"Which is the worst of two evils...the Federal Government usurping the States rights endowed by their Legistatures, or the State Government usurping the self evident rights endowed by the Creator?"
First of all you should really go back and read Dr. Williams entire article.
Secondly it doesn't matter what I think is the "worst of two evils"
The constitution as it was originally established was a voluntary union between sovereign nations known as "states"
The fruit of Lincolns ideas is born out in your thinking.
If the federal government had the right to interfere with tha laws of a sovereign nation in 1861 then obviously that same federal government has the right to do the same today.
So which nation do you suggest we invade next to prevent the usurpation of the rights of that nations citizens?
Take your time, there are plenty to choose from.
That was certainly the view of many southern leaders in the mid 19th century. I wouldn't argue that.
It was also no doubt a real coloring of the view of some southern and perhaps a few northern Founding Fathers.
But I don't think most Founders would have understood the states in 1789 as "sovereign nations."
The constitution as it was originally established was a voluntary union between sovereign nations known as "states"
No, the constitution as it was originally established was a voluntary union between former English colonies known as "States". There were no sovereigns in these states, as they were comprised of free men, each his own 'sovereign'.
If the federal government had the right to interfere with tha laws of a sovereign nation in 1861
The Constitution has been the supreme law of Fed, State, & local governments since ratification.
then obviously that same federal government has the right to do the same today.
The feds have no more power over the State/local governments than the Constitution allows. --- Any State could prove that by simply refusing to obey unconstitutional federal edicts. They don't, because the political system is totally corrupted by national politics.