Bachmann: Health Care Reform Is Unconstitutional
Bachmann: Health Care Reform Is Unconstitutional
Speaking on Fox News last night, right-wing Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN) claimed that health care reform is unconstitutional:
It is not within our power as members of Congress, it’s not within the enumerated powers of the Constitution, for us to design and create a national takeover of health care. Nor is it within our ability to be able to delegate that responsibility to the executive.
Watch it:
Bachmann, however, is wrong about both the contents of the health care plan and the requirements of the Constitution. There is nothing in any of the health care bills under consideration which resembles a “national takeover of health care.” Conservatives like to use this language when referring to the public health option. Like other insurers, the public option would collect premiums from people who choose to buy into it, and then spend those premiums to insure these participants.
Had Bachmann bothered to read Article I of the Constitution before going on Fox, she would have learned that Congress has the power to “lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises” and to “provide for….the general welfare of the United States.” Rather than itemizing specific subject matters, such as health care, which Congress is allowed to spend money on, the framers chose instead to give Congress a broad mandate to spend money in ways that promote the “general welfare.”
It’s unclear what the basis is for Bachmann’s claim that the public option is an unconstitutional delegation of power to the Executive. There is a 74 year-old decision — decided by the same right-wing Supreme Court which believed most of the New Deal to be unconstitutional — which holds that Congress could not simply grant President Roosevelt nearly limitless authority to do whatever he wanted in order to prevent “unfair competition.” But no one has proposed giving President Obama similarly unchecked authority over health care. Rather, pages 116-128 of the House bill that Bachmann will vote on provide extremely detailed instructions explaining how the Executive Branch must manage a public health plan.
It’s important to note just how radical Bachmann’s theory of the Constitution is. If Congress does not have the power to create a modest public option which competes with private health plans in the marketplace, then it certainly does not have the authority to create Medicare. Similarly, Congress’ power to spend money to benefit the general welfare is the basis for Social Security, federal education funding, Medicaid, and veterans benefits such as the VA health system and the GI Bill. All of these programs would cease to exist in Michele Bachmann’s America.
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
Shorter Michele Bachmann (R-MN) – I don’t know if I’m crazy or stupid or both.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:17 pmit ought to be unconstitutional to send that kind of batshit crazy to congress.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:17 pmBATSHIT BACHMANN: Nor is it within our ability to be able to delegate that responsibility to the executive.
If we’re delegating anything to the executive, it better be George W. Bush! That man makes me all twitchy and tingly…
August 19th, 2009 at 3:18 pmI’m voting for both – Crazy Shelly is stupid, too.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:19 pmBachmann: Health Care Reform Is Unconstitutional
– - Stay tuned for the next exciting episode of, Michele Bachmann, Constitutional Scholar!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:19 pmLike Obama’s birth certificate…what Bachmann says might actually be right…
But I couldn’t care less. There’s nothing they can do to stop this. Obama is the President, and reform is coming, baby.
Watch them cry. It warms the cockles of my heart. Then watch their Party self-destruct as the reform finds satisfaction with an overwhelming majority of Americans. Mission Accomplished!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:19 pmIt’s also not in the “Enumerated Powers of the Constitution” to investigate members of Congress for “Anti-American beliefs”
I wonder if she appreciates the irony.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:20 pmOr, more than likely…she’s just absolutely insane.
I wonder if Bachmann also thinks our police and fire departments are unconstitutional.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:21 pmWhere are the people of her district? She’s not representing them! She’s off having crazy delusions! When are they going to ask for her “recall” or whatever?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:21 pmMichelle forgot to mention that FREED SLAVES are un Constitutional too.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pmBased on current precedent there is little doubt that the contemplated House bill falls within congressional power under the commerce clause and the “necessary and proper” clause, both at Art. 1, Sec. 8. Bigger question is will nutgirl admit that under her analysis Medicare is unconstitutional and must be scrapped?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pmThe easiest power to justify the health care reform is the Commerce clause since that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. Insurance is within the purview of commerce and the companies have business operations in all states which makes it interstate commerce. The Commerce clause is broadly interpreted by the SCOTUS.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
Michelle Bachmann’s Crazy is unconstitutional.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pmAll the Repulsicans love the Tenth Amendment, which is usually what they are referring to when they call something unconstitutional (except for, of course, gun control). It says, The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” I’m not a constitutional scholar, but I am not aware of any otherwise valid laws being struck down by the Supreme Court on the basis of that Amendment. (I don’t recall Schecter Poultry being a 10th amendment case, but rather one of improper delegation.) So fear not — a 10th amendment challenge is unlikely to stand (although with someone like Roberts, you never know).
August 19th, 2009 at 3:23 pmYou know what else isn’t covered by the Constitution Michelle? Women voting…much less holding an elected office. STFU you batshit crazy regressive windbag!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:23 pmdear batshit shelly:
August 19th, 2009 at 3:24 pmhave you given up the socialized medicine plan given to you as a member of congress? if not, shut it.
