Author Archive

Where’s the Line?

A simple question each of us needs to learn.  As Ken Ivory (UT-HD47) has stated, “I don’t have all the answers but I have a really good question, where’s the line?”  We just came from a presentation by Mr. Ivory and he is creating a ground swell of excitement here in Utah that will be [...]


Do we want representatives pulled into line?

According to Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) those members of his faction , the Democratic Party, most likely to be defeated in 2010 are the very members difficult to pull into party line. As reported in a recent article in The Hill Waxman was very clear on why he believes many will lose their seat in [...]


House Resolution introduced reaffirming federalism

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional 10th Amendment Task Force last week introduced a House Resolution, reaffirming Congress’ commitment to the principle of federalism and the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The resolution specifically calls for “real decentralization of power” and recognizes that “the cause of liberty demands that government should be made accountable again [...]


Rob Bishop Explains the 10th Amendment Task Force

A short video with Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) explaining the Tenth Amendment Task Force in an interview with Liberty Central. cross-posted from the Utah Tenth Amendment Center


Focus On Freedom event to show where candidates stand on 10th Amendment

May 6th will be a very interesting evening for Utah delegates, voters, and candidates.  When it comes to the 10th Amendment each of those participating in the questions surrounding Key #14 will have to defend or refute the amendment. It is long past time we get a clearer picture of what these candidates think rather [...]


Getting the right gang numbers in D.C.

Many wonder how it is we can have political factions seemingly different while obtaining the same results no matter which party is in office.  It is fairly clear if we look at the nuance comments presented by leadership from the supposed conservative side of the aisle.  It is a business of who has the biggest [...]


When the discussion grows we begin to win

A key factor in successfully defending our American heritage and Constitution is discussion.  We can study, we can fight, we can argue yet nothing will move forward without people willingly listening to one another and growing their mutual understanding through discussion and debate.  Those opposing federalism and a free will approach to government fear people [...]


Utah Governor signs eminent domain to seize federal land

An effort seen as fundamental to funding of public education was taken to the next level by Gov. Gary Herbert.  Saturday he signed the legislation authorizing Utah to use eminent domain to seize federal lands.  In an update the Wall Street Journal has written a solid article on the action which sets the pace for [...]


Comments on 10th Amendment legislation miss the point

Yesterday there was an article in the Desert News about this year’s legislative session, Carl Wimmer, and the Patrick Henry Caucus has some fair insights. There is even a comment by the House Minority Assistant Whip (can these titles of nobility get any more stretched?) Carol Moss (D – Holladay) that was right on the [...]


State Government vs. Federal Government Radio Show

The Steel on Steel radio show, hosted by John Loeffler, this weekend was focused on state vs. federal governments.  I was interviewed for the show for the 10th Amendment segment.  To listen to the interview click the player embedded in this post. There were many good areas on this show so the entire broadcast is [...]


State Sovereignty Resolution heads to Governor’s Desk

Sen. Howard Stephenson introduced the State Sovereignty and Tenth Amendment Resolution, SJR-6, on January 12th. It was created in the spring of 2009 by citizens for citizens. The Utah 9.12 States’ Rights Coalition, with the guidance of Larry Jensen (Utah Grassroots Alliance Coordinator), Chris Strause and many others, formed the message. After looking for someone [...]


Utah firearms freedom act signed into law

Sen. Margaret Dayton (R-Orem) introduced SB-11, Utah State-Made Firearms Protection Act on January 25th, 2010.   By February 16th the legislative debates were over and the bill was passed by both houses and sent to Gov. Gary Herbert for his signature.  After 10 days of public debate, with both sides of the issue encouraging action Gov. [...]


Public Education and the 10th Amendment

A local (really good) blog, Holly on the Hill, ran a piece two days ago about Utah’s 10th Amendment rights.  Among the replies were some progressive thinkers not entirely enthusiastic about the efforts under way to restore Utah sovereignty (shock).  One, who goes by initials JBT, asked the following; I am asking the conservative readers of this [...]


Educate: Firearms Freedom Act Talking Points

Hats off to Bryce Shonka for creating a beautiful, articulate tri-fold to help us educate people on the Firearms Freedom Act. In Utah this is a big help for gaining citizen support for Sen. Margaret Dayton’s (R- Orem, Senate District 15) SB-11; Utah State-Made Firearms Protection legislation. The link to the tri-fold is; Firearms Freedom [...]


Video: Keystone to Our Restoration


The Voice of the People of Utah

SJR-6; State Sovereignty and Tenth Amendment is set to be introduced by Sen. Howard Stephenson (R-SD11).  This is one of several resolutions referencing states’ rights yet this is directly from the citizens.  Sen. Stephenson worked with the Utah 9.12 States’ Rights Coalition.  Members of the coalition crafted the original draft of the resolution.  According to Larry [...]


States readying for 10th Amendment show down

A story today in USA Today begins, “Another congressional delegation went to the White House today to talk with President Obama about a health care bill — and another congressional delegation left without talking to reporters.” This is now the standard operating procedure for this administration’s efforts to force a form of health care insurance [...]


Self governing decision begins in earnest in 2010

We are entering another election year. Campaigning never seems to end in this day and age, especially with a president who seems to always be in campaign mode. We will be faced with on-going advertisements and promises from candidates. As Nancy Pelosi reminded us all last week, many things are said on the campaign trail [...]


Standing up for the 2nd, 9th and 10th in Utah

Sen. Margaret Dayton (R – Orem) is the sponsor of S.B. 11, Utah-State Made Firearms Protection Act. In a recent email she stated, “My Firearms Freedom Act passed out of Interim Committee in Nov – and I anticipate that it will go directly to the floor when the Legislature convenes in January. I am pleased [...]