This is a really random subject to blog about but my fiances brother asked me why Virginia considers itself a commonwealth and I could not answer the question. So I decided to research it and thought I could enlighten you as well.
The term commonwealth, dating back to the fifteenth century, literally meant "common well-being." Now the term is generally used to mean a "political community." There are 4 states that consider themselves "commonwealths." Namely Virginia, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Kentucky. The type of communities that a commonwealth deals with in these instances are "a political unit founded in law by agreement of the people for the common good."
Basically commonwealths are commonwealths because they decided to be, not because there is any difference between it and a state (at least in modern times).
Below is a quick summary of why each specific state became a commonwealth, as far as I have found in my research. Feel free to add if you know anything else.
Virginia: In colonial times VA was known as the Colony and Dominion of Virginia. When the 13 colonies broke ties with the British Crown that name was no longer acceptable. When the first Constitution of Virginia was adopted, commonwealth was used to name the new form of government. More than likely they were referring back more than a 100 years previous when the puritans were not ruled by the crown.
Kentucky: Originally a part of VA and when it became the 15th state in the US, it continued to use the term
Massachusetts:Previous to 1780, on all documents the term state was used for Massachusetts. But in 1780, when the Massachusetts Constitution went into effect they became known as the "Commonwealth of Massachusetts." In the era leading up to that time, commonwealth was a popular term for a body of people constituting a state. John Adams added the term when framing the Constitution where it remained. The term had democratic overtones and there may have been some anti-monarchial sentiment in its usage.
Pennsylvania: As hard as I am trying I can't find a definite answer for this one but I assume it has something to do with their independence from Great Britain and the anti-monarchial sentiment when the Constitution was written.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A QUICKY NEWS UPDATED
As you probably would assume, I am very happy with this ruling though I do expect a lot of backlash for it and a potential reversal some day. San Francisco Mayor Newsom's quote was my favorite.
This sounds like something they made up to feel like they are doing something to help the earth that will only end up costing billions before they realize it doesn't work. But perhaps I am wrong.
I have a lot of research I want to do on Sotomayor but she is looking oh so not good already.
Yet another piece of news that is sadly not surprising.
After my rant a while ago I thought this piece was slightly funny.
I don't even know what to make of this.
This sounds like something they made up to feel like they are doing something to help the earth that will only end up costing billions before they realize it doesn't work. But perhaps I am wrong.
I have a lot of research I want to do on Sotomayor but she is looking oh so not good already.
Yet another piece of news that is sadly not surprising.
After my rant a while ago I thought this piece was slightly funny.
I don't even know what to make of this.
SHOUT OUT TO VIRGINIA & LOUDOUN COUNTY PART 1
I tend to prefer politics on a national level over local level but I can can't ignore my roots, especially when local politics is in my blood. So this post is the first of many dedicated to Virginia and turning it into a Red State again.
The LCRC has had its ups and downs but much of the ick that was going on has been cleared. With a new, and may I saw very talented, leader it has once again turned into the great committee it can be. I am excited to be a part of it and hope that I allow my self to get more involved. We have a strong committee and have many great things on the agenda.
To help get Republicans elected RedStormPAC donates 100% of the contributions it receives for candidates to candidates. While I am a fan of voting for a candidate based on his/her actions and beliefs, and not voting straight ticket just because, we may not have any other choice this election. We dont want strong Democrats in office while Obama is there.
The LCRC has had its ups and downs but much of the ick that was going on has been cleared. With a new, and may I saw very talented, leader it has once again turned into the great committee it can be. I am excited to be a part of it and hope that I allow my self to get more involved. We have a strong committee and have many great things on the agenda.
To help get Republicans elected RedStormPAC donates 100% of the contributions it receives for candidates to candidates. While I am a fan of voting for a candidate based on his/her actions and beliefs, and not voting straight ticket just because, we may not have any other choice this election. We dont want strong Democrats in office while Obama is there.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Happy Early Memorial Day
I am going out of town for a few days to visit the beach with my fiances family, but I want to do something different next year; something more respectful for those who are fighting for our freedom. Lets never miss the opportunity to thank a soldier, or any other hero, for that which they have given up for us.
Below is a picture of one of my greatest heroes, my Grandfather York. He served his country for many years and loved America with all he had till the day he died. Miss You!!!
God bless this country and those who have, are, and will give their lives to defend it, serve it, and honor it.
Below is a picture of one of my greatest heroes, my Grandfather York. He served his country for many years and loved America with all he had till the day he died. Miss You!!!
God bless this country and those who have, are, and will give their lives to defend it, serve it, and honor it.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Captain Obama
I know nothing about Star Trek but I sure am excited to see the movie eventually. But because of my lack of knowledge I don't know what my reaction is to Obama being compared to Spock. Please do not waste your time reading every word of every article including their links, I didn't, but just for the fun of it what do you think?
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Great Britian is Filled with Great Problems
Great Britain seems to be having problems lately. For the first time since 1965, the lower house speaker was ousted thanks to an expense scandal and an angry public. Its nice to see that some people have sense over in Great Britain concerning politics.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has banned Michael Savage from Britain. For some, this may seem like such a miniscule issue. Michael does not often travel to Great Britain so who cares if hes banned plus many people feel that he can get too extreme at times. I don't even often listen to him. BUT WAKE UP! It is a problem, whether you like the guy or not.