Michelle Bachmann – Super Genius.
I can’t help it, I always think of Wile E. Coyote when I see (and read) that mug.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:24 pmWho’s running against Batsh!t Bachmann in the next election?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:24 pmWhat is up with Minnesota anyway? They have elected some of the worst slime Republicans. Bachman needs to be recalled immediately, and probably locked up in a psycho ward.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:25 pmGod this woman is the gift that keeps on giving and making it nearly impossible to think of St. Cloud Minn. without ROFL
August 19th, 2009 at 3:26 pmBatshyt Bachamnn is phucking unconstitutional!!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:26 pm“
SpeakingShrieking on Fox News last night…”First sentence fixed.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:27 pm“Bachmann: Health Care Reform Is Unconstitutional”
Good lord. File Bachmann’s statement under: Dumb like doorknobs. There is nothing more to comment. Why lower myself to comment on the Congressional twit from Planet Wingnuttia.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:27 pm@ 21 it s/b Bachmann apologies for the typo. Every time, I see Bachmann I just go into this rage against her in particular.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:27 pmIt is also not in the constitution to create an Air Force. I think the US Air Force should be deemed unconstitutional and disbanded immediately.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:27 pmaaronk says:
finally, something that makes sense. Why worry about that silly constitution….governing documents don’t mean anything.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
You didn’t understand what you read. Try again.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:28 pmUnconstitutional to have a standing army…
August 19th, 2009 at 3:29 pmpastcaring says:
“Who’s running against Batsh!t Bachmann in the next election?”
if batshiot crazy shelly has her way in derailing the census, the answer will be no one. her district will be absorbed into other districts.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:29 pmBummer. I really liked those national parks. I will be sad to see them go…
August 19th, 2009 at 3:30 pmWhat does this neo-con think about the national take-over of military defense? If she doesn’t trust the government with an insurance plan, why does she trust the government with WMDs and the power to eviscerate her where she sits if they wished.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:31 pmWell there’s her problem right there: She’s an IDIOT!!!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:31 pmaaronk says:
“finally, something that makes sense. Why worry about that silly constitution….governing documents don’t mean anything.”
really? were you so vocal when 43 was warrantlessly wiretapping the entire nation in clear violation of the fourth amendment? of course not, you were one of the tools saying, “i don’t have anything to hide”.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:31 pmWhere are the people of her district? She’s not representing them!
Bimbo Bachmann was elected in a gerrymandered district where 65 percent of all residents watch FoxSnooze exclusively.
She represents her constituents very, very well.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:31 pmAll the sudden after warrentless wiretaps, torture, “enemy combatants” she’s interested in the Constitution?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:32 pm“Health Care Reform Is Unconstitutional”
Thus spake the dining room table.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:32 pmYou guys can’t blame this nut case on Texas…lol
August 19th, 2009 at 3:33 pm“pssst . . . Hey Michelle, did they mention he’s black, too?”
August 19th, 2009 at 3:34 pmLet’s go back to the original intent of the Constitution….and little Ms. Bachmann will be drummed out of Congress, stripped of her right to vote, and relegated to being barefoot, pregnant and cooking & housecleaning for Mr. Bachmann.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:34 pmtexasrick says:
“You guys can’t blame this nut case on Texas…lol”
she’s rick perry in drag.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:34 pmThey are all crazy… We need a reform ASAP!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:34 pmI think I can ride a bucking bronco longer than I could watch that video.
Or at least argue with a dining table.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:35 pmMichelle, who writes bills? Who votes for bills. Not the kind on the duck that bites your butt but the kind that become laws, once the executive signs them?
Can someone please explain to the fruitcake from Mn that Congress (something she is supposedly a part of) writes legislation? And since Medicare has been on the books for 44 years, I’m guessing it has stood up to Constitutional challenges of legality.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:35 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
there is little doubt that the contemplated House bill falls within congressional power under the commerce clause and the “necessary and proper” clause, both at Art. 1, Sec. 8.
What he said.
Frankly, I’d like to see Congress doing a lot more regulating of interstate — not to mention transnational — commerce.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:37 pmDining Room Table (R-MN)
August 19th, 2009 at 3:37 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
I don’t know what they are drinking in Minnesota, but if this woman is re-elected, then they are Brain-Damaged. That’s what happens when you OD on the Repugs brand of Kool-Aid.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:38 pmAccording to her hero bush, the constitution is just a piece of damn paper.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:38 pmBush and cheney sht all over our constitution and she didnt give a sht.
Now that Obama is in office the constitution isnt just a piece of damn paper anymore.
Repugs are lying hypocrits.
I have a serious question.Do you think they actually believe the bullsht that they spew everyday?
This comment has been voted down. Click to read.
