Paul Venable, Chairman of the Constitution Party of Missouri and recent candidate for United States Senate, answers this question for Tucker! Listen to this audio recording or read below.
I’m reaching out to you because America needs your help.
First, allow me to compliment your courage and fortitude in reporting truth that most other journalists dare not touch. Your love for America and your passion for striking at the root of any issue is evident and your audience, including myself, rewards you for it by tuning in to Tucker Carlson Tonight.
While it may not have been readily apparent during our lifetimes, the last few years have offered the stark realization that something is deeply awry in the world and especially in America. The real virus we are suffering from is not C O V I D – 1 9, but the COMMAND-AND-CONTROL VIRUS that has infected governments worldwide and has become entrenched in our own.
While I may be just a common citizen of little consequence, I am reaching out to you for your help because my urgent concern is something that you alone can address.
Tucker, as words are your stock and trade, I ask you to consider communicating with more precision on the use of one word: democracy. America needs your help to disabuse your audience of this unproductive, dangerous and pernicious concept and even invite them to help you spread a more accurate message.
While you can be distinguished as an anomaly among mainstream media journalists, you inexplicably fall in line with this aspect of the language, constantly referencing our “democracy” and our need to defend such. While you use the word “democracy” fairly loosely and liberally in your broadcasting, the liberal faction of the broadcast media uses this word with precision. Again, my plea to you, is to do the same, but in so doing, to expose its real meaning and the dangers it poses to restoring Liberty in America.
While I expect that you are well read, yet, you may not have come across this quote from Plato’s Republic,
“And so tyranny naturally rises out of democracy.”
Plato, 1999 (Originally published in 360 BC), The Republic, Book VIII, (New York, NY: Barnes & Nobles Book), p. 264.
…or these words from James Madison, considered the father of the Constitution from Federalist #10.
“…democracies have ever been spectacles of turbulence and contention; have ever been found incompatible with personal security or the rights of property; and have in general been as short in their lives as they have been violent in their deaths.”
He continues
“Theoretic politicians, who have patronized this species of government, have erroneously supposed that by reducing mankind to a perfect equality in their political rights, they would, at the same time, be perfectly equalized and assimilated in their possessions, their opinions, and their passions.”
James Madison, November 22, 1787, Federalist Paper No. 10. Taken from James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, The Federalist Papers
Doesn’t this sound familiar… like the very things we are experiencing in our day?
Our second President, John Adams was no less animated about the failings of democracy. Sharing his words from a letter to John Tayler, he said:
“Remember Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes exhausts and murders itself. There never was a Democracy Yet, that did not commit suicide. It is in vain to Say that Democracy is less vain, less proud, less selfish, less ambitious or less avaricious than Aristocracy or Monarchy. It is not true in Fact and no where appears in history.”
Finally, while this quote has been attributed to Benjamin Franklin, even if he didn’t say it, it is no less accurate.
“Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for dinner…”
This latter quote goes to the heart of why democracy is an undesirable proposition. Why is it that democracy is not what the Founders intended? Why is it that we pledge allegiance to the flag, but not “…and to the democracy for which it stands?”
The simplest answer is that democracy is majority rule, fifty percent, plus one – and in this kind of government, the rights of the minority can be, and are eventually, overthrown. Another term for it can be – mob rule.
So Tucker… JUST. STOP. IT!
If not a democracy, then, what have we?
Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution:
“The United States shall guarantee to every State in the Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against invasion; and on application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence.” – [emphasis added]
While saying that we have a “republic” would be a simpler and somewhat more accurate description of how our government structure is organized, we in America have something that is unique among the governments of the world, and even others which include “Republic” in their names. We have –
“…a hybrid Constitutional Republic with a very unique form of republicanism.
“Our form of government is to be republican (representative in form) and democratic (the people are to vote for their [local] representatives).”
This allows for
A diffusion of power;
A moderating influence against extreme positions;
A structure that protects the rights of the minority;
Governing influenced by the People at the most local level.
Understanding our true form of government allows us to use the tools that the Constitution offers We the People and the several States to solve every problem that is plaguing America today. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE!
So again, are the members of Congress and the mainstream press either ignorant of this distinction or deliberately hiding it? Maybe someone, somehow, is attempting to impose a democracy on We the People of the United States.
We have been conditioned in the last many decades that we need to…
“Save our democracy;”
Export democracy around the world (even, if sometimes necessary, at the point of a gun?);
Fight against those things that are “dangerous to our democracy!”
NOTHING could be FURTHER from the TRUTH!
Tucker, you have done well to embody the mission of your Alma Mater, Trinity College:
“We believe in transcending boundaries. Defying standard definitions. Staying true to ourselves, and going our own way.”
