THE TIMES THEY ARE A' CHANGING

(The following was published in the Newsleader on May 22, 2009)

When a new administration is elected, it is assumed things will change. What one group considered legal and proper, another might see as improper. That is a perfectly legitimate consideration. The trouble begins when the new administration seeks to indict and punish the previous administration for its views of legality. One result of this activity is that the next administration will seek to punish the current administration. It will never end. Another result is that more wedges are being driven between different groups within this country.

I worry that we are becoming two separate countries. The changes being instituted by the current administration with their majority is having, in some cases, an unintended side effect on other parts of the country. Right now several state legislatures are enacting laws which will in effect negate the Federal Government’s power over that state.

It seems that we now have two basic philosophies at work. The liberal or so-called progressive, and the conservative or so-called traditional. Today the liberals are in charge. They won the election. That doesn’t change the fact that within this country are many states which are home to the more traditional philosophy of government.

The differences are so stark and so pronounced that several states are now advocating secession from the Union. Does any of this sound familiar? Wasn’t that at the root of the Civil War? The issues might have been different but the result was a bloody war between brothers and countrymen. Don’t think for a moment that it can’t happen again.

There is no doubt that the Federal Government has in many cases ignored the tenth amendment to the Constitution. That amendment guarantees states’ rights. Many states across this union are now enacting laws within their states that will take back those rights. These states are for the most part the more conservative among us, but do not be deceived, they are serious. They will restore their sovereignty whether the Federal Government likes it or not.

This has been in the works for a long time. This didn’t start with the current administration. Congress, with the blessing of a politicized judiciary, has passed laws which attempt to set the Federal Government up as the super power over states. We seem to have forgotten our history and as everyone knows, those who forget history are bound to repeat it.

The movement of these states toward the regaining of their sovereignty is a growing movement. It is just in its infancy. Ignoring these actions will be at our peril.

So what are we to do? What are we to think? What is our role if any?

Being the simplistic and naïve observer that I am, I offer a few thoughts. We all need to restrain our political conversation. We all need to observe and obey the law. We need to recognize that the Constitution is the law and not a “living” document that can be changed to suit the whims of whomever is in power. Politicians from all parties must learn how to get along. This country is not served by the constant bickering and back stabbing that has prevailed for so long. The opposition must be the loyal opposition. Practice patience.

Finally to any who would read this essay, go back and re-read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Understand why these documents have served us since our beginning. We all need to re-dedicate ourselves to this country. It is the greatest country on earth.

Ron Scarbro May 16, 2009