by Shane Musgrove

A Call from “We the People” to All State Representatives

This writing is intended to speak for “We the People” as stated in the preamble of the United States Constitution, and concerns all who are now in State leadership or running for State representation in all fifty of the respective States.

I recently ran across a profound quote which was written in response to an article I wrote. Jonathan D. Linscott of Scottsdale, Arizona wrote, “You cannot expect the problem to fix the problem,” in reference to the federal government. Outside of the philosophical challenge of this statement, it begs the question: what is the problem?

Let me be clear in stating what should be transparent to all, a bloated federal government – one who imposes its will against the people while violating the very constitutional foundation it was meant to protect, a vast array of failing social programs, wasted tax dollars, and an insurmountable debt. This dollar amount is one that few can fathom albeit however skilled in scientific notation and magnitudes of ten you are. Even then the debt number has become increasingly desensitizing as it has moved from millions, to billions, to trillions.

“We the People” sit under an administration and Congress that are relentless in their efforts to enforce their will against the people of the United States. Furthermore, the final step in our pseudo-check-and- balance system is the Supreme Court, which rules with a loose interpretation of the Constitution as if our sacred document is dynamic.

Accordingly, to the demise of the States, their rulings apply to all. Regarding the unseen and unknown problems that take place behind closed doors, whoever endeavors to take on the task of exposing and defining them would need a literary agent along with a book contract to account for hundreds of pages of corruption, deceit, bribes, and lies.

Therefore, this is the “problem” defined: our forefather’s words and the brave men and women who fought for our freedom and liberty have slowly and assuredly fallen down as martyrs. Historically, they have now descended to a place best described by the words of Albert Camus:

“Martyrs, my friend, have to choose between being forgotten, mocked or used; as for being understood – never.”

Our federal government mocks their words by their actions and they desire to place them in a basement while locking the cellar door behind them – disgraceful and disrespectful at best and an abomination at worst. It appears they would have us forget their words. Why? Because all that they fought and aligned themselves with stands contrary to our current federal government’s actions, philosophy, and unceasing attraction to power.

Are the States and their representatives any better? My assumption is that some, if not many, fall into the same political traps, yet not so deeply nor to the same extremity. I believe with great hope along with many others that there are representatives at the State level who do take these matters as genuinely concerning and view it as their responsibility to protect their citizens from what we can now define as “federal lawlessness.” I commend you on your courage, will, integrity, and your strength.

Now, as Linscott said, “You cannot expect the problem to fix the problem,” referring to the federal government, so we emphatically hope that these problems will be answered at the State level. So, the answer to the perplexing philosophical statement is none other than the States, their representatives, and the people that vote them into office.

Therefore, what follows is in essence, “A Call from ‘We the People’ to All State Representatives.”

As a preface, it is a responsibility of the States to assert their rights, specifically in times such as these. It is absolutely necessary to recognize that responsibility and accountability exists among State representatives rather than open-ended, unmoving opinions based on political philosophy and liberal views of the Constitution. To the best of my knowledge, an oath is taken in all States in some form of an edict to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State.” In addition, it should be noted that this call for responsibility is void of any form of violence or sedition, lest the leftist accusations of “inciting violence” and “hate” come forth with great force.

Therefore, let it be said: For legislators who are weakly or mildly concerned with these problems and see your duty as a representative half heartedly, resign.

For governors who do not have the courage to stand and fight for State rights in accordance with the following words from James Madison, resign.

“We are right to take alarm at the first experiment upon our liberties.”
–James Madison

For State Attorneys General who do not consider it an injustice against the people and whom are too weak and too politically inept to stand up for the people in your State, walk towards the door and remember these words:

“When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.”
-Thomas Jefferson

Resign as your unwillingness to see the lawlessness of our federal government demonstrates your incompetence.

For all of those running for office for political gain and power and who do not possess the will to confront the federal government for the sake of your State, take your bow and leave the stage.

And lastly and most importantly, for all who do not regard the Constitution of the United States as a binding, unchanging document which limits the federal government from over reaching its bounds and entitles the States to rights under the Tenth Amendment, step aside.

State Sovereignty is of consequential value although the federal government would have you believe otherwise as they tread on the graves and words of those who came before us. Accordingly, my great anticipation is that all who read this will advance it to their respective State Governors, Legislators, Attorneys General and all who represent their State, including those who are seeking political office. Let this be a resounding call from the people to our elected State officials to stand with us no matter where you or they land in the political spectrum. Let the mantra from old ring out clearly and loudly – “Don’t tread on me,” and let us no longer retain optimism that “our problem will fix the problem.”

As the federal government grows, we inevitably shrink and our resolve rests in “We the people” as voters and a call to all State Representatives to honor their oath with fortitude, integrity, will, wisdom, and a steadfast position on the literal meaning of the United States Constitution and the Tenth Amendment as stated:

“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.”
–The United States Constitution, Tenth Amendment, Ratified 12/15/1791

killed-the-constitutionTherefore, “We the People” have a simple yet powerful message: No longer can the federal government tread on the amendment stated above as they have neither the right nor the power – not on this ground nor on this day.

Shane Musgrove [send him email] is a freelance writer living in Vail and Denver, Colorado.

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