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May 4, 2009
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Columns More Than Just Words
By Senator Mike Folmer
Our nation has certainly changed in the 234 years since a group
of brave citizens stood on the greens of Lexington and Concord to protect the
rights of life, liberty, and property. Back then, Americans objected to taxes
on stamps and tea; today we accept taxes and fees placed on almost every basic
human need and want – estate and realty, personal income, earned income,
emergency services, Medicare, amusements, cigarettes, cell phones, libraries,
social security, marriage…the list goes on and on.
The state and federal government tax citizens to fish, boat,
hunt, drive, own a dog, own a house, get married, and die. Proponents argue
these taxes cost only a "few" more cents each day. However, these pennies add
up, to the tune of trillions of dollars a week – money that is being foolishly
and irresponsibly spent by those who took an oath to the Constitution.
The federal stimulus package is a perfect example of disregard
for our constitution. Passed in early 2009, many in congress still cannot
justify their vote for the bill or clarify what is contained in the bill. The
majority of the explanations we have received come from Washington bureaucrats –
many of whom none of us in Pennsylvania voted for. One thing for certain with
the stimulus bill is there are serious strings attached – strings that will
require changes in procedures and liberalization of laws and bigger government.
Patrick Henry once said: "In my weak judgment, a government is
strong when it applies to the most important end of all governments – the rights
and privileges of the people."
Senate Resolution 51, which I sponsored, reminds state and
federal elected leaders of powers given to the States under the 10th Amendment
to the United States Constitution "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."
Our federal and state constitutions begin with the same three
words "We the people." With all the money being thrown around in Washington and
in Harrisburg, the people are being forgotten. This applies to both current
generations and to future generations. This needs to change. An important
first step will be remembering that the Constitution is more than just words.
It is the document that has separated us from other countries and it is the
document that makes us great. | 