by State Rep. Samuel E Rohrer, PA-128th District
The danger of being number 10 is that no one really knows who you are. George Washington was our first president; but how many can name number 10 off the top of their head? And Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to climb Everest, but does anyone know who the tenth person was to reach the summit?
And then consider our amendments to the United States Constitution: most of us know the 1st Amendment verbatim, but do you know what the Tenth Amendment 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.â€
Sometimes thought of as an afterthought, to “sweep up†anything the Founders may have forgotten, the 10th Amendment today is taking on monumental importance as increasing federal intrusion into state affairs threatens to completely destroy the balance between state and federal power.
In the Federalist Papers, authors Jay, Madison, and Hamilton labored to convince a monarch-shy colonial population that they needed a strong government to preserve a free, cohesive nation. The authors took pains to outline how the Constitutional structure of the government would prohibit the federal government from becoming big enough to overwhelm the powers of both the states and the democratic process.
The 10th Amendment was foundational to this system of checks and balances, constitutionally restricting the federal government to covering issues related to commerce, national defense, the postal system, and the like.
“Power begets power,†though, as the saying goes, and the federal government slowly began expanding its powers. One of the most effective and insidious ways that the federal government has taken over control of state affairs is by first passing a mandate and then offering federal money to states with significant strings attached.
Whether the issue is welfare, Real ID, No Child Left Behind, or health insurance programs, tantalizing packages have been dangled in front of state governors and legislators, promising to stop the budget gap or expand a politically successful program. States have taken the money and over time, the requirements and restrictions on those state funds have slowly but surely changed the direction of state policy.
Instead of developing programs to fit the needs of state citizens and altering them to best use the state resources, programs are instead clumsily built around the federal funding requirements, so the state does not lose a single available dollar. This significant paradigm shift should be a wake-up call to every citizen not only in Pennsylvania, but also across the nation.
Therefore, because the Supreme Court allowed the federal government to offer funds on conditions, states have subjected themselves to Washington. This submission completely distorts the checks and balances inherent in our Constitution, and enshrined in the 10th Amendment.
In order to raise awareness of this improper delegation of power, I have joined with representatives, senators, Democrats, and Republicans from over 30 states and introduced a resolution into the Pennsylvania General Assembly that reaffirms Pennsylvania’s constitutional powers under the 10th Amendment.
This 10th Amendment Resolution (House Resolution 95) is little more than a restatement of the last amendment to the Bill of Rights, reminding state legislatures that the federal government must no longer be allowed to commandeer our rightful authority.
As difficult as it is to believe someone could oppose a resolution as plain as reaffirming a basic tenet of our Constitution, sadly, opposition is too often the case in our state legislatures. This issue, however, is gaining traction among American citizens who are unwilling to sit back while Washington blatantly ignores their voices.
Supporting the 10th Amendment Resolution is a grassroots effort if ever there was one. I encourage you to spread the word and contact your family, friends and relatives, in and out of Pennsylvania, and encourage them to speak up. This issue will not go away—and it gives a voice to those who have grown frustrated and disillusioned with our federal government.
The 10th Amendment Resolution simply yet powerfully affirms our belief in the constitutional structure of our government. Join me today in that affirmation.
Rep. Rohrer will be holding the “10th Amendment Rally for the State of Independence†on Monday, March 16 at noon in the Rotunda of the State Capitol. Please make plans to join him there. Visit www.samrohrer.com for more information.
Samuel E. Rohrer is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (R-Berks). To contact him, visit his website at www.samrohrer.com.
I whole-heartedly agree with the necessity for Action now. We must stop the Federal Government! They have trampled on the Constitution, on State’s rights, and on individual rights.
Half of the problem is the fact that they have hijacked state and local legislation by taxing. The feds tax the people so heavy that the states cant tax at a rate to be self-sufficient.
The feds then tell the states “oh, well we will make sure you have the funds for [whatever] as needed.” Then come the strings: “If you want to continue to get your federal highway funding, then you MUST set your legal drinking age to 21″.
This money was taken out of the state in the first place – its extortion. The Chicago mob couldnt have done a better job.
I do see that some of the 10th amendment resolutions make a feeble attempt to address this, but really more emphasis needs to be put on ending the federal extortion. Its not just the states they use our tax money to extort.
The USGov has repeatedly used threat of withholding funding of UN Orgs. if the UN releases any of their unbiased research into drugs, and other things.
Our government IS a monster.
There has never been such a necessity and urgency for the American people to wake up and take action! Stop being passive and demand that our state legislatures do what’s right by and for the people and stop these criminals from stripping us of our Constitutional rights! I live in Washington State and am so angry that the State Sovereignty Resolution was stopped dead and won’t be heard. How can they say no to reaffirming our Sovereignty?!?!?!
This is NOT what “We the People” need. What we need is to take our power back and educate our children once again of their Constitutional rights. Teach our children to pay attention to what’s going on and how to have a voice. It is through each of our state legislatures and representatives, whom we voted for, that represent and speak for us. They are our VOICE! We need to take a stand NOW and write our legislature before it’s too late. The states must stand up and expel the rogue federal government!
Short of secession I think one of the only things to be done (can it be?) is for the states to assert their sovereignty aggressively. Each state with a concerned electorate should examine those areas not yet preempted by the federal government and fill the gaps with local legislation. Expect strong opposition.
