Today I count it an honor and a privilege to heap a little praise on one of my fellow goalies.

Those of us who guard the net in ice hockey belong to a rather small and tight knit fraternity. It takes a person with a special (some say crazy) makeup to handle the rigors of playing goalie.  We all tend to stick together and share a certain camaraderie. Why? Because playing in goal taxes not only the body, but the mind. It ain’t for the faint of heart! Hall of famer Jacques Plante summed it up.

“Stressful? Do you know a lot of jobs where every time you make a mistake, a red light goes off over your head and 15,000 people start booing?”

I don’t know Tim Thomas. He plays at a far higher level than I ever reached. But his willingness to take a stand, knowing that criticism would certainly come, doesn’t surprise me and it sure makes me proud.

The Boston Bruin netminder proved himself on the ice last year, backstopping the Bruins to a Stanley Cup at the age of 37, winning the Conn Smythe trophy as the playoff MVP in the process. And I have to mention his stinking Bruins knocked my beloved Lightning out of the playoffs along the way. But his actions this week carry far more significance than hockey, and his statement carries much more weight than any of his accomplishments on the ice.

Tim Thomas took a stand for liberty.

When the Boston Bruins made the obligatory trip to the White House, Thomas refused to attend. He posted his reasoning on his Facebook page.

I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country.

This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

A bold statement.

And absolutely true.

It’s not about left or right. Democrat or Republican. Conservative or liberal. It’s about the Constitution and the principles of liberty that the United States were built upon, and an out of control federal government spending us into oblivion and trampling our rights.

Now Thomas must take the heat. Some criticize him for politicizing the celebratory trip to the White House. Some criticize him for abandoning his team. Some criticize him for “disrespecting the office of the president.” Some criticize him because they like big government.

But you will find no criticism from this corner. The Tenth Amendment Center praises you for speaking out and we agree with your assessment 100 percent. Hopefully, your stand will get others thinking about the overreaching nature of our federal government and stir them to action. But even if it doesn’t, you did the right thing.

So from one liberty loving goalie to another – a heartfelt thank you!

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