Congress and the Constitution

From April 13, 2009:

To Congress,

You have all sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States. I think it is time for everyone in Congress and the Administration to read or re-read it. For centuries, it has led us wisely. Now bill after bill blatantly disregards it. The federal government does not have the right to control privately owned companies - to hire, fire, or set salaries. The federal government does not have the right to take away the secret ballot. The federal government does not have the right to tell us what health care is "cost effective" and permissible for us. The federal government does not have the right to punish us, by additional and excessive taxes, for using fuels they deem unacceptable or for drinking beverages that "gasp" contain sugar and might effect our weight. None of this power is granted to the federal government in the Constitution.

The government was formed to protect us - not control and micromanage our lives or to protect us from ourselves. The powers of the three branches of the federal government are laid out and balanced in the Constitution. The federal government ONLY has the powers granted to it in the Constitution. The Constitution is not an old relic that the federal government can change for its own convenience. It means what it says. The meaning of "is" is "is." It can only be changed by amendment. Any amendment must be approved by 3/4 of the states.

The federal government cannot grant itself more power. This may be inconvenient, but it has worked marvelously for many years and is what has made this country great. Believe in the Constitution! Don't try to circumvent it. Stand up for this document that you swore to support and defend.

Signed,
The Electorate