Remember during the elections next year who supported resolutions such as this-and who didn’t.
The Tenth Amendment Resolution does a wonderful job of limiting the Federal Gevernment from here to thereafter. The Liberty Amendment which has nine states so far approving it for a vote of ratification will change our Federal Government back to the Constitutional limited Republican type of government it was intended to be from the beginning. All unconstitutional activities and facilities operated by the federal government will be removed in three years as well as all the taxes needed to fund them. When sufficient States have recognized the necessity of the Tenth Amendment Resolution, they will also recognized the necessity for the Liberty Amendment.The Liberty Amendment will be required to remove the unconstitutional powers subverted and given to the Feds during the last 175 years. Read http://www.libertyamendment.org
The way things are going at the Federal level it may already be too late for our States to come back into meaningful existence. Let’s hope the Legislators in those states that have passed this resolution really mean business or it’s down the tubes for any semblance of States Rights.
Depending on Justice Kennedy’s regard for the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, this might be the right time to get Ninth and Tenth Amendment cases before the S.Court. The governor of Iowa seems very reluctant to put our state ahead of his party and, no doubt, he’s waiting to see how much of our money the District of Columbia (I won’t use our first president’s name in this context) is going to let him spend to enhance his own political career. Government careerists control the legislature here in Iowa, right now, but I will do what I can to keep this issue alive, in Iowa, for as long as it takes. Positive actions in other states can help.
I greatly fear the growth of our federal government. The States will have to stand against them to remain the nation of our founders. I’m proud to know Indiana stood tall and let the feds know we are not to pushed around.
I’m one of the lucky ones….seen this coming in the 90s, have myself country property paid for and plan to use my grandfathers government isued sidearm: given to him in the 1st depresion to wear as he worked on government projects in wv state park areas, to feed his young family. I do beleive our situation is irreversable, but maybe prayer and faith will bring god back to our side. If not be Ready for the worst.
The states have taken an active roll in asserting their 10th Amendment rights and even in Florida, the year 1995 when the Florida Legislature was cognizant of abusive power from federal government agencies. Isn’t it a shame that Charlie Crist, a self proclaimed Republican, cowers to the federal government and freely gives the rights and freedom of Floridians away so he can get some bailout money?
Jeb Bush left office with a surplus and Charlie Crist wouldn’t cut spending enough so he sold Floridians freedom & liberty out for a buck. Charlie Crist is no Republican – he is a socialist. If the 10th Amendment movement gets rid of Charlie and others like him and restores our freedoms and liberty under our Florida Constitution and the united States Constitution – I’m all for it and will help promote freedom and liberty.
One other point – to see all the states involved in this 10th Amendment movement and view their resolutions, please go to:
http://victory1project.wordpress.com/
A quick note to add to Detective Krum’s comment – you can also keep up to date on State Resolutions right on this website – see the links at the top right of the site.
Too late, the Feds stopped listening to us years ago. They will arrest us for disorderly conduct, etc. if we try to protest. Thanks to the 9-11 emergency levels, we are now in a semi-martial law situation. The Constitution and Bill of Rights are now null and void. Don’t our local and state politicians know about FEMA’s program “CABLE SPLICER” to eliminate their duties? (mabey more than just their jobs)
HAIL, HAIL TO THE NEW WORLD ORDER and the elimination of 93% of the human race.
Too bad all their puppets are to stupid to realize that they also will meet our fate when the job is done. Our only hope now is to fight to protect our lives and property. Who knows, we might prevail! “give me liberty, or give me death”
The forgotten 13th amendment is what started most of our governmental problems. It stated that “no person of title could hold public office” meaning Lawyers, Judges, etc. Look who pushes through most of our laws. Do you ever wonder why this country has become such a litigous one??? Why can’t we discipline our children without being taken to jail??? Not a beating , just a spanking. I can only say i LOVE MY COUNTRY, I FEAR MY GOVERNMENT.
Larry, your comment reminds me of a great quote from George Washington:
“Government is not reason; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”
Can’t fool all of the people all of the time but can fool enough of them to get reelected, reelected, and reelected again, again, and again.
The Tenth Amendment project is one of many sound good Trojan horse political ideas.
Allan
A “trojan horse” implies some intentional strategy to trick people. If you’re referring to politicians, I sure wouldn’t doubt that they’re just posturing to get votes. But, I’m sure there’s some good ones out there, although I see that as the exception and not the norm.
Or, are you claiming that supporters of state sovereignty, like myself, or this organization – the Tenth amendment center – is part of this evil plan?
If so sir, you might want to lay it out rather than just making some claim. Or, maybe it’s YOU that’s the trojan horse – leaving an inflammatory comment to get people to pay attention to you and the link that’s associated with your comment here?
Steven,
Is my simple wording so complicated?
A Trojan horse is indeed a deception. An enemy creates a Trojan horse and the gullible carry, or move, it forward.
The Tenth Amendment Center purports to support the Constitution for that reason I support the Tenth Amendment Center. Just bear in mind the Constitution is not a menu to pick and choose from.
“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.†– George Washington
Democracy, that which propagates the idiocy of the masses – Voltaire.
“The right to vote…is the primary right by which other rights are protected” -Thomas Paine
The States DO NOT VOTE to hire USA Lawmakers, particularly Members of the House of Congress every two years; reference Article 1, Section 1 & Section 2.
Allan
Free South Carolina once again.