How Do You Feel About the "Truckers for the Constitution" Thing?

I'm with AV, I'm tired of all the crazy people. Holding people hostage, using fear and threats....this is not how democracy should work.

I bet the vast, vast majority of them have no real understanding of constitutional law. There's a lot of "defending-the-constitution" talk going around by people who, clearly, have no idea what they are talking about.

Annoyed.

If they are blocking my route to the Bay Bridge, I may have to bail on my sister's baby shower. And after the week we have had (Who is working? Who isn't working? Who is getting paid? When will they get paid? Can we pay the mortgage? Can we take the cat to the vet? What's open? What's closed? Who do I want to poke in the eye with a fork because they won't shut up on FB? Etc) I'm really really just fed up. There's a lot more I could say but basically it would be a rant laden with many swear words. I'm tired of being hostage to crazy people.

Well, I'm all for them expressing their opinions and their 1st Amendment right to Free Speech....

Unfortunately, our "representatives" are protected under the Constitution. Under section 6, clause 1 -

"Compensation and legal protection - Main article: Speech or Debate Clause
The Senators and Representatives shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place."

So according to the Constitution, they cannot be arrested. Although it is my opinion that 0bama should be arrested for Treason in regards to him letting Iraq know about Israel's impending attack. **THAT** is not considered Treason.

However...what IS considered treason is his aiding and abetting an enemy (Iraq). However....and truly unfortunate...he would be tried by the Senate...and that's lead by Harry Reid and we all know **THAT'S** not gonna happen...

We here in DC aren't as clogged as we have been in the past - with 0bama shutting things down - there are 350K less people on the road...and ridership on Metro is down 25% I think they said....

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to FINE each and every member of Congress for each day the government is closed...say $10K for 0bama, Reid, Boehner, Pelosi....and $1K to $5K for all others until they can pull their heads out of their rear ends and do their jobs....

You realize NO MEMBER OF CONGRESS is losing any sleep over this shut down, right? You realize that EVERY SINGLE member is still receiving a paycheck during this shut down...? Yeppers...so what is keeping them from doing their jobs? NOTHING!!!

Congress is relying on ignorant Americans who have memories of gnats or will believe anything the media reports (and this isn't just for liberals - this goes for ALL parties)....instead of researching themselves...or even sadly - those who vote due to color and the letter ("R" or "D") that follows a name instead of what is best for the country as a whole.

And while I'm at it...we need to save our country from ourselves...we have term limits - they are called elections - but unfortunately, we have just enough ignorant Americans that forget and vote the same ilk back in office...we need to set term limits for our Representatives...2, 4 or 6 years - that's IT. No 100% retirement pay. No cushy benefits. Serve your term and go back to your life. PERIOD.

Okay - off my soapbox!!

I live in this area. My husband takes this exact highway, I-495, every day to and from work. Right now he's not working because of the government shutdown. And he's not even a federal worker -- he's a contractor to the government. It's not just feds forced to stay home; it's a lot of other people as well, from IT consultants to restaurants to businesses that depend on tourism.

I'm not going to get into the politics of all this. I'm going to note that this is a very dangerous road on any day, and this kind of "protest" is simply asking for someone to get killed when some unsuspecting driver doesn't realize what's ahead on the road and runs into the roadblock, literally. Or some trucker is going to go off at a trooper trying to move the truckers along, or arrest them, and who knows what will happen then?

Sure, these truckers have a right to any civil disobedience they choose. But they are foolishly choosing a protest that is going to get some innocent driver killed or injured, and one which will make a region that is already VERY jumpy and on edge even more overwrought. We've just been through the Navy Yard killings; the shooting of the motorist who was ramming her car at officers at the White House and Capitol; the shutdown (on top of ongoing "sequestration" furloughs that have been taking place for months). Be clear: I am NOT saying all these events are equal, or even similar. I AM saying that they all contribute to making many in our area already beleaguered and on edge. This so-called protest will make that worse, and believe me, cops and troopers are going to be far less receptive to this kind of thing than ever. It's trouble waiting to happen. Yep, that's what the truckers want. But it may be more than they bargained for.

I hope they are prepared to deal with the families of anyone killed, or injured. Or to explain why they prevented an ambulance from getting to a hospital.

I think too many people are into grandstanding and not into working. It's way easier to protest and make a lot of noise than it is to actually study the issues. I'm not talking about the truckers per se - I am disgusted overall with people who cherry-pick from the constitution (or the Bible or anything else) and don't really understand how the government works.

If people don't like Obama, fine. But be sure you understand what the president does, vs. what the congress does. For example, way too many uneducated people are blaming the president for "passing laws" (which is what the legislative branch does, not the executive).