In so doing, you have been – and are currently – in the right position, “…for such a time as this.” So now, Tucker, we are returning to why America needs your help. It is up to those of us who Dare to be American to disabuse the public mind on what America is and what form of government we have. The unfortunate truth in our nation today is that democracy is what the enemies of Liberty are seeking.
I appeal to you to use your influence in this effort to Advance the Cause of Liberty and invite our fellow Americans to Reclaim the Republic.
It is said, that…
“An honest, but mistaken man, once shown the truth, either ceases to be mistaken or ceases to be honest.”
So Tucker… What say ye?
_____________________
Paul Venable Was The 2022 Constitution Party Candidate For The United States Senate From Missouri And Is Also The Party State Chairman.
A frequently asked question of the Constitution Party is: “who are your candidates?”
There are C.P. members who have been elected to local office throughout the nation and even more members who, by their citizen action, are creating the influencing effect of constitutional change in their communities. You may not hear about it, but victories are being won as we chip away at the 2-Party stranglehold.
Although our campaign budgets are small in comparison to other Parties, we are indeed; having an effect on local governments around the country
The Constitution Party needs YOU!
Dear Patriots, It is our hope that you will join us in this noble task of restoring our Republic. Liberty is not only a blessing; it is a responsibility and a sacred trust. It is not only our right; it is our duty to remain free.
If you are reading this; it is likely you are interested in a constitutional alternative to what our nation has been forced to accept for years!
The Constitution Party needs your skills, your love of God, family and country and your ideas and energy to promote LIBERTY. Think of it this way: The Constitution Party is the structure and the framework for how things should be, but the people within it are the gasoline that makes the ‘engine for change’ to actually run. The Party is only as good as the sum of the people who support us.
Please see the list below of 2022 CONSTITUTION PARTY CANDIDATES.
All of these candidates will be on the ballot in the November General Election and they need your help – both; physically and financially. The future of our children, grandchildren, and indeed the nation, depends on the commitment of concerned citizens like you, so consider lending your support by volunteering and making your most generous donation here: Join / Donate – Constitution Party
With your help, we can bring a message of freedom, hope, and victory.
2022 Candidates
COLORADO
Danielle Neuschwanger, Governor
Darryl Gibbs, for Lt. Governor
Amanda Campbell, Secretary of State
Gary Nation, U.S. House of Representatives, District #2
Ryan McGonigal, U.S. House of Representatives, District #4
Christopher Mitchell, U.S. House of Representatives, District #5
James Treibert, Board of Education, District #8
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FLORIDA
Charles Hacker, State House of Representatives, District #55
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MICHIGAN
Donna Brandenburg, Governor
Mellissa Carone, Lt. Governor
Christine Schwartz, Secretary of State
Gerald T. Van Sickle, Attorney General
Ethan Hobson, State Board of Education
John Paul Sanger, MSU Trustees
Janet M. Sanger
Joe Sanger, U of M Regents
Donna M. Oetman
Marc Sosnowski, WSU Governors
Ronald Graeser, U.S. House of Representatives, District #2
Curtis Clark, U.S. House of Representatives, District #4
Ezra Scott, U.S. House of Representatives, District #5
Christopher Dardzinski, U.S. House of Representatives, District #13
Matthew Shepard, State Senate, District #28
Becky McDonald, State Senate, District #34
Jeff McDonald, Gladwin County Commissioner, District #1
Timothy Sears, Houghton County Commissioner, District #2
William Mohr II, Kent City School Board
John Tatar, Wayne County Sheriff
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MISSOURI
Paul Venable, United State Senate
Jenn DePee, Missouri House, District 51
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NEVADA
Barry Rubinson, U.S. Senate
Edward Bridges, Governor
William Hoge, Lt. Governor
Janine Hansen, Secretary of State
Margaret Hendrickson, State Treasurer
Russell Best, U.S. House of Representatives, District #2
Randy Rose, Clark County Commission, District #E
Louis (Lou) Baker, Nye County Administrator
Dana Sandoval, White Pine County Commission, Seat #1
Mary Kerner, White Pine County Commission, Seat #5
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PENNSYLVANIA
Candidates to be announced in mid-August
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Michael Chandler, U.S. House of Representatives, District #4
Katherine K. Wright, Spartanburg County Council, District #2
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UTAH
Cassie Easley, U.S. House of Representatives, District #2
Daniel Cummings, U.S. House of Representatives, District #3
Kirk Pearson, State House of Representatives, District #29
Russ Hatch, State House of Representatives, District #66
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WISCONSIN
Andrew Zuelke, State Treasurer
.
