|
You be the Judge Studies in Constitutions
The Confederate States of America, politically established in 1861, was neither simply an historic accident initiated by radicals attempting to prolong the life of an anachronistic system of labor nor the product of "fire-eating" political opportunists seeking personal aggrandizement at the expense of their fellow citizens. Though these factors had some measure of impact, in the final analysis the Confederate States of America was the consequence of a constitutional crisis, the origins of which could be traced back to the United States Constitution of 1789. By studying their Constitution, it will become irresistibly evident, that the Confederate States of America was premised upon principles dating back to the American Antifederalists of the constitutional convention. This is to say neither that the Confederate framers were opposed to all aspects of the political doctrine of the Federalists nor that they favored a return to the Federal arrangement under the Articles of Confederation. The primary concern of the Confederate framers was the centralization of political power at the national level to the detriment of the states; it was this centralization inherent in the political principles of the Federalists, which they rejected. Consequently, the Southern Constitution intentionally reinvigorated the states with the spirit of the Tenth Amendment's reserved-powers provision as interpreted by its Antifederalist sponsors. Such a reinstatement of conservative principles, they were convinced, was necessary to secure "government of, by, and for the people". Consider the comparison below in light of increasing U.S. Federal court interventions over the last forty or so years. U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 2, Clause 5 C.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 2, Clause 5
In the final analysis, impeaching Confederate officials from the state and the implied right of secession were the ultimate guarantees of state sovereignty in the constitutional areas of civil liberties and rights, because in the event that Federal relations went sour in these areas, a state (or states) could impeach over-zealous Confederate officials, for example, activist judges, or withdraw from the Confederacy altogether. For example, if a federal judge, perhaps rationalizing that his personal view of the Constitution should prevail at the expense of state sovereignty, decided to show no deference to the states or a federal attorney general deciding that the contingencies of war necessitated a dominant Confederate government, a state could constitutionally negate the policies of the C.S.A. government by exercising its sovereignty through one of several options. Any state could initiate the impeachment of pertinent Confederate officials within its jurisdiction; any three states could initiate a constitutional convention; and any state could secede from the Confederacy. None of these options would have been unconstitutional remedies. Without question, the C.S.A. Constitution defers to the states the defining and defense of the civil liberties and rights of their respective citizens. Furthermore, the C.S.A. declaration of rights is applicable to the Confederate government rather than to Confederate and state governments (unless specifically stated); the states delimit the rights and liberties of their inhabitants respectively, an important function of a sovereign state and consistent with the Confederate commitment that the states constitute distinct sovereign entities capable of judicious government. Compare the same clause from each of the two documents presented above. How would have you benefited had the latter been in effect these past 142 years? You be the judge!
|
November 18, 1810 The first session of the Senate of the "State of Florida"--known as the Republic of West Florida--started today in Francisville, Louisiana. Today's Florida was still under the control of the Spanish government. November 20, 1817 The first elections for Representatives of "The Republic of the Floridas" were held at Fernandina. Jared Irwin, former U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, was later elected president of this enterprise. Spanish authorities were "less than thrilled" by this blatant American effort to wrest a portion of Florida from its control. November 13, 1934 Today was the first day of dawn-to-dusk air passenger service between Miami and New York inaugurated by Eastern Air Lines. The introduction of DC-2 aircraft eliminated the need for an overnight stay in Jacksonville
Rally to be held in Jacksonville Plans will be underway shortly to organize a rally on Florida's First Coast in defense of Federal intervention in denying states the right to govern themselves especially in such matters as acknowledging God and displaying the Ten Commandments. If you wish to join us in sharing your talents for this important Cause, you may sign up on the web at http://www.renewamerica.us/rally_form.php.
Let us hear from you We welcome your input. If there is a subject you are particularly interested in, please let us know. Email us at Letters From Our Readers. We will feature your concerns in a future issue.
The League of the South seeks to advance the cultural, social, economic, and political well-being and independence of the Southern people by all honorable means. For information on how you can help restore your freedom and responsible government, and learn the truth about the history of our country, its founders and its documents, contact the League of the South at NEFLOS@net-host.net Get the facts they don't teach you in school.
Create Your Own Survey Page Polls and surveys are popular these days. We've created an interactive page for your entertainment and enjoyment. Click on the link below and make your own survey on any subject. Join the fun! http://net-host.net/speakout/survey.html
Internet Links of Educational interest: Fun Political Surveys Chief Justice Excommunicated http://www.lewrockwell.com/yates/yates85.html Attacking the Flag http://www.vdare.com/fallon/confederate.htm
Which of the original thirteen States prohibited the importation of slaves in its constitution"? Email your answer to NEFLOS@net-host.net. The first correct answer will win a free Florida State Flag, suitable for outdoor display of your patriotism. Answer to last quiz: What ninteenth century Florida city was called by the Indian name of "Wacca Pilatka"? One of Florida's oldest counties, Duval was created in 1822 and named for the first territorial governor, William P. DuVal. The St. Johns River bisects the county and a fording place has existed since prehistoric times. The Timucuan people called it wacca pilatka, "place where cows cross," and under British rule this became Cow Ford. In 1822 a city was platted on the site and named for Andrew Jackson, the military governor who had preceded DuVal. That city was Jacksonville. Congratulations to Melissa Tyler of Jacksonville who had the first correct answer.
|
|
Deo Vindice Newsletter is published by the League of the
South, Northeast Florida Chapter as a public service to the citizens of
Florida's First Coast
|