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Lew Rockwell interviews Michael Boldin, founder and head of the Tenth Amendment Center.
What is the Tenth Amendment, and why should we care? (“Amendment 10 – Powers of the States and People. 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€)
It’s a linchpin of the states rights phenomenon that is lighting a prairie fire all across the country. And it is not a “right-wing movement,†despite the MSM’s claims. Indeed, its most powerful component is the drive to legalize medical marijuana. (The pro-gun and anti-REAL ID movements are important too, of course). The feds ordered the states to crack down, but they ignored our overlords.
And here is a lesson for all of us. Electoral politics, except Ron Paul, tends to be a corrupt sham. Rather than write, call, or fax congressmen or senators, or work to exchange Bum B for Bum A, ignore the federal government as we peacefully resist. That drains its power. Like the Devil, it needs our consent.
Websites:
Tenth Amendment Center
WeRefuse.com
cross-posted from LewRockwell.com
Now we're talking! We need to nullify just about everything the feds do!
Got that right, Frank – thanks for the feedback…
I think we should nullify things at the more local level as well. There is no reason a small town can't nullify federal laws in order to protect the people their as well.
That's a great idea. If San Francisco can declare itself an open city in contravention of federal immigration law, there's no reason other cities and towns shouldn't do the same. Sauce for the goose, etc….
how about we nullify the federal govt.
You think that this is a joke, but we will soon be having to do the very thing stated-nullify. Also, we'll not only have to nullify, but if we loose the election due to the Courts, and State's rights due to the Courts, then the
joke won't be so funny-because the states will have to seceed and start over, I hope not, I hope for a miracle of an honest and free election and state's rights to direct this country back to Constitutional law.
I heard about constitional reset begins with a vote petition for redress of grievous felony to your govenor.Petition must be tuned to your state constition and code,FOI Laws,can lawfully obligate govenor to a timely responsive reply by asking for a copy of that paticular duty authorized record of public law,to sworn officer.
There is most definitely a need to re-institute the whole philosophy upon which this country was founded, not only does interposition of the State Republics play a vital role in the balance of power, but when necessary, it is a vital step in the defense of the Rights of the People against a government that no longer appears to be concerned whether or not if it has the Consent of the People to govern. Since the nationalization of the Senate, that body has been virtually reduced to little more than a copy of the House of Representatives, as such the majority of those who hold office now view themselves not as employees of the People, but of the federal government. It is evident by the attitude of the majority of elected officials in D.C. that they are far more concerned with the consolidation of power in the federal machine than the balance of powers and the separation of those powers to achieve such balance.
I kind of think it will be hard to sell getting rid of the 17th amendment but if I can actually throw an idea out and that would be to make it that if a senator of a state wants to vote yes on anything he/she must first get approval from the legislature of the state they represent. This way they can be democratically elected and if they have to approve anything it has to get approval from the state government itself. This should restore some balance between the state and federal governments.
Nullification of all unjust and un-Constitutional legislative, bureaucratic and judicial acts must be enacted if this country is to retain even a hint of its former character. The process of Restoration will be a rather arduous one, but one that must take place if this country is to survive, otherwise I see few options but the eventual separation of the State Republics into their former character outside this once reflective union of States. If this federal government, the creation of the States, refuses to relinquish its usurpation of authorities and powers not delegated to it then there will be little choice in the matter. It is time to Restore the Republic of Republics!
“When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.”
-Thomas Jefferson
Ok there is an elephant in the room that I'm confused, maybe it is my military mind…..
As you may know we got it passed and on the November ballot here in Florida on Healthcare Freedom. To me this is just the initial strike. My question is how do we build the defense to enforce? All the feds have to do is withdraw "our" money to beat people back into submission. How do we protect not only our citizens but physicians as well when the feds put the pressure on? The feds are not going to roll over when the chips are down! How do we build state defense infrastructure?
The pot deal is easy, they are going to pick their battles wisely. Really what is pot to them anyway? Hell if they really wanted to "win the war on drugs" they could have done it long ago! They are trying to pacify the people, allow them to think they are winning. But as the people and states get bolder the feds are going to crack down. It is not just their power but the powers they have placed above them, the UN!
