This Constitution Day, Try Something New: Ignore the Feds!
16. Sep, 2009 
45 Comments
by Michael Boldin
There’s plenty of federal holidays for Americans to celebrate. On July 4th, there’s independence from King George’s England. On the first Monday in September, a holiday was dedicated to the “social and economic achievements of American workers.” Other days throughout the year celebrate autumn harvest, soldiers who died in the civil war and even a person who sailed to this continent nearly three centuries before the country was “founded.”
When there’s no federally-sanctioned holiday to call upon, protesters and activists across the political spectrum often pick “important” dates to schedule events to bring attention to their cause. We’ve seen protests on Tax Day, Independence Day, May Day, Earth Day, and more. And, just last week, we saw great importance placed on a day that doesn’t even have a letter in its name, 9/12.
But nowhere to be found on these great lists of “federal holidays” or “protest days” is a celebration of the document that defined the principles of liberty that this country was supposedly founded upon – the Constitution.
LIMITING POWER
The Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, and every year that date passes by with hardly a sound. Sure, now that it’s considered a day of “federal observance” you’ll find government schools around the country including it in their lesson plans. But these discussions generally focus on “Constitution Trivia” instead of what’s really important. While it may be good to educate our young on how many years a Senator serves, or how Supreme Court justices are appointed, it’s not enough. Seriously lacking in the public discourse is the actual purpose of the Constitution – its underlying principles.
When the Constitution was being considered for ratification, there was strong opposition from famous American figures that included George Mason and Patrick Henry. One major reason for this was a fear of too much power. The founding generation spent their lives toiling under a tyranny – a government without limits. But, when the Constitution was written, it was done to codify in law that the powers of government would be limited to those which had been delegated to it. The entire system was created under the principle of popular sovereignty – that ‘We the People of the Several States’ created the government, and all powers not delegated to it, were retained.
But that’s not something you’re likely to hear from politicians in Washington DC, political pundits, schools, or just about anywhere else. It’s generally not in their interest, either. If politicians and their backers were promoting such crazy ideas as “originalism” and “limited government” they’d never be able to convince you that they have the power to tell you what kind of health care plan you’ll be getting, how big your toilet can be, what kind of plants you’re allowed to grow, where you’re allowed to exercise your “right” to free speech, whom you can buy and sell from, and even when you must send your children to die for them.
MORE OF THE SAME
Throughout history, even kings and queens have often failed to survive such acts of hubris; but, in “free” America, the major parties that produce all the presidents continue to receive approval through tens of millions of votes. And where has that gotten people?
Well, let’s take a look at some major issues.
If you were opposed to war in the Bush administration, you’ve still got the same wars and threats of wars under Obama.
If you were opposed to national health care under Clinton, you got a massive expansion of government health care under George Bush, which laid the groundwork for an even bigger expansion under Obama.
If you didn’t like the federal government passing the Patriot Act without even reading it, you’re still getting the same failure to read today.
On the other hand, if you liked the Bush bailouts, you’ve gotta love the ones that Obama has given you!
No matter what side of the political aisle you sit on, the federal government is not your friend. It’s not a friend to the Constitution, and it’s certainly no friend to your liberty. For years and years…and years, people have yelled “vote the bums out!” “Call Congress now!” “March on DC!” But, in the long run, little to none of this actually works.
If you oppose this national health care plan, they’ll give you that one. If you oppose one war, you’ll get another one. If you oppose today’s bailout, they’ll find a different one tomorrow. Decade in and decade out, the government keeps growing, and your liberty keeps shrinking. And it doesn’t matter if the person in charge is named Obama, or Bush, or Reagan, or Clinton.
The bottom line? Looking to the federal government – whether it’s though elections, or protests, or lawsuits, or rallies – is a failed strategy. So how about trying something new?
A DIFFERENT PATH: NULLIFICATION
This year, for example, seven states have passed sovereignty resolutions under the 10th Amendment to the Constitution. Two states passed laws nullifying some federal firearms regulations. Three states are considering constitutional amendments allowing residents to effectively opt-out of any future national health care plan. And, thirteen states now have Medical Marijuana laws in direct opposition to federal laws.
In Jeffersonian-speak, this all falls under the banner of “nullification.” When a state ‘nullifies’ a federal law, it is proclaiming that the law in question is void and inoperative, or ‘non-effective,’ within the boundaries of that state; or, in other words, not a law as far as that state is concerned.
