Posted by
Realman2020 on Sunday, August 06, 2006 1:00:49 AM
Looking back in history from 1913 till now since the 17th amendment was ratified. We can see a pattern emerge on the Federal Government gradually usurping power away from the States. The original intent in the was the US Senate was made up with two people from each state appointed by the legislator as an ambassador to keep federal power in check within its function delegated by the US Constitution. This mechanism with the founders intent of checks and balances between state and federal governments.
The 10th amendment gave states rights respectively without federal interference not delegated by the articles of confederation. The State Legislators gave instruction to the US Senators on how to vote in legislation concerning the interest of the respective states.
If you look at all that happened ever since. We went from "No taxation without representation" to "Taxation without hesitation" Since 1913 more federal power has become more centralized in Washington DC.
If there was no 17th amendment. Would there be a federal reserve act?
The states would not allow monetary policy to be dictated by a privately own institution.
Would the States allow the Social security act? Would it allow OSHA?Dept of Education? The EPA? Dept of Agriculture and all other alphabet agencies? The truth is the regulation and policies have caused companies to move offshore because to cost to comply became expensive operate. The unfunded mandates put fiscal pressures on the states.
All politics is local said Tip Oniel. The US Senate is distant under popular vote from the people they are supposed to serve. S-2611 bill says it all. Many states can not afford to carry illegal immigrants. Sen. Mel Martinez blew off the Florida voters. When our US senators become beholden to big contributors than the states interest and there duty under Article 4 section 4 to secure the borders is a no can do thing to satisfy special interest lobbies.
THe NEA the most powerful teachers union and lobbyist .In there efforts of lobbying centralized power in Washington creating the Dept. of Education usurping the power from the states to determine policy in the public school system. Would the States appointing the Senators made a difference? Maybe yes because the US senate would be on guard against the US house if they received instruction from the States to oppose the measure. Would the be an IRS or a federal income tax knowing the burden can cripple economic freedom.
America would be different if the states did not surrender its right under the articles of confederation and the bill of rights of the US Constitution. Would there be a patriot act? No because the states would instruct the senator to vote no on a bill you can not debate or take time to read that is totaly unconstitutional. Now is the time for the states to be engaged in Federal policy again by repealing the 17th amendment