Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

To: Genoa; stainlessbanner
"If a state were free to nullify federal laws within its borders, or, by logical extension, to secede from the union altogether, that would pretty much spell the end of federalism in favor of a loose, and not very durable, confederation of states. Is that really what we want?"

30 states seem to think so, these days.

"A lot of blood was shed 1861-65 to determine whether this would be the choice. The outcome seems to have been that federal problems need to be resolved at the federal level."

Actually, more pragmatically, the outcome seems to have been that any effect the 10th amendment might have originally had has been entirely superseded by whoever has the best ability to force their viewpoint on the group that differs. That means that, very likely, even though 3/5ths of the states may have legislatively disagreed, it doesn't make any real difference to a "federal" government gone wild.

177 posted on 04/23/2010 3:40:17 PM PDT by LibertarianInExile (When Republicans don't vote conservative, conservatives don't vote Republican.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 53 | View Replies ]


To: LibertarianInExile; stainlessbanner

The Constitution contains mechanisms (a free press, elections, and the federal courts) to address the situation we’re in. Let’s make the best possible use of them.


178 posted on 04/23/2010 3:44:43 PM PDT by Genoa (Luke 12:2)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 177 | View Replies ]

To: LibertarianInExile; stainlessbanner

Not just a free press, but the whole Bill of Rights.


179 posted on 04/23/2010 3:49:56 PM PDT by Genoa (Luke 12:2)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 177 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson