States vs. Feds

Do states have any say in anything? If the federal government makes a declaration, can any state, at any time, contradict their statements? Seriously, think about that question for a moment before you read on -- is there anything the federal government can say where the states can just tell the feds to get lost?

Keep in mind, according to the US Constitution, once the supreme law of the land:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people

In other words, according to that ancient document, the states can nearly ALWAYS tell the federal government to take a hike. That's how things are supposed to be. Unless the law is supported by the Constitution directly, states are supposed to make up their own mind.

So then why can't California (and a few other states) make their own rules regarding auto emissions? California asked the EPA (there was the first mistake) for permission to make more restrictions on cars driving in the state. Apparently the EPA said "no." And for some reason, California said, "Gee, okay."

Hey California, how about growing a pair? Oh, right, it's California. But seriously, if California decided they wanted to create their own emission standards, how in the world could the federal government stop them? This is something I would LOVE to see. I'd love to see each state make their own standards and have the federal government run around trying to stop them. States SHOULD do this.

I know, you people who favor the auto industry say that it would be impossible for auto makers to comply with 50 different sets of regulations. I say, "SO WHAT!?!" That's a GOOD thing! It would make for more competition! It might make cars more expensive -- again, good for competition! I can see regional auto manufacturers! Man, would that be great. But "Big Auto" could never have that -- it might cut into their profits.

Once again, this shows that freedom can work -- and should work. It also shows that the federal government, state governments, and industry all working together CAN crush freedom. Oh, how I yearn for freedom.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:08 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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