Some states pass sovereignty measures

[GoldieAZ]

Some states pass sovereignty measures

Legislatures in Alaska, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota this year have approved resolutions asserting sovereignty under the 10th Amendment of the Constitution and suggesting that Uncle Sam "cease and desist" from interfering in their business.

The largely Republican backers say the federal government has overstepped its constitutional bounds by meddling in local matters ranging from education to drunken driving. "It's telling the federal government, 'Guys, you really need to back off,' " said Judy Burges, a GOP state representative who is sponsoring a sovereignty resolution in Arizona.

Oklahoma's Senate on Wednesday gave final approval to a sovereignty resolution, in defiance of a veto from the state's Democratic governor, Brad Henry, on a similar measure. The resolution already passed the Oklahoma House twice.

Similar measures are under consideration in at least two dozen other states. State sovereignty efforts have won the endorsement of two GOP gubernatorial candidates, one of whom — Gov. Rick Perry, up for re-election next year in Texas— made headlines last month by suggesting the movement could lead to some states seceding.

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The effort seems to have its biggest impetus in states that President Obama lost in last year's election. All five states where the resolution made it through both chambers of the legislature backed the Democrat's rival, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona. Of six other states where state sovereignty has passed one legislative chamber, only Indiana voted for Obama.

Supporters insist this isn't a red state rebellion and that they are trying to take a stand against federal encroachment on state authority that has been going on for decades.

"It has nothing to do with the Obama administration," said Key. He first introduced a state sovereignty resolution last year, when Republican George W. Bush was still in the White House.

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Even so, there's no question that some Obama administration moves are fueling some of these resolutions. Arizona's Burges doesn't like requirements that union labor be used for projects funded by federal stimulus funds.

"We're a right-to-work state," she said, using shorthand for laws designed to limit the influence of labor unions at the workplace.

The resolutions that have passed have no legal effect, but Key and Steele said they hope to organize a summit where state lawmakers could plan their next move.

more at link: http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-05-14-secede_N.htm

I hope this continues to build and they do kick the federal government out of state government.