This video should be posted on wikipedia under “hypocricy”.
No, wait… “propagandist”.
…..”pathological liar”.
… or “corporate owned political manipulator”?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:39 pmaaronk
August 19th, 2009 at 3:39 pmit has been proven warrantless wiretapping began prior to 9-11
Bachmann: you’re just chock full of nuts.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pmI’m amazed that anyone finds Bachmann’s rants newsworthy. I mean, really, how many ways can one say “crazy”? I guess, crazy is what passes for political discourse in today’s America. Next thing you know, people will believe the government is going to kill grandma and developmentally disabled children just for kicks. Oh, wait…too late! My point is, if crazy people babble incoherently and no one can hear them, do they make any noise?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pmAll these programs(social security, public education, medicare, veteran benefits, etc) would cease to exist in Michele Bachman’s Amerika.
STOP IT!
August 19th, 2009 at 3:40 pmYou’re making her drool!
MB should have just said; “what part of NO don’t you all understand?”
August 19th, 2009 at 3:44 pmJust in case they can’t scare their pawns into objecting to their better interest, she’s practicing “don’t touch that!”
bozo, I don’t support it whenever it started, regardless of which party was responsible. It’s ridiculous.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:44 pmI’ve heard this ‘It’s unconstitutional’ bs before, and it’s no surprise that it comes from people who didn’t mind ‘retro-active immunity’ for those that violated the 4th Amendment. They chose not to defend the Constitution even though there were numerous opportunities during the last admin, but now they think they’re Constitution scholars.
Again I ask, Where have you been? Now the Constitution needs defending? Please read it first.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:45 pmPerfect example of the reason Fox viewers are the most
August 19th, 2009 at 3:48 pmmisinformed about health care reform.
pastcaring says:
Who’s running against Batsh!t Bachmann in the next election?
Teryl Clark, a smart, fair & reasonable woman, formerly in the MN legislature.
Shelly Batshit’s time is running out, & America can’t wait…
August 19th, 2009 at 3:50 pmShhh, don’t give her, or her ilk, any ideas…
August 19th, 2009 at 3:50 pmAll of these programs would cease to exist in Michele Bachmann’s America The problem is, that’d be just fine for neocons like her.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pmBob–it’s not “about the money” either with these “conservatives.” It’s always been about discrediting and foiling ANY effort to undo Bush failures on the part of President Obama. If it was about the money or the Constitution “conservatives” would have impeached Bush and Cheney. This is not about health care–it’s about obstructing Obama.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pm“Government is bad…
August 19th, 2009 at 3:51 pmI like being part of it…
But I’m the good part”
Character is much easier kept than recovered.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:52 pm-=Thomas Paine=-
Looks to me like Michelle has had either some plastic surgery done or she has a lousy dermatologist….her puss is loaded with botox.
I cannot stand listening to her ignorance or Hannity’s either…I lasted for as long as I could……she is ignorant and plain stupid.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:54 pmI just voted you up for your sly Gilmore Girls reference.
Cheers.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:57 pmWow, she is, like Sarah Palin, the leader of the right wing lunatic fringe. Before Chris Matthews really outed her as a lunatic, I used to see her on different news shows not really knowing who she was. She always had that crazy look in her eyes and smile. I used to think, “Who in the hell is this woman!”
August 19th, 2009 at 3:57 pmHannity: Something has changed among the American peopleand I can’t pin point it.
Well Sean you stupid clown, I would guess that the anger we’ve seen has been created by fear mongers like you and Glen Beck along with right wing organizations such as FreedomWorks and Conservatives For Patients Rights
Hannity: Congresswoman I bet you are the second most hated conservative woman in American behind Sarah Palin.
Actually Sean, it’s a tie between you and Sarah Palin for the most hated conservative women in America, by the way it’s funny how you compliment Bachmann on being just as crazy and uninformed as Sarah, I’m sure Michele will wear that like a badge of courage.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:58 pmWould Shelly tell Jesus, in her christian nation, that healing reform care is not constitutional and that he cannot heal people?
August 19th, 2009 at 3:58 pmOh and Sean….I can pin point all of the hatred and craziness rising from the right. It all started on November 4th, 2008, the day after AMERICA elected the first black President in our country’s history.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:00 pmBecause your trying to view it by staring into a camera hoping people believe you can actually ’sense’ change maybe?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:00 pmaaronk, I believe that they’re probably making fun of those right-wingers who proudly call themselves “originalists” — those folks who believe that the “intent of the Founders” is what should guide our policies forevermore.
Problem with that is, “the intent of the Founders” not only decreed that women should not be allowed to vote, but it also calculated the value of a slave at 3/5 of a human being for the purposes of representation.