Can we get a dialog going on this? Question: "How Do We Build Defense in the States?"
Each state needs to form it's own state-sanctioned volunteer militia that is controlled BY and FOR the state and NOT by the Federal Government! This would be similar to what we now know as the "National Guard" but would NOT be available for Federal misuse!
Pensacola10… We must become self sufficient, so we can more easily deal with less if the feds withhold money etc. We must support AZ with their movement against Illegals and each state pass their own copy. We must withhold $$ from dems and repubs, just donate to ones who will stand up to Obama and uphold the Constitution. We must worship the God of the Bible as the only, everlasting, never changing, sovereign savior Jesus Christ.
I think to assume that the feds are giving up on weed easily is to seriously downplay reality. Here in CA we know their determination well. It has taken nearly 15 years….and hundreds of thousands of arrests…and we're about 1/3 there.
The bottom line remains the same….when enough people and enough states refuse to comply, the feds don't have the manpower to enforce.
Michael, the Federals may not have the manpower to enforce their proclamations "alone" but they have treaties and agreements with other countries (e.g., Canada) that will request "assistance" of these countries should we ask. And which states will come to the aid of their country?
These scenarios have already been relegated to gaming theory and simulation with calculated outcomes in their favor. They have the plan in place similar to Continuity of Government, that was prominent with Iran Contra and Oliver North. The Federals practice gaming theory daily through their "exercises" performed by every executive department (FEMA, military departments, Homeland Security and others that have a police presence). If we're not "gaming" at that same level, we are behind the power curve. This should be part of our plan.
Taking back control of our States invoking the Tenth Amendment, and nullifying Federal tyranny is a correct and peaceful solution! However, this is not an easy task in Pennsylvania with Governor (casino Ed) Rendell.
The citizens of Pa have a lot of work to do starting with electing a Constitutional Governor that doesn’t think that our Constitution is a living document! Our founding fathers gave us a blueprint to follow to fix the mess we are in.
As patriots nearing the crossroads, we must stay on course for freedom; “to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity”.
No…it's definitely not easy and will take many years of perserverence….
We have to reclaim the freedom of the press. We have to get our information from independent and free sources. Not the monopolized, new world order main stream media that now exists. It is obvious that our present media is designed to keep us distracted by the latest side show to keep our attention off the real issues that are going on. A blogger network comes to mind, with a quick lesson in accuracy and reporting fundamentals. Rewards for journalists who speak the truth and uncover abuses of our liberty. Condemnation for those who seek to undermine the values of our Constitution. Immediate correction for inaccurate stories. (like wikipedia). In case of an attack by the Courts on it, it may have to be based outside this country or in several countries to avoid the search and seizure of an increasingly paranoid government.
Each and every eligible adult should own a gun. Every one who can should apply for a concealed carry permit. Unless you are lucky enough to live in Vermont or Arizona where you are not required to ask permission to exercise your God given rights!
A healthy government would respect their citizens, not fear them!