While some in government and the media would like to paint this essential tool for resisting federal tyranny as solely aligned with the South in the War Between the States – and nothing more, they’re missing some essential history. It’s been used in efforts to advance free speech, help runaway slaves, resist high taxes and more.
And recently, the Bush-Era Real ID Act is now virtually dead in the water, not due to elections or rallies, or calls to Congress. In the past two years, approximately two dozen states simply refused to implement the law. The result? It’s effectively null and void. While the Obama administration would like to revive it under a different name, the reality is still there – with massive state-level resistance, the federal government can be pushed back inside its constitutional box. Issue by issue, law by law, the best way to change the federal government is by ignoring it.
Even better, this is no single-issue movement. Legislators in over 20 states are considering legislation to nullify some federal gun laws, and another 10 are looking at ways to nullify national health care. 15 states are weighing legislation or ballot initiatives that could turn them into medical marijuana states by next year, and activists in over a dozen states have been pushing for legislation that would require their governors to bring national guard troops home from Iraq and elsewhere.
Over the years, wise men and women warned us that the Constitution would never enforce itself. I believe it’s time for people to recognize this as fact, and bring that enforcement closer to home.
So whether you’re on the left, or on the right, or even somewhere in the middle, the path to freedom, the path to your political goals lies not in Washington D.C. Instead, it lies in Madison, and Jefferson (City)…and other state capitols around the country.
So this Constitution Day take a new pledge. Ignore and nullify the federal government. It’s as worthless as it is dangerous.
Michael Boldin [send him email] is the founder of the Tenth Amendment Center.
NOTE: If you get a chance, check out my Constitution Day interview with Lou Dobbs – click here
If you enjoyed this post:
Click Here to Get the Free Tenth Amendment Center Newsletter,
as always an excellent post
Thanks for the feedback, 713 – it’s definitely appreciated!
I would like to ignore and resist the Fed, but just how do we go about doing so without landing in one of their jails, if we fail to pay income tax, for example –that is, fully support the Federal Reserve, that counterfeiting private bank!
It’s an important question, genome… Obviously there has to be some thought and strategy to it. Right now, 300 million people are effectively ignoring Real ID and no one is going to jail or being prevented from entering federal buildings or getting on planes, etc.
There’s plenty of people ignoring federal marijuana laws in the 13 states that have legalized it in some way. They’re still at risk, but they’re standing up.
There’s people who are working towards resisting health care, gun laws, etc. The message is work in groups – in your state – and get your state apparatus behind it. then you can have a chance. Issue by issue, law by law. nullification.
SCR004 will come out of committee to the floor of the Michigan Senate today, Constitution Day, 9/17/09. If you are from Michigan call or write your State Senator and ask him or her to support SCR004.
Wow, that was amazingly well written and, if each reader gets off his/her boob-tube-brainwashed, pharmaceutically-influenced, thimerisol+formaldahyde-treated fat ass and stood up for the Constitution, maybe the rest of the world could also benefit from an American return to sound money and liberty too.
Michael,
I just read today that a law is passing in Ma. that will prevent Ma. citizens from refusing to take the swine flu vaccine and the state can use force, can remove you from your house…etc. I don’t remenber (help!, my memory is disappearing in one of those chemtrails!!)the name or number of the bill, I will look it up and email you again, but it is serious and I am glad I don’t live in Ma. Still, who knows what other states will follow suit on this. The Patriot Act already has that law in place but you’re right, our only hope is if the different states don’t comply and the more states (the people in the states)refuse to comply with this madness, the better chance we have to be self governing again, but it takes a Willingness to do the work of governing ourselves.
I guess I’ll be voting for Adam Kokesh. I’m in the 3rd New Mexico Congressional district.
On behalf of the people that understand what is acutally going on, thank you. On behalf of the people that truly understand what freedom is and have compassion for those who don’t, thank you! We the People thank you, and trust me… there are more of us out here than there are in d.c. Keep up the good fight!
yeah, thank teddy the walrus. who never had a job.
Happy constitution day tenthers!
To my colleague Michael, you have really outdone yourself with this one. It’s an honor to work along side of you in these critical times. My suggestion to all of you put there- go ahead and greet all that you pass today with ‘happy constitution day’ or something to that effect. We can all participate in the progress of this movement, even small ways count.