…….. WYOMING
Marissa Selvig, U.S. House of Representatives, At Large
Larry Williamson, State House of Representatives, District #53
This issue has been a long running one, ever since the political policies of the 1980’s when trade with China opened up in a big way, and America started to lose its manufacturing capability because of the inability to compete with cheaper made foreign products. The trade deficit is huge, and doesn’t appear to be going away, with the current levels of Political Infringement upon American manufacturing, via an over abundance of imported goods, and additionally; an over abundance of rules, regulations, & bureaucratic ‘red tape’ to control American manufacturers’ ability to expand.
This has led to a MASSIVE problem in the United States, where those overly abundant imports have caused an addictive dependency upon cheap goods, with an attitude that it doesn’t matter where they came from, & unfortunately often being from countries that one way or another; suppresses its people. How do we get rid of this problem? Stop buying imports and start buying Made In The U.S.A. !
Give drugs to a drug addict, and they will take them. Made in China, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Etc., feeds the addiction of Consumerism. (Yes, that’s really a thing) Inexpensively made items, leading to over production, and lowered prices that create a lack of understanding the value of the dollar…. which in turn, creates the Throw-AwaySociety that we live in. Until the so called; ‘government’ changes its evil policies, real, long lasting change shall never happen.
… to go into it a bit further: It’s the same thing with those who are [often fraudulently] running the ‘government’…… if everybody would just stop voting for the wrong people, and LEAVE the Establishment Duopoly System of unconstitutional politics (Democrat & Republican) then we wouldn’t have the trade imbalance or deficits in the first place. Sadly; most Americans are completely unaware of the origins of American constitutional governance, and just how vastly different things are, compared to what it was originally created to be. Still; others knowing it, are selfish and refuse to do the right thing, because they want what they want, and that’s it. Only when in time, things get bad enough to affect them personally, are people willing to look towards making change happen for the better.
That time; developing for years, has now finally arrived.
Modern government is made up of Political Parties, & ‘Special Interests’, no longer being made up of We The People. ….. WE; the American Citizens, are the only legitimate government. THEY whom are in power, and do not follow our authority as the seat of government, are NOT the legitimate government. If you organize & vote to CHANGE this, then made in America will be the first choice of item purchased in the stores, because it will be the most abundantly available, due to a public policy that favors it.
How do we organize to change it?
Step One: Change your Voter Registration to ‘Constitution’ and then join your local, County, or State Constitution organization. It’s a numbers game. We need to grow our level of united membership, and then we can directly compete with the establishment, for ballot access, get the best candidates elected, and ultimately; change public policy. For the majority of those reading this; the Constitution Party is not a new fad. It’s been existing for most of your lifetime. Since 1992, we have been striving toward a better change in America, and we want you to be a part of it. Now is your opportunity to do so.
Step Two: We form the strategic plans to most effectively facilitate change, and then we directly execute those strategic plans, making them become a reality. Contact us for more of the details. We can help everyone across the country. Together; we can accomplish anything desired!
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Educational Writings to better understand the background of this, and related issues;
The Spring 2022 National Committee meeting is right around the corner. . . . . . . . . .
AND…..the midterm elections are closer than you think. It will be our real chance to elect freedom-loving patriots instead of globalist Democrats and the Republicans, who silently stand by watching the intentional destruction of our country and our culture.
Remember, our beloved Founder, the late Howard Phillips, originally formed this Party knowing full well that neither Ds nor Rs were following the Constitution or representing the values of our citizens.
It is, therefore, incumbent on each and every one of our supporters to do everything possible to join your like-minded friends in an effort to “SAVE OUR COUNTRY”.
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS AS MY PERSONAL INVITATION FOR ALL LIBERTY-MINDED FAMILIES AND FRIENDS TO JOIN US
Here are a few basic details for you to begin planning your much-needed attendance. Further details are forthcoming.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: We will be gathering on Friday and Saturday, April 29 & 30, at the freedom-loving, Lake Erie Church, 1565 West 38th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16508. There will be no mask mandates or vaccine requirements. That will be your personal choice.
The National Committee meeting will kick off around noon on Friday and the remainder of the day will be committed to party business and educational programs. Friday evening will be the gala event with a fine dinner, keynote address and entertainment. Saturday will be primarily an issues conference with speakers and presenters and dealing with left over business matters.
We have an array of dynamic speakers on tap, including Ambassador Alan Keyes as our Friday night keynote speaker, Coach Dave Daubenmire, Dr. John Diamond, Robert Owens from the John Birch Society, Hunter Tower from the Freedom Foundation and Dr. Kahlib Fischer from Liberty University and others. We will also be hearing from candidates and analyzing key races for the midterm elections.
