Tyranny, They Say!

From my limited knowledge of politics, I get the impression (from various actions that have taken place over the recent past) that Republicans want to State-legislate and only call on the Federal Government when they get into a pickle.

If my thinking is on-target, then it would seem it aligns with something Heather wrote in her most recent “Letters From An American” newsletter (1/7/2022):

From the nation’s early years, lawmakers who wanted to protect their own interests have insisted that true American democracy is local, where voters can make their wishes clearly known. They said that the federal government must not intervene in the choices state voters made about the way their government operated despite the fact that the federal government represents the will of the vast majority of Americans. Federal intervention in state laws, they said, was tyranny.

Following is a portion of one reader’s response to Heather’s remarks (obviously, tongue-in-cheek):

Now that we’ve determined we don’t need Federal government … let’s go a step further. Make each state handle everything on their own. The people they put in office will have no say in anything outside their state. Oh, and wait, that’s too much governing from Albany to say what Buffalo or NYC should do so each place needs isolated government.

We won’t need federal Congress anymore, send them home. We won’t need a President, each Governor will independently lead their 1/50th of the country. All financial resources will come from their own citizens. No more tax money coming from CA or NY where everyone complains about high taxes. We’ll use that money for ourselves.

The only thing we’ll have at a Federal level will be a representative to oversee Federal lands. Just some small agencies.

This all just sounds ridiculous and you all just thought I … must have gone crazy.

But this is exactly what Republicans want to happen. When it does they’ll want to do away with their state government with the exception of banning abortion and voting.

Somehow, I find it difficult to imagine such a scenario would be successful.

But maybe that’s just me.

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Image by DaModernDaVinci from Pixabay

The Race to the Finish

Just read an article on the Christian Science Monitor about why so many Republicans are running for president. The various reasons were interesting, but for me the 5th one really stood out …

Some, or even many, must know deep down they’re a super long-shot for the nomination. So what they’re really doing is auditioning for running mate or a show on Fox News or both. Others are boosting their public profile – and their speaking fees and book advances. Still others are in it just for the ego boost.

Did you get this? ” … auditioning for … a show on Fox News …”? (No further comment necessary)

Ya’ know, I watched the Republican debate the other evening. Not because I plan on voting for any of the nitwits, but because I wanted to see who might lead this country if the Democrats lose (which, I hate to say it, is a real possibility). It was depressing. And scary.

Even more frightening is the overwhelming interest some people are showing towards “Mr. Apprentice” himself. (Background music:  🎶 Money, Money, Money 🎶) Scores have said he doesn’t have a chance, but … what if? Oh my Thor! I think I’d have to move!

(Unfortunately, I’d have to go by myself because my “other half,” who formerly had nothing good to say about the man, is actually agreeing with him on some issues. Egad!)

It’s really not so much that the repugs are economically conservative (this can actually be a good thing) … it’s their bent on social issues that really concerns me. Gawd forbid they could actually turn around the hard-fought gay marriage and/or abortion laws!

And, as long as I’m talking politics (which I generally only do at election time), several of the candidates brought up the 10th Amendment. I’ve always wondered about that one, which states in part, “that the federal government possesses only those powers delegated to it by the Constitution. All remaining powers are reserved for the states or the people.” Does anyone else see the hornet’s nest of problems this amendment creates? For example, someone visits Colorado and purchases a bit of marijuana to enjoy (where it’s legal). But when he gets ready to return home to say, Wyoming, he forgets to dispose of his supply. If he’s caught in that state, he would face criminal charges for possession!

Overall, I have only this to say: the world of politics is like getting on a merry-go-round that never stops!