That’s why we have these things called “amendments” — they change the Constitution to reflect emerging realities as society evolves and the world changes.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:02 pmMinnesota has been saddled with this twit, she is a classic repug in every sense.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:03 pmSomething has changed but I can’t tell you what it is is one of those bullshit expressions that triggers the thoughtful listener that you are utterly full of shit. Hold on my spidey sense is tingling…
August 19th, 2009 at 4:04 pmAnd the founding fathers were wise enough to make sure that it was ammendable for just the reasons Ralph pointed out.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:07 pm47. Newman………..put yourself down for a big cup of STFU.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:07 pmBotox Bachmann can’t move her eyebrows anymore.
Unfortunately, her lips are still able to flap.
Shelly, next time ask the dermatologist to inject some in your lips.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:08 pmIt’s amazing how this bimbo maintains a grip on being in the top five of the world’s TRULY STUPID week, after week….Maybe it’s in the polluted water she drinks….
August 19th, 2009 at 4:08 pmis it so hard to call somebody on thier bs? i’m not talking about everybody, just politicians who have a hand in shaping policy.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:09 pmWhenever I hear someone like Michelle Bachmann invoke the Constitution and (inevitably) go on to cite the Founders and interpret their widely varying philosophies as a monlithic endorsement of contemporary movement conservatism, I am reminded of the quote from the writer Ann Lamott:
“You can safely assume that you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”
It seems that Shelly and her friends are fond of creating “The Founders” in their own image. Surely, they would be against abortion and in favor of citizens owning as many assault weapons as they could get their hands on, too.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:09 pmSame group of kool-aid drinking repugs that love Palin find Crazy Shelly entertaining. I’ve heard repugs remark on how “hot” these repug pols are.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:10 pmAugust 19th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
Pearls AND Swine!
August 19th, 2009 at 4:11 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
Teak Buffet Americon,
Bold, inspired contribution there.
I’m sure no one will dare impugn Bachmann’s sterling character ever again, after tasting the lash of your manly advocacy.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:12 pmTAKE BACK AMERICA:
August 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pmwhat do you think I will say? Still no answer. You ain’t gonna do shit…
87. Conservative guy…..get in line and get yourself a big cup of STFU along with Newman.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pmooh – Consofative guy, too – what a treat.
funny about minnesota – why would you say so many states are like that these days??
August 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pmHi conservative guy.
I wonder why it is you never stick around and converse. You always seem to drop a load on the floor and then split. Why is that?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pmHi conservative guy…
August 19th, 2009 at 4:14 pmGiving political advice. After seeing the political choices you have made, why should we listen to you?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:14 pmOh noes, I gotz a negutive thumber. Im gonna have to swallow ten zanax and roll around the floor sobbing and heaving uncontrollably for the next few hours.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:15 pmconservative guy–too bad “conservative” talking heads like Hannity and Limbaugh sit on the sidelines trying to convince themselves that Democrats are what’s wrong with America while “liberal” talking heads get elected to the US Senate to make a difference. Is there any hope a Beck, Limbaugh, or Hannity can get more that 5-10% of any votes from any state in any election?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:16 pmThis woman must be demented.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:16 pmDear Shelly, please do not take constituional advice from Yoo, Addington, Feith or Gonzo.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:17 pmseems like all but just a very few states are swingin’ to the Blue…
where did i see that map recently, you know, the one that shows 37 solid blue states, a handful of leaners, and then the 6 or 7 members of the CSA that are the only reliably red states left in the Union???
gotta say it’s not lookin’ real good for your “team”, Consofative Guy.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:18 pmPeople who make sh*t up shouldn’t be at the table making policy. And Rep. Bachmann, try reading the Constitution first before flapping your lips:
See that bit there about the general Welfare? There’s your constitutional authority. Right there. Maybe in your fantasy land redacted version of the U.S. Constitution the idea of general Welfare doesn’t exist, but in the real world, in the document that was actually written, we came together for a reason realizing that collective action (gasp!) was not only necessary but also beneficial.
Idiot.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:18 pmTAKE BACK AMERICA says:
she right
August 19th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
______________
you dumb
August 19th, 2009 at 4:20 pmWhen will this idiotic waste of human flesh throw herself under a bus and put us out of her misery? Christ.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:21 pmThe constitution has been null and void for a long time. And Bachmann just now starts caring about the constitution. How about the Iraq War? Totally unconstitutional. Maybe not to the likes of George Bush, Hillary Clinton, and John Kerry, but it plainly is. And same thing goes for the Afghanistan War. Too bad nearly all of congress fell for that one, including Ron Paul.
But Congress has for a long time taken the general welfare clause, the commerce clause, and the necessary and proper clause and seen them together as a blank check. Do whatever the hell you want and make the slobs pay for it.
That’s why the constitution sucks. As Thomas Babington Macaulay said in 1857, “You’re constitution is all sail and no anchor.”
August 19th, 2009 at 4:21 pmconservative guy says:
Conservative Guy admits to being “surprised” to learn of Michelle Bachmann’s political affiliation, despite her being one of the leaders of the GOP.