PART 2 OF 7. ALL USURPTION OF PEOPLE'S RIGHTS ARE BACKED BY FORCE. WHEN THE GOVERNING MEN AND WOMEN ( PELOZI, BOXER, FEINSTIEN, HILLARY, AND OTHER SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN AND CABINET MEMBERS, GOVERNORS ) TRY TO TAKE THE RIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE BY SOME BU__ SH_T , THAT IS TO SAY, A BULL’s MANURE, WHICH THEY TRY TO PASS FOR LOGIC, THE FINAL ULTIMATE QUESTION TO YOU IS : WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE UNDER THEIR ENSLAVING, WAR PERPETRATING , NON-REPRESENTIVE TAXING , METHODS OF HARMING PEOPLE'S WELL BEING, TACTICS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, WHICH WILL ONLY LEAD TO COMPLETE ENSLAVEMENT: WORKING AND PAYING THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THEIR FORCED "CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FORM OF TAXES" OR WOULD YOU RATHER TRY TO PREVENT THEM BY PEACEFUL MEANS BY VOTING THEM OUT OF OFFICE AND WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO DIE VIOLENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF USING YOUR OWN LAST RESORT OF FORCE TO PREVENT THE ENSLAVEMENT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
PART 4 OF 7. THE QUESTION EVERY PERSON MUST ASK THEMSELVES, WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE AS AN ECONOMIC SLAVE OR DIE TRYING TO REMAIN FREE? THINK ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN'S FUTURE. LOOK AROUND YOU. ANY ONE WORKING FOR THE GOVERNMENT IS A LEECH, A PARASITE UPON YOU. AND THERE ARE MORE THAN 60% OF THEM. THAT IS A “DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY”. THAT’S DEMOCRACY’S METHOD: GET A MAJORITY OF PEOPLE LIVING AS GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, SUCKING THE BLOOD OF THEIR FELLOW NON-GOV EMPLOYEE AND YOUR PRINCIPLE OF DEMOCRACY AS BEING “FAIR” IS ABSOLUTE CRAP. THAT IS WHY AMERICA IS ALREADY DYING.
PART 5 OF 7. AT THE MOMENT THAT YOU REALIZE, KNOW WITH ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY, THAT THESE PARASITES WILL NOT STOP SUCKING YOUR BLOOD UNLESS THEY ARE REMOVED WITH A KNIFE, YOU WILL THEN LOOK DEATH IN THE FACE. YOU WILL BE WILLING TO DIE TO SAVE THE LIFE OF YOUR LOVED ONES. IT IS DEMOCRACY FOR A SIMPLE MAJORITY 51 % GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES , AGAINST 49% PRIVATE CITIZENS TO VOTE MORE TAXES AGAINST PRIVATE CITIZENS SO THAT SUCH MAJORITY CAN "LIVE BETTER THAN THE PRIVATES? HOW DO YOU LIKE THAT?
PART 6 OF 7. AND THAT'S THE PROBLEM. COMMUNISM PROCLAIMS THAT IT CAN NOT EXIST WITHOUT FIRST HAVING DEMOCRACY BECAUSE OF WHAT I JUST MENTIONED. LOOK AROUND YOU. ANYONE WHO WORKS FOR THE GOVERNMENT IS AN "ENEMY" AN ENSLAVER NO MATTER HOW NICE THEY SMILE. EVEN IF THEY CLAIM THAT "IT IS FOR YOU, FOR YOUR BENEFIT THAT WE TAKE YOUR TAXES". OF COURSE IT'S FOR YOU PARTLY, YOU GET A LITTLE PIECE OF THE PIE, BUT FOR THEM, IT'S THE WHOLE PIE. THEY LIVE COMPLETELY OFF YOUR TAXES. THEY PAY TAXES TOO; THE PART THAT THEY TAKE FROM YOU.
PART 7 OF 7. DO YOU KNOW THAT THE EMPLOYEES OF THE IRS DO NOT PAY INCOME TAX? WHY? BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT RULED THAT "THE IRS IS A PRIVATE COMPANY AND WE THE GOVERNMENT PAY THEM ONLY AS A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THEIR EXPENSES" THIS IS AN ABOLUTE FACT BECAUSE I SAW THE LEGALLY QUOTED SOURCE DOCUMENT ON AN INTERNET SITE. I SWEAR THIS TO YOU. AND WHO IS THE BLAME FOR ALL THIS? “OF COURSE THERE ARE THOSE WHO ARE MORE RESPONSIBLE THAN OTHERS, CONGRESS, AND THEY WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, BUT TRUTH BE TOLD, IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHO IS TO BLAME, YOU NEED ONLY LOOK IN THE MIRROR.” ( V for Vendetta ). NEED I SAY MORE?