It makes more sense to READ the constitution and study it, to take a civics class, and THEN AND ONLY THEN exercise your rights to protest. Same with this stupid shutdown - it's a whole lot of noise by people who have an agenda. They don't really hate government, because they want their social security checks and the FDA to inspect meat and epidemics to be handled by the CDC and even to collect their congressional paychecks because THEY have mortgages to pay. But the 800,000 people they've thrown out of work? Too bad for them.

Too many have heard a sound bite or seen a Facebook posting, and think that's the entire issue. It's not. If they don't have time to learn and study and be responsible, then they should shush up.

And as for fining congressional members during the shutdown - just fine those who actually voted FOR it. Not that it's going to happen.

If you're familiar with DC traffic in it's normal state - standstill traffic is not all that unusual.

Personally I think truckers get a whole lot of leeway as it is.
I've seen tires explode and a few with their brakes on fire due to cutting corners on maintenance.
When an 18 wheeler gets into an accident people die all around them.

Closing down the government is wrong.
With the balance of powers we supposedly have, I can't believe such a small minority can bring the whole nation to a standstill.
What happens if they let this go on for months?

The Affordable Health Care Act isn't perfect.
Everyone knows it.
Insurance can't be part of the solution - it's a big part of the problem because it subsidizes ridiculously high prices.
The theory is prices will come down because insurance companies will compete against each other.
It won't happen because they'll agree to all keep the prices high.
There has been nothing 'free market' about health care in this country since the 1950's.
You can't expect it will suddenly act like a free market.
A universal single payer system would be much better because prices would be better negotiated with the largest group possible.
What we have now is we're paying $20000 for a toilet seat and fighting for the right to continue to do so.
If the prices became reasonable ($50 per seat) then everyone will be able to afford one.
There are many lobbies who want to keep us paying through the nose for health care as we slip into becoming a 3rd world nation.

If anyone really doesn't want Affordable Healthcare Act the best way to 'undo' it is to make it obsolete.
Come up with a plan to implement a single payer system and people will vote for it.
Leaving things as they are and doing nothing is not acceptable.
Tying healthcare to employment is a headache for everyone.
You'd think businesses would be chomping at the bit to get rid of having to deal with it.

For a group that says they are defending the constitution, they sure don't seem to be well educated about it. Their plans and demands are nonsensical and ignorant. I worry that someone is going to get hurt.

I think they misunderstand the Constitutional responsibility of Congress and are out of line in making demands to arrest Congresspersons who are doing their job.

This is nuts!!!

I think history will show that Obama is the most divisive president we have had in recent times. Never has a president polarized our nation like Obama. Basically, I think he has a real contempt for the American people based on the fact it cost more to close down the state parks and scenic views than it does to leave them open. Yet he choose to close them. He is punishing the people for the house Republicans refusal to fund Obamacare, which is horribly wrong. Also, taking away the NFL football games from our troops oversees is despicable. He is doing this in a last ditch effort to win back control of he House in the next election thinking that the American people are dumb enough to blame the shutdown on the Republicans.

Typing up traffic, demanding arrests and demanding the impeachment of Obama, is crazy however.

Well, good luck to these guys. I've also seen protests where the Black Blok shut down Interstate 5 for several hours to protest the war in Iraq.

The war still happened.

We certainly live in a nation of extremes. And a nation of dreamers..... I'm not Obama's biggest fan at all, but there is certain contingency which isn't going to rest until they've exhausted every option to get the guy impeached. I don't think he's our country's biggest problem, personally.

ETA: Leigh R and Diane B-- voices of reason, folks.

I live in the DC area and have NEVER heard anything about this group until I followed the link you provided. Not sure their quite as big a deal as they're making themselves out to be. That being said:

Kinda seems like they may want to actually READ the constitution and the amendments a few times. Not just the catch phrases but the actual text of each amendment (including it's limitations). I'm not sure they're entirely clear about what each branch of government is and isn't allowed to do without being arrested.

I totally get that they are unhappy with several of the choices legislators have made recently, but it isn't against the law or in conflict with their oaths of office to pass laws that individual citizens don't like, and it isn't treason to support a group in one conflict that may be connect to a group you are against in another conflict.

Oh well.

Regardless of your political affiliation, this seems like a pretty dangerous thing to do. Not because it's a pitchfork-wielding angry trucker mob, but because tensions are likely to erupt between them and everyday people trying to get to work, get out with their kids, do their JOB and be normal people. And the last thing I would do is write some crappy acronym on my car. Good grief. The "my way or the highway" mentality never ends well in any situation.
Yeah, I get the whole freedom of speech thing and they want to make a statement. However, they may want to consider making their statements heard like the rest of Americans do- truck their butts down to the polls on election day and vote them out.