Who’s “surprised” to learn how ignorant the average Republican is?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:22 pmI don’t know which is more alarming — her obvious lack of knowledge about the constitution, or her obvious lack of awareness that there’s no “national takeover of health care” anywhere on any Congressional table.
It’s bad enough we have this level of ignorance displayed by way too many members of the American public, but this woman sits in the House of Representatives, for heaven’s sake.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pm… Medicare. Similarly, Congress’ power to spend money to benefit the general welfare is the basis for Social Security, federal education funding, Medicaid, and veterans benefits such as the VA health system and the GI Bill. All of these programs would cease to exist in Michele Bachmann’s America.
AND SHE WOULD BE PERFECTLY HAPPY ABOUT THAT!!!
IT’S EVERYTHING THEY HATE!!!
everytime i hear/read about all the programs used as examples of fine american programs, i’m reminded of how much those programs are threatened by the obstructionists…
i wonder how many normal folks know/understand that…
August 19th, 2009 at 4:23 pmOh Republicans! Must we always play the game “Dishonest Or Stupid”?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:24 pmWhat a complete, senseless waste of human life. Bachmann is taking up valuable space and breathing the air that others could use.
What part of “…promote the general welfare” does she not understand.
The constitution is not a completed document, it was designed as a framework to be changed as the needs of the people changed throughout the years. Anyone who doubts that was not paying attention in civics/social studies class.
Bachmann must have been sick that semester.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:24 pmI just have to laugh at this animated GIF
Jabber the Nut
August 19th, 2009 at 4:25 pmIt’s ours, find a border and cross it if you want something else.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:25 pmBreaking news…
Michele Bachmann’s America is unconstitutional.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:28 pmTAKE BACK AMERICA says: she right
him right. she right, way right. so right, no left brain. maybe no brain left. this so easy even a Bushman can know.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:30 pmI don’t generally hold too much stock in “original intent” because those people are dead now. But, James Madison said that taxing and spending under the general welfare clause should be tied to one of the other enumerated powers of Congress, that it was more of the purpose of the powers listed than a power unto itself. Jefferson agreed.
But then people like Hamilton, Washington, and Adams said that you should use the clause to spend on roads and education, etc.
It seems there has been a debate about this clause from the very beginning.
This is a clue as to how “awesome” the constitution is.
As Lysander Spooner put it, “But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain – that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to prevent it. In either case, it is unfit to exist.”
He had a lot of great quotes: “Our constitutions purport to be established by ‘the people,’ and, in theory, ‘all the people’ consent to such government as the constitutions authorize. But this consent of ‘the people’ exists only in theory. It has no existence in fact. Government is in reality established by the few; and these few assume the consent of all the rest, without any such consent being actually given.”
August 19th, 2009 at 4:32 pmAh yes, “Love it or leave it.” The rallying cry for rednecks and inbreeds for over a century.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:36 pmI repeat what I have said before; people who talk about the Constitution know nothing about it. The people who talk about the Constitution are those who have not read it, understand it or care about it.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:37 pmThe constitution gives the people the right to abolish the government when it no longer serves them. That means the few who assume consent wont assume that any more,,
August 19th, 2009 at 4:37 pmTake back America,why are you using a screen name like that?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:41 pmAmerica was taken back, on 11/04/08.
It was like a big dark cloud was hanging over our country for eight very long years under bush/cheney.
With Obama in office the skies are clear and our future is bright.
Alejandro says:
Ah yes, “Love it or leave it.” The rallying cry for rednecks and inbreeds for over a century.
Seeing as how that describes you to a “T”, I say go for it.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:42 pmBefore Ms Bachmann tries to wrap herself in the Constitution, someone should tell her it’s a moldy old piece of parchment that wouldn’t even cover her bare ass.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:43 pmThere’s a job for Bachmann on Fox News with the rest of the idiots. Bachmann’s distract tells alot about them as voters. If they have to send the most stupid uneducated wing nut to represent the voters then either their not voting or need help. What a poor example for young people as if this is the best America has to offer well we’re finished.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:44 pmYou may be thinking of the Declaration of Independence.
…That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:46 pmWhat makes me irate is that the local media won’t play this clip, much less refute it, but there will still be a Sunday op/ed defending Crazy Shelly from the “vicious left-wing media”.
And please people, don’t pass her off as merely ignorant. Ignorance is curable without psychotropic drugs and/or shock therapy. She is dangerously delusional.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:46 pmAl, Mr. Spooner was an anarchist. And a bit of a loon, I might add.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:47 pmThis comment has been voted down. Click to read.