This is an exciting meeting and one you will not want to miss. You can be assured that our host state, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, will be making this a most memorable meeting, thanks primarily to the efforts of Justin and Shari Magill.
Early Bird Full Registration Fee is $100/person.
Received after April 14, the registration fee will be $110/person.
Saturday attendance only, including lunch, will be $50/person.
Friday evening Alan Keyes banquet and keynote address only will be $35/person.
There are a variety of hotels with nearby restaurants and shopping that are close to the venue. Most provide free shuttle service to the airport. Check out the hotel names and locations at the end of this message. CP of PA members will provide transportation between the hotel and the venue, if needed.
IT GETS BETTER: Your FULL Registration Fee will include 3 delicious meals; Friday lunch, Friday evening banquet and Saturday lunch. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will be available. WARNING: We cannot guarantee meal selection if registered after April 14. You’re on your own for breakfast, but the CP of PA will provide coffee and breakfast pastries at the venue.
Be sure to visit the national website for further details as they become available at
Each and every one of YOU are important to saving our country. Your participation is necessary. We look forward to seeing you there to make it FUN, Successful and Productive! Bring your family and friends so they can learn more about the only political party in America that will bring a message of freedom, hope and victory!
Thank you.
For Liberty,
Jim Clymer
National Chairman
HOTEL INFORMATION:
This group of hotels is less than 2 miles from the venue and located in the Millcreek Mall complex, where there are numerous restaurants and shops nearby:
Candlewood Suites Erie
Fairfield Inn by Marriott Erie
Springhill Suites by Marriott
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Erie.
Other hotels, located in the Upper Peach Street area, are less than 4 miles from the venue with lots of dining and shopping nearby:
Microtel Inn & Suites
Comfort Inn & Suites
Courtyard by Marriott
Holiday Inn Erie
Holiday Inn Express & Suites attached to Splash Lagoon indoor waterpark
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
Wingate by Wyndham
Home2 Suites by Hilton Erie
Solstice Hotel
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Erie
Best Western Plus Erie Inn & Suites
Hilton Garden Inn Erie
There are another 7 hotels about 4.5 miles from the venue at the next exit off the interstate that are less expensive.
This is our first of the year Meet N Greet for the Constitution Party of New York. This is so you can drop in anytime with your questions and curiosity. Chairman William D. Wilday will be on hand to chat. If you are looking for a political party of honesty, integrity and prosperity we are here for you. If you and thousands of others are sick and tired of the two party system; come and see what we are all about. Instructions: At the scheduled date and time of the meeting, dial in to the conference line. International participants will be prompted to enter the access code followed by hash (#).To join the video and screen sharing session, click the online meeting link.
You Have Been Invited to a Meeting When:Date and time:1/5/22 7:30 PM – (US/Eastern)Duration:1.5 hours Conference Call :Dial-in number: (339) 207-6988 International dial-in numbers:View List Video and Screen Sharing:Online meeting ID:wwildayOnline meeting link:https://join.freeconferencecall.com/wwilday
Our first of the new year monthly meeting. We welcome our members as well as our possible new members at our New Year meeting. there will be much to discuss, committee reports, new business, old business and more. more info? wwilday@nycap.rr.comInstructions:At the scheduled date and time of the meeting, dial in to the conference line. International participants will be prompted to enter the access code followed by hash (#).To join the video and screen sharing session, click the online meeting link.
Welcome members and friends. Thanksgiving is behind us. Christmas is just ahead & then a new year in 2022. We have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to.
We all need to be thankful that we are members of the constitution party of New York and what we stand for. We will not falter, dilute, we will not concede our principles. It may not seem like we are on the right track, I personally believe we are. More and more people of color are waking up to the fact that the Democrats are not their friends. They will need a place to turn to and we all know that it’s also not the Republicans. The constitution is the solution and we have that solution with the Constitution Party of New York.
We do have much to look forward to. The national constitution party has several members running for office in the midterms. Wherever you find them you should vote for them or tell your friends relatives and neighbors to vote for them. We also need to support them personally by helping in campaigns or donating to campaigns.
The constitution party of New York participated in veteran’s day by placing the constitution party of New York wreaths, at two veteran’s day ceremonies on November 11th in the town of Rotterdam New York and Schenectady. The chairman participated in the 9/11 memorial ceremony at the River Lighthouse Restaurant in Schenectady. he attended the VFW, groundbreaking ceremony for a veteran community building in Glennville, New York. Additionally; Chairman Wilday Submitted a letter to the editor for the daily Gazette, Schenectady New York.
Membership Renewal All memberships are due December 31st 2021.
The membership application is attached at the bottom, and within this newsletter section. Please fill this form out, take a picture of it, or send it to me snail mail. it is extremely important to keep our current membership up, and have new members be consistently added.
it is the responsibility of each member to try to enroll new members. Our only strength politically; is our strength in numbers. Membership in the Constitution Party of New York would be a great stocking stuffer or gift for Christmas. …. Just an idea. 😉 Here is the contact application to fill out & share with others. CPOFNYMEMBERSHIP.docx
Become a Pollworker The right to vote is one of our nation’s oldest and most important entitlements, and with this right comes responsibility. Free and open elections are the basis on which this country was formed and you can make a difference by becoming a poll worker to help protect those freedoms.
Because of COVID-19, New York is experiencing a critical shortage of poll workers. Historically, 55 percent of all New York’s poll workers are over the age of 60, making them especially vulnerable to the pandemic. This has resulted in a significant need for poll workers who are willing and able to assist with the administration of in-person voting during all elections.
When are you needed? During Early Voting, October 23rd to October 31st, and Election Day, November 2nd.
What tasks will you perform as a poll worker?
§ Prepare the polling place for voting
§ Set up the voting equipment
§ Sign-in and process voters
§ Enforce social distancing
§ Demonstrate voting procedures to the voters
§ Sanitize voting equipment
§ Close the polling place
§ Canvass and report the results
§ Assist voter if requested
You are eligible to serve as a poll worker if you: Are a New York State registered voter. If you are 17 years old, you may be eligible if your school district participates in a program under Education Law
Section 3207-a. Interpreters do not need to be registered voters. You will be assigned within the county where you live. If you live in New York City, you will be assigned within the five boroughs.
Will you be paid? Yes, Poll Workers get paid for training and each day they work. The Board of Elections is committed to fulfilling its responsibility to the citizens of New York State by providing fair and accurate elections. This responsibility and the credit associated with it must be shared with the many dedicated workers that help make elections successful. You can get involved and become a proud participant in a process that is the foundation of democracy in our country. Come work with us. Applying is simple and easy:
Leadership Rolls The constitution party is always looking for members to step up and partake in leadership roles. As a political party; we have exciting, key leadership roles to be filled at all levels. Currently; we are seeking to add to the Executive Committee, and there are several Special Committee chairmanships as well as Lead Contact Coordinators to help form County Committees. Could you be the one for the job?
The only way the Constitution Party of New York can thrive and become a political voice throughout our state, is for members to step up and accept the exciting challenge to be given the opportunity for these positions. You will always have my support and we will train you on the job, providing the resource materials & structure so you can be successful in it.
When everyone does a little bit; a lot gets done. When one person does a lot; sometimes only a little gets done. We need everyone participating, each doing a little bit to be successful.
If you feel you would like to learn more about some leadership roles please contact me ASAP. We would like to get an excellent leadership team on board before January 1st. Without a good leadership team we are just floating in the ocean without direction. Join the leadership team.👍
Candidates: We are looking for constitution party members to run for office in 2022 in 2024. We believe that all politics is ultimately, local. Running for office like town supervisor, town board, school board, county legislators, receiver of taxes, and any other local offices Is where our sphere of influence will develop
Upcoming events: Monthly meeting-December 10 Meet N Greet December 16
Why COVID Orders Are Not Law And The Many Ways They Could Be Stopped
When news of COVID lockdown orders began to be reported back in early 2020, my immediate concern was not over the virus but the lawfulness of the orders. Yes, the virus matters and should be researched by doctors so they can advise their patients as to the best methods of prevention and/or treatment. However, without the rule of law, we have no protection of our God-given rights, including the right to life. Therefore, rights and the rule of law are paramount, even above COVID.
I quickly observed that the lockdown and shutdown orders being issued violated God-given rights, were not constitutionally authorized, and therefore lacked the force of law. As the orders that were promised to be for only a few weeks dragged on into months, it became clear we’d been lied to and that action needed to be taken to restore the rule of law.
I had already been pondering the many ways such violations could and should be stopped and how the usurpation of power by governors could be put in check. However, neither elected officials, political leaders, political parties, nor the big-name organizations of the right seemed ready to step up to the plate and provide the bold and decisive action needed. Without such leadership, the rank and file were effectively sheep without a shepherd, able only to bleat out a modicum of disapproval at their rights being violated by executive orders.
Before discussing the actions that could and should have been taken to put an immediate stop to the violations, there needs to be an understanding of God-given rights and the rule of law that lie at the foundation of this matter.
God-Given Rights
God-given rights are those things which the Creator of man decrees by His word, or reveals through the design of His creation, to be right for the creature of His creation. Man cannot add to himself rights not conferred by his Creator, nor can any remove from man the rights conferred by his Creator – they are immutable.