The IRS and the Federal Reserve are both illegal, criminal organizations set up by organized criminals to fleece the /American citizens. Global organized crime (international bankers, Kingdom of Satan) are America's worst enemies. They are very busy taking over EVERYTHING! Not one American citizen and not one American business should pay one more cent of "tax" EXTORTION MONEY to the IRS. Not one cent of the collected money goes to support the American government–it ALL goes into the pockets of the organized criminals. Furthermore, they are using it to buy more politicians, more judges, more juries, more police, more military, more concentration camps to use against Americans who want freedom from corruption and tyranny.
This is going to work better over time as those willing to ignore the feds concentrate themselves into areas where prosperity will start to reign once again. How about New Hampshire? Check out the Free State Project.
By the way, I have noticed a lot of VERY welcome rhetoric against violence. Our ability to do this peacefully will certainly disable another main tool that the federal government uses to justify its tyranny.
Also, I don't think we need to secede. Once we recognize that the 10th amendment allows us to remain a part of the union, we should do that, and continue benefiting from interstate cooperation. New Hampshire will be a beacon for humanity.
How do we build defenses in the states? from "I Robot", the movie: "That, my friend, is the right question."
FIRST, You must know the enemy. You must be willing to admit, contrary to all of your past education, as to what and who an "enemy" is. The enemy is "any person in government" because any person in government, first and foremost, is living off your tax money. They are leeches, parasites. They will not voteagainst any law, rule, regulation that appears, not simply does, but appears to weaken, loosen, reduce their grip on their livelyhood. They are in conflict with you because you feed them. Do not espect them to listen to your reason and logic. They have only self-interest. SECOND. Unite yourself to others in your state. Control it first. It will then control the federal government. HOW? That, my friend, is the right question.
"The enemy is "any person in government" because any person in government, first and foremost, is living off your tax money. "
Wholly not true and a faulty assumption. Many that I know, and I was one of them for 40+ years, are right-thinking Constitutionalists of the 10A persuasion. Just because you're "in the government" does not make you a government stooge and lapdog, though I digress in denigrating my favorite species, canine. I, we, worked very hard to convert our fellow workmates to Constitutionalists on a daily basis through our instruction and analysis of the things that are not right with where government considers to rule. We have/had a captive audience and used it wisely for conversion. It worked in some cases and not in others. But what works all the time anyway? I still have contact with my ex-workmates and they continue to educate with much success. Success has many avenues and it is up to us to discover and use.
my state of Illinois dont want do a thing to fight pews Obama healthcare bill. i wrote to are AG Lisa Madigfan and she feels its a wortless laww site the states have brough to the courts s!
I hear you both. Believe me I have thoroughly thought this all through and that is why I volunteered with TAC. Believe me this house is ready. What concerns me is those who using only "passion" do not understand the consequences of what nullification, secession, etc. means, the sacrifice all the way to life. I am wanting to know if we have an underground of defense built? For "opsec" on our side I do not want it to be revealed if there is, we will notice it if it has to be inacted, I just want to know if it is in place? Many people are still being sheeple even though they are starting to speak up and if the shooting begins they will scramble. I want it done peacefully if at all possible but we must have a foundation in place in case it has to go the other way! Shoot hubby and I are already on a list somewhere due to our activity in the 90s against the government abuse of our military members! So be it! Lets Roll!
If you do not have something worth dieing for then you have nothing to live for!
Please, Charles, stop using FULL CAPS. It's quite hard for many of us to read.
Thanks!
How about using the guard troops the way they should be used? By the state.
Building any new military type force would be on dubious constitutional grounds with art I section 10
Amen.
I'm all in favor of the FSP!
Having been an ambassador, Thomas Jefferson identified the following problem. Jefferson observed that foreigners do not understand the Founder’s division of federal and state government powers.
“With respect to our State and federal governments, I do not think their relations correctly understood by foreigners. They generally suppose the former subordinate to the latter. But this is not the case. They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole.” –Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.
The problem now is that even US citizens do not understand that, given the greater constitutional powers of the states to serve the people, in many aspects a given state is the equivalent of countries like England and France.
In fact, IMO it wouldn’t hurt the state sovereignty movement if state legislatures made it an optional for people to officially refer to a state’s governor as prime minister.
