Re. his Indonesian step-father, a child does not have to choose or relinquish citizenship until they reach legal maturity. Unless Obama gave up his American citizenship, and no evidence exists of such an act, and unless he directly chose another country's citizenship, he remains a US citizen.

This is such bunk

Absolutely. That is true of pretty much every situation on the face of the earth. We make our decisions based on available evidence and common sense, knowing that a surprise could conceivably emerge at any turn.

However, “may, perhaps, possibly, perchance, concieveably, might” is a might long way from “these folks' claims have merit,” which is the statement of yours that I took — and continue to take — issue with.

“Would you, honestly, take the same view if this were George W Bush or Arnold Schwarzenegger?”

Yes. I absolutely would.

Look around you. See who believes in the “birth certificate controversy” and who does not.

I can absolutely guarantee you that if I ever found myself in such an isolated fringe minority, with the huge majority of the population across the political spectrum opposed, I would accept that the error was most likely mine.

You say the document that's there is good enough.

I say there may, perhaps, possibly, perchance, concieveably, might just be more documents that reveal other things.

Technical, legalistic arguments to hide truth remind me of recent strident attempts by certain procesecutors to suppress exculaptory DNA evidence to uphold old capital convictions. Technically, legally, and perhaps even politically, they may be correct. But morally and intellectually correct?

I don't believe we'll resolve this. Guess we'll have to agree to disagree.

Also, I recognize that the arguments are effectively moot (though I still hold they have merit) in that no court will touch this for much the same rationale used in Bush v Gore — no court wants to possibly percipitate a constitutional crisis; indeed courts will do what it takes to avoid one, even if doing so “bends” things somewhat. In this case, it's simpler to maintain status quo. As we're already seeing, courts are twisting themselves into knots to avoid accepting any relevant cases.

Meanwhile, I leave you with the following: Look deep, deep, deep within yourself. Would you, honestly, take the same view if this were George W Bush or Arnold Schwarzenegger?

No, that's simply not true. The power of prima facie evidence is that if nothing is brought to oppose it, it stands. Period.

I ask again, do you have anything to oppose it, other than vague suppositions that there's some secret being hidden?

Until all of the documentation is available, no one can argue convincingly either way

It is likely that producing the document will prove conclusively that Obama is indeed natural born.

Indeed, that is my expectation. There may be something embarrasing, but probably not at the level of a constitutional crises.

I am concerned with process and precedence.

Still, why the fear? These are simple requests. There is clearly and undeniably fear.

“Methinks the lady doth protest too much.”

What I said was, do you have any argument with his eligibility to hold office? If so, what is it?

That's a perfectly straightforward question, reflecting neither passion nor politics.

Can't seem to take the discussion away from passion and politics….

This is circular and does not provide any closure. And unfortunately very bad precedence. And so the controversy will continue….

Sigh.