Concordia res Parvae Crescunt
Under the dome of the Texas capitol, folks typically focus on the Texas constitution, but it’s time to revisit the U.S. Constitution and the protections it guarantees, specifically in the Tenth Amendment. The authors of this amendment, ratified in 1791, remembered what it was like to be under the thumb of a distant, all-powerful government.
Unfortunately, the protections guaranteed by this visionary document have melted away over time. Since the U.S. Constitution was first ratified, the federal government has slowly, steadily and successfully eroded the notion of state’s rights.
The Founding Fathers understood that a one-size-fits-all approach just doesn’t work, especially in a country the size of America, and it certainly doesn’t work for Texas. Our economic strength, compared to the federal budget mess and other states’ troubles, is evidence that Texans know what’s best for Texas.
The Constitution simply does not empower the federal government to override state laws without restraint.
I agree with Texas’ 7th governor, Sam Houston, who once said, “Texas has yet to learn submission to any oppression, come from what source it may.â€
We didn’t like oppression then and we certainly don’t like it now. Unfortunately, pressure is increasing from a federal government that is growing increasingly oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state.
I am calling on Texans to stand up and be heard, because this state of affairs cannot continue indefinitely. Returning to the letter and the spirit of the U.S. Constitution, and its essential Tenth Amendment, will free our state and, ultimately, strengthen our Union.
Regardless of your party affiliation, that is a goal we can all embrace.
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Y'all are very lucky, our legislature here in Florida refuses to even introduce a State's Rights resolution, and this in the third State to secede back in 1860. It's a crying shame.
By "at worst", of course I meant "if the worst happens".
David -- To put it very briefly: At best, we won't need it. At worst, we'll have it.
Think of how many people won't act on (or enforce) something . . . unless it's in writing.
David- That basically means that Oklahoma has said "You are out of line" to the Federal Gov't. I forget which author said it this week, but the State Resolutions are rather like the States breeding the dog. The bite comes later. It will be interesting to see what the States do if the message is ignored by the Lower (aka Federal) Gov't.
We need a Texas Governor who will give Texas sovereignty more than just posturing and lip service.
Jeff Daiell
www.JeffDaiell.com
If the Governor of Oklahoma signs the bill what does that mean for the state exactly?
LOL, can you believe these idiots seriously wanting to tax farmers on the gas cows emit. What's next people? If so my husband will break us!
Maybe the cows can help out. Not with gas, but with something more "solid"?
I fully intend to throw a 10th Amendment Party complete with champagne, BBQ, and all the beef I can find (in protest of the liberals stupid attacks on the industry wanting to tax the "gas" cows emit.)
I have heard as from 30 to 3 States with similar legislation pending.
Michael -- do you know offhand how many other states have "twin" resolutions? I'm guessing that if HJR-1003 becomes law, the Senate's SJR-10 will go dormant, since it wouldn't be necessary to have the "back-up".
It's ALMOST time to uncork the champagne ....
I got an email from Charles Key confirming it. I have emailed and called the Governor and posted the info on facebook and twitter along with his phone number for Oklahoman's to call! States Sovereignty is the answer to many of the problems we are facing now.
Linda -- that was my understanding also -- that the House had already voted on it, passing it 83-13. The Oklahoma legislature's website also has a press release from Charles Key, saying that the ball was now in Governor Henry's court.
You are absolutely correct. One source was telling us that it still needed another house vote, but Rep Key has confirmed that the Senate vote was, in fact, without Amendment. He's urging everyone (in Oklahoma!) to contact the Gov to request that it gets signed.
According to OK Safe it is on it's way to the Governor's desk (see copy of email I received from OK Safe)
Great News! HJR 1003, the 10th Amendment bill authored by Rep. Charles Key (co-authored by Reynolds) of the House and Senator Randy Brogdon of the Senate, passed out the Senate Wednesday, April 15, 2009!
The final vote was 29 Yeas, 18 Nays, with 1 Excused.
The bill now goes to Governor Brad Henry for signing. The governor's options are:
* To sign the resolution. The bill then becomes law.
* To not sign the resolution. Without a signature, after 5 working days (the veto time period) the bill becomes law.
* To veto the resolution within the 5 day period. This would return the bill to the house of origin with a message giving the reasons for the veto. It would then require a 2/3 vote of both chambers (House of Representatives and Senate) to override the veto.
Call Governor Henry to express your support: (405) 521-2342.
Oklahoma's 10th Amendment Resolution finally passed both houses and is on our Governor's desk waiting for his signature as of yesterday!
Actually, the OK resolution is back to the House for one final vote. It's likely to pass with a huge majority. Then on to the Gov's desk.
Tenther Radio!
"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."
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As a Virginia resident, we unfortunately have to wait for a Republican governor to accomplish what TX and OK have.
My only issue is that if the federal government refuses to heed these warning shots, and following secession movements should NOT be individual states going their ways but red states banding together to form a 'more perfect' union. That would be more achievable and worthwhile goal than individual state secession movements.
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