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# Michael Maharrey

Decentralizing for Peace and Freedom

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Rand Paul Has Become Treasury Secretary Bessent's Pawn](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/rand-paul-has-become-treasury-secretary-bessents-pawn-3597/) - Sen. Rand Paul has become Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s pawn. A few weeks ago, Bessent insisted all the gold is in the vaults at Fort Knox. "I haven't. People on my staff have. The treasurer has been to Fort Knox, and I'm happy to say all gold is present and accounted for." On Monday, Paul
- [Markets Aren't Buying the Fed's War on Inflation](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/markets-arent-buying-the-feds-war-on-inflation-3575/) - If you have a choice between believing the audio or the video, believe the video. In other words, trust what you see if it’s different than what you hear. Since Kevin Warsh stepped into his new role as chairman of the Federal Reserve, he’s been talking tough, insisting the central bank will not tolerate price
- [Midweek Memo Podcast: Conspiracy Theory! How Much Gold Do the U.S. and China Really Have?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/midweek-memo-podcast-conspiracy-theory-how-much-gold-do-the-u-s-and-china-really-have-3572/) - Officially, the U.S. has far more gold than China. But does it really? In this week's Midweek Memo podcast, Mike Maharrey explains why there is reason to doubt this claim. In fact, we don't really know how much gold the U.S. or China holds. We have official claims, but the U.S. refuses to audit its
- [Inflation Is Grinding Us Down! But You Knew That Already!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/inflation-is-grinding-us-down-but-you-knew-that-already-3566/) - We all intuitively know that prices are rising faster than the Consumer Price Index (CPI) indicates. We feel the pain every time we go to the grocery store or gas station. But just how much is price inflation impacting us here on Main Street? I started pondering this question the other day when I ran
- [Looks Like We Don't Have to Worry About That Fort Knox Gold Audit!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/looks-like-we-dont-have-to-worry-about-that-fort-knox-gold-audit-3558/) - I’ve got some fantastic news. We don’t need to worry about that Fort Knox gold audit anymore. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assured us all the gold is there. His comments came during an interview on Fox News. Host Jesse Watters asked the Treasury Secretary point-blank, “Have you visited Fort Knox?” "I haven't. People on my
- [American Independence Was Born in 1761](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/american-independence-was-born-in-1761-3561/) - “American Independence was then & there born.” John Adams wasn’t talking about July 4, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence. He was referring to the beginning of the real American Revolution that kicked off years earlier on February 24, 1761. That’s when James Otis Jr delivered a fiery 5-hour speech railing against the writs of
- [Peace Officer: From Protect and Serve to Command and Control (Film Review)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/peace-officer-from-protect-and-serve-to-command-and-control-film-review-1861/) - “Sometimes peace is purchased with violence.” – Sheriff Jim Winder, Salt Lake County, Utah William “Dub” Lawrence founded the first SWAT team in the state of Utah back in the 1970s. Thirty years later, that same SWAT unit killed his son-in-law, Brian Wood, during a controversial standoff in Farmington. The new documentary film Peace Officer
- [New Mexico Emergency Gun Ban Violates the Natural Right to Self-Defense](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/new-mexico-emergency-gun-ban-violates-the-natural-right-to-self-defense-3495/) - New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lynn Lujan Grisham’s “emergency” order banning the carrying of firearms in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County is a violation of the natural rights of the people, and likely a violation of the state constitution as well. Natural Right of Self-Defense This should be obvious — but the Bill of Rights doesn’t give you rights. The
- [A Fight for Freedom: The Anthony Burns Affair](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-fight-for-freedom-the-anthony-burns-affair-3489/) - On May 24, 1854, federal marshals arrested Anthony Burns, kicking off one of the most famous fugitive slave - and nullification - cases in U.S. history. Burns ultimately lost his court case and was returned to slavery, but the cost of the trial, along with the publicity, made the Fugitive Slave Act much more difficult
- [Fed Launches "QE Lite" Program to Bail Out Banks](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/fed-launches-qe-lite-program-to-bail-out-banks-3484/) - In the wake of two bank failures, on Sunday, March 12, the Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treasury announced a bank bailout program that could be dubbed “QE Lite.” While not actually quantitative easing, it will have similar impacts on the financial system and could open the door to bigger bond-buying programs down the road.