Thats why they created the Baker Act. So unstable people like Bachmann won’t harm themslves.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:48 pmIf the Republicans don’t want to be part of this they don’t have to be – they can vote against it and get none of the credit. good – that’s republicans for ya’.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:48 pmI know he was an anarchist, but can you cite and example of lunacy?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:49 pmThese people use the word ‘Creator’ in the D of I as proof of theocracy, so by the same stretch, ‘promote the general well-being’ makes it unconstitutional not to have government-run, universal health care. No, better yet, the Constitution requires government run health care. Yeah, that’s it. No need to read it, trust me.
No wonder torture was suddenly legal, that’s too easy.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:49 pmJackie says:
There’s a job for Bachmann on Fox News with the rest of the idiots. Bachmann’s distract tells alot about them as voters. If they have to send the most stupid uneducated wing nut to represent the voters then either their not voting or need help.
I live just a few blocks outside Crazy Shelly’s District and I can tell you that her supporters aren’t all stupid or greedy. Most of them are rather unsophisticated and insulated. When their Pastor tells them “Shelly’s a good Christian lady” that’s all they’ll hear.
And, I can’t stress this enough, the local press doesn’t cover her bat-scat. Anyone who doesn’t get their news from blogs or other “librul” sources simply hasn’t heard that they elected a lunatic. All they see/hear are her false complaints about being persecuted.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:52 pmThe Republicans have failed every test for the last twenty years. They will fail this test too.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:53 pmTAKE BACK AMERICA says:
she right
me hungry
want meat
and beer
ugh!
TBA provides more support for theory of evolution.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:54 pmFrankly, I can’t think of a single issue which more perfectly fits the definition of “general welfare” than health care.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:55 pmSome folks find teh stoopit to be sexy…
Michelle Bachmann is so appallingly dumb, I don’t think I could bear to pork the loony ditz…
August 19th, 2009 at 4:58 pm“It’s unclear what the basis is for Bachmann’s claim …”
Nothing that dolt says is clear– she apparently makes up all those lies & distortions right off the top of her head. She has yet to prove she knows anything about anything, or that she is capable of speaking the truth. How do total idiots like this woman get ANY job, let alone the one she has?
August 19th, 2009 at 5:00 pmSome folks find teh stoopit to be sexy…
Michelle Bachmann is so appallingly dumb, I don’t think I could bear to pork the loony ditz
Ugly is as ugly does. Not how ugly looks…
August 19th, 2009 at 5:00 pmFrankly, I can’t think of a single issue which more perfectly fits the definition of “general welfare” than health care.
Or one which fits better into the classification, “the pursuit of happiness.”
August 19th, 2009 at 5:04 pmXisithrus says:
The constitution gives the people the right to abolish the government when it no longer serves them. That means the few who assume consent wont assume that any more,,
I find it strange that suddenly Republicans and teabaggers have found the Constitution and talk about overthrowing the government because they disagree with the democratic election results. It is really whining by the losers.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:07 pmralph the wonder llama says:
Hi conservative guy.
I wonder why it is you never stick around and converse. You always seem to drop a load on the floor and then split. Why is that?
August 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
***
he leaves it to others to clean up
his mess and change his diapers.
:\
August 19th, 2009 at 5:11 pm***
“funny and sad at the same time.”
**
oh the things you find on
the internet.
:)
August 19th, 2009 at 5:14 pmArticle 1 Section 8
The Congress shall have power to……..provide for the……general welfare of the United States.
http://www.usconstitution.net/xconst_A1Sec8.html
If that is not a rock solid case in support of public health care I don’t know what is!
August 19th, 2009 at 5:18 pm#83 ralph the wonder llama says:
writer Ann Lamott:
“You can safely assume that you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.”
Thanks so much for that great quote– I’ll be passing it on.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:19 pmHow come Bachmann hasn’t been fitted with a padlock for her air hole? The last time I checked, if a voice in your head compels you to act in its own interests, you’re a danger to society…if not yourself.
It is obvious this woman is being controlled through a parasitic being or she doesn’t believe in her health care, because Stalin has to be the doctor at the other end.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:23 pmI stand corrected, thanks, and we still need to kick the few to thee curb who think the contitution is for the few.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:27 pmSo for her income taxes, does Bachman try to file a “5th Amendment” return as you can’t be forced to provide information to incriminate yourself ?
Or does she refuse to file taxes as there is a group that will advise you that Income Taxes are unconstitutional and they alse were never duly passed by Congress ?
(and what does the IRS reply to Bachman ?)
August 19th, 2009 at 5:27 pm*consitution
/cripes, my typing is malo this wee. I apologize to the typo-freaks in advance.. =P
August 19th, 2009 at 5:28 pmPalin/Bachmann 2012!