Don't underestimate those truckers and their knowledge. They are true Americans and will fight to their death for this country.

I think it's about time someone stood up to the dictatorship we are now under. People are finally waking up!

This is insanity. Someone will get hurt. One of these guys even comes out and says this: "What we want to do is go in nice and peaceful and keep it as peaceful as possible... but if they decide to get ugly with us we're going to do what we have to do." This is bordering on mob rule, which does not surprise me in light of what is going on in Washington right now. All we seem to be able to do in this country any more is scream and blame each other and if that doesn't work, we threaten. Very sad. Oh, and they are going to make a lot of enemies too.

I'm not sure how lawful it is (?) or how much I agree with their position but I admire their gumption and interest in effecting change.

Too many people in this country don't care about anything besides football or reality TV. Most of the rest are too sick or too broke to organize.

At least they care.

That being said, I'm only for lawful, peaceful protest.

ETA: Loved your answer Wild Woman! Wahoo!

As if DC traffic needs more help being all tied up on a long, holiday weekend. Remind me to stay off I95 this weekend. What a mess. Why hurt the others on the same road trying to get out with their families?

Sounds like a episode of Duck Dynasty!

ETA: Here's a great response:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EOq03ISDHc

way to go Wild Woman!
(too bad those on the lifelong freebie ride will not vote for "term limits" and get rid of some of these congress critters)

btw - for those that are concerned, if you read about it, the truckers intend to keep the inner lane open for any emergency vehicles - and will do the speed limit along the roads (what will be the problem will be somebody not paying attention - like the crazies that keep rear-ending school buses here cause they can't get off their phones)

oh - does anybody remember the bike ride for 9-11? those guys are still escorting vets!

This is the first I have heard of this, and I think it is great if they want to protest in this way. And road systems in big cities get tied up every day, so what does it matter the cause? I mean, anytime a president comes to town, the city is tied up for the day usually. And I'm not just talking about Obama. People always protest for one reason or another, that is what is great about this country.

It is very dangerous, the big trucks are a traffic hazard already, then trying to block traffic sets the situation up for potential injury. Also it is just plain silly. They are not going to arrest congress people. That is a fact. So wasting gas, endangering those on the roads is only for them to try to act like "big tough guys". Do they even know that they are driving on "government funded" roads to get there and pull their stunt? Yes, without the government, they would not have roads to drive on. Without government, you would not have schools, safe food, standards for clothes and just about everything else. Tell them to go to a country like Somalia without a government and see how much they like it.

i'm not very into/up on politics unfortunately, but it doesn't seem to me that their aim of "arresting some of those congress men" my quotes not the articles-- seems vague.

I think it could be an effective protest but again, at least to me goal is not clear.

and I can see this escalating quickly as I can imagine these truckers could cause a lot of damage to property and lives if they chose to ram their rigs or bare their arms.

I hope not though.

I am a Owner Operator, I am am so shocked as to the misinterpretation from the truck drivers on our constitutional rights.
BUT what they started to do was I thought good...then they got ridiculous and by opening their mouths removed all doubt conserning their IQ.
This is directed to Brooke A. If you have any thing a TRUCK brought it!
I pay over $1500.00 to renew my tag! every year. I pay fuel tax at the pump on every gallon I buy. I then file Quarterly Fuel Taxs and pay more!
I pay to use some highways/turn pikes! I pay to cross some bridges!
Diesel Fuel is a by product of gasoline now it is the most expensive fuel out there. Now with that said! I have on place to park to sleep...their closing rest areas right and left. I can not sleep in empty lots...some one all was calls the local police and they BANG in my door and tell me to move.
The truck stops built today can not offer enough room for all the trucks needing to park. I personally HATE truck stops...theives,whores, noseynates and just trash.If I park on the side of the road NOT BLOCKING ANY TRAFFIC I get woke up again by the law, but this time I get a ticket and points on my driving record!!!!!!!! for sleeping. Then you add places I can not idle my truck to stay warm...they dont care that its 20 below or that its 102 in the shade. I could go on and on but I know very few CARE or UNDERSTAND but let you go to the store for something you need and it not be there...guess what something happened to the TRUCK.
I would rally if OOIDA and the American Truckers Assoc. put to our demands in order and we knew we would be heard and seen. The goverment has taken away all of the american truckers rights and did you know Mexico is getting trucks into America that dont have logbooks HOS rule, no safety requirments for their equipment They don't even have to understand or read English!!!!!!!I would not want to share the road with any of they!!!!!!Every one need to do the research into our complaints before any one passes judgement on us!!!!!!Remember with out trucks America stops.