reason why not. It is the electorate that will ultimately decide whether said person will take office.
In the case of Arnold (which judging by your picture and display name this question is regarding), I wouldn't have a problem with it. I have a bigger problem with the celebrity personality than the fact that he isn't American born... Don't want a President elected because voters thought he kicked *** in Terminator... I see no reason why they cannot do the job just as well as an American born... perhaps even provide a more worldy view on matters?
2007-08-04 23:12:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
No. Why should they? Our country is where everyone wants to be right? Because of our Freedoms. Immigrants have been coming here for centuries to flee their unbearable living conditions (whether its from a dictator, or lack of government whatever the cause may be) Why would an iindividual who has the power, the determination and the intelect want to govern a country other than his own? I would think that If I had the personality and experience and wisdom to become president (although--really I can't say that because obviously Bush has been lacking in all of those qualities for some time now and he managed to become prez) But, you know what I'm saying....someone who is qualified to run a country should want to help their own people turn their country around. If I was from some thrid world country and thought I had what it takes to be a president...I would try my damndest to clean up my own first. But thats just me.
2007-08-04 23:12:23 · answer #4 · answered by armywife 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes, but depending on the Country you are from. If from a Westernized Country with the same values, freedoms and rights then absolutely. But I would say no to Nationals of Communist Countries, Countries known for human rights violations, Muslim Countries and Countries where women are not seen as equals or where racism or racial supremacy exists on a large scale.
2007-08-04 23:14:47 · answer #5 · answered by MAK 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If they are US citizens, I think the voters should at least be able to vote for them, they can not become president unless a majority of voters wants to elect them.
I can't think of any good reason to limit who the voters can elect.
2007-08-04 23:31:19 · answer #6 · answered by Nick F 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes , they put that law in place to keep the very intellegent Alexander Hamilton from becoming president.
2007-08-04 23:01:02 · answer #7 · answered by stargazer 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course!
Its really a restriction on who you, the voter, can chose from, the same with term limits
Is the good judgment of the American people not good enough?
Is there fear Osama bin Laden will run and win??
Is Arnold (one example) not a good American?
You can vote for who you like, but it must be from this list?? True democracy??
Without term limits, you would not be in Iraq!!
2007-08-04 23:16:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
no, unless they're a movie star, specifically star of the terminator trilogy and such movie classics as junior
and of course NO country on earth has the freedoms americans enjoy....lol
2007-08-05 00:38:08 · answer #9 · answered by zzz311 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Foreign Born? Is that a disease?
2007-08-04 23:06:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