The greatest threat to the future of our nation - to our freedom - is not foreign military aggression ... but the growing dependence of the people on a paternalistic government. A nation is no stronger than its people and the best measure of their strength is how they accept responsibility. There will never be a great society unless the materialism of the welfare state is replaced by individual initiative and responsibility.
-Charles B. Shuman

by Thomas Craig

Wow, I don't even know what to say.  I was taken back when Texas showed their testicular fortitude.  I got a warm feeling inside when Montana stepped up to the plate.  Now, in a continuation of a series of States supporting Federalism and the return to Constitutional adherence, Oklahoma makes their move.  Despite the veto by Democratic Gov Brad Henry, the OK House Members passed a resolution claiming Oklahoma's sovereignty granted to them by the United States Constitution.  The Senate now will vote on this resolution and when it passes, it will be sent to the US Congress and make a statement that Oklahoma wants the Federal Government to "get back into their proper constitutional role.”  The great State of Oklahoma is not asking for anything more than the Federal Government to simply adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Constitution.  Very few powers are actually granted to the Feds and this was done on purpose.  The powers which Congress and the Presidency has usurped is contrary to the very core beliefs of the Founding Fathers.  Let us never forget that despite the romantic teaching that the Civil War was fought over slavery, it was actually fought over State rights versus Federal rights.  Abraham Lincoln, arguably both a great Leader and a war criminal who violated the Constitution, led and won the war which did keep the Union from falling apart.  However, this victory does not mean that we turn our back on the founding principles of our Nation.  It is not necessary to wage war with the Federal Government and I, of course, am greatly opposed to that.  There are other ways to stand up for our rights and the Constitution, and the steps taken by Texas, Montana, and now Oklahoma are three perfect examples of the People boldly making a statement that they will no longer stand idly by as their Nation drifts further and further from this great endeavor and dream called America.

by Thomas Craig

In another move by a State to reaffirm the constitutional rights granted by the 10th Amendment, Montana has recently announced that they will challenge the Federal Government's gun control regulation and policies.  The Montana Legislature passed a bill stating that guns which are manufactured, sold, and kept in Montana are exempt from federal background checks, registration laws, and dealer licensing issues.  Now there are not many guns which are actually manufactured in Montana, however, that is not the point.  The point is that the State of Montana, led by Gov. Schweitzer (to my surprise, a Democrat!!), wants to confirm the sovereignty of their State which is bestowed upon them by the U.S. Constitution.  Montana is completely justified in this action.  If a gun is created in Montana and it never leaves Montana, why should the Federal Government have any say over the matter when this clearly affects Montana and Montana alone.  If the gun at any point crosses State lines, then the Federal Government is clearly within its rights to regulate the process due to the Commerce Clause of the Constitution.  The Federal Government, of course, is challenging Montana on this, stating that they do have jurisdiction because guns can so easily be transported across State lines.  There in lies the scary truth.  The Federal Government wants control over every aspect of our lives and wants to keep the States in a position of constant charity and keep the Feds playing the role of the Nanny.  The Federal Government wants control over Montana's firearms because it is "possible" for the gun to at some point leave the State.  It is this sort of logic which led to the death of federalism and it needs to be confronted by every State.  Republicans know that local Government is better equipped to deal with local problems.  There is very little that the Federal Government is better equipped to deal with, and the creators of the Constitution recognized this.  Hopefully, one day we will return to the true ideals of the Constitution where the Federal Government knows its place and our Leaders in Washington choose to lead this Country to greatness instead of maintaining their Empire.