One thing disturbs me: The legalization of marijuana use. Even citizens of states need to be responsible. As a father of a pot-user, I saw how its use ruined his life. I will never vote to legalize its use. Those who would are quite possibly libertarians – lawless(?).
All Glory to God for the United States Constitution and the First Ten Amendments.
The Constitution confines the LEGISLATURE from encroaching against the Citizens. Hence Jefferson – “Bind them with chains to the Constitution”
The Fear of God in the Oath of Office was to “bind” the legislators.
For God & Country
Ruth Ann Wilson
As someone who is retired from law enforcement I see why people do not like the legal us of marijuana. But this one drug is causing law enforcement to spend millions to try to arrest those who use it. Alcohol has ruined so many lifes also. It is time for the goverment to control the use of marijuana like it does alcohol. The federal goverment is forcing states to pass the Adam Walsh act. This act will not protect childern as they claim. It will put more people at risk and make sex offender registrys larger and yet protect no one. The federal goverment does not understand many issues and has no place passing laws that effect many areas that the states should control. Thank You Tim
You my friends are contributing to ORGANIZED CRIME! Yes you! Everytime you pay one cent of income tax, according to current law, you are contributing and supporting ORGANIZED CRIME! How? Illegal Immigration is ORGANIZED CRIME! ACORN is ORGANIZED CRIME! SEIU is ORGANIZED CRIME! THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS are ORGANIZED CRIME! LOBBYISTS are ORGANIZED CRIME! Government pork is ORGANIZED CRIME! In fact, it could probably be said, that the entire UNITED STATES CONGRESS is ORGANIZED CRIME! You SUPPORT this crime. Maybe unknowingly and/or unwillingly, but you are. How many times have we herd, “Ignorance is no excuse? Sorry, but it is the law!” Think on that a few seconds and let it sink in. WE ARE BEING FORCED TO SUPPORT ORGANIZED CRIME!!!! JOHN L. SULAK TH’ DUMB OL’ EAST TEXAS BOY.
Any news on what we can do in CA? It seems all of my representatives (Pelosi, Feinstein, Boxer) are hell bent on expanding their power and the government. Other than trying to get other representatives in office (believe me I try, but my vote is small) is there any movement going on that I can support? I’m guessing that there isn’t a chance for nullification or ammendments to exempt us from this obamacare debacle in CA as in other states. Help! And thank you for continuing to educate those of us who have our eyes open
Grover, you make a valid point: irresponsible use of marijuana and other substances has wrecked many lives, and many families. However, the problem is not one of substance but of irresponsibility. Outlawing a substance has proven to be an expensive exercise in futility every time it has been tried. I presume our Founders had the foresight to realize this and so chose not to include a provision for such an exercise in our Constitution.
You are correct in stating citizens of states need to be responsible; each of us is responsible for every decision we make. Those who fail to accept that responsibility will still suffer the consequences of their poor decisions because this is a self-enforcing law of nature. Government involvement is expensive, ineffective and redundant.
I believe you are incorrect in equating ‘libertarians’ with ‘lawless’. As a Libertarian I simply believe, as did our Founders, we must be very careful that any restriction on personal Liberty be clearly justified. I further believe our Constitution and Bill of Rights, as written, provides the best touchstone to determine which laws are justified and which are not. Based on that standard the vast majority of federal laws now in effect in this Nation are not.
Happy Constitution Day everyone! 17th of September the day of the United States Federal Constitution!
September 17, 1787, 222 years ago today the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the Constitution they created!
“We should always remember that a free Constitution of civil Government cannot be purchased at too dear a rate”
- John Adams
Both Tim and Warren hit the mark in their comments. Marijuana, like alcohol, isn’t the issue in and of itself. The fact is that many, many Americans use both marijuana and alcohol. Most people don’t spend all their time drinking just because they can. It should always come down to personal choice, not law enforcement wasting time and money policing We the People. The government is not your babysitter. Though it is out to control you in every possible way, let’s not give the federal government more opportunity.
Dear Mr. Boldin,
I’m not trying to bash anyone, but the comments I WISH you had received from everyone in response to your article are listed as follows:
YES!
AMEN!
BRING IT!
IT’s ON!
or even “Power to the people of the several states”.
Many of the responses that were posted are valid and important, but on this day, of all days, I would have liked to see a show of unity and a statement that: “YES! We agree!”
