Lessons Learned: Reflections on the State Legislative Session

The insanity is finally over and the people can now put together the last falling pieces from the 63^rd Legislature in Montana.

It was once said; “The people’s rights are never more in danger than when the legislature is in session.”   The ramifications from this session will continue to impact the people far beyond even the next legislative session in 2015.  Many citizens will breath that sigh of relief, while others will shift gears into the interim process.

The people did earn a couple of wins this session.  One for sure was the defeat of the Medicaid exchange bill.  The mandate would put additional burdens on the backs of taxpayers and there just ain’t any more pie to share.  With Obamacare mandates starting to kick in, even some of the most liberal socialists who endorsed it in the beginning are seeing its demise.  The leader of the plan, Mr. Baucus, is now openly admitting the train wreck that Obamacare will bring to America.

The raging national debate on gun control, made its way into this session.  It was sad to see how the political parties’ understanding of the Second Amendment to the Constitution were clearly delineated in the final votes.  Without exception, interpretation of; “Shall not be infringed” or “Shall not be called into question,” were distorted by Democratic members in both houses.  We did fix the law that made us criminals for firing a weapon under the disorderly conduct statutes, but other efforts to enhance and protect our 2^nd Amendment rights were lost.

Efforts to fix problems from the last legislative session fell on deaf ears, muffled by corporate lobbyists.  They were hell-bent on bypassing a process in place to protect the private property rights – the foundation of freedom in America.  Multiple bills trampled upon personal sovereignty protected by the Constitution.  The engineers running the train of tyranny did not even look back.

The bills that did make it through the gauntlet of both houses met perhaps the least constitutionally informed Governor we’ve had since Mr. Brian Schweitzer.  Mr. Bullock continually  refused to recognize the 4^th, 5^th, 9^th and 10^th Amendments of the US Constitution in his decision making process.  His agenda promoting social programs to the tune of billions in tax dollars continually took precedence over common sense leadership.  His refusal to protect the rights of the people will be a continuing reflection of his leadership and that of the Democratic Party in Montana.

The Constitutional rights of the people continue to be ignored by those still hanging onto the premise that socialism is the answer to equal protection.  Unfortunately nowhere in history that this process has been tried has it ever succeeded.

In closing, it is important to once again to remind everyone that the world is run by those who show up!  That means, if you are concerned about the future of our Republic, then it is incumbent upon each and every citizen to get involved.  The best place to do that is here at the local government level stopping the tyranny here at home.

We’ll be looking for your help next session!