Straight up, Great Britain banned an American for his opinions. There is no evidence he has caused violence, that he is a terrorist, or a criminal, and hes banned. He was banned for no other reason than that someone disagreed with him. The UK does not have the same government structure as the United States of America, nor the same laws, but I would never suspect that they would stoop to something this low. They do not have the same level of freedom of speech as America does but they do not have a record either of banning people from the UK simply because they voiced an opinion.
Did you see the list of people that are allowed to stay in the UK? Obviously she isn't concerned about any danger her country may be in. Jacqui says "Coming to this country is a privilege. If you can't live by the rules that we live by, the standards and the values that we live by, we should exclude you." But she allows Dr Philip Nitschke in the country who clearly does not believe in specific laws that Great Britain uphold. I hope he remembers assisted suicide is illegal in the UK. I guess she meant that those who can't keep their mouths shut and have strong opinions can't be allowed in the country but if you kill someone, no problem, come on in.
A lot of people have been bringing up the issue of the first amendment in America. Some people don't get this as the UK does not follow our constitution so let me tell you what I think. America has stood as a beacon for freedom for a long time nor does it have a recent record of endorsing murder, violence, etc. If we did, we would probably be hearing about it from other countries as we are now about the abuse scandal. We definitely don't get slack for the level of freedom of speech in America. Savage lives in America and thus has the legal right to voice his opinions. Why ban a man for legally voicing his opinions in his own country unless there is evidence that he would break laws or cause harm to others in the UK if he traveled there? Even if you judged it by international laws and UN standards he is a-okay. And once again, whose worse to have in your country, Savage or a terrorist?
So what does this issue show and why is it so important? Great Britain is loosing its greatness and its citizens know it. They are becoming intolerant in the name of tolerance (sound familiar) and are allowing their government to be run by incompetent people. I wish I could find audio of the parliamentary debates I heard. It was clear that the right leaning parliament members knew what was happening in their country and knew that they had to stand up for Savage. I also had a British roommate, who though liberal, knew the her country was going down a dangerous path. Her concerns where a bit like this lady's concerns, though my roommates were voiced a few year later. The UK is becoming too politically correct, trying to open up to all the immigrants, trying to not offend anyone, but really just giving their country away. And now they are trying to keep out any that might offend those people.
My real concern is that America is for once not leading the UK but instead following it down this path. You may not care about Great Britain (unless you are from there of course) but you should care about the United States of America and you should care that we are going down that dangerous path too.
But there is good news, as this guy who clearly hates Savage has pointed out. How many people now watch Michael Savage because of all the attention he has been receiving, who otherwise would not have been knowledgeable of his existence? His views are finally touching many overseas. Maybe he should be thanking Jacqui for all the attention he has been receiving.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has banned Michael Savage from Britain. For some, this may seem like such a miniscule issue. Michael does not often travel to Great Britain so who cares if hes banned plus many people feel that he can get too extreme at times. I don't even often listen to him. BUT WAKE UP! It is a problem, whether you like the guy or not.
Straight up, Great Britain banned an American for his opinions. There is no evidence he has caused violence, that he is a terrorist, or a criminal, and hes banned. He was banned for no other reason than that someone disagreed with him. The UK does not have the same government structure as the United States of America, nor the same laws, but I would never suspect that they would stoop to something this low. They do not have the same level of freedom of speech as America does but they do not have a record either of banning people from the UK simply because they voiced an opinion.
Did you see the list of people that are allowed to stay in the UK? Obviously she isn't concerned about any danger her country may be in. Jacqui says "Coming to this country is a privilege. If you can't live by the rules that we live by, the standards and the values that we live by, we should exclude you." But she allows Dr Philip Nitschke in the country who clearly does not believe in specific laws that Great Britain uphold. I hope he remembers assisted suicide is illegal in the UK. I guess she meant that those who can't keep their mouths shut and have strong opinions can't be allowed in the country but if you kill someone, no problem, come on in.
A lot of people have been bringing up the issue of the first amendment in America. Some people don't get this as the UK does not follow our constitution so let me tell you what I think. America has stood as a beacon for freedom for a long time nor does it have a recent record of endorsing murder, violence, etc. If we did, we would probably be hearing about it from other countries as we are now about the abuse scandal. We definitely don't get slack for the level of freedom of speech in America. Savage lives in America and thus has the legal right to voice his opinions. Why ban a man for legally voicing his opinions in his own country unless there is evidence that he would break laws or cause harm to others in the UK if he traveled there? Even if you judged it by international laws and UN standards he is a-okay. And once again, whose worse to have in your country, Savage or a terrorist?
So what does this issue show and why is it so important? Great Britain is loosing its greatness and its citizens know it. They are becoming intolerant in the name of tolerance (sound familiar) and are allowing their government to be run by incompetent people. I wish I could find audio of the parliamentary debates I heard. It was clear that the right leaning parliament members knew what was happening in their country and knew that they had to stand up for Savage. I also had a British roommate, who though liberal, knew the her country was going down a dangerous path. Her concerns where a bit like this lady's concerns, though my roommates were voiced a few year later. The UK is becoming too politically correct, trying to open up to all the immigrants, trying to not offend anyone, but really just giving their country away. And now they are trying to keep out any that might offend those people.
My real concern is that America is for once not leading the UK but instead following it down this path. You may not care about Great Britain (unless you are from there of course) but you should care about the United States of America and you should care that we are going down that dangerous path too.
But there is good news, as this guy who clearly hates Savage has pointed out. How many people now watch Michael Savage because of all the attention he has been receiving, who otherwise would not have been knowledgeable of his existence? His views are finally touching many overseas. Maybe he should be thanking Jacqui for all the attention he has been receiving.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
