"The U.S. Constitution was written by our founders to limit the powers of the federal government, instead, giving the power to the people and the States."
Just out of curiosity, do people actually believe this absurd bit of revisionist history? Seriously? Somebody should have stayed awake in that freshman U.S. History class. Instead of drinking beer and playing Frisbee in the park, a few minutes reading those boring textbooks might have actually educated folks on the so-called original intent of the Founding Fathers. The U.S. Constitution was written to create a federal system (with checks and balance between the branches of government) which could respond to the needs of one, unified nation:"...in order to form a more perfect union..."
Can you say the Articles of Confederation?
That's right, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were written to FIX the economic and political mess created by the issue of states' rights. Why did George Washington have problems supplying his troops in Valley Forge? Hello? Knock, Knock. Is anybody home?
Indeed, if it wasn't for the whole states' rights debate, believe it or not, this country may not have needed a BLOODY Civil War to finally resolve the question of slavery. Don't believe me? On March 21, 1861, in Savannah, Georgia, Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens gave what's become known as the Cornerstone Speech:
"Our new Government is founded upon exactly the opposite ideas; its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man; that slavery, subordination to the superior race, is his natural and normal condition."
These are the actual words of one of the central figures in American politics at the start of the Civil War. Speaking of revisionist history, while he's NOT a darling of the Tea Party, no one talks the political psychobabble game better than Congressman Ron Paul:
And since we're on the subject, why was there a Civil Rights Movement in this country? Why were some Americans forced to sit in the back of the bus? Skin pigment? Can you say states' rights? During this dark period in American History, the political theme of States' Rights was code for the fight to protect and preserve over 100 years of institutionalized racial segregation:
In the aftermath of 9-11, Americans waved only one, unified flag. IF you're an active contributor to the Tea Party, here's a challenge: the next time you go shopping, buy Made in the USA.
Observation: For everybody who thinks a majority of this country's university professors are left-wing socialists never sat thru a lecture of the History of the Constitution at Mayville State University in North Dakota.
Free At Last: A History of the Civil Rights Movement and Those Who Died in the Struggle (Paperback)
