Why Federal Government Trumps the States

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Some great points. I would agree that some laws and regulations which benefit or increase the liberties of everyone should be put into effect nation-wide. However, wouldn't it make sense to consider giving a little more attention to the 10th ammendment? Do we really need the Dept. of Education when primary education is best conducted between parents and educators? Do we need a federal EPA when states already provide for these services? Point being, the federal gov. may serve some purpose but the vast majority of governmental business can best be conducted at the local level on up...not the other way around.

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Li Wan Zhong 3:04AM September 27, 2011

"It's worth keeping in mind that the national press corps is centered in Washington and New York, and for all its flaws, there are still hundreds of dogged journalists eager to ferret out wrongdoing and pounce on scandalous behavior."
Oh, really? Where have they been regarding the Gunwalker scandal/coverup? Solyndra? LightSquared? Anyone? Bueller?
The best reason bar none for decentralization and the several States taking up more of the load (and cutting fedgov back to its proper Constitutional limits) is accountability. Are State govts corrupt? Show me ANY govt at ANY level that isn't to some degree. But it's a damned sight easier to keep elected career criminals (oops, I meant politicians) in line if folks only have to drive across town or over a couple of counties and camp out on their doorstep to let their elected EMPLOYEE know what they think.
"Giving politicians access to money and power is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys ." -PJ O'Rourke, "Parliament of Whores"

Spotted Wolf of MT 6:06PM September 26, 2011

Some things may be better handled at the national level after it has been severely tested in the waters by the 50 states, but generally speaking it is better for states to handle things for many reasons.
One - too much power/money in too few hands is never a good thing
Two - lack of innovation
Three - State run systems spread risks and costs across a smaller base
Four - Problems are more easily resolved at lower levels of government. This has cost benefits as well. (Look at the current gridlock that is our Congress.)

Dave Templeton of VA 4:42PM September 26, 2011

It's a wonder that anyone even needs to be reminded of any of the reasons why we have a United States of America instead of an Alliance of 50 States of America.
The civil war was already won and the confederates lost. I can't help but to imagine those ranting about federal government curled up in the fetal position softly weeping into their pillow and groaning, like the name of a lover lost, this single word, "confederacy".

D of MA 4:32PM September 26, 2011

Uh, I think banks would be covered under the Interstate Commerce clause: Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 so yes, you could easily move with your bank account...maybe you should actually read the constitution before writing about it.

Matt May of VA 3:56PM September 26, 2011

The author is sating his willingness to surrender state rights for the sake of convenience.
Pathetic!

Templeton Green of TX 3:31PM September 26, 2011

The idea that the federal government needs more power is ludicrous. As we are now witnessing, the federal government is full of incompetence and can only make things worse for Americans.
Our founding fathers envisioned a nation where the federal government would play only a supporting role, not dominate all.

Jose Colon of NY 3:15PM September 26, 2011

You don't even know what system of Government we live under. America is NOT a Democracy. America is a Federalist Republic. If you don't know what that is, you have some research to do.
We are 50 States that agree to give some, SOME power to the Federal Government.
Our Presidential election is not ONE election. It's 50+ individual elections.
A Federalist Republic.......can everyone say Federalist Republic ??!!

m derosa of VA 2:54PM September 26, 2011

As far as the article; What a waste of time. I really wish I hadn't taken the 3 minutes out of my day to read such BS. Why would anyone not want 50 different sets of rules. You don't like one place you can up and move to a place that's laws are more in-line with your beliefs. One size fits all doesn't work for anything, nothing.

Chuck F. of NH 2:53PM September 26, 2011