August 19th, 2009 at 5:31 pmPete thanks for the 411 I’ll just pray for those folks and hope God can help them fine a Representative who will really help their area. I know we all have to start paying attention to who we vote for. Thanks for letting me know what Bachmanns district is really like. I drove thru MN last year and the stops we made I found the people to be really nice so I wondered why after seeing Michelle Bachmann make a complete fool of herself for so long what was really going on.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:32 pmAlejandro says:
He had a lot of great quotes: “Our constitutions purport to be established by ‘the people,’ and, in theory, ‘all the people’ consent to such government as the constitutions authorize. But this consent of ‘the people’ exists only in theory. It has no existence in fact. Government is in reality established by the few; and these few assume the consent of all the rest, without any such consent being actually given.”
August 19th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
_______________
There is a legal concept known as Implied Consent, by which an individual can consent to something through their actions without expressly granting it. Just because all 300+ million current citizens of the United States have not individually ratified the Constitution does not mean that they have not consented to live under it.
If they have a voter card, they consented to the government and the Constitition.
If they have a Social Security number, they consented to the government and the Constitition.
If they have a driver’s license, a W-2 form, and file a tax return, they consented to the government and the Constitition.
If they exercise their free speech rights and their right to bear arms and their protection from unlawful search and seizure, they consented to the government and the Constitition.
If they breathe clean air and drink clean water and eat uncontaminated food and drive cars with safety measures, they consented to the government and the Constitition.
If they enjoy any of the benefits of being a citizen of this country, they consented to the government and the Constitition.
So your friend Spooner is a bit off in his assumptions.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:32 pmAhhh, seems she must be so popular in her district that she can’t take time for comments from the rest of the United States of America (except Hawaii, ’cause that’s not a state!)…Come on Ms. BLAHman, open up that site for us…Come on…You can do it!
http://bachmann.house.gov/Contact/ZipCode.htm
August 19th, 2009 at 5:34 pmpags2 says:
Xisithrus says:
The constitution gives the people the right to abolish the government when it no longer serves them. That means the few who assume consent wont assume that any more,,
I find it strange that suddenly Republicans and teabaggers have found the Constitution and talk about overthrowing the government because they disagree with the democratic election results. It is really whining by the losers.
It gets even better when they cry about it on Youtube, claim their wife got assaulted, wife is in a neck brace and is supposed to be disabled and wife can turn her neck quite well in said neck brace.
Yeah, grandma is in serious trouble if she can have the option of getting a living will. The monsters. The uneducated monsters!!!
August 19th, 2009 at 5:36 pmYou’re welcome, Jackie. Believe me, I asked “how did she get elected”? Myself.
On an encouraging note, between her own bizarre raving and the stunt the GOoPers pulled in delaying Franken, I think that Crazy Shelly will face MUCH more national opposition next time. Heck! Her appearance on Hardball last fall brought in millions to her opponents and nearly unseated her. I’m hopeful she won’t survive being one of the fattest targets in the GOP.
August 19th, 2009 at 5:39 pmAll those ignoramuses think that Rush Limbaugh, Newt gingrich, Glenn Beck, and Sarah Palin wrote the “Constitution, inspired by “The Lord”, Jesus Christ. So in that context, They’re absolutely correct.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:01 pmWhat Constitution is she reading? It’s right there in the preamble:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare,…”
“Establish justice” – is it Repugnican justice that only the wealthy can get medical care?
“Insure domestic tranquility” – more than half of the bankruptcies are due to medical bills. Most of the people who’ve gone bankrupt and have lost their homes due to medical bills had medical insurance! Since medical insurance fails to protect losing one’s home due to medical bills, it’s up to us to insure domestic tranquility.
“Provide for the common defense” – if not applicable to bioterror attacks or swine flu pandemic, then what? Surely a healthy population is harder to conquer.
“Promote the general welfare” – what part of these four words does she fail to comprehend?
WTF is she reading?
August 19th, 2009 at 6:10 pmIt’s about time that Civics was made a requirement for graduating high school (again). I wonder if it’s constitutional to require congressional candidates and office holders to pass written and oral tests to take/maintain office. We had to take written tests regularly in the Air Force. Regardless of how much they can actually bank on image, congressional decisions have real-world consequences.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:11 pmThe rightwingers are so well represented by the likes of Bachmann or Jim Infofe.
August 19th, 2009 at 6:37 pmMore Crazy Shelly.
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/write-your-own-caption-michelle-bachmann-r
August 19th, 2009 at 6:41 pmsupport the public option!
http://standwithdrdean.com/
August 19th, 2009 at 6:53 pmBachmann, however, is wrong about both the contents of the health care plan and the requirements of the Constitution
truth, facts, or reality have no effect on bachmann or her wingnut base, nor do truth, facts, or reality have any bearing on anything she says.
August 19th, 2009 at 7:02 pmI know I’ve said this before but I can’t help thinking the same thing every time a nitwit like this opens his/her mouth:
August 19th, 2009 at 7:16 pm“i think she’s a nut,” Barney fife
“It is not within our power as members of Congress, it’s not within the enumerated powers of the Constitution, for us to design and create a national takeover of health care….”
