Power to the People

Next week, people all over America will meet to celebrate two years of becoming the force known as the Tea Party. It is time to review where we are. First, let's celebrate what we have accomplished. We have taken back the people's House and thrown the progressive movement back on its heels. Conservatives are better educated and more active than ever. Two years ago, who would have thought that so many people would understand the disasters of 1913 - the 16th and 17th Amendments and the Federal Reserve Act; and talking knowledgeably about issues such as war powers, term limits, and QE2?

We didn't get the most important thing we sought, a functional and rational federal government. Congress will vote for another continuing resolution this week, arguing over pennies on the dollar of our debt and deficit. Some in Washington are listening and that is a big improvement, but knuckleheads in Congress will run America into the ground as long as we keep sending them to Washington. The federal government will continue to grow unless we fire self-serving politicians in 2012. We have lots of work to do.

Celebrate what is happening in Arizona, stepping up to protect the border; Utah fighting for state land rights; North Dakota thriving with its state owned bank; New Jersey standing up to the teachers union; Wisconsin and Ohio making the case it is time to stop public unions from holding tax payers hostage, and in 14 states that sued over Obamacare, and are winning. Most recently, Missouri has announced that it will no longer accept extended unemployment benefits from the federal stimulus program. Congress won't quit spending our money, but an increasing number of States are saying to Washington, "get out of our way". The 10th Amendment was the great balance the Founders trusted to keep the federal government in check. The balance broke because we didn't understand how important it was. We have lots of work to do.

When States demonstrate they can solve problems, Washington backs off. With the present fiscal mess, it is hard to think about fighting the long game, but that is what Progressives have done for a hundred years. It is time to toughen up and do this. We need States fighting for new jobs and growth rather than kowtowing to people who place more value on a bird's egg than a human fetus, who "protected" our forests to death, and who prevent us from using our plentiful resources to become energy independent. We need to put people back to work and not worry so much about lichen and butterflies and the methane cows create. We have lots of work to do. I have a challenge for us right here in Colorado. Let's prove that we can feed our hungry, shelter our homeless, and provide medical care for those who can't afford it without a single dime from Washington. We can do it cheaper and have better outcomes. Governor Hickenlooper, just say no to federal money and federal control. Turn Coloradans loose and we will take care of each other. We have lots of work to do. Throw some tea up in the air next week and celebrate what we have accomplished. As the federal government creaks and groans towards its inevitable shutdown, celebrate a better way of doing things, state's rights, powered by the people.