During this season when Americans focus on what they are thankful for and when they rejoice in good will towards men, we thought it would be appropriate to highlight some good news for lovers of liberty.
To be sure, despite the recent election success, there have been many disappointments and much evidence that many in DC plan to continue politics as usual. The earmark ban was shot down, the budget has been funded even though the actual budget has not seen the light of day, and many nominations have been filled with people who have no particular allegiance to constitutional principles.
But there are also encouraging signs that liberty loving citizens who hold public office are resolute on making a difference and are attaining positions of influence and authority. For the sake of brevity let’s look at two items we can be thankful for; one at the Federal level and one at the state.
I bring you good tidings of great joy...
In DC, Ron Paul has been nominated to become the next Chairman of the House Domestic Monetary Policies Subcommittee. http://www.ronpaul.com/2010-12-08/big-announcement-tonight/
“I will approach that committee like no one has ever approached it because we’re living in times like no one has ever seen,” Paul said in an interview with NetNet Thursday. Paul said his first priority will be to open up the books of the Federal Reserve to the American people. “We need to create transparency there. To see what it is they are buying and lending, and who it is they are dealing with,” Paul said
In Florida, Senate President Mike Haridopolos revived a proposed constitutional amendment designed to block a portion of Obama’s health care plan that requires people to buy insurance or face a penalty. http://tinyurl.com/florida-healthcare-freedom
Although the measure was stricken from the ballot by the Florida Supreme court in 2010, Mike Haridopolos, said he removed the language the courts found objectionable. He said Obama’s so-called “individual mandate” that people purchase insurance is far worse than the language that gave the courts heartburn.
The proposed amendment for the 2012 ballot easily passed the Senate Health Regulation Committee along party lines, and is the first measure the Legislature has taken up in preparation for the spring lawmaking session. Haridopolos repeatedly pointed out that he’s a college-level history teacher, and said Obama’s health care overhaul violated the U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment, which restricts federal power in favor of state’s rights. Haridopolos said the bill is on a fast track because it already passed the House and Senate by wide margins last session.
So, liberty lovers, take a moment to count your blessings and be encouraged. We have much to be thankful for.
And as the New Year approaches, let us recommit ourselves to spreading the word that the 10th amendment is a powerful tool that the people of the states can use to push back on federal tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson
- Forced Vaccinations = Medical Tyranny - February 21, 2012
- Liberty for Security: A Reasonable Trade-Off? - August 30, 2011
- Can I Ask You A Question? - August 8, 2011