POLITICOS: Show proof of citizenship

How is it possible that political candidates are exempt from background investigations and proof of citizenship? Given this lack of security, I'm surprised that spies haven't infiltrated our government or maybe they have. Why would the government require all of its employees to provide proof of citizenship but not elected politicians? Why would all employees with access to classified material be investigated while political office holders who have greater access to such material be exempt? These are serious questions that require answers.

Whether you believe Obama is a citizen or not, questions concerning his eligibility have revealed a serious breach of security. I was surprised to discover that background investigations and proof of citizenship are not required of political candidates for president, Congress or Supreme Court. I know that most politicians consider themselves superior to their constituents and often exempt themselves from the laws they pass, but this is incompetence and malfeasance.

Before the 2012 election, we should demand that all political candidates including current office holders produce a legal Certificate of Birth and submit to an extensive background investigation prior to taking office. After all, don't we as Americans have the right to know if our leaders are constitutionally eligible to hold office?

Apparently, the United States Supreme Court disagrees. Currently, every legal filing for discovery of President Obama's birth records has been dismissed based upon legal standing. In other words, citizens individually or collectively can't show they have been harmed even if President Obama is not an American citizen.

If we the governed don't have standing, then who does? With this decision the Supreme Court has changed our status from self-governed to subjects. It appears we've come full circle since the American Revolution. Congress must act immediately to rectify this situation and require background checks and proof of citizenship for all future elections.

JERRY G. WEAVER

Coeur d'Alene