“… which is why, nearly a half a century ago, the august justices of the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Medicare was illegal.”
Oh. Waiddaminnit.
Bachmann: Another Cracker-Jacks Box™ legal education.
Cheers,
August 19th, 2009 at 7:51 pmBachmann/DiningTable 2012!
August 19th, 2009 at 8:01 pmWalgreens has released the following statement few minutes back:
” Congresswoman Michele Bachmann ordered her refill yesterday but we didn’t have the stock and there was a delay in getting her meds in time. As a result, Congresswoman Bachmann did not take her meds today. So we apologize for the inconvenience caused to the US citizens from her lunatic rantings. We will try our best to provide her with meds in time but we cannot gaurantee it all the time”
August 19th, 2009 at 8:07 pmBachmann=Early onset dementia.
Its the only logical explanation for anyone being that batshit crazy.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:11 pmWell, at least it pays well to be crazy.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:48 pm“All of these programs would cease to exist in Michele Bachmann’s America.”
I would trade it all if Michele Bachmann would also cease to exist in Michele Bachmann’s America.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:48 pmSoapBox #149 says:
Ahhh, seems she must be so popular in her district that she can’t take time for comments from the rest of the United States of America (except Hawaii, ’cause that’s not a state!)…Come on Ms. BLAHman, open up that site for us…Come on…You can do it!
Her zip code for her office, which must be in her district, is 55125. No big whoop, right at the botton of her page..
August 19th, 2009 at 10:54 pmShayne says:
Palin/Bachmann 2012!
No, Bachmann/Palin OVERDRIVE
August 19th, 2009 at 10:57 pmWe need a looney to lead the Republicans in 2012 to make it that much easier!!!
August 19th, 2009 at 11:48 pmWhenever I read of CONservatives being for the
August 20th, 2009 at 12:11 amConstitution, I have to think back then
CONservatives rejected it; they LIKED having a KING
(George, if I remember correctly.) The CONs don’t
believe in any Constitution; they only believe in
the one-party system. Kinda like in some former
Nazi or Communist states. Hmmmm.
.
So…
… Why does Ms. B!tchman think Americans don’t deserve affordable health care?
.
August 20th, 2009 at 1:12 amI’m deleting this site from my bookmarks, it’s become clear it’s nothing but a left wing funded shill echo chamber, the same as fox news just at opposite spectrums, so goodbye and have fun playing Dr Carroll Quigleys left/right game.
“The argument that the two parties should represent opposed ideals and policies, one, perhaps, of the Right and the other of the Left, is a foolish idea acceptable only to the doctrinaire and academic thinkers. Instead, the two parties should be almost identical, so that the American people can “throw the rascals out” at any election without leading to any profound or extreme shifts in policy. … Either party in office becomes in time corrupt, tired, unenterprising, and vigorless. Then it should be possible to replace it, every four years if necessary, by the other party, which will be none of these things but will still pursue, with new vigor, approximately the same basic policies.”
August 20th, 2009 at 6:02 amThis witch is a traitor and a threat to America and should be deemed unconstitutional.
August 20th, 2009 at 12:15 pmThe woman is completely insane, a pathological liar, and apparently enjoys nothing more than the total, cynical and contemptuous manipulation of the idiot Americans who believe anything that comes out of her mouth. Like most right wing politicians, she counts on the appalling gullibility of the Republican base. It’s really pathetic. But the woman is dangerous.
August 20th, 2009 at 3:57 pmOnce again the left does not tell the whole truth. Now they have been caught at attemting to socialize healthcare and have the government intrude in our lives even deeper they spin it as they have soun every bad program they ahve ever started. The left loves to take money from thiose who worek and give it away to the lazy who vote and keep them in power. It is so cynical that they push all this bullshit on the workers yet keep themselves above it with their elitist programs and oh we deserve it because we are the Congress. The left spews hate like a firehose and really hate their fellow Americans who dont agree with their left wing socialist agenda. I read your bile to remind my self why we are becoming a third world cesspool.
August 20th, 2009 at 8:27 pmOnce again I am amazed at how the left is so hypocritcal. Ya’ll constantly go on about how those of the right are intolerant or hateful. They have nothing on the left, liberals spew hate like a firehose. I read your bile to remind me why I left the Democratic party and became a free American with no party affiliation. All politicians are liars and are only interested in having power over those people too sheep-like to question their anti-American rhetoric !!!
August 20th, 2009 at 8:29 pmYou know, the government pays Bachmann to go out and do stuff (something she seems to be against if the unwashed masses do it), and I am willing to bet that she is, at this very moment, using socialist government health insurance to make sure the she and hers are taken care of.
Moran.
August 21st, 2009 at 1:58 amand Gov’t can tax us to use our money to build prisons to hire poeple to arrest us and hire people to keep us?
OOps, prisons have health care by Gov’t?
August 21st, 2009 at 3:10 am