Posted on 03/01/2003 9:42:45 AM PST by forest
The text of a proposed Constitutional amendment is provided for discussion below. The Liberty Amendment was proposed in the 1970s and, they say, was approved by five states. Because of the New World Order fears, and the very real imposing actions of the United Nations on the freedom of American citizens, the Liberty Amendment should be even more interesting to Americans today.
For Tenth Amendment advocates, the Liberty Amendment goes far in keeping the federal government out of matters that should be solely a state's business. And, with only a minimal change, the proposed amendment could also be worded so as to insure that no treaty or agreement will ever overrule anything in our Constitution.
Calling it necessary for the promotion of individual liberty and limited government, back in 1998, Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) submitted the Liberty Amendment as HJ-116.
"Over the years this amendment has enjoyed widespread support and has been introduced several times in the past by various Members of Congress, but finally this measure has a chance of success given the conservative Congress and mood of the country in favor of a more limited, constitutional government which respects individual liberty," Paul stated when he introduced the bill. (1)
"The income tax is the most regressive tax imaginable, allowing government to take first claim on our lives. The income tax assumes government owns us, as individuals, and has a sovereign claim to the fruits of our labor. This is immoral. But government has been compelled to levy this economically damaging tax because government has grown so big. By reducing the size of the federal government to those functions strictly enumerated in the Constitution, there will no longer be a need for the income tax," said Paul.
Obviously, the Liberty Amendment will not be a cure for all concerns citizens have with today's federal government. It would, however, cause a lot of very worthwhile changes. For that reason, we provide the full text -- with the explanation inserted by the authors -- for your examination.
LIBERTY AMENDMENT
"Section 1. The government of the United States shall not engage in any business, professional, commercial, financial or industrial enterprise except as specified in the Constitution."
The first section terminates ownership and operation of all business-type activities currently operated by the federal government, except those authorized by the Constitution. Operation of the Post Office, and certain functions Constitutionally connected with the Armed Forces will not be affected.
"Section 2. The Constitution or laws of any State, or the laws of the United States shall not be subject to the terms of any foreign or domestic agreement which would abrogate this amendment."
This section insures that the amendment's effectiveness cannot be voided by treaties made with another country, or the United Nations. In fact, Section 2 will require that Congress revise or repeal numerous laws in order to limit the federal government's activities to the original intent of the Constitution.
"Section 3. The activities of the United States Government which violate the intent and purpose of this amendment shall, within a period of three years from the date of ratification of this amendment, be liquidated and the properties and facilities affected shall be sold."
The federal government will be allowed three years to divest itself of hundreds of businesses and other functions not authorized by the Constitution. This will also include such things as returning national forests and mineral rights back to the states. Again, those properties -- Post Offices, office buildings, military bases, etc. -- used for Constitutionally authorized functions, will not be affected.
"Section 4. Three years after the ratification of this amendment the sixteenth article of amendments to the Constitution of the United States shall stand repealed and thereafter Congress shall not levy taxes on personal incomes, estates, and/or gifts."
This section effectively scraps the Sixteenth Amendment, and hence the IRS and the whole income tax system. This also means that every taxpayer in the country will suddenly realize at least a 20% increase in take home pay.
1. <http://www.house.gov/paul/press/press98/pr042898liberty.htm>
Tenth Amendment advocates will rejoice over the end of the 16th Amendment.
Back in 1998, Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) submitted the Liberty Amendment as HJ-116.
The income tax is the most regressive tax imaginable, allowing government to take first claim on our lives. By reducing the size of the federal government to those functions strictly enumerated in the Constitution, there will no longer be a need for the income tax.
Section 1. The government of the United States shall not engage in any business, professional, commercial, financial or industrial enterprise except as specified in the Constitution. [It's about time.]
Section 2. The Constitution or laws of any State, or the laws of the United States shall not be subject to the terms of any foreign or domestic agreement which would abrogate this amendment. [Away with the UN.] 8<))
Section 4. Three years after the ratification of this amendment the sixteenth article of amendments to the Constitution of the United States shall stand repealed and thereafter Congress shall not levy taxes on personal incomes, estates, and/or gifts. [Finally.]
Please note: The explanation was inserted by the authors.
How much chance do you give this amendment this time around, Doug?
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