A clarion call is a powerful request for action or an irresistible mandate. It derives from the sound of a clarion, a medieval trumpet… Used in a political context, it issues a challenge for action from the public.
Voter frustration and anger remains at an all-time high. Congress continues to turn a deaf ear to constituents, passing sweeping legislation it hasn’t read: bank bail-outs, stimulus packages, mandatory health insurance, car company bail-outs. Administrations rely more and more on executive orders to circumvent the system of checks and balances. The net result is an unprecedented, over-reaching federal power grab far beyond the limits set by the United States Constitution.
But there is a remedy. And courageous states around the country are invoking it. It’s the Tenth 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.”
On Saturday, August 21 at 1:00 P.M., Rhode Islanders are invited to the front plaza (Smith Street side) of the State House in Providence to celebrate The Clarion Call – The Tenth Amendment Rally.
Around the country, there has been growing interest in – and much misinformation about – the Tenth Amendment, states’ rights, and nullification. The purpose of the rally is to put the Tenth Amendment into accurate historical and contemporary context, and will feature speakers from community, business, and government watch-dog groups. Presentations will include description of federal policies and mandates that exceed constitutional authority, and how states are under no obligation to abide by unconstitutional federal legislation.
Christopher Carlozzi, member support manager and activism coordinator from the Boston office of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), will speak about the lawsuit filed by 20 states – and joined by NFIB – to challenge the constitutionality of the federal health care bill. Mr. Carlozzi will highlight some of new health care mandates and the effects they will have on small businesses.
Using events in other states as examples, other speakers will describe how legislatures around the country are successfully exercising their rights under the 10th Amendment to challenge or nullify over-reaching federal mandates. Locally, asserting Rhode Island’s sovereignty under the 10th Amendment can be key in improving Rhode Island’s economic health and restoring more local, constitutional control. Speakers will note examples of federal encroachment on Rhode Island’s rights and how it directly impacts the state’s financial condition in areas of business, education, the commercial fishing industry, and illegal immigration.
Adam “Maverick” Muccino, producer of the Matt Allen Show on radio station 630 WPRO-AM, will be the master of ceremonies for the event.
Speakers include (in alphabetical order, not order of appearance): Continue reading ‘The Clarion Call: Tenth Amendment Rally | Saturday’