This is really a pivotal moment in American history. Does anyone seriously question that? I wish that anyone who believes it would first and foremost affirm the sovereignty of the people of the several states first and then afterwards at another time and another place bring up all these secondary issues.
Derek
This was great. We lose power everytime we cede it to the central government. Mike Church screened a movie on his talk show, the spirit of 76. It is great to listen to. It is the founders discussing the evils of a central government versus states rights. The dialouge is direct from letters and transcripts of the day. If you hear it and are not energized to support the 10th amendment, then you must be in a coma.
Great article Michael. You hit the nail on the head. We The People are the true strength of this nation. And as such, it is our duty, our moral obligation (as Max would put it) to do our best to ensure its continuence as a free Republic. I am a vetern and retired government worker. I served my country for nearly 40 years and I’ll be damned if I will allow the two-bit politicians to come in and ruin it. I write my Representative and Senators regularly. They rarely respond and even more rarely do we agree but at least I let them know how I feel. We all need to do that REGULARLY to bring them back to our beloved Constitution. Thanks again Michael. Don
I loved this Thank you so much
Loved this thank you so Much. I’m gonna send this to all my freinds
A 10th Amendment supporter, I am an even stronger advocate of the 9th. As far as the hand-wringing on federal income taxes, the solution is to avoid federal income. I have, for a long time.
If America were a free country, anyone could legally ignore the government throughout his life, as long as he doesn’t trespass ‘pon the rights of others.
I love how you write, you took the words out of my mind and put them paper. may i add online to all of this as in the form of Walter Cronkite ” Well, that’s the way it is folks, ( but my annotation to that is ) “AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!” I say let us not revolt against the government but simply to opt out! take that heavy load of burdens off your shoulder and stop feeling worthless because you can’t pay your bills, Just don’t pay them!break the rules as they do. lie cheat steal, and even kill to get ahead. there is no vengfull God from that WMD known as the Bible to throw you into burning hell for all eternity! If there was, you wouldn’t be so angry at these evil doers that get away with lies. Learn the rules they break and make them work for you! If you get caught deny deny deny like they do. In America all you have to do is say it’s true and It is . Just like magic! See what they turned me into ? a blathering idiot. wo is me. I feel so ashamed to mention you should be evil like them. Be good and let them take advantage of you. it’s the American way. Sue thy neighbor, it’s the American way. He who tells the best story wins! No one is going to look it up and prove you wrong. Talk out both sides your mouth, behind someones back, and best opf all say nothing! stop giving them idea’s that you ‘ll get no credit for.
as Bush said it is just a piece of paper. as Nixion said, ” When the president does it it isn’t wrong.or against the law. since then it was free rrein and the Republicans loved him for it. Regan said ketchup is a tomato
corporations are AKA Person. Why can’t we change rules for our favor? Taxes are for the people to spend anyway they see fit, and we demand a balance sheet itemized line by line of who got what how much and why? Every Month. And we want a vote befor they get it! politions can not vote on spending . only the people can vote on spending. entrapenurs cannot vote either.
The only way the feds can get at you is through your use of money. Taxes are our bane. In past days one bartered as opposed to using cash and it effectively cuts out the paper trail created by the use of cash which is the feds ticket into your pocket. So, when you need something don’t rush to the store before you look for private sales at which you may find a better deal first and second you may have something they want. Either way the feds get squat. Even working in exchange for something is going to cut out that pickpocket. Use your land to produce foods even if it is just a potted plant. This nation was great until our wealth was stolen a few cents on a dollar here and there.
Michael:
Great, great article ! Yes, I heartily agree, they only have ‘the power WE give them’, by bowing down, low, to their (supposed) majesty.
The truth is that the real ‘leader’, which we are ‘bound to obey’, in a Free Republic, is our Constitution, recognizing, that it is a procedural document, based on the Principles prior declared in the ‘Declaration of Independence’, and also summarized in the “Preamble” to the Constution.
One trap many fall into is to try to discern the Principles behind the Constitution from the text itself. Once we recognize the Principles underlying it were stated earlier in the ‘Declaration of Independence’, things become much clearer.