According to the American Founders, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, the purpose of civil government is to secure God-given rights, among which are:
LIFE: including the right to choose how to care for the health of that life.
LIBERTY: both to come and go, freely associate, and worship.
PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS: through ownership of property and stewardship of the fruits of one’s labor, which necessitates freedom to operate, or be employed in a business.
The Founders deemed these principles to be of such paramount importance as to state that whenever “any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…”
Closing churches, shuttering businesses, locking down citizens, and banishing people from the workforce for declining to be injected with a foreign substance, all violate these sacred rights and violate the very purpose for which governments are instituted among men.
The one traditional, Biblically-based exception, is the quarantining, or social distancing, of individuals found to be infected with, and currently contagious with, a disease known to be generally deadly or debilitating, such as leprosy was in Bible times. However, with well over a 99 percent survival rate among the infected, COVID is far from inherently deadly, and “if” a person does get infected, they are generally only contagious for a couple of weeks, not two years.
Romans 13:10 tells us that, “Love does no harm to a neighbor.” While that would compel those who are currently contagious with COVID to stay home, it also compels the rest of us to do no harm to our neighbor’s liberty or livelihood during the other 50 weeks of the year that he is not a threat to our health. Long-term, society-wide, lockdown-shutdown-maskup-vaxup orders show the antithesis of love, do harm to our neighbor, and violate his God-given rights.
The Rule of Law
Government operates by law, law operates by authority, and authority operates by chain of command. God, as the Creator, is the source of all authority. The Creator has delegated a measure of His authority to man with which to exercise dominion here on earth. Man has in turn delegated a subset of that authority to civil government by the consent of those who will be governed.
Here in the United States, the precise amount of authority delegated by we the people to our government is spelled out in our state and federal constitutions, each of which enumerates the specific powers therein granted. Any powers not enumerated in the U.S. Constitution are reserved to the states and the people (Tenth Amendment). Any powers not enumerated in a state constitution are reserved to the people alone.
All legislative (lawmaking) power is vested in Congress at the federal level, or a legislature at the state level. Therefore:
Because the COVID lockdown-shutdown-maskup-vaxup orders have not been voted on and passed by the state or federal legislative assemblies, and;
Because neither the state (at least in my state) nor federal constitutions grant power to government to regulate or dictate personal healthcare, and;
Because these orders violate the God-given rights of healthy (not currently contagious) individuals, and;
Because the executive branches of state and federal government that issued the orders do not have lawmaking power;
Therefore, no such orders can be law, nor do they have the force of law.
“But what about emergency powers acts passed by Congress or state legislatures?” Well, what article, section, or subsection of the constitution grants to the legislative branch the power to grant to the executive branch powers not granted by we the people to either branch?
The idea of emergency powers is ludicrous. Such a concept would serve as a blank check for the government to grant to itself whatever powers it wants. It would render the very idea of a constitution utterly meaningless. That’s why the American founders made no such provision in the U.S. Constitution nor is there such in my state constitution.
Even if a state has laws providing for the quarantining of persons known to have certain infectious diseases, blanket application of lockdown-shutdown-maskup-vaxup orders to the entire population without verification of an individual’s infectious status violates the due process of law. It effectively skips the step in law where evidence of wrongdoing is required and proceeds instead directly to sentencing. It’s equivalent to a state suspending everyone’s driver’s license over the holidays because some might drink and drive. Even if it saves a few lives, it voids due process and violates everyone’s rights.
Seven Ways the Violations Could Be Stopped
Seeing that blanket application of lockdown-shutdown-maskup-vaxup orders violates God-given rights and the rule of law, let’s look at some of the ways they could, and/or should have been stopped.
1) GOVERNORS
No governor was forced to lock their state’s citizens in their homes, suspend religious services, shutter businesses, or make healthy people wear masks. And though President Trump once said he would have made states implement shutdowns had they not done so on their own, neither the President nor governors have the constitutional authority to make such policies law.
Of 27 Republican and 23 Democratic governors in 2020, only one chose to confine herself to the powers granted in her state’s constitution from day one – South Dakota’s Kristi Noem (see the last section of this article).
“But I thought the Republican governors were better than the Democrats.” Well, if by “better” you mean they violated their citizen’s rights less, or for a shorter period, then yes, some Republicans did that.
Regarding President Biden’s current unconstitutional vaccine mandate on employers, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis appears to understand and be performing his duty to protect the citizens and employers of his state against unlawful federal overreach. Only time will tell how many of the governors currently echoing DeSantis’ sentiments possess the courage to follow through or how many are just making the noises conservative voters want to hear.
