Warning To Washington: Follow The Constitution

It's not just Montana anymore.

And folks at the Tenth Amendment Center, who monitor states' declarations of independence from the federal government's rules and regulations, suggest perhaps Washington should be paying attention.

Montana has earned fame for its legislative independence in recent years, authoring the original Firearms Freedom Act that now is law in 8 states and being considered in another 8. It also was among the first states to introduce legislation cancelling Obamacare's effects inside its borders. It even considered a plan, tabled for now, that would require federal agents to check in with the local sheriff before attempting to enforce federal laws inside his jurisdiction.

Such ideas have been ridiculed by those in government power, as well as the old established media.

"Reaching into the dusty annals of American history" is how Associated Press described nullification, the idea that at least is suggested in the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which says, "The powers 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."

Just exactly what are those powers given to the federal government? Mostly listed in Article 1, Section 8, they include the power to tax and pay debts, provide for the common defense and general welfare of the U.S., borrow money, regulate commerce with foreign nations and "among the several states," establish a "rule of naturalization," coin money, punish counterfeiters, establish post offices and courts, declare war, raise and support armies and a navy and others.


But over the years the federal government has mandated education procedures, even though education isn't listed in the Constitution. It has established the Energy Department, even though that is not in the Constitution. There's the EPA, even though that is not in the Constitution. And many others.

And now it has decided, under the federal Obamacare health care takeover, that not purchasing health insurance is an action that can be regulated by the federal government.

The result, explains Michael Boldin, chief of the Tenth Amendment Center, is that there are so many efforts to deny Washington the authority it claims, or refuse it the compliance it expects, that his volunteer staff of several dozen workers cannot even keep up with the issues.

More here