The Maine Wire
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Maine Wire TV
  • About
  • Contact
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending News
  • Pro-Abortion Satanist Berates Christians Protesting Outside Portland Planned Parenthood
  • Liberals Roast “Great White Mother” Mills for Opposition to Tribal Sovereignty Bill
  • Golden Backs “Lukewarm” Debt Ceiling Deal But Criticizes Cuts to IRS
  • Auburn Rep Files Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of PAC Fundraising Restrictions
  • Bangor-area Church Sues School Board for Religious Discrimination in Lease Rejection
  • Protest at Maine State House for Iraq War Veteran Killed in 2022 Memorial Day Shooting
  • Competitive Shooting Event to Raise More Than $75k for Travis Mills Foundation with USPSA Maine State Championship
  • GOP Wants Limits on “Net Energy Billing” to Rein in Electricity Rates
Facebook Twitter Instagram
The Maine Wire
Login
Thursday, June 1
  • News
  • Commentary
  • Maine Wire TV
  • About
  • Contact
The Maine Wire
Home » News » Government is supposed to exist to protect our rights
Commentary

Government is supposed to exist to protect our rights

John MacGregorBy John MacGregorAugust 10, 2021Updated:August 10, 2021No Comments2 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Reddit
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

States are sovereign political entities. The United States Constitution lays out the powers relinquished by the several states and the people and loaned to the federal government during periods of good behavior. The purpose of the federal government is broadly to protect the people’s inalienable rights and property; limited in the powers granted for other purposes.

The timeline is important: first came the people, then came the states, then came the federal government. The people and the states wrote and ratified the Constitution. The people and the states created the federal government and limited the scope of its powers. Further, there are built-in checks and balances among the people, states and branches of government (the legislature, executive and judiciary). “The enumeration in the Constitution of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” (Amendment IX)

Our written Constitution sets out the limitations on the powers that the elected, appointed and hired officials of the federal government may exercise. The “living” constitution, beloved by some socialist-leaning presidents, members of Congress, judges, justices, educators and elites, cedes unlimited power over the rights of the people and the states. The “living” Constitution is a theoretical construct, not our Constitution.

The purpose of government is stated clearly in the Declaration of Independence: “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” The “consent of the governed” means that the elected, appointed and hired officials employed by the American people have a legal duty and obligation to protect the American people’s rights. Period!

The only way to change the Constitution is for Congress to pass a proposed constitutional amendment by a two-thirds (2/3) vote in Congress (House and Senate), and a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the various state legislatures. Changes to the letter and spirit of our Constitution cannot be made by passing a law, declaring an emergency, issuing an executive order, promulgating a rule, or by a judicial decision or precedent. The only way to amend the Constitution is by one of the two ways listed in Article V.

It is up to the people and the states to make changes in the powers granted to governments by the Constitution. Laws, edicts and pronouncements that do not pass constitutional muster — of which there are many these days — are null and void.

Commentary Constitution constitutional rights declaration of independence Featured freedom Individual Liberty individual rights judiciary Liberty rights
Previous ArticleEight things children are more likely to die from than COVID-19, according to the CDC
Next Article 7,400 Mainers fail to provide proof of employment to continue receiving unemployment
John MacGregor

John "Jock" MacGregor is a student of history and politics, a pursuit he has enjoyed for most of his 79 years. Jock attended Villanova University’s School of Education; served in the U.S. Marine Corps; and is an entrepreneur with enterprises in restaurants, construction and boatbuilding. Mr. MacGregor was managing editor of an online news site in Hot Springs Arkansas. Currently, Jock comments on the role of government in society. Jock believes in a constitutionally limited government, instituted by the people, to protect their rights to life, liberty and property.

Related Posts

Press Herald Quotes Fake “Small Business Coalition” Without Disclosing Funding Ties to Liberal Dark Money Groups

May 26, 2023

Maine Mom Wonders What Would Happen Today to Tomboy Daughter: Letter

May 23, 2023

Old Town School Board Hits Pause Button on Proposed Transgender Policy

May 23, 2023

Leave A Reply

Recent News

Pro-Abortion Satanist Berates Christians Protesting Outside Portland Planned Parenthood

June 1, 2023

Liberals Roast “Great White Mother” Mills for Opposition to Tribal Sovereignty Bill

June 1, 2023

Golden Backs “Lukewarm” Debt Ceiling Deal But Criticizes Cuts to IRS

June 1, 2023

Auburn Rep Files Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of PAC Fundraising Restrictions

June 1, 2023

Bangor-area Church Sues School Board for Religious Discrimination in Lease Rejection

May 31, 2023
Newsletter

News

  • News
  • Campaigns & Elections
  • Opinion & Commentary
  • Media Watch
  • Education
  • Media

Maine Wire

  • About the Maine Wire
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Submit Commentary
  • Complaints
  • Maine Policy Institute

Resources

  • Maine Legislature
  • Legislation Finder
  • Get the Newsletter
  • Maine Wire TV

Facebook Twitter Instagram Steam RSS
  • Post Office Box 7829, Portland, Maine 04112

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login below or Register Now.

Lost password?

Register Now!

Already registered? Login.

A password will be e-mailed to you.