[Theoria]

This is the second time in recent memory where R's and D's have used a Defense Authorization Bill to increase the power of Gov't and the President.

Recall, in 2007

[who_would_fardels_bear]

I see that that bill allowed GWB to take over all state National Guard troops if/when he decided it was necessary.

If a state really cared about "states rights" then it would kick the National Guard out. It would then replace it with a true state militia funded entirely by state revenues.

Then if the nation were to go to war that state could have a separate vote to see if their citizens wanted their militia to join forces with the national defense forces.

The state militia could be used to protect its borders from invasion by illegals, and any unconstitutional usurpations from the feds.

Of course the Feds would win a hot war, but in this day and age of 24/7 news cycles any hot war would be preceded by a cold one that could easily be won by an underdog militia threatening to defend itself against a bloated federal army.