States should be able to nullify federal actions Re: “A new way to make Obamacare unconstitutional,” Dec. 27
With reference to Karl Dierenbach’s article about Colorado state Rep. David Balmer, I applaud Balmer’s intentions. However, I would like to expand his proposal to cover all such instances when and where the federal government tramples on state prerogatives in violation of the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Instead of a constitutional amendment explicitly targeted at Obamacare, I propose an amendment whereby any time four-fifths of the states agree that any federal action violates 10th Amendment limits of federal power, that federal action or policy shall be rendered null and void by the states.
At no time should federal power be absolute in the United States.
Lawrence K. Marsh
Gaithersburg
How about enforcing current laws?
Re: “U.S. Rep. Wilson says she’ll offer anti-hazing bill,” Dec. 27
Congresswoman Frederica Wilson thinks passing anti-hazing legislation will prevent future incidents like the one that may have caused the death of drum major Robert Champion.
Like her fellow 434 congressmen, Wilson mistakenly think laws prevent crime. But there has never been a law that prevented a crime. Laws only give the government the means to prosecute someone for that crime.
Fortunately there are already laws that would allow the prosecution of any individual or group of individuals who may have caused harm or death to Mr. Champion.
Wise up, legislators. We don’t need another feckless law. We only need to enforce the ones we have.
Jeff Underwood
Columbia Md.
Unfair criticism of North Korea
Re: “Five worst op-eds of 2011,” Dec. 26
Gene Healey’s snide sniping about Simon Winchester’s comments on North Korea is unjustified.
There are negatives in South Korea, and positives in North Korea. Some of the mainstream media love to paint unrealistic pictures about currently designated “enemies.” East Germany, for example, had healthy cultural aspects and West Germany had its faults.
At least East Germany did not treat degeneracy as a norm.
R.J. Jones
Washington
Gingrich bashed for being ‘too smart’
I enjoy Nate Beeler’s cartoons. However, I don’t understand what seem to be repeated attacks upon Newt Gingrich.
Formerly, the media were willing and quick to criticize President Bush for “not being smart enough.” Now, it seems the same individuals and groups are quick to criticize Gingrich for being too smart.
What gives?
Keith Brown
Greenwood, Ind.
