General Discussion

Bob Munck

(35 posts)

43. Article I Section 5 Paragraph 3

Tue Nov 12, 2019, 03:06 PM

Nov 2019

3: Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.

It seems to me that the previous clause, "excepting such Parts ..." lets them override that requirement. Of course the question to override might lead to an infinite regression, but they'd only have to do a couple before the public loses track.

I've seen several people suggest that the Senate can make it a secret ballot if a majority of senators want to do so, people who strike me as being more knowledgable about it than I. I tend to stick to simple things like quantum thermodynamics and string theory.

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There's a Surprisingly Plausible Path to Removing Trump From Office [View all] Dennis Donovan Nov 2019 OP

That's interesting, but the GOP is now a full blown cult so it would never happen. Vinca Nov 2019 #1

Our nation is in the initial grip of Fascism. The new Fuhrer has taken up residence as we slept. olegramps Nov 2019 #14

I often share your pessimism (n/t) PJMcK Nov 2019 #36

Most of the Republican Senators would love to have a secret vote. Teach-only-love Nov 2019 #23

I agree, but isn't it a sad day when elected officials don't have the character to honor the truth. olegramps Nov 2019 #47

Great idea, but how to get it to the powers that be. patricia92243 Nov 2019 #2

If McConnell has a trial at all... Thomas Hurt Nov 2019 #3

republican senators need to see protests. we can't accept the 'let the voters decide' bullshit certainot Nov 2019 #35

good to have dreams, but this will never happen beachbumbob Nov 2019 #4

Nope. Article I, Section 5 of the US Constitution: onenote Nov 2019 #5

Thank goodness Democrats are not going to vote for secrecy. crickets Nov 2019 #13

It would be so nice if writers bringing forth notions like this just did a cursory reading Maru Kitteh Nov 2019 #37

The GOP has changed so much over the years. Today, they have no conscience and I think really do not RKP5637 Nov 2019 #6

"prisoner's dilemma" brooklynite Nov 2019 #7

Primaried? I'm not sure it wouldn't be fatal, with the armed crazies. Nt lostnfound Nov 2019 #8

That only applies to the ones running for office again. whopis01 Nov 2019 #17

The other path is for 35 republicans not be "present" to vote and let the democrats be uponit7771 Nov 2019 #9

technically, yes, but not sure that lets them escape republican primary wrath.... unblock Nov 2019 #11

this presumes every democrat would go for it unblock Nov 2019 #10

Not sure I agree with the OP article Layzeebeaver Nov 2019 #12

I think that's why the author suggested it would be the ones not up for re-election ... Pacifist Patriot Nov 2019 #25

Yup. That's about it. Layzeebeaver Nov 2019 #39

Hmmm. Lacking 3 retiring Repub senators, it could still happen Hortensis Nov 2019 #15

twenty members can force the vote to be public, so this will never happen. onenote Nov 2019 #18

Why? WE wouldn't require it. Republican senators would benefit. Hortensis Nov 2019 #27

First, Democrats won't support secrecy. Second, Republicans who want to protect Trump onenote Nov 2019 #31

Of course we would! In a heartbeat. We allowed Nixon to resign Hortensis Nov 2019 #38

There are 53 Republican Senators onenote Nov 2019 #40

Okay, there's validity to that certainly. Hortensis Nov 2019 #42

Bookmarked orangecrush Nov 2019 #16

Most interesting. calimary Nov 2019 #19

Bitchy Mitchy is like Mrs. Baylock from The Omen sandensea Nov 2019 #20

So the party that leaks wants to vote in private? bucolic_frolic Nov 2019 #21

No. The assumption of the article in the OP is that the Democrats want to make it a secret vote onenote Nov 2019 #41

Wishful thinking at best. Firestorm49 Nov 2019 #22

Interesting, but it would be very dangerous to remove a sitting president by secret ballot StarfishSaver Nov 2019 #24

I wonder if Glover typed the last eight words with a straight face. Pacifist Patriot Nov 2019 #26

Yeah, that would go over real well Baked Potato Nov 2019 #28

How About if Chief Justice Roberts Declares the Voting Secret? Bob Munck Nov 2019 #29

He has no such authority. onenote Nov 2019 #32

Article I Section 5 Paragraph 3 Bob Munck Nov 2019 #43

The specific provision about recording votes overrides any more general authority to keep the onenote Nov 2019 #44

I think having them on record is important to taking back the Senate tinrobot Nov 2019 #30

This thing of so many R senators would vote to convict if it was a secret ballot is complete Horse$h Cosmocat Nov 2019 #33

Presently, I remain unconvinced. BadGimp Nov 2019 #34

If it were up to me, Qutzupalotl Nov 2019 #45

Be careful what you wish for (seriously) Mike Niendorff Nov 2019 #46