In the meanwhile, I simply can’t get excited about sentimentally-motivated state sovereignty resolutions.

the only way to repeal an amendment is to have a large national consensus. In other words, a big majority of people and state legislatures have to be in support of the constitution and state sovereignty before that ever happens.

The only way to get that national consensus, especially in these times of extreme nationalism, is to show how decentralization actually works…and the sky won’t fall with it either!

How is that done? Each state, on its own, reasserting its own sovereignty with or without federal “permission” As the movement grows, people will learn about it, and understand …and see…how it actually works. Once consensus is built, then it would make sense to drive for a national effort to repeal the 17th.

Top-down solutions – which is what you seem to oppose – cannot be resisted through a top-down solution. Start from the bottom, work in your own state to nullify unconstitutional federal laws, and move up from there as you are successful.

That’s what the founders recommended for a federal government that doesn’t obey the constitution. Altering the constitution was a last resort – AFTER that state-level solution was given ample time and effort.

-jcr

If you contact your state reps, please keep us informed here of who is standing on the side of the constitution and who is not. It’s essential for us to get feedback from people “on the ground.”

I was asking about Michigan, not other states. So you are not aware of any Michigan Legislators that will be opting out of nationalized health care or nullifying guns laws. Too bad, I would be in support of them (I am in Michigan).

What is missing, directly related to your landlord/tenant comparison, is the “or else” from this resolution.

Anyways, I don’t want to rain on the parade here as (I hope) it’s a start. What is the next step in Michigan and how can we help?

But in practice, the 10th has been dead a long, long time. Since most people don’t even understand how the constitutional system is supposed to work, I see this as not just an important first step, but an absolutely essential one.

Non-binding resolutions have had the effect of bringing this issue to the public sphere. I can’t even count the number of interviews I’ve done with the media in the last few months on this issue. And, we see more and more activists groups learning about it – and starting to understand how the constitution works….and demanding action.

As far as “documentation attesting…” – I recommend that you continue reading this website more often. So far, 2 states have passed laws nullifying some federal gun laws, upwards of 15 will be considering state constitutional amendments to allow people to effectively ban national health care, 13 states now have laws that nullify some federal drugs laws with state marijuana laws, and there’s much more than that, too.

In fact, the Michigan state legislature in 2010 will not only be considering a state constitutional amendment to nullify national health care, but is also one of the many states working towards nullification of federal gun laws. It’s going to be a tough road, but there certainly are efforts in that state!

The reality is, Jeff, if you “see no notice…” then you’re missing what’s happening all over the country. But it’s understandable, the mainstream media barely covers it. Then again, read about a number of news reports on this issue here.

I hope you’ll come back regularly to learn more about this growing 10th Amendment movement!

Of course, the problem with your scenario is the Federal Government already was served notice… in 1791 in the form of the 10th amendment. So no “notice” need be served, the Federal Government is in full knowledge it is trespassing on the rights of the states.

But lets say it’s a warning. But is it? It just reaffirms the existence of the 10th amendment. I see no notice of eviction being served upon the federal goverment.

Can you provide some documentation attesting to the legislators intent to opt out of national health care and nullify federal gun laws as you state?

Thanks

-Jeff