2) STATE ATTORNEY GENERALS
Any state attorney general who has read the Declaration of Independence, has a rudimentary understanding of God-given rights, and knows that only legislatures can make law, should have been at the governor’s office the day after any shutdown-lockdown-maskup orders were issued reminding the governor that he does not have such authority and that to avoid prosecution for violating the rights of the citizens, he must cease and desist.
3) STATE LEGISLATURES
Whenever a governor usurps to himself power not constitutionally granted by the people or uses power in a way that violates the God-given rights of the people, it becomes the duty of the state legislature to bring impeachment charges against the governor and remove him from office.
Republicans hold a majority in the legislatures of 30 states with a veto-proof supermajority in 16. If they’re really the defenders of law and liberty, then Republicans missed a great chance to prove it by impeaching 29 governors and removing 15 (accounting for South Dakota where the governor did not engage in usurpation).
The Biden vaccine mandate on employers provides an excellent opportunity for state legislatures to practice the principle of nullification, passing resolutions declaring the businesses of their state exempt from the unlawful edict and pledging the state’s protection to those businesses choosing not to comply. Though some Republican legislatures are making noises about passing bills to protect workers against forced vaccination, sadly, some appear to be planning to simply place a reverse mandate against employers, not taking a real stand for the rule of law but instead taking the coward’s way out and leaving employers stuck in the middle between opposing state and federal mandates.
By the way, the Trump moratorium on evictions was just as unconstitutional as Biden’s vaccine mandate, though I don’t recall these same Republican legislators opposing that, which tells me their current indignation is more about partisan politics than devotion to principle.
4) THE COUNTY SHERIFF
As the highest law enforcement officer in the land, it is the duty of the county sheriff to interpose between overreaching state or federal officials and the citizens of his county in defense of their rights. I would like to think this happened in at least a few of the 3,143 counties in the U.S., but I’ll rely on readers to let me know if it happened in their county.
5) THE COUNTY COMMISSION
When a governor takes to himself powers not delegated by the state’s constitution and begins to violate the rights of citizens, it becomes the duty of the county commission to adopt a resolution acknowledging that the governor’s orders are without the force of law and may not be enforced upon the citizens, businesses, or churches of their county. The resolution should further call upon the county sheriff to repel any state officers seeking to enforce such orders or impose any resulting fines.
6) PRESIDENT
It is the duty of the President of the United States to use the bully pulpit of his office to articulate, and when necessary, reassert the God-given rights of the people and the duties of state and local authorities in preserving those rights.
The U.S. Constitution, Article IV, Section 4, guarantees “to every state in this union a republican form of government,” which is to say, government by the rule of law as opposed to government by edict of an executive. The lockdown-shutdown-maskup orders issued by governors in 2020, and continuing in 2021, give cause for the President and Congress to remind states of this provision and call misbehaving governors to account.
However, neither Presidents Trump nor Biden have so used their bully pulpit but instead chose to hand it over to an unelected bureaucrat named Anthony Fauci.
7) WE THE PEOPLE
The last line of defense against tyranny is always “we the people,” both through the courts, and when necessary, through acts of civil disobedience that obey the rule of law rather than the edicts of tyrants. In the case at hand, this would consist primarily of individuals, churches, and businesses declining to obey the unlawful lockdown-shutdown-maskup-vaxup orders. And yes, this would necessitate a legal defense against the ensuing fines that would be levied, and that would require we the people putting our money where our mouth is in the form of donating to such undertakings.
There are a few smaller organizations that have taken on some court cases around the country, but where are the big organizations and the big money of the right? Where are the multi-million dollar entities that are hallowed in the halls of CPAC every year? Where are the political heroes of the right who the faithful pay hundreds of dollars per plate to attend dinners with and fawn over their words?
In 2020, $6.6 billion was spent on presidential campaigns. A fraction of that diverted to court cases could have overwhelmed the system and brought unlawful COVID orders to a grinding halt under the weight of more legal battles than governors could fight. Such a response by we the people could have set legal precedents that would have done more to preserve liberty than electing any president has done in our lifetimes.
Yes, we can also write to our representatives, begging and pleading that they defend our rights. We can even hold rallies and march through the streets of our cities calling for medical freedom, as I recently did with a group of several thousand here in Spokane.
We’ve Elected the Wrong People at Every Level
However, at the end of the day, one thing remains – we are and will be, governed by this, or some other form of government that will either venerate or violate our God-given rights. Therefore, the effectiveness of any activism by “we the people” ultimately depends on our having first elected, to at least some levels of government, individuals who understand our God-given rights and possess the courage to defend them when our pleas reach their ears. But the fact that we find ourselves relegated to action item number seven in the list above, stands as evidence that we’ve elected the wrong people to every level of government that could have been used to interpose on our behalf.
