Public Interest Amendment

[Q]

Public Interest Amendment
Originally introduced by MasterJedi.
Reintroduced by MasterJedi.

Section 1
The Senate shall have power, save where limited by other provisions of this Constitution:

1. To protect the Public Health and commerce by making such regulations as shall be necessary for the protection of those in employment.
2. To protect the Public Health, commerce and heritage by making such regulations as shall be necessary for the protection and preservation of natural beauty, biological diversity and other natural resources.

Section 2
All Legislation and Judicial Rulings not inconsistent with this Amendment passed prior to the Adoption of this Amendment shall remain in full force, unless superceded by subsequent legislation or Judicial Rulings.

[Bono]

This piece of crap is still being considered?

[Democratic Hawk]

This piece of crap is still being considered?

I must say what an enlightened remark on your part, Secretary

'Hawk'

[The Dowager Mod]

O.k. first he votes to abolish most social programs and now he wants to pass a "public interest" amendment.
Classic.

[Democratic Hawk]

O.k. first he votes to abolish most social programs and now he wants to pass a "public interest" amendment.
Classic.

Who?

'Hawk'

[Ebowed]

This piece of crap is still being considered?

I must say what an enlightened remark on your part, Secretary

'Hawk'

For what it's worth, I share Secretary Bono's opposition to this amendment.

[The Dowager Mod]

O.k. first he votes to abolish most social programs and now he wants to pass a "public interest" amendment.
Classic.

Who?

'Hawk'

Your friend the PPT

[Q]

fwiw, I find this discussion strangely hilarious.  At least more entertaining than the other debate around here, I guess.

[The Dowager Mod]

fwiw, I find this discussion strangely hilarious.  At least more entertaining than the other debate around here, I guess.

Give me time to warm up.

[Democratic Hawk]

This piece of crap is still being considered?

I must say what an enlightened remark on your part, Secretary

'Hawk'

For what it's worth, I share Secretary Bono's opposition to this amendment.

I was referring to Secretary Bono's lack of eloquency rather than his opposition to this amendment, which he is perfectly entitled to voice. I gather, if passed, you'll be using your veto, Mr President?

'Hawk'

[Ebowed]

This piece of crap is still being considered?

I must say what an enlightened remark on your part, Secretary

'Hawk'

For what it's worth, I share Secretary Bono's opposition to this amendment.

I was referring to Secretary Bono's lack of eloquency rather than his opposition to this amendment, which he is perfectly entitled to voice. I gather, if passed, you'll be using your veto, Mr President?

'Hawk'

I can't veto constitutional amendments.

[The Dowager Mod]

Although i will not be as eloquent as the secretary, this bill is far too vague and is dangerous in that it could be construed to apply to pretty much anything or anyone.

[Democratic Hawk]

I can't veto constitutional amendments.

Of course not, my mistake. A thousand pardons

'Hawk'

[Bacon King]

I'll have to agree with Senator TexasGurl- the bill is very vague.

[Bono]

Yes, this would just pretty much allow the feds to do anything they want.

[Peter]

Although i will not be as eloquent as the secretary, this bill is far too vague and is dangerous in that it could be construed to apply to pretty much anything or anyone.

You voted for it the last time.

[The Dowager Mod]

Although i will not be as eloquent as the secretary, this bill is far too vague and is dangerous in that it could be construed to apply to pretty much anything or anyone.

You voted for it the last time.

You have a point or are you just being a jerk?

[Democratic Hawk]

Yes, this would just pretty much allow the feds to do anything they want.

In the public interest. There's too much darn self-interest, if you ask me

But, seriously, I need to sound out the implications of this amendment before deciding whether to support it or not. It explicity refers to the Public Health and commerce by making such regulations as shall be necessary for

1. the protection of those in employment.
2. the protection and preservation of natural beauty, biological diversity and other natural resources.

But, I think there is an air of implicitness about it. I don't think it's vague since it's intent, and purpose, is defined in Clauses 1 and 2. If I thought this amendment would enshrine such worthy concepts as the "common good" or the "national interest", I'd support it but I do have concerns as to whether it's all too all-incompassing in that it might permit what is unreasonable, as well as what is reasonable

Neverthless, I believe the Senator's amendment is well-intentioned. Those in public office, after all, do have a moral obligation to serve in the best interests of Atlasia and there are things that do occur, which can serve to undermine the best interests of Atlasia

'Hawk'

[Democratic Hawk]

I'd support it but I do have concerns as to whether it's all too all-incompassing in that it might permit what is unreasonable, as well as what is reasonable

That said should this amendment be approved and ratified, it would be a matter for:

1) The Senate to decide what legislation was in the public interest (as specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of the amendment) or not and whether it's reasonable or not before passing it; and for,

2) The President to decide whether or not to sign it into law

Thus, I don't see this amendment, if approved and ratified, as giving the Senate carte blanche power, simply, to do anything that it wants

'Hawk'

[CheeseWhiz]

I'll have to agree with Senator TexasGurl- the bill is very vague.

^^^^^

I'll definitely be voting nay on this amendment in its current form.

[MasterJedi]

If there's no new debate before 4pm CST I'll open the final vote on this amendment.

[MasterJedi]

I hereby open up the final vote on this amendment. Please vote Aye, Nay or Abstain.

Public Interest Amendment

Section 1
The Senate shall have power, save where limited by other provisions of this Constitution:

1. To protect the Public Health and commerce by making such regulations as shall be necessary for the protection of those in employment.
2. To protect the Public Health, commerce and heritage by making such regulations as shall be necessary for the protection and preservation of natural beauty, biological diversity and other natural resources.

Section 2
All Legislation and Judicial Rulings not inconsistent with this Amendment passed prior to the Adoption of this Amendment shall remain in full force, unless superceded by subsequent legislation or Judicial Rulings.

[MasterJedi]

Aye

[The Dowager Mod]

Nay.

[CheeseWhiz]

Nay