They become clearer still when one discerns that the Declaration refers to “the Laws of Nature & of Nature’s God…..”, which is not clearly understood without illumination from the founders other writings, also. To interpret that phrase, consider that it is strongly stating two founding Principles:
“The Laws of Nature….” Natural Law
“(’The Laws’)…..of Nature’s God…..” Biblical Law (Revealed Law, or Law’s revealed by God himself)
So, two witnesses, as stated by the Founders in the Declaration, are the:
1) General revelation of Natural Law (necessarily more broad & universal – known the world over, in all nations equally due to our common humanity.)
2) Revealed Law or Biblical Law or ‘Special Revelation’ (more necessarily specifically giving us detailed laws show the Will of God for his Creation, His people & whom is actually King of Kings & Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.)
This was the ‘atmosphere they breathed’, worldview wise. All 13 colonies had established Christian religious denominations – which was why they forbid the National / Federal gov’t from specifying which particular church denomination should be ‘official’.
Far from their minds was an athestic conception of Government. Their are several refernces to God prominent in the Declaration like this – but many Americans today have lost the ability to spot them, as we have been trained to think like humanist drones.
I couldn’t support all this in a few lines, so if my comments make your curious, please do more research. Here’s a couple of ideas:
http://www.IOTConline.com – Course covering the Founding Fathers Constutional views
http://www.TheAmericanView.com – News board analyzed from a Constutional / Biblical perspective
Search for the book “5,000 year leap” by W. Cleon Skousen – very indepth look at the founding Principles via Natural & Biblical Law principles.
All of these can help us be the best [Christian] Patriots we can be.
Samuel Adams, Father of the American Revolution, Signer of the Declaration, declaring the underlying reality of the signing:
“We have this day restored the Sovereign, to Whom alone all men ought to be obedient, (ed: Jesus Christ, on High…) he reigns in heaven above, and from the rising to the setting sun, may His Kingdom come…..”
and on the importance of owning real Christian virture to keep us free:
“No people will tamely surrender their liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge & Virtue are preserved. On the contrary, when people are universally ignorant (ed: of both Natural & biblical law & truth), and debauched in their manners, they will sink under their own weight without the aid of foreign invaders.”
Michael, again, thanks for a tremendous piece on Nullification.
I hope to have added some to the ongong discussion. I’ve been blessed to have studied & taught the “Institute on the Constitution” a few times -also to have graduated from ‘The Witherspoon School of Law & Public Policy’ – (google it).
Everyone, keep up the great work & I’ll ‘meet you in the middle’ !
God save this once great Republic !
David Alan, in the Republic of Texas
where it is in fundamental agreement with Natural Law / Biblical Law. According to Blackstone, the English jurist whom the founders quoted & fashioned our Laws from his reasoning:
“No human Law ought to be suffered to contradict Divine Law.”
Mr Boldin:
You say that teaching students on Constitution Day on how Senators, House members and Supreme Court Justices are elected or appointed is not enough, and that the real purpose should be to teach them the real principles of the Constitution, referring to Mason and Hernry.
In practical terms, most students, indeed, most citizens, are not that aware of how elections and appointments are done–so that teaching by itself is quite enough for one day. But to use such as Mason and Henry to show the true principles of the Constitution is to ignore the Father of the Constitution and the author if the Bill of Rights, James Madison, who argued against henry’s positions–see the Virginia ratification debates on the issues of the ratification process and on taxation. Indeed, Madison made it quite clear that the compact theory, from which the ideas of nullification, interposition and secession come from, was simply wrong, that the ratification was of and by the peolple, not of and by the States.
If you read Madison’s Observations of the Vices of the American Political System, April 1787, you can read his plain declarations on this and other matters, to include something that ought to give libertarians pause-in Observation 7 he plainly states that force is the vital principle in law and government. The other principles that he and Hamilton wrote on and argued for, to include Hamilton’s Federalist papers on the executive(which Jefferson himself approves of–see his letters written in Paris) ought to give you pause about your so-called facts about the true principles that the Constitution embodies. Add to this the letters that Madison wrote during the Nullification Crisis during the Andrew Jackson administration(Calhoun and SC) where he agains stated that no state has the right to interpose, nullify or seceed and that Calhoun(and this would include you) had misread the VA-KY resolutions.
This is history that is not in the Politically Incorrect Guides, indeed, it is history that those authors do not want you to know–but it is there nonetheless.
