Most Americans don't realize it yet, but this Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court will review whether Barack Obama is indeed constitutionally eligible to become the next president.

The justices will hold a conference on the question and consider the case for formal review.

The case is brought by Leo C. Donofrio against Nina Wells, the New Jersey secretary of state, and questions whether Obama is a "natural-born citizen" as required by Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution.

If four of the nine justices vote to hear the case in full, oral argument may be scheduled.

It would seem a simple matter to resolve.

Barack Obama could have put this issue to rest long ago by producing a complete birth certificate from Hawaii. Instead, he has chosen to stonewall the matter, citing a website post of what can only be characterized as a partial representation of a birth certificate – one that has been criticized as a forgery.

Whether the birth certificate posted on various websites is genuine or not is almost beside the point as to his eligibility. Since Hawaii was known to register foreign births in the 1960s, the portion of the certificate released by the Obama campaign proves nothing, since it does not reveal such details as the hospital in which he was allegedly born.

Meanwhile, some of Obama's own Kenyan relatives claim to have been present at his birth in Mombasa.

This controversy, which some have dismissed as frivolous, is as serious as the literal meaning of the Constitution itself.

As I have stated before, I have little doubt a thorough investigation will prove Obama is qualified to serve the office of the presidency as a "natural-born citizen." I don't believe his campaign would ever have been successful with the specter of legal ineligibility hanging over his head.

Nevertheless, I think it is imperative to be faithful to the Constitution and to offer the American people full disclosure on such a fundamentally important matter.

Clearly, Obama doesn't think so.

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But what about our U.S. Supreme Court?

Do the justices have the courage to face up to this question?

I believe they will be much more likely to do so – to take this matter seriously – if they see real demonstrations of public interest. I know of no better way for you to show that interest than to sign WND's petition.

This petition was launched just over a week ago and now boasts more than 120,000 names.

All those signing it are receiving updates on controversy. The names will be delivered to the U.S. Supreme Court in time for its review Friday. This week will represent your last chance to impact that review.

The day this petition campaign was launched, a judge in Hawaii dismissed one challenge to produce the birth certificate stating he did not believe there was sufficient public interest demonstrated. Let's be sure the same is not the case with the Supreme Court review.

I hope you will join me in this fight for truth, justice and the American way by signing the petition. Help me spread the word. Let's turn up the heat. Send this column and the petition far and wide. Share it with your neighbors. Honor the Constitution. Save this country's most vital institutions and its honor. Seek the truth. Demand accountability.

Time is running out.

The Electoral College is due to convene Dec. 15 – in less than a month.

Barack Obama is to be sworn in as the next president Jan. 20 – less than two months from now.

Do you believe the American people have a right to know for certain their next president is constitutionally eligible for the job?

Without a chance to inspect that birth certificate for themselves, do you think we can ever be certain?

If the Constitution is not taken seriously as concerns the eligibility of the president, is it likely to be taken seriously in other matters?

If you don't take responsibility and initiative on this issue, I am convinced no one else will.

Take your stand for accountability, truth, the rule of law and the Constitution.

Sign the petition now.

E-mail it to all of your friends.

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