“We’re for it while we’re against it.”

That sums up the apparent position of many states challenging the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. While pursuing an end to the health care act in the federal court system, Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan and Nebraska have crossed the first threshold in setting up the insurance exchanges required by the legislation, according to an announcement by the Obama administration on Tuesday.

The White House announced 12 states recently reached the first threshold, qualifying them for additional federal funding. They join another 16 states that reached the second stage earlier this year, including Delaware, Hawaii, New Mexico, Tennessee and Vermont – all states challenging the constitutionality of the health care bill.

In November 2010, Arizona passed a state constitutional amendment overriding any law, rule or regulation that requires individuals or employers to participate in any particular health care system.  The Idaho legislature passed a health care freedom act in March 2010. And just last spring, Tennessee lawmakers passed health care freedom legislation. Yet, these states continue to take federal money with the express intent of setting up Obama Care insurance exchanges.

In fact, according to a Wall Street Journal article, Alaska stands alone as the only state not accepting any federal funding for the creation of insurance exchanges.

State lawmakers and executives excel at tough talk when it comes to challenging unconstitutional federal overreach. They will even pass and sign into law defiant legislation. But behind the scenes, they continue to obediently dance to the tune of the federal Pied Piper in a pathetic dog and pony show. The feds wave carrots, and so-called state leaders gorge themselves. The feds swing sticks, and they cower in fear.

Ultimately, it’s up to you – the citizens of the states. You MUST make your voice heard and insist that YOUR representatives do their duty and interpose on your behalf.

And if they won’t make it clear you’ll find some who will!

Mike Maharrey

The 10th Amendment

“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.”

LEARN MORE

01

Featured Articles

On the Constitution, history, the founders, and analysis of current events.

featured articles

02

Tenther Blog and News

Nullification news, quick takes, history, interviews, podcasts and much more.

tenther blog

03

State of the Nullification Movement

232 pages. History, constitutionality, and application today.

get the report

01

Path to Liberty

Our flagship podcast. Michael Boldin on the constitution, history, and strategy for liberty today

path to liberty

02

Maharrey Minute

The title says it all. Mike Maharrey with a 1 minute take on issues under a 10th Amendment lens. maharrey minute

Tenther Essentials

2-4 minute videos on key Constitutional issues - history, and application today

TENTHER ESSENTIALS

Join TAC, Support Liberty!

Nothing helps us get the job done more than the financial support of our members, from just $2/month!

JOIN TAC

01

The 10th Amendment

History, meaning, and purpose - the "Foundation of the Constitution."

10th Amendment

03

Nullification

Get an overview of the principles, background, and application in history - and today.

nullification