Let’s put this another way–you have Mason and Henry, while I have Madison and Hamilton–ny two aces beat your pair of dueces in any game, except the one you want to play, which is to mischieviously reinterpret the Constitution and the Declaration. I alos have Jefferson’ who was quite Madisonian/Hamitonian with the illegal Louisiana Purchase–a read of his leters and speeches defending that brealing of the tenth Amendment ought to give you apuse–
But you, Mr Boldin, are a committed partisan for your side, and anything that might tend to make the mew nullifiers or the new confederalists think differently must be suppressed or shouted down.
Prove me wrong and suggest that these types, to include those who have responded to your article, should read Madison and jefferson–all of them, to include those portions that are not libertarian or for your interpretation of the Constitution—Start with Jefferson’s letters to John Breckenridge on the Purchase, written in 1803.
In addition to nullification, which is a supremely legal avenue (see Fugitive Slave Law Enforcement 1850s), we should simply VOTE THE BASTARDS OUT! It’s really that easy.
We are all, regardless of our political persuasions, pawns of the Democrat and Republican political parties. If we can break the chains which bind us to the Dumbs/Repugs, WE THE PEOPLE can run the country. Run the government.
If “THE PEOPLE” will vote for themselves, for their neighbors, friends, colleagues AND NOT FOR PROFESSIONAL POLITICIANS then the federal government can be brought to its knees. Elect “real people” to The House. Elect “real people” to The Senate. One term only. (Half-term for Senate). We can clean up the federal government, stop its abuses, destroy its power and DO IT ALL SIMPLY BY VOTING.
“All bills for revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives”. “We The People” ARE the House of Representatives.
VTBO!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s a nice thought Spencer, however if you look at the current situation, with wanton collusion between the three branches of the Federal government instead of checks and balances, there is little potential at the Federal level for reform. When you have a Judicial Branch actively scheming with the Executive and a Legislative branch not asserting any oversight authority whatsoever, no amount of additional ‘good guys’ is going to fix it. For every good guy we add, the other branches will simply find a way to exclude them from the proceedings. See Ron Paul, Dennis Kucinich…Kucinich couldn’t even get a hearing on war crimes when the evidence is well known that torture occured.
It’s time to pick up our marbles and head to the state houses of the 50 states.
True, but Paul and Kucinich are part of the current, corrupt system. I propose we GET RID OF the current, corrupt system. Funding for all government is instituted by the House. No money, no can do. The current system can be destroyed (not all at once, of course) by new guys, and new girls.
This same attack should also take place at the state level as you suggest. New people in ALL of government,actually. Local, state, federal.
Thanks for your comments.
As an African American I gained a great deal of hope from this posting. I firmly believe that it was clear-thinking people like the majority of posters here who originally founded this country, and who must ultimately save it from ruin. My family and I salute you all.
The black in America community is the poster child for what intensive federal interventionism, and destabilization on a massive scale given unchallenged sway for the last 40 years can accomplish.
In the black communities federal involvement has been consistently either liquidating (Martin Luther King), or marginalizing (Cynthia McKinney) any and all forms of leadership that call for the people taking responsibility for their own lives and (gods forbid) actually trying to be an asset to this great country and make a contribution that will make both their communities and this country a better place to live in some way.
Into the cultural and leadership void created by overwhelming federal intervention and “aid” crept rampant capitalistic corporatism in the form of the music industry with their disgusting, disruptive, divisive, and immoral forms of mind-wiping drug-dealer (lawless capitalist) music and entertainment. Believe me I am not trying to be poetic in any way.By the way, since all forms of substantial mass resistance had been effectively removed, the drug dealers flooded in as well. I have watched this happen slowly yet consistently since the early 1970’s.
This is my point: the long-term goal of all of this corporation-initiated policy is quite obviously the wearing down of all forms of effective counter-organization and resistance. Once they have cleared the playing field, as was done in the black community, the criminals win and all you have left is corporate-crafted consumers of one type or another totally lacking the will or ability to resist the corporate masters.
Personally, I have come to believe over time that freedom is not a “state” of being, it is rather a mind-set, or “predisposition to act” without exception, or hesitation under any and all circumstances in accordance with what reason shows is ones own interest modified with a proper measure of respect for your neighbor’s interests as well.
Noam Chomsky once said that he thought that state and local level government organization structures and laws would be the only effective way for “we the people” to counter the marriage between the corporations and the federal government. I agree with him and with what I reading here. It is truly an honor to and a blessing to be the citizen of a country “infested” with freedom-minded people like yourselves.
