There has been a groundswell in the states with numerous 10th Amendment or state-sovereignty resolutions and bills being introduced. Many have been passed.
The resolutions speak to, and the bills assert, the rights of the states and of the people as documented in the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution:
“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.”
That’s clear.
Except to those who, with different apparent agendas, have over the years worked methodically to erode the strength, meaning, understanding and especially the interpretation of this important amendment, which is part of our founding Bill of Rights.
In future commentaries, I will delve deeper into the 10th Amendment and key elemental issues affecting the 10th including: the Commerce Clause, Firearms Freedom Act, RealID Act, Health Care Freedom Act, and others.
For now, to provide some context to this significant public policy issue, we’ll revisit some historical background. What follows is drawn from my public remarks and private policy speeches.
* * *
“Good afternoon, my fellow citizens.
God has blessed us with a beautiful day. Sunshine—quite a bit of wind—and a brisk chill.
This certainly is perfect weather for a spot of afternoon tea!
Today’s weather is the most recent blessing from God.
Long ago, God blessed this great land.
* * *
In the beginning, people came here to the colonies in pursuit of a better life. They wanted religious freedom. They wanted to distance themselves from the heavy hand of government.
Our colonist ancestors risked everything. They toiled hard. They survived the elements.
When the King’s heavy hand went too far into their pockets, our ancestors stood up and declared Independence.
* * *
For centuries since, other people have come to the United States. They too came here in pursuit of that better life and in pursuit of liberty. They too were willing to work hard in pursuit of personal happiness.
They wanted to be Americans. They wanted their children to be native-born Americans.
They fought to defend and retain precious American liberty.
It is because of all those freedom-loving ancestors, who sacrificed before us, that all of us can freely assemble here today.
It is also why, as Ronald Reagan said, “You and I have a rendezvous with destiny.”
* * *
There are powerful interests that have undermined liberty down through the ages.
Today, they are unchecked around the world.
Many Americans believe those powerful interests have become rampant within our country.
Where that is the case, then it would not be wrong to attribute the motivation of those individuals and their supporting special interests, to one, or more, of the human failings, described as the: Seven — Sins.
Yes, I skipped a word—on purpose, the word: Deadly.
To that point…
What has been—and is being—unleashed in our country can be deadly: to our freedoms and our future.
As John Adams advised “There is danger from all men… trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty”.
Why is this happening?
Because many in our society choose to pursue: wealth without work, money without morality and personal pleasure without conscience and commitment. For those reasons, among others, many of today’s politicians are enabled to blatantly pursue political power without principle!
John Adams also instructed “Because power corrupts, society’s demands for moral authority—and character—increase as the importance of the position increases.”
As you hear those words, like me, you may wonder how many elected officials understand what John Adams wrote. Or, even, how many have ever bothered to read his words of wisdom?
Instead, using manipulative cover phrases such as Social Justice and Economic Justice—many pols try to sell us their progressive bill of goods… that ‘Equal Outcomes’ is better for everyone than free enterprise, personal industry, and individual achievement.
But, you know the truth.
You know of pols misusing the public trust. You know how they increasingly take from productive citizens to buy the votes of others, to payoff cronies and cater to special interests in order to retain incumbency.
* * *
Meanwhile, you grow increasingly concerned, indeed dismayed, as you conclude:
Some people seem blind to what is happening to our country.
Others choose to close their eyes so they can deny what is happening.
Some see what is being done but are afraid to speak out.
Others complain about what is happening but sit on their hands.
In their reality, they all hope that someone else will somehow make things right again.
Listen up: you are that ‘someone else’!
* * *
The 10th Amendment is at the core of this current Political Hurricane.
The 10th Amendment is the ‘Cross-Beam’ of our Constitutional Structure. The 10th is the main support that ensures Government “By the People—For the People”.
* * *
To turn again to the words of President Reagan: “We will preserve this… the last best hope of man on earth … OR … if we fail, thus sentencing our children into a thousand years of darkness … at least let our children and our grandchildren say of us: We did all that could be done.”
* * *
Yes, indeed, I believe “You and I have a rendezvous with destiny.”
That God did bless us again today with beautiful weather… the Right Mix of: Sunshine—Wind—and a Brisk Chill.
I believe he provides the Sunshine to help us clearly see where we must go; the Wind to fill our sails; the Brisk Chill to prompt us to get underway; and, the Tea to remind us WHY!
God Bless America. And, may God bless the good people of these United States.
Richard Olivastro is president of Olivastro Communications—www.olivastro.com, a professional member of the National Speakers Association, and founder of Citizens For Change (www.CFC.us). He can be reached via email: RichOlivastro@gmail.com or telephone: 877.RichSpeaks. Check out his blog www.richardolivastro.com/blog