Study Our History
columnist: Gary Wood

Topic: Constitutional Issues
Washington State Introduces Claim to State Sovereignty

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Legislatures in Washington State have introduced legislation claiming state sovereignty. This legislation sends a strong message that many believe the 10th Amendment still stands.

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by Gary Wood
(conservative libertarian)
Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Legislatures in Washington State have introduced legislation claiming state sovereignty. This legislation sends a strong message that many believe the 10^th Amendment still stands.

The legislation was first read a few days ago, on January 30^th. It was then referred to the Committee on State Government and Tribal Affairs. While some will claim it has little chance of passing we cannot underplay the importance of the message it sends to the country. Washington State legislators have joined with New Hampshire legislators in putting our original form of a Federalist Republic in the forefront of thought at a critical time in our history.

Reading through "House Joint Memorial 4009" is like taking a ride through the history of the 10^th Amendment. There are praises for the contribution by stating in lines 17 through 19, "WHEREAS, Federalism is the constitutional division of powers between the national and state governments and is widely regarded as one of America's most valuable contributions to political science;" and goes on to quote the words of James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. Two potential side benefits are a must read for all political science classes and a great foundation for high school debate teams even if their legislation never leaves committee.

If you are one of the many who long for the restoration of our promise of the Declaration of Independence through the road map of our Constitution you will truly enjoy the ending statements from Page 2, Lines 36 and 37 combined with Page 3, Lines 1 through 8.

"NOW THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectively resolve:

(1) That the State of Washington 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; and

(2) That this serves as a Notice and Demand to the federal government to maintain the balance of powers where the Constitution of the United States established it and to cease and desist, effective immediately, any and all mandates that are beyond the scope of its constitutionally delegated powers."

Among his "15 Key Principles of the Founding Fathers" Gary Alder teaches "The 9th and 10th Amendments are the keystones to preservingFreedom." as number 14. Keystones are central supporting elements and it is apparent some in Washington State and New Hampshire recognize the critical nature of the 10^th Amendment and state sovereignty. Which state will be the next to claim their sovereignty?

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2008 by Gary Wood

Columnist, radio show host, and co-founder of Hear My Thunder.

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Published: Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Last modified: Wednesday, February 4, 2009

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