Pubdate: Fri, 23 Nov 2001
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2001 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/homepage.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Dan Litwin

STATES' RIGHTS

Oregon's voters say you can end your life your way. The federal
government says "No." California's voters say you can smoke medical
marijuana. The federal government says "No." States' rights once
allowed us a peaceful way to live differently from others in our
country. But the federal government wants conformity. Unity.
Unquestioning loyalty.

Do I believe the federal government has any legitimate claim to the
power it uses regarding these issues? No, I don't. And by abusing
their power and canceling states' rights, the feds are waging war on
one of the defining traits of America.

A solution would be to vote for states' rights by electing an entirely
Libertarian federal government. Libertarians would fully respect the
American Constitution and would proudly abide by it, obviously
including states' rights. Then, perhaps Oregon and California would
finally be the freer places to live we have selected, but not received.

Dan Litwin

San Diego
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake