Yesterday, while volunteering at the local food bank, I had the misfortune to hear a talk radio program addressing the Patriot Bill. The host was against it 100% and continued to prove the bill’s unconstitutional nature. A few years ago, I wrote an article on the Bill stating the very same thing. However, I have learned so much since then.
Make no mistake, I am against the Patriot Bill and expect every true American to be against it. It violates many inalienable rights endowed by our creator. Rights our country was founded upon. Rights we are commanded to protect at all costs.
The point I would like to make now is not whether or not the Patriot Bill should be passed, but who it would lawfully effect if it were passed. Like any other statute passed by congress or a state legislature, it would only effect those subject to the statute itself. Since Congress does not have the authority to force American Citizens, who are sovereign, to submit to any particular statute, it is obvious the bill would only pertain to those individuals over which congress does have authority.
The legislative branch of the United States has certain specific powers constituted to it in the Constitution of the United States of America. Article 1 Section 8 is very clear on the matters of congressional authority. If it’s not mentioned in the Constitution, Congress does not have the power or authority to do it. Where Congress does have the authority to pass any bill into statute law, those laws may only be enforced in matters where Congress has direct authority.
Congress does not have authority over American Citizens. Since Article 1 section 8 only gives authority to Congress concerning matters expressed in the Constitution, any bill passed into law would only extend to or be enforced under those matters specified within the Constitution. In short, the statute only applies to congressmen, the president, government agencies, federal employees, the military, and corporations and individuals engaged in international and foreign commerce.
The Government of the United States, has no more power or authority over an American Citizen living in one of the States of America than it does over a Chinaman living in China, or an Englishman living in Great Britain.
There are two major ways to stop the Patriot Bill and other unconstitutional bills from becoming statute. One is the well known congressional means through our representatives and delegates. The other is through proper education. If the majority of Americans knew that bills passed by congress didn’t effect them at all, the threat of the government using the bill against the citizens would cease to exist, rendering the statute useless. Those who suppose they have power over the citizens would find themselves powerless before them.
This is what it means to have a government of the people for the people and by the people. This is what in means to live in a republic.
I would like to see the Patriot Bill eradicated and those who support it tried and arrest for treason. I believe to see that happen we need a well educated society; a citizenry committed to the teaching and sustaining of the truth. The material is there, the evidence we need is readily accessible. If more Americans read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America, we would have that citizenry. We would have our liberty.
Long live the Republic!
