Posted on 07/19/2009 6:52:52 AM PDT by NoobRep
Millions of Americans watch with horror as the Obama administration continues to implement its own version of 'change.' Change that involves an unprecedented and systematic devolution of power to the federal government, in direct contravention of the Constitution.
From the pending takeover of 17% of economy under the auspices of health care reform, to the government takeover and subsequent ownership of automobile companies, to the unconstitutional interference in the formerly private market under the rubric of stimulating the economy. Not to mention the proposed cap and trade legislation which would give the federal government unlimited powers of taxation and regulation under the guise of saving the planet.
Totally ignored by elected officials of both parties is the tenth amendment of the Constitution, which states very clearly, "The power not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
Many Americans don't agree with the left's idea of a 'living constitution', arguing that the intent of the founders should govern the interpretation and application of the Constitution, not the whimsical and politically motivated present day politicians. And, largely unreported by the media, they are starting to stand up to the federal government.
To date, 37 states have introduced sovereignty resolutions, asserting their state's sovereign rights under the tenth amendment.
Earlier this month, Louisiana became the seventh state, joining Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Idaho and Tennessee to officially adopt a resolution affirming their sovereignty. These states are putting the federal government on notice that politicians in Washington do not have the right, under the Constitution, to continue to impose their increasingly onerous federal mandates on sovereign states.
Some states, with Arizona leading the way, are going a step further.
Under Arizona's Health Care Freedom Act, which was passed by the Arizona state legislature this month, a voting initiative will be placed on the 2010 ballot that, if passed, will allow Arizona to opt out of any federal health care plan.
Following Arizona's lead, five other states -- Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota and Wyoming -- are considering similar initiatives to opt out of federal health care for their 2010 ballots This, even before Congress has created the program.
Arizona is also preparing for the misnamed 'climate' bill, that passed the House this month. (With eight Republican votes.) The Arizona state Senate voted 19-10 to approve a bill banning the Department of Environmental Quality from enacting or enforcing measures with language pertaining to climate change.
Other states are stepping up to the plate and asserting their state's sovereign right under the second amendment - a right that guarantees the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
On July 6, Florida introduced the Firearms Freedom Act which seeks to provide "that specified firearms, firearm accessories, and ammunition for personal use manufactured in state are not subject to federal law or regulation" in the State of Florida.
Increasingly, the representatives 'we the people' have elected to preserve and protect our rights, are ignoring the clear, unequivocal language of the Constitution. Our politicians seem unaware of the fact that the Constitution does not include congressional power to override state laws.
In fact, the power our representatives are now accruing to the federal government was expressly voted down, not once, but several times.
During the Constitutional ratification process, James Madison drafted the 'Virginia Plan' which advocated a strong federal government. It proposed, among other things, giving Congress legislative authority, and a veto over state laws. Each of Madison's proposals was soundly defeated. Our founders clear intent was vesting all powers in the states, with but a few, listed exceptions.
Ever since 1938, when FDR used the occasion of the great depression to drastically expand the scope of federal government (Wickard vs Filburn) using an absurd reading of the Commerce Clause, this unconstitutional taking of power by the central government has gone virtually unchallenged. Until now.
Though the media has ignored these efforts, 'we the people' are starting to fight back, via our state and local representatives.
Politicians need to be reminded that our Constitution is still in effect. And Americans need to be reminded that just because some believe the trendy notion that our Constitution is a 'living, breathing' document, doesn't make it so.
**
Here’s one promise I’ll guarantee: At some point, when the smoke clears, the word “Obama” will be reserved for calling someone the most vile and filthiest word ever spoken. That’s how much damage I think he’ll inflict on good and decent people in this country.
Liberals ALWAYS lie. Liberals dare not tell the truth. The only time you hear the truth come from a liberal is when they do it by accident, improvisation or spontaneously and unrehearsed.
Only under FDR have we seen such a Power Grab by the Federal Government. So long as the Constitution stands between those that wish Socialism on us & Freedom, we will have to stand and fight.Not since the days of the Civil War has this nation been this troubled. The threat to our Nation & our Freedom is real. Phone calls will no longer do. This fight must be taken to the steps of the Capital Building. Our children and Grand Childrens futures are at stake. We must NOT let them down !
That would explain Sotomyor’s bizarre hearing performance.
Sue the Federal Government for all Federal Taxes collected from said state.
ping for later action
Hum, I might have to seriously consider moving to Arizona... Or Alaska, I am not sure which. Seriously, if States really start Seceding from the union, I will have to consider moving there. Oregon is hopeless. The idiots in Salem passed the biggest tax hike in Oregon’s history during this recession with unemployment at 12.9% officially. In some places here it’s 25%!
The Fed has gone so far past too far, I think it safe to say that we no longer have a constitutionally valid Federal Government, they are breaking the laws set by the constitution left and right with absolutely ZERO regard for it or the people it was meant to protect, US.
They ALL need to be kicked to the curb, and all their life time benefits stripped. THAT crap has to stop, and we need term limits of those freaks. They are grabbing too much power because some of them have been there so long they have rigged the system to benefit the Government Class. Time to eliminate the government class altogether. Make them live just like the rest of us, two terms and they are out. No more consolidating power for the Government class.
Besides we will sent Jim Thompson after them and THEN they’ll be sorry!
A broad but decent overview of State initiatives to date.
What’s ‘right to work’? They give favor to legal citizens over illegals?
From state website:
“A Right to Work law guarantees that no person can be compelled, as a condition of employment, to join or not to join, or to pay dues to a labor union. In other words, if you work in a Right to Work state, like Arizona, and the employees form a union, you may not be fired if you decide not to join. Likewise, if you are a member of a union in a Right to Work state, and you decide to resign from the union, you may not be fired for that reason.”
“What’s ‘right to work’? They give favor to legal citizens over illegals?”
We recently passed a law which says you must be a citizen to gain employment, or the business is heavily fined, or closed.
Most illegals are in California.....the place I recently left.
Ah, I see, thanks for the clarification.
Living in AZ, it’s nice not to have Johnett Lesbiano ruining the state anymore. Hopefully Jan Brewer will do a better job, and it looks hopeful.
I hope all states soon tell the Fed gov’t to stick their taxes and big brother agenda where the sun don’t shine.
>>>Arizona will have all federal dollars withheld until they fall back into line. It is something the federal government has done for years. I remember a state that wanted to keep the drinking age 18 but the federal government said fine and did not send the state a dime for a year. The following year the drinking age was 21. There is not one single state in our U.S. that can stand on their own without federal funds. The federal government has the states in their hands and they know it.<<<
That state was Connecticut. We had a governor named Ella Grasso, who reasonably enough said that a young man who serves and fights for the country should be allowed to return home and have a cold beer.
Sadly, you’re also right about the way the federal government has tied the hands of the states. Supposedly this should have been forestalled by having a federal government with limited and enumerated powers... and we know what happened to that.
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