The original idea of federalism was the promise of limited government. A federal government would offer the separate states collective power to raise and keep a military for protection. Collectively we would have leverage for trade. As a collective we would be recognized as a country to negotiate deals with the rest of the world.
States’ rights were paramount. Each state had its own constitution, legislature, and laws. We did not want some higher authority micromanaging our lives (i.e., King George). If some state wanted to legalize prostitution and gambling, OK. Polygamy didn’t fare as well, although the arguments for such unions were and still are legitimate.
What we have seen over the years is that the federal government has stuck its nose more intrusively in the business of individual states.
Abortion is a complicated subject dealing with when life begins and should be protected. It was never addressed during our founding. Frankly, it’s best addressed in the Legislature rather than the courts.
Roe v. Wade was flawed. Now, the decision allowing abortion is tossed back to the individual states. The reality is, you want the laws that govern you made by a government that’s close to home. No more than you’d want China mandating one child per family in this country, would you want a federal government setting the terms for an abortion.
Unfortunately, the court decision has been distorted and politicized. The outrage has been exaggerated. That the media would cover these tiny protest eruptions with anymore ink than the counter-celebrations for life tells you that it’s still fake news.
Jan Lipski
Vandenberg Village
This article appears in Jul 21-28, 2022.
