Hundreds of bills and resolutions are passed in Congress each year in spite of the outcry of thousands or hundreds of thousands of Citizens claiming the legislation is unConstitutional. If we take a step back, read the Constitution carefully and notice the history we see a different scenario unfolding. Yes… we see blatant violations of Constitutional Law. We also see a Congress which passes Resolutions in Washington, D.C. under authority of the Constitution which do NOT apply to the 50 several tates, although somehow are enforced in our respective States.
Article 1, Sec. 8, Clause 17 of the U.S. Constitution states: "[Congress shall have power] to exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such -District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States [Washington, D.C.], and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;"
What exactly does that mean - in a nutshell? Congress functions quite like a State Legislature in the federal zone, territories and possessions of the U.S. (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.). The Citizens in those areas are not governed under the restrictions of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. However, this should not be misinterpreted to believe that ANY governing body has a right to violate the inherent, God-given rights of ANY people. It would be hoped the Citizens in D.C. and those territories and possessions are aware of this fact.
Where the 50 several states are concerned, the U.S. Congress may pass legislation only when such legislation is "in pursuance of" the Constitution. Those "powers" are limited and defined in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. The problem is that most State Legislators do NOT know / understand the Constitution, their power AND responsibility.
The first ten Articles of Amendment to the Constitution (Bill of Rights) were added to and became part -- the most important part -- of the Constitution; so important in fact that the States entering into the compact would not ratify without the addition. The main body of the Constitution structures and lays out the duties and authority of the federal body -- what they may do. The Articles of Amendment clearly define what the federal body -- or any governing body, including local and state -- MAY NOT do.
Articles 9 and 10 are the coveralls to absolutely clarify the intent of the Bill of Rights, which is protecting the SOVEREIGNTY of the People and the AUTONOMY of the several States. Although powerful forces have made many attempts in the past -- and most probably will in the near future -- to open up the Constitution via a Constitutional Convention; and although they have come close many times, they have NOT succeeded. The most recent attempt was in 1995 with the Conference of States.
The Constitution stands. It is not a "living" document, changeable with the "changing times". It is the law of this land and can -- and must -- be enforced by duly elected local and state officials representing the People. It appears that will only be done when the People begin to inform, educate, work with, support and "hold to the fire" the feet of elected officials. Until such time we are spitting into the wind. It appears, also, that unless the People realize this and get to work, NOW there will be no elected officials with whom to work, because elected officials are disappearing quickly under Regional Governance and "Public-Private Partnerships".
One of the greatest dangers to America is the corps of Phony Conservatives
Congressional bills are written in a manner intended to confuse and disguise their meaning and intent. The Brady Bill stated that upon expiration of the five-year sunset clause, any state which was not in compliance with the computer link-up to big brother - the Insta-Check system -- Would not receive funds for the extra police-on-the-street Clinton promised. Goals 2000 contains a section which states that the Act is not mandatory - BUT - all school districts not in compliance with the mandates will receive no operating funds.
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