I first learned of this interesting development a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon the blog New World Liberty. While this is not the normal sort of blog I would read, I was intrigued by the discussion nonetheless. I happened upon the blog again today, with its updated version of the article I first read. I clicked on the link for Arkansas and was taken to the Arkansas legislature home page and found the proposed law.
I’m somewhat taken aback by the stark language used:
THAT the State of Arkansas hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution serve as Notice and Demand to the federal government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the position of the State of Arkansas that all compulsory federal legislation that directs states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties or sanctions or requires states to pass legislation or lose federal funding be prohibited or repealed.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the clerk of the House of Representatives distribute a copy of this resolution to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate of each state’s legislature of the United States of America, and each member of the Arkansas Congressional delegation.
State sovereignty has always been an intriguing proposition to me. I wonder why states are deciding to do this now?