Yes, there is a handful in Congress, and in most state legislatures around the country, who still contend for God-given rights and the rule of law, about five percent by my last estimate, though a friend and former state rep in Montana thinks that’s a bit optimistic.
And how did we get to the place of electing all the wrong people? We did it by the conservative movement spending decades pursuing political power at the expense of whatever principles Republican leaders told the faithful they had to compromise away to beat the Democrats.
A Precedent Is Being Set
Failure to actively resist a violation quickly becomes acquiescence and acquiescence is eventually counted as consent.
After over a year and a half of suffering unlawful violations without clear and decisive action in defense of our rights, we now stand at the point where further acquiescence could rightly be interrupted as consenting to the forfeiture of the very concept of there being such a thing as inherent and immutable rights. We have begun to set the precedent of government being no longer by the constitutional rule of law, but by whoever has the most guns, bureaucrats, judges, and political will to subjugate the masses.
For rights and the rule of law to be restored to America will require repentance from the cowardice, compromise, and inordinate party loyalty that brought us to forfeit our heritage of freedom in the first place. Only a spiritual awakening and reviving by the Spirit of God can restore the moral character and courage that will be needed. Hopefully, such a restoration can be realized without bloodshed, but that may be for a future generation to discover.
The Constitution Party extends its sympathy and prayers to our fellow Americans who have lost loved ones and friends to the virus over these pandemic months. There are people suffering in ways other than the health destroying effects of the virus. Many are afflicted with depression and other mental and emotional problems resulting from economic loss and government lockdowns.
The federal response to the covid-19 virus has been wrong in so many ways.
The government refuses to be straight forward about the origins of the virus thus leaving people in the dark and making treatment more difficult.The Constitution Party suggests that a little bit of honest information would go a long way toward solving the problem.
The government and its various bureaucracies like the CDC and the FDA seem more intent on creating and stoking panic in the American people than in providing proper medical advice based on research not bought and paid for.The Constitution Party recommends a calm voice of reason giving proper advice backed by research and most of all logic. In other words, the advice should not conflict with basic logic and common sense.
The federal government has made response to the virus into a global issue by stating that every human on earth must be vaccinated.The Constitution Party opposes this global, but unproven solution.
According to the federal government masks and vaccines are the only permitted answer to the Covid virus, the Constitution Party points out that the graphs from state to state and country to country indicate that both are ineffective and make no difference in rates of infection.
The federal response of lockdowns and vaccine mandates are simply commanded tyranny, and both do far more harm than good.TheConstitution Party opposes such tyrannical methods of dealing with the problem and recommends letting individuals decide in their own way what they will do.
Cancel culture managed from the federal level suppresses opposing views.The only views one reads in government directed publications like the New York Times and Washington Post are government press releases designed to create panic and terrify people into being vaccinated. The social media giants have been willingly utilized to spread fear and panic as well as prevent alternative views from being heard.The Constitution Party recommends a free press and states that where the press is captive as it is now, tyranny inevitably results.
The federal government has in effect set aside the Constitution. For example, freedom of speech is denied, churches are ordered to close as nonessential, and travel is restricted.The Constitution Party with its very name; opposes all unconstitutional actions by government.
The federal government with the assistance of the Federal Reserve has severely damaged the American economy and with it the ability of people to work and earn a living. Government lockdowns, business closures, paying people not to work, damaging production, and interfering in contractual matters— once again, the Constitution Party opposes all such unconstitutional actions by the government.
In an effort to end state sovereignty, the federal government has attempted to exert federal control over the actions of state governments.Governors who oppose any portion of the federal response are demonized in the government press. The Constitution Party supports the right of governors such as Ron Desantis of Florida, Kristi Noem of South Dakota, and Greg Abbot of Texas to run their states as they and the people of their states desire. A one size fits all approach from Washington is the federal way, but it is not the constitutional way.
Finally, the Constitution Party states that this pandemic has been and is continuing to be damaging to this nation.Actions by the federal government will perhaps prove permanently damaging to freedom and individual rights. An old adage holds that there is no problem that the federal government cannot make worse. That adage has been proven true by the recent actions of the federal government in its response to the virus.
Thus, this is a perfect opportunity for the people of this nation to turn to God for their salvation, not to the false god of government.
Darrell Castle, Esq. is an Attorney and has held many leadership positions in the Constitution Party, including 2016 Candidate for President. He may be reached at Dlc25861 [at] aol [dot] com or (901) 484-8192