Meaning behind Federalism

“Meaning behind Federalism,” Carmel Pine Cone – Sent in June 26, 2023, not published

It is R.M. Christopher who fails to understand the U.S. Constitution and the concept of “federalism.” In his “Time to stop fiddling” letter, Christopher maintains that the State of California has the right to mandate 349 more housing units in Carmel. And if someone argues that these government edicts are “unconstitutional,” they are somehow simpletons.

Local control is the essence of federalism and individual rights, which gave America its uniqueness. On the other hand, the absence of individual choice is the stuff of tyrants, monarchists, and authoritarian socialists.

Federalism provides for broader governance while providing smaller levels of government the authority for local control. It is the sharing of power between the nation, states, counties, cities, and individual citizens. It is also a sort of check-and-balance system that prevents one government entity from becoming too powerful. But these constitutional chains are quickly corroding.

Thomas Paine understood the coercive nature of government. He argued in “Common Sense” that “government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.”

But our government is no longer in its best state and has become less tolerable with each passing day.

Lawrence Samuels, Carmel