The more I think about Arizona the more I reach the conclusion that in the end Arizona is really about us. For years the federal government has encroached on the constitutional authority of the states to manage local problems. They have taken federalism and made it a one way street with the government dictating policy and the agenda. Now we are starting to see the early stages of states pushing back and Arizona is on the front line.
When the 17th amendment was adopted on April 8, 1913, it amended the Constitution from Senators being elected by state legislators to Senators being elected by popular vote. This amendment greatly diminished not only the powers of the state but ultimately reduced the influence of the individual voter. Senators were no longer beholden to the state government; therefore they had no incentive to champion the interests of their respective states. This was one of the first actions taken to swing the power in favor of the federal government. You can read about the case to repeal the 17th amendment here.
Today the states are becoming more and more dependent on the federal government. From out of control entitlement programs and pension plans that are unsustainable to earmark pet projects that bring much needed money to the states which are looking to the federal government for the answers; answers that they have the constitutional authority come up with. This dependency is rotting away what’s left of their sovereignty with each handout they accept. They have created a self imposed prison and shackled their state sovereignty to the federal government gravy train.
Now we have a lone state standing up and pushing back against a federal government that is failing in one of its basic constitutional responsibilities and that is to protect the citizens of the United States. Through a lack of action by our government to enforce national immigration laws, Arizona was backed into a corner. Their citizens, property, and economic stability were under a constant assault and the governor decided it was time to act. Arizona has faced a tsunami of criticism not only from far left groups, but from cities, states, and the federal government. There have been protests both in support and against Arizona’s new immigration enforcement law. Cities have called for the boycott of Arizona. And now just the other day two separate federal agencies decided that cancel their conventions. As I sat back and watched this all unfold, I began to see that what was happening in Arizona was much bigger than illegal immigration. It was about federalism and a state calling out the federal government for not fulfilling their part in the partnership.
When we stop for a moment and take it all in this is really quite remarkable. For many years states have just rolled over for the feds and allowed them to have their way. This appears to be changing and I do believe it has President Obama a bit worried. Arizona’s courage has prompted at least twenty other states to follow Arizona’s lead in regards to illegal immigration enforcement. That’s a significant number that cannot simply be ignored. This domino effect could be the first signs of a larger movement by the states to reassert their sovereignty against Washington. And this is very encouraging.
The reaction from the Obama administration has been a threatened law suit against Arizona’s law and the organizing of activists and labor unions to push for immigration reform. This is a reaction that a community organizer takes, not the President of the United States. It smells of a Saul Alinsky move.
We all need to stand by Arizona because what happens there will have a ripple effect across the nation. I call on all Governors to stand up and support Arizona and in one unified voice tell Washington to enforce our immigration laws; because in the end Arizona is about us.
Liberty forever, freedom for all!
Original Post: The Current
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Matt
I believe that future generations should have the same opportunities that myself, and those that came before me, had. My parents taught me that I could do anything I wanted to do. I don’t want to have to tell my daughter, “You can do whatever the government tells you to do.” We are at a crossroads in this country; are we going to be free, or are we going to be slaves to the nanny state. I choose freedom.
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The fact that states are beginning to stand up and resist the over-reaching federal government is great to see, although I wish it had happened long ago. Arizona is leading the way, we must follow. The federal government refused to protect out borders, something had to be done, and Arizona took the lead.
I believe that the 17th amendment marks the point in American history where we really began the conversion from being a republic into being a democracy, the 17th amendment took too much power away from the states and since then the federal government has taken more and more power.
Thanks for the comments Steve. Judge Napoitano from Fox News will be discussing states rights and federalism this weekend on his show Freed Watch. I have always held to the belief that most of our nations problems and solution are tied to the states and the states can turn this thing around. States can address local issues in a much more effective manner than a massive federal government. I’m waiting to see if the states stand up and tell the feds to pound sand. And yes I do believe we should consider repealing the 17th amendment.
I’m with you on repealing the 17th Amendment. Senators have no incentive to actually serve their constituents anymore. And big shock, the 17th Amendment was passed by Progressives.
The states need to take their power back and more power to AZ for standing up to the feds.
Repealing the 17th would be a good start Kristin.
The thing about federalism is that it only works if it’s a two way street. The states have to have some power, which means they have to keep some of their money, or we end up where we are today. The feds are a meth dealer and the states are doing whatever the dealer wants to score.
Hopefully Arizona’s bravery stiffens the spines of the other 49 states. If not, the federal government will continue to keep the states strung out.
Good work, John.
I hope this is the beginning KS. But I do feel that we need to play a big part in getting our local representatives to start pushing back. Maybe the Tea Parties should focus more on the state level than the national. The answer to 80 percent of our problems rest with the states.
Thanks for the post John! Education is About All of Us too!
I have a new post on my website about recent legislation on education, passed by the US House Appropriations Committee yesterday that you might find interesting.
Have a great day!
Indeed Concerned, education is a key component in taking the Republic back
I think we need to be prepared for thug tactics when it comes to the unions and other groups that Obama is mobilizing. I’m working on some ideas for that. I’ll let everyone know when I’m done.
It’s a great post John, thank you.
You know Matt, I convinced that the answer lies with the states…The states can turn this ship around from the Obama waterfalls we’re getting ready to go over.
I don’t know if this petition link has been already posted here, but if not, please sign it. The goal is to get 100,000 signatures by Sunday, Independence Day. So far, it’s about 11,450 short of that goal. Your help would be appreciated.
StandWithArizona