“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government, are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the State governments are numerous and indefinite. The former will be exercised principally on external objects, as war, peace, negotiation, and foreign commerce; with which last the power of taxation will, for the most part, be connected. The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs, concern the lives, liberties, and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement, and prosperity of the State.”

By stating the above in Federalist No. 45, James Madison memorialized the intent of the Founding Fathers of establishing a government that would not be afforded powers which could prove dangerous to the authority of the states.

The usurpations that the federal government has committed against the states have been so numerous and so frequent, that the American public has become desensitized.  The situation has degenerated to the extent that some are even surprised when reminded of the fact that it was the states that created the federal government, not the other way around. The central government was formed by sovereign states to act as their agent to carry out only such tasks as it was entrusted to perform by its creators.

When the original thirteen colonies declared independence from Britain, they declared that each was a free and independent state with full and separate power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce and do all other acts which independent states may of right do.  In the Treaty of Paris, which marked the end of the American Revolution, Britain acknowledged each of the thirteen colonies to be a free, sovereign and independent state. Each state was specifically mentioned as a sole and separate, sovereign entity.  These sovereign independent bodies later joined to facilitate coexistence and commerce, creating as their agent, a central government.

The Tenth Amendment explicitly states the Constitution’s principle of federalism by providing that powers not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.  Since said federal government has more and more encroached upon the rights of the states, usurped powers not delegated to it and otherwise presumed to pass legislation which dictates policy to the states, it has become necessary that the states remind their agent of the limits under which its very existence rests.

For said purpose as many as 47 states have drafted sovereignty resolutions.  The movement continues to grow.  Many states have now passed these measures.  Our own state introduced SJR6- Senate Joint Resolution- Claiming sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

SJR6 states in part,

“RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA JOINTLY, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Nevada hereby claim sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the Federal Government by the Constitution of the United States; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution serves as notice and demand to the Federal Government to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers…”

The resolution was heard on March 7, 2011 and is currently in committee, where no action has been taken.  The legislature has the ability to indefinitely postpone any action on this resolution, effectively killing it.  Don’t let this die in committee!   Take action today and reclaim Nevada’s sovereignty before it is too late!

This bill is critical to limiting government and protecting the liberties of the people.  By reasserting our sovereignty, our state is striving to restore the balance of power intended by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution.  It would send a clear message to the federal government that we are not willing to be bullied by our agent.  Only we, Nevadans, have the ability to bring about this change for ourselves.  Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers.  Below is a list of steps you can take.  Please read each carefully and take action today.

* You can voice your support  by calling the members of the committee.  Leave an opinion for the committee of Government Affairs or ask to be connected to a legislator. Reno/Carson: 775-684-6800, Toll Free from Las Vegas 702-486-2626, Toll Free 800-578-2878.

* Write an email supporting SJR6.   Contact: Chairman John J. Lee, Senators Mark A. Manendo, Michael A. Schneider, Joseph P. Hardy, or James A. Settelmeyer.   Emails: jlee@sen.state.nv.us, mmanendo@sen.state.nv.us, mschneider@sen.state.nv.us, jhardy@sen.state.nv.us, jsettelmeyer@sen.state.nv.us

* Also, in addition to calling, sending an email, or both, please be sure to go on the Nevada Legislature page to post your opinion of SJR6.  This step takes less than one minute and is easy and effective. Follow this link: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/AppCF/Opinion/76th2011/vwComments.cfm?drpMenu=370.

* You can also get a copy of this bill to distribute to your friends and family, at http://www.leg.state.nv.us/Session/76th2011/Bills/SJR/SJR6.pdf .  Encourage others to take action by following these steps as well.

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