PART 1 OF 7. WORDS OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH: EVERYTHING IS BACKED BY PHYSICAL FORCE. YOU CAN USE ALL MANNER OF LEGITIMATE ARGUMENT; YOU CAN JOKE, FLATTER THREATEN REMOVAL FROM OFFICE, THREATEN EXPOSURE IN THE MEDIA ( AS IF IT WAS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE PEOPLE'S VOICE, EVEN IN THE EDITORIALS IT IS NOT. ) BUT THE FINAL, THE ULTIMATE, THE ABOLUTED TRUTH IS: ALL LAW IS BACKED BY FORCE.
PART 3 OF 7. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME. ALL KINGS, ALL EMPERORS, ALL "CALIPHS IN ARABIA" ALL, ALL, ALL OF THEIR "RULES, LAWS, REGULATIONS” WOULD BE DESTROYED IF THEY DID NOT USE FORCE TO UPHOLD THOSE LAWS. EVEN IN COMMUNIST COUNTRIES, THERE ARE AND WERE THE ELITE: THOSE SMART ENOUGH TO RECOGNIZE THIS ABSOLUTE TRUTH, AND THEY PROFITED BY IT, THEY RULED BY IT AGAINST THE COMMON PEOPLE. THEY MADE A LIVING, RECEIVED THEIR BREAD AND BUTTER, NOT BY PRODUCING ORIGINAL GOODS AND SERVICES BUT BY FORCING THE PEOPLE TO PAY THEM MONEY, TAXES, IN ORDER FOR THOSE GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES TO HAVE A BETTER LIVELIHOOD THAN THE PEOPLE THEY SUPPOSEDLY WERE SERVING.
Never forget:
The U.S. Government and the State and Local Governments have demonstrated time and again they are not afraid to use the guns of THEIR military and police forces and any and all related mercenary groups against "the people." Their only defeat at the hands of "the people" was in the Battle of Quebec in 1775.
Well it's about time Mr. Rockwell started podcasting again! And what better guest to have than Michael Boldin! I thought the Lew Rockwell show had gone out of existence. I'm pleasantly surprised!
I think it undermines the movement to identify it with Ron Paul, pot legalization, etc. It makes people think “This is just those crazy Libertarians.” The Libertarian Party is never going anywhere. But, the idea of the restoring the power of the 10th Amendment might…if the people get behind it. If people think it is just a Libertarian thing, most people will ignore it like the ignore the Libertarian Party.
you know what REALLY undermines the movement? Using the 10th amendment to promote issues that are solely conservative. Then it looks like nothing more than political posturing.
Following the 10th means following the constitution in EVERY situation – and state-level legalization (or criminalization) of pot is a huge part of that. To ignore it is foolish.
If the point is to get people to join the movement, it is counter-productive to tie it closely to unpopular issues. Frankly, this is WHY the Libertarian Party never gets anywhere. Instead of focusing on libertarianism, it readily embraces things like drug legalization, prostitution, etc and thus becomes identified with what most people think are kooky ideas. I'd be happy to fight about drugs and prostitution at the state level (and I think my side will win handily), but we'll never get the chance if the 10th Amendment movement gets no more traction than the Libertarian Party does. I share your goals, but some of your focus ignores political reality.
you seem to have TAC confused with a political party. Keep that kind of "give a good image" garbage to the politicians. We are here to talk about what is constitutional and what is not – regardless of political affiliation of popularity. The Constitution isn't a popularity contest.
The worst offense of conservatives to me is this viewpoint – "Don't talk about unconstitutional actions unless it's popular to conservatives"
And – "don't talk about marijuana – even is it is a HUGE example of how nullification works. We don't want examples of success – unless it's conservative."
Well, show me one, and we'll highlight it more…..get out there and nullify, Rick.
It’s become clear to me now that TAC isn’t a serious effort to achieve anything. It is a self-indulgent exercise that is less concerned with making changes in the real world and more concerned with talking amongst yourselves (like the Libertarian Party). You can’t accomplish your goals without popular support, and you can’t get popular support by identifying yourself with unpopular issues. To try to do so is, to use your word, idiotic.
