reply to post by GamerGal
You really need to stop comparing John McCain with the Obama situation, because you are comparing apples with oranges. You are running from thread to
thread firing off your opinion, and you obviously have zero idea of the facts involved, despite others trying to educate you to them.
I have seen other posters attempt to explain to you that Panama was an American Territory, the same as many foreign American Military bases, and being
born there is the same as being born in the US proper:
Adult citizens of the United States who are residents of one of the 50 states have the right to fully participate in the political system of the
United States, as well as their state and local governments (with most states having restrictions on voting by persons imprisoned for felonies, some
states having restrictions on voting by people convicted of felonies, and a federal constitutional prohibition on naturalized persons running for
President and Vice President of the United States), are represented and protected abroad by the United States (through U.S. embassies and
consulates), and are allowed to reside in the United States and certain territories without any immigration requirements.
Separate sections handle territories that the United States has acquired over time, such as Puerto Rico 8 U.S.C. § 1402, Alaska 8
U.S.C. § 1404, Hawaii 8 U.S.C. § 1405, the U.S. Virgin Islands 8 U.S.C. § 1406, and Guam 8 U.S.C. § 1407. Each of these sections confer
citizenship on persons living in these territories as of a certain date, and usually confer natural-born status on persons born in those
territories after that date.
Panama is not listed in the above, because it is no longer a US territory as of December 31, 1999.
with the signing of the Hay-Bunau Varilla Treaty. When artificial lakes were created to assure a steady supply of water for the locks, those lakes
were included within the Zone.
From 1903 to 1979 the territory was controlled by the United States of America, which had built and financed the canal's construction. From 1979 to
1999 the canal itself was under joint U.S.-Panamanian control. In 1977 the Torrijos-Carter Treaties established the neutrality of the canal.
Except during times of crisis or political tension, Panamanians could freely enter the Zone. In fact, normally anyone could walk across a street in
Panama City and enter the jurisdiction. However, the 1903 treaty placed restrictions on the rights of Panamanians to buy at retail stores in the Zone.
This was for the protection of Panamanian shopkeepers.
During U.S. control of the Canal Zone, the territory, apart from the canal itself, was used mainly for military purposes; however, approximately 3,000
American civilians (called "Zonians") made up the core of permanent residents. U.S. military usage ended when the zone returned to Panamanian
control. It has now been integrated to the economic development of Panama, and is a tourist destination of sorts, especially for visiting cruise
ships.
Notable people born in the Panama Canal Zone include the Republican 2008 presidential candidate and US Senator from Arizona John McCain,
Richard Prince, Kenneth Bancroft Clark and Rod Carew.
In 1953, Congress passed legislation to specify the status of Americans born in the Canal Zone--and to exclude non-Americans born there from
citizenship. Title 8, Section 1403 of the United States Code grants citizenship to those born in the Canal Zone with at least one parent who is a
United States citizen. This differs from the provision in the Fourteenth Amendment which grants citizenship to all born in the United States,
regardless of parental nationality.
Title 8 § 1403. Persons born in the Canal Zone or Republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904.
(a) Any person born in the Canal Zone on or after February 26, 1904, and whether before or after the effective date of this chapter, whose father or
mother or both at the time of the birth of such person was or is a citizen of the United States, is declared to be a citizen of the United States.
(b) Any person born in the Republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904, and whether before or after the effective date of this chapter, whose
father or mother or both at the time of the birth of such person was or is a citizen of the United States employed by the Government of the United
States or by the Panama Railroad Company, or its successor in title, is declared to be a citizen of the United States.
John McCain was born on August 29, 1936 well after the deadline of February 26, 1904, to two US Citizens residing in the Panama Canal Zone, while his
father was an Active member of the US Military Based out of Coco Solo Naval Air Station.
Therefore, unless Kenya suddenly became a US Territory, and both of Obamas parents were US Citizens living on a US Military base while in service to
this country; how can you even begin to compare the two situations as being the same? So, is that enough to end this incorrect information your
constantly going from thread to thread with?
Edit to add:
Originally posted by GamerGal
It took an act of congress to declare a man born on a different continent a natural born citizen.
Oh, by the way, Panama is in North America, so how exactly is that considered to be a different Continent?
[edit on 12/6/2008 by defcon5]
