Experience has taught me not to trust libertarians on these issues, as that they often use federalism as just a blind to hide their true beliefs.
Take the dope issue as the prime example. The 10th Amendment argument. All well and good. Libertarians always calmly make these points when I discuss it with them. But when I mention how the 10th Amendment should also mean a state can outlaw dope and enforce very strict laws, and these same folks get all upset and animated on this point. Much more exercised than when arguing federalism. Invariably reveals DOPE is what they care about, more than state’s rights.
Anyway, that’s just my anecdotal experience over the years, and one of the reasons I’ve grown distrustful. And that doesn’t even take into account the uneasy fact that Rand is Ron Paul’s son.
Yes, the 10th allows states to ban drugs if they want. Some have decided not to like CO and WA. The Feds have got no business banning drugs under the constitution and seizing powers that have been left to the states under the 10th amendment. It’s very clear but we’ve just had authoritarians in power (both parties) who think the Federal government should be involved in pretty much everything when they shouldn’t.
Not me - I agree that the 10th 'cuts both ways.' But I never claimed to be a libertarian.