EDITORIAL
Foreign-born should get shot at presidency

True, the idea has gained steam because it would help Austria-born Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger become president some day, should his political fortunes lead him in that direction.

But based on merit, the proposal to amend the Constitution so that a foreign-born citizen could become president makes sense. It is a powerful statement that every citizen of this nation is eligible for, and can dream of, becoming president.

Amending the Constitution should not be taken lightly. And we've argued against amending the Constitution in the past for proposals that would limit or restrict existing rights.

This amendment is exactly the opposite. It would grant to a citizen born elsewhere precisely the same political rights as one born here. It expands constitutional rights rather than diminishes them.

And it would eliminate an archaic provision inserted by the Founding Fathers out of fear that wealthy European aristocrats — particularly the English — might buy their way into control of the young country.

Getting this amendment passed will be difficult. It must be approved by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress and then receive approval by 38 of the 50 state legislatures.

Our hope is that the difficulties will not include political opposition simply because Republican Schwarzenegger might be the first beneficiary.

But, then again, he might not. There are many competent foreign-born individuals in public service right now (including some in Hawai'i) who might dream of becoming president but cannot unless the Constitution is changed.