To the People of the Republic of Texas: Part II

May 1, 2011 in the Year of Our Lord

As I noted in my past missive, I firmly believe that State nullification is a very real option for the Republic of Texas to exercise in defense of the liberty of all Texicans. I have studied the papers and pamphlets of many a notable and wise personage, and I have found much to support the case of nullification. While nullification is not explicitly mentioned in the compact between the several States and the United States, it is none the less greatly implied. I shall endeavor to make my point clear in a language most politicians and bureaucrats would not comprehend ... plain English.

Much has been said about the position and role of the several States within the framework of the union as a whole. Are the States a subordinate entity or an equal partner in governing? It would seem that in order to determine the rights of the States, one must first define this relationship. However, I am, at this time, only interested in the relationship between the Republic of Texas and the United States.

Texas has a rather unique status among the States. It was annexed by a Joint Resolution of Congress rather than a formal Treaty of Annexation. Numerous attempts to annex Texas by formal treaty fell apart for various and sundry reasons. Most of these involved regional politics and feelings. Never the less, Texas was admitted to the union for better or worse on June 23, 1845 upon the consent of the representatives of the people. In July of that year, a Constitutional Convention met at Washington on the Brazos to craft the Texas State Constitution.

Under the terms of the resolutions, Texas was admitted with all the powers and privileges granted to the original States of the union … including a means of redress. It MUST be understood that the terms of annexation were agreed to by the United States government and “The Republic (State) of Texas” on behalf of its people. This explicitly indicates that the State is a partner to the terms of annexation and to the powers relinquished and retained under the Constitution of the United States. In other words, the Constitution of the United States is a compact or agreement between the federal entity and the States in their sovereign capacities. The States agreed to yield only those powers explicitly enumerated in the US Constitution and no others. All remaining powers were to continue to be the province of the State and its people.

So, assuming a compact of equals, it behooves us to address the remedies available to the State of Texas whenever the federal government egregiously exceeds its constitutional authority. What exactly is the State of Texas to do during a siege of power? Why, resist of course. Whenever the federal government steps over the boundary of enumerated powers, the State of Texas simply says “We do not recognize this breech of constitutional authority. We declare it null and without force in our lands.” It isn’t rocket science. The State of Texas simply refuses to let the federal government exceed its authority within the boundaries of the State of Texas. Period. Further, the State of Texas denies the federal government the right to enforce its unconstitutional will upon the “people” of Texas. This is called interposition. The State of Texas interposes its will and protections between the people and the encroachments made on their sovereignty. In point of fact, if our leaders are worth our trust, they will see to it that the minions of the federal politic are held powerless and subject to arrest if they fail to heed the warnings of the State. Beware! This is no idle threat by the State.

The concept of nullification and interposition were firmly espoused by the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions of 1798. Both of these documents put forth the truth that there is no final arbiter of federal encroachment, for who would this be? There are only two parties to these contests, the United States and the sovereign State. Who decides which is the court of final appeal? Some would have us believe it is the Supreme Court of the United States. This is an interesting case of near sightedness. The SCOTUS is a part of the federal government. It can hardly be expected to side with the States even if it was so inclined. As a department of the federal government, SCOTUS is scarcely impartial. So who does decide? The answer, quite simply, is …  no one. The federal government and the sovereign State are co-equals. Neither can force its unconstitutional will on the other unless the other capitulates and refuses to defend its sovereignty. Therefore, we have a constitutional stalemate. The federal government is precluded from enforcing its unconstitutional will on the people of the State of Texas.  It may do so in other States to be sure. That is their individual problem.

If we, as Texicans, are to retain our liberty and the liberty and well-being of our heirs, we MUST insist that our State leaders do their job and declare our will to resist encroachments on our lives and enduring rights as a free people. They must interpose the might and power of the great Republic of Texas between us and those who would reduce us to humble vassals of the federal state.

It can be seen that nullification is a far better remedy than the more distasteful option of secession. Secession is a statement of failure. We have failed in our commitment to the union, and it has reneged on its promise to protect the States. It matters not who instigated the grievance that precipitated the act of secession, only that it became necessary. The other option I mentioned in my last is that of submission. This is no option. It is total and abject surrender to the forces of evil. I know not what others may do but I shall not submit. I am too old and set in my ways to bend or yield. If my leaders at the state level do not do their sworn duty, I shall stand against them in print, speech and actions. Docility does not run in my family. Be warned.