In the spirit of Crispus Attucks I would like to wish you all a Happy Constitution Day.
While I wish I had time to properly address each and every question and comment here, unfortunately I do not. With that, I’d like to thank everyone for their feedback and comments – pro and con. I believe it’s essential to reach out to people all over the political spectrum for this 10th amendment movement to succeed. I’m starting to see the “green shoots” of that here.
First,I LIKE this “ignore the feds” proposal……Second, I would like to see all federal workers and their authority (exept for constitutionally permitted) confined to federal lands. This would help the agriculture business a lot. And as long as I’m a roll, return all federal parks and preserves to the states they are in…………….So there!!!
Y’know, not so long ago I personally would have scoffed at this proposal to ignore the feds. But now, given the accelerated change in circumstances, I agree — Ignore them; act as if they don’t exist.
In any event I’m now dedicated to my state and her people. You have a problem with that, take it up with those you love to cite when it’s convenient to your agenda, namely the framers.
YES! AMEN! BRING IT! IT’s ON! Even “Power to the people of the several states”.
Here is one way that can work NOW:
Given Virginian respect the beauty and power of their statutes a remedy on a federal officer’s adulteration of the true duly authorized law(VA18.2-111) or remedy “resisting the execution of the laws under the color of its authority”(VA18.2-481[5]) given the reach of US Mail/Wire Fraud(18USC1341)
Thank you for the historical comments to all who share a kindred view. What can you say to those who have no knowledge of what you are talking about? I am pleased at reading the views of academics whenever possible. But, may I use this bit of historical truth, when the Barbarians were entering Rome the academics were escaping while the people were left to face the truth of power Rome had lost. The pen IS mightier than the sword. Too often, however, those who use the pen do so from a position of safety while those to whom they speak are fighting for their lives.
America is in transition from euro-ethnic domination of the 20th century to a “global” citizenry of diverse economic, cultural, religious, political, moral, and academic identity we have never known.
To my point. It is important to teach the truth of Patrick Henry, George Mason, John Adams, ect. ect. It is important to speak about the dreams and achievments of the Euro immegrents of the 20th century. But, we must find a new message championing the names of NEW ehnic freedom fighters we can support. People with names like Garcia, Sanchez, Wong, Yang, Yo, instead of Jones, Smith, Rockerfeller,and Bailey!
We must remember that our founding fathers gave us a documment FOR THE AGES, not just for their kind,(even if that may not have been their true intention). Our duty can only be to protect THAT documment beyound the politics, social opinions, or economic realities of any time in our history.
I will offer this thought to you my fellow Americans (regardless from whence you have come), if we hold true to the principles of our constitutional government those principles will overpower the promises of communisim, socialism, nazism, marxism, or fascism in that new world order so many believe is upon us. We are that light upon a hill that only WE can keep alive.
I refer, to the meassage of Patrick Henry. There are men even today, who would choose death before the lose of liberty. However,we must understand that many would unwittingly choose life without freedom because they have never experienced … death. Yes, history is so important! Let us refresh our message by sending it in new ways our MODERN world can understand.
Who said “A house divided against itself can not stand!)? Oh, I know how smart you all are. What was the man who said that? I know YOU know. Above all he was foremost an AMERICAN who died for America, not his political party, his economic views, religious bias, but his FAITH and DEDICATION to preserve this union that we enjoy today.
Let us be first to make every effort to bridge the divisions between left/right, liberal/conservative, socialist/capitalist, religious/agnostic, Euro American and the new Americans. Those who believe themselves to be part of a SMART group that built this empire, called America, should be Smart enough to figure out how to pass themselves on to the next generation without ripping the empire (that is America) apart.
When I was a young father I found myself telling my children what I thought. As a Grandfather I find myself listening to what my children realy thought for themselves and, what they think about my thoughts today! I have found that some principle values and ideas are safe. But, I also find a new compromised reality of value and principle relavent to this moment in their history…not mine. Think about it! Talk to (listen to) your children and grandchildren! Do not lock them in the closet for they are the future.
Right now some would sugest our job is to sound smart, sell books, and see how many out there visited the right website, signed up, and (hopefuly) made a purchase or donation. If you believe that…I prefer you do not reply!
dtw