Issue Position: Utah State Sovereignty

Issue Position

This is a major issue and is under attack by a runaway national government. Ben believes as did the Countries founding fathers that the states are independent states. In fact originally it was understood that the federal government would not or could not exist without the consent of the people and the states.

"The State governments may be regarded as constituent and essential parts of the federal government; whilst the latter is nowise essential to the operation or organization of the former. Without the intervention of the State legislatures, the President of the United States cannot be elected at all. They must in all cases have a great share in his appointment, and will, perhaps, in most cases, of themselves determine it, The Senate will be elected absolutely and exclusively by the State legislatures. Even the House of Representatives, though drawn immediately from the people, will be chosen very much under the influence of that class of men whose influence over the people obtains for themselves an election into the State legislatures. Thus, each of the principal branches of the federal government will owe its existence more or less to the favor of the State governments, and must consequently feel a dependence, which is much more likely to beget a disposition too obsequious than too overbearing towards them. On the other side, the component parts of the State governments will in no instance be indebted for their appointment to the direct agency of the federal government, and very little, if at all, to the local influence of its members." (Federalist No. 45, James Madison)

Through the use of incorrect education, time and the influence of money the federal government has convinced us that they are the ultimate authority and power. The truth is just the opposite; the ultimate power of government is derived from the people and the States.

States' rights were seriously injured when the ill-conceived 17th amendment was added to the Constitution. Before this time the states each had a representative, now as a senator, in the federal government. The senators were elected by the individual state legislatures and acted on behalf of the states in the Congress of the United States. Any senator that did not vote consistent with the desires of his state would find him or herself out of a job at the next elections. Therefore, the senators acted as a check and balance to the Representatives which are the voice of the people in government and the President of the United States. The addition of the 17th amendment did away with this important check. Now states find themselves with no representation in the federal government and laws that force states to accept federal control are passed frequently. A recent example would be the NDAA 2012 act which gives the federal government the power to detain American citizens indefinitely and without trial. Another example would be the federal mandate on education does the Republican sponsored "No Child Left Behind." Mean anything to you. Common core is another federal mandate, that Utah adopted about two years ago, to education that will end state and local control of curriculum taught in schools (see the articles by Wendy Hart at Who Decides? and Dollars and Liberty Lost ) . Not to mention the heinous Obama care legislation.

Ben believes that we must encourage the repeal of the 17th amendment as it has proven to be harmful to our state and country. We must say no to federal money attached to federal strings and reverse harmful actions that the Republican dominated state legislature has approved already like Common Core. Finally, we must elect people to office that are informed, aware, and willing to say no!!! Many Republicans, especially in a state like Utah that is dominated by one party, feel that they are free to do whatever the party asks them to do because no one can challenge them for office. It is time to change that!

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