American by Birth, Texan by the Grace of God

An Old Texican

To the People of the Republic of Texas:

April 30, 2011 in the Year of Our Lord

It is with little hope of publication that I sit to record these, my thoughts on the current state of affairs affecting our Republic of Texas. Many are the ills confronting us as a people of this proud state, indeed, too many to commiserate here in a limited missive.

I have been awakened on occasion the last few years by a loud thumping noise. The noise vexed me greatly for I could discern no ready source of the chaotic din. After long hours of intense contemplation, and some investigation, I have discovered the source. It is the sound of the past patriots of the Texas soul spinning in their graves. Sam Houston, Stephen Austin, William Travis, Jim Bowie, Ben Milam, and a host of others have indeed polished the insides of their coffins. The despicable levels we have allowed this once great and noble example of liberty to descend to are unconscionable. The Lone Star no longer waves proudly for all to see. Instead it hangs limply in shame for want of a patriotic spirit in its peoples.

There is no question, at least in my admittedly limited intellect, that we are in the closing stages of a long, protracted agenda intended to strip the peoples of the United States of all that freedom and liberty once meant. We are being morphed from free citizens with rights reserved to subjects with no such rights as are not allowed to us by our masters. The usurpations and transgressions are too many to list, yet a few of the most onerous must indeed  be addressed.

The problem as I see it is we are being attacked from so many directions that we lose focus on what is important to us as citizens of Texas. To be sure, the national issues must be confronted; however, it is apparent to my poor cognizance that we should perhaps get our own house in order before cleaning up the neighborhood. 

Perchance, if the citizens of the greatest state in the union can stand up and loudly proclaim “Cease!  No More!”  then the other more timid will find their wits and courage and follow the example. Texas and Texicans have a moral imperative to be leaders in the defense of our rights and liberties. The spirit of Goliad, the Alamo and San Jacinto courses hotly through our veins. The honor and sacrifice of those Texicans who rose and defended the union in World Wars one and two deserve no less. The countless brave souls who have spent their lives and honor to protect us in undeclared “wars” and “police actions” deserve no less. And finally, we who have been graced by the almighty to have been born in this great state must rise to our rightful height of dignity and honor and lead where no other will advance. If our current state leadership is not up to the task, we must cast them aside and find those who will lead. We can no longer sit and listen to the mindless drivel being spewed by our leaders. Mediocrity and compliance are no longer possible or desired. We need leaders who will protect and defend most vigorously our rights and interests as Texicans

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Much is being said about the process of State nullification. Many brush it aside as wishful thinking and others merely shrug out of ignorance of the process. Rest assured fellow Texicans, nullification is a real, viable reply to the transgressions of the mighty. It is a remedy that we should be pursuing with boldness and intent. Alas, the only alternatives are secession or, worse, submission.  Dissolution of the union is not an option in my opinion.  Forcefully returning it to its enumerated scope of powers is an option and in these times, a vital necessity.

The uncertainty of will would seem to me to be a serious lack of education. Our children are no longer taught to be citizens. They are instead taught to do whatever makes them feel good. It would appear that self-esteem is thought to be more important than intellect and integrity.  There is no right or wrong, only that which pleases us. Our churches, schools and most definitely our parents have instilled no sense of patriotism or civic mindedness in our youngsters. How then are they to defend themselves against those who would harm them? Would you have them become a herd of mindless, obedient slaves to the moneyed elite? Would you condemn them to an eternity of abject servitude to a powerful nanny state that forbids individuality and independent thought?  Is this really what you and we wish for our children and their children? God Forbid! I would rather they grow up with the chance to be anything they desire. I would wish them the success that all should be free to attain.

So, who will take up the burden? Who will lead and who will follow? Do we Texicans no longer have the will and honor to lead? I wonder… and I fear.

Upon this missive rests the likelihood of others. I feel the need to address the nullification issue. And I should like to point out how I see it as a deterrent to the various usurpations cast upon us. Perhaps I shall offer my thoughts in a future letter. It all depends.

American by Birth, Texan by the Grace of God.

An Old Texican