Again, 14 states nullifying federal laws on marijuana is NOT a popular movement? Absurd.
But – supporting the constitution and supporting the views of a political ideology don't always go hand in hand. In my view, conservatives are the worst offenders of this….
And no – we're not a political party – or a movement. We're an organization that puts out information about the constitution. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better one out there anywhere.
Our sole goal is to present the constitutional view on everything – conservatives and liberals alike can play their games distorting it, or making excuses for not following it. They both do it every day….
Now, if you'd like to tell us that the federal government being involved in the drug was is somehow constitutional, we could have a discussion about that.
Again, 14 states nullifying federal laws on marijuana is NOT a popular movement? Absurd.
But – supporting the constitution and supporting the views of a political ideology don't always go hand in hand. In my view, conservatives are the worst offenders of this….
And no – we're not a political party – or a movement. We're an organization that puts out information about the constitution. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better one out there anywhere.
Our sole goal is to present the constitutional view on everything – conservatives and liberals alike can play their games distorting it, or making excuses for not following it. They both do it every day….
Now, if you'd like to tell us that the federal government being involved in the drug was is somehow constitutional, we could have a discussion about that.
Michael, civility in debate is something you might want to try. There was nothing "idiotic" about my saying that a movement needs public support to succeed, and marijuana legalization is a fringe issue opposed by 2/3 of all voters. You're right that the Constitution isn't a popularity contest. But, you and TAC aren't the Constitution. You're a "think tank" with a goal of convincing people that you're right. Or, at least that's what I assumed until now. But, you’ve clarified that for me. You don’t care about your image like those nasty politicians do. Tell me, if the North America Man Boy Love Association were to achieve it ends in a state (with an activist judiciary, anything is possible), would you support their nullification attempt? Would you repeatedly run articles saying, “We must help NAMBLA nullify federal laws opposing child molestation!” Or would you realize that you and TAC (and the 10th Amendment itself) will lose virtually all public support the moment you are perceived as supporting NAMBLA’s cause?
What's even MORE idiotic about that statement is the assumption that nullifying federal marijuana laws is "unpopular"!!
14 states are now actively defying the federal government. How many are doing that on unconstitutional national health care or unconstitutional gun laws? ZERO.
Rick – you'll do well to learn from these people…instead of hiding from them.
As I’ve ranted elsewhere, the states are now fighting the corrupt federal government partly as a consequence of state lawmakers unthinkingly ratifying the anti-state sovereignty 17th Amendment.
In fact, until recently, I would have argued the PC “fact” that the USA is a republic. But the ill-conceived 17th A. effectively changed the republic to a mob-ruled democracy.
What has happened to all the big talk about finding out Obama’s birthplace? Why hasn’t he had to prove where he was born? Is this just going to “Go Away”. Where is the proof that he has the Right to be President of the United States?
There was also a lot of emails and websites regarding “Impeaching Obama”. Has this been swept under the rug also?
"Ignore the Federal government". Hee hee! I love it! But that is the answer. NON-COMPLIANCE. They are like a bunch of spoiled, needy children shouting "Look at me! Look at me!" I"m really good at ignoring people/things I don't like or agree with. This is gonna be easy…
Texas is unique from other states in that when it entered the Union, it gave itself an out. Article One, Section 2 of the Texas Constitution states in part that: "…[Texans] have at all times the inalienable right to alter, reform or abolish their government in such manner as they may think expedient."
This is a unilateral choice for Texas. We don't have to get "permission" from D.C. to act. It's my greatest hope that Texans will one day "reform" their working relationship with Washington in a way similar to the following: Texas will not comply with, or fund, UN-enumerated (as expressly read in Article One, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution) federal laws or regulations until the Texas State Legislature has vetted, approved, and funded said items. In addition, Texans must insist that Federal Court decisions will only be observed and respected in Texas if those rulings reflect the original intent, and expressed jurisdiction of the federal courts.
Teresa
San Marcos Texas