In our federalist republic, the states are one of the last lines of defense against the tyranny of Washington, D.C.
The truth of that principle has been on full display the last 18 months as some governors have caved to federal pressure and imposed strict COVID-19 lockdowns--while others have done everything in their power to avoid those draconian measures.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis falls in the latter category. The Convention of States Project endorser has resisted COVID mandates at every turn, and in these final months of the pandemic, he's turned that opposition up a notch.
President Joe Biden recently told DeSantis that he needed to "get out of the way" of mask mandates and stay-at-home orders. DeSantis responded during a press conference yesterday, and he didn't hold back.
"If you’re trying to deny kids a proper in -person education, I’m going to stand in your way and I’m going to stand up for the kids in Florida. If you’re trying to restrict people, impose mandates, if you’re trying to ruin their jobs and their livelihoods and their small business, if you are trying to lock people down, I am standing in your way and I’m standing for the people of Florida." -- Gov. Ron DeSantis
Gov. Ron DeSantis blasts Joe Biden, tells him to do his job and that Florida is a place for freedom, not a "biomedical security state." pic.twitter.com/bsarqlnbHY
— (((Jason Rantz))) on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) August 4, 2021
The federal government has no business dictating how states are run, and DeSantis is right to push back. Unfortunately, states that fight against federal overreach are often outmatched. The federal government has so much power and money, it can often force states to comply with its overreaching edicts. By threatening to withhold federal funding, for example, Washington can make states adopt certain policies without ever passing a law through Congress.
If the states are to be truly self-governing, they must have the freedom to make the laws their residents want without federal interference. Washington will never limit its own power, which is why the people and the states must call a Convention of States.
An Article V Convention of States has the power to propose constitutional amendments. These amendments can restore the balance of power between the federal and state governments by limiting the jurisdiction and authority of the national government. By clarifying the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, for example, the states can get the federal government out of the economy. By clarifying the General Welfare Clause, they can get Washington out of many other areas of American life, and significantly restrict what Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court can control.
DeSantis is right to stand up for the people of Florida. He's right to support the Convention of States movement, and if we come together, we can ensure that Floridians and the people of every state have the power to govern themselves.
To join the movement, sign the petition below!