- [Uncovering the Root of Police Violence](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/uncovering-the-root-of-police-violence-3480/) - On Jan. 7, Memphis police officers beat a black man to death. But this incident was a little different than past high-profile police brutality incidents. All of the officers involved were black. Perhaps this will make people realize that police brutality isn't a racial problem. It's a policing problem. Officers initially pulled over Tyre Nichols,
- [It's Another Fake Debt Ceiling Fight](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/its-another-fake-debt-ceiling-fight-3477/) - Here we go again. The clock is ticking down to another U.S. debt ceiling fight. According to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the federal government officially bumped up against the debt ceiling on Thursday, Jan. 19. The debt ceiling is “the total amount of money that the United States government is authorized to borrow to meet
- [Constitutional Genealogy: Benjamin Franklin’s First Articles of Confederation](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitutional-genealogy-benjamin-franklins-first-articles-of-confederation-3471/) - Most people recognize that the Constitution evolved out of the Articles of Confederation. But the Articles were also part of a long evolution in political thought and constitutionalism that started long before the colonies’ quest for independence. An important touchstone in that evolution was a draft for a confederation proposed by Benjamin Franklin nearly a
- [George Mason Warned Us! The Federal Government Is Too Big!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/george-mason-warned-us-the-federal-government-is-too-big-3467/) - Many antifederalists warned us about the dangers of centralized power. And George Mason was one of the most prominent. They called this centralization of power in the general government “consolidation.” In a speech during the Virginia ratifying convention, George Mason said a consolidated government “is totally subversive of every principle which has hitherto governed us. This power is
- [Did the Constitution Fail the People? Or Did the People Fail the Constitution?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/did-the-constitution-fail-the-people-or-did-the-people-fail-the-constitution-3462/) - Did the Constitution fail? A lot of people think it did. This popular quote by Lysander Spooner sums up the thoughts of many. “But whether the Constitution really be one thing, or another, this much is certain – that it has either authorized such a government as we have had, or has been powerless to
- [Taking Gaslighting to New Heights White House Launches Propaganda Campaign to Cover Up Recession](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/taking-gaslighting-to-new-heights-white-house-launches-propaganda-campaign-to-cover-up-recession-3457/) - The Biden administration has launched a full-press propaganda campaign to convince you that the economy isn't that bad. According to the White House spin team, you don’t have to worry about that recession anymore. They fixed it. And how did they fix it? They changed the definition of a recession. This masterful propaganda and gaslighting
- [Constitution 101: The Commerce Clause](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-commerce-clause-846/) - This week, we continue looking at constitutional clauses often misconstrued to give the government more power than intended. Two weeks ago, we started with the general welfare clause, and last week we followed up with the necessary and proper clause. This week, we will take up probably the clause most often used to justify federal
- [The Constitution Isn’t Absolute?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-constitution-isnt-absolute-3452/) - Arguing that “high-caliber” weapons should be federally banned, President Joe Biden claimed, “Remember, the Constitution was never absolute.” Biden was merely advancing the popular notion of a “living breathing Constitution.” According to proponents of this theory, the founders “couldn’t have imagined” all of the changes that would happen over time, such as the development of high-powered,
- [Biden Wants to "Fix" the Meat Industry the Feds Broke to Begin With](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/biden-wants-to-fix-the-meat-industry-the-feds-broke-to-begin-with-3445/) - Government breaks things. Then it often rides in on a white horse promising to “fix” the very things it broke. In the latest example of government claiming it will solve a problem it created to begin with, President Joe Biden has committed to "fixing" the rising cost of meat. Overall, meat prices have climbed 16
- [Strategy -- Never Call the 202 Area Code](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/strategy-never-call-the-202-area-code-3437/) - How do you take on the biggest, most powerful government in the history of the world? In this short clip from a panel discussion on decentralization at the Mises Institute Supporters Summit, Tenth Amendment Center National Communications Director Mike Maharrey tells you what not to do and goes on to offer a more viable strategy
- [Time for Another Fake Debt Ceiling Fight!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/time-for-another-fake-debt-ceiling-fight-3429/) - The clock is ticking down to another U.S. debt ceiling battle. Of course, the debt ceiling is a fake and a fraud just like the debate surrounding it. The debt ceiling theoretically “limits” government borrowing and spending. In reality, it does no such thing. And it wouldn’t be necessary if Congress simply stuck to its
- [Lessons in Centralized Power: Federal Policy Facilitated Forced Sterilization of Native American Women](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/lessons-in-centralized-power-federal-policy-facilitated-forced-sterilization-of-native-american-women-3425/) - Most people reflexively believe the federal government protects the interests of minorities. After all, the feds gave us the Civil Rights Acts and ended segregation – so the narrative goes. But in truth, the federal government has a pretty abysmal record when it comes to its treatment of minority communities and has often implemented policies
- [Don't Miss the Most Important Part of the Declaration of Independence](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/dont-miss-the-most-important-part-of-the-declaration-of-independence-3421/) - Most people miss the most significant line in the Declaration of Independence. We tend to focus on the first two paragraphs where Thomas Jefferson laid the philosophical groundwork for political secession. He declares, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
- [The Thin Blue Line Drawn Between You and Your Guns](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-thin-blue-line-drawn-between-you-and-your-guns-3415/) - People tell me all the time local cops would never enforce any kind of federal gun grab. I call B.S. I’m a little unclear as to what gives them this confidence. Local cops already enforce all kinds of unconstitutional gun control — every single day. And it’s not like they do it reluctantly. They enforce
- [A Nullification Lesson from the Articles of Confederation](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-nullification-lesson-from-the-articles-of-confederation-3411/) - The problems facing the United States under the Articles of Confederation provide a nullification lesson for today. When states refuse to cooperate, the central government can't get a whole lot done. Under the Articles of Confederation, the Congress could not compel the payment of taxes. It could only requisition the states and hope they paid
- [Fed Pumping Up Money Supply at Record Speed to Monetize Massive U.S. Debt](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/fed-pumping-up-money-supply-at-record-speed-to-monetize-massive-u-s-debt-3407/) - The federal government continues to borrow and spend at a staggering rate. On March 1, the national debt pushed above $28 trillion for the first time. This rate of borrowing wouldn't be possible without the Federal Reserve monetizing the debt through quantitative easing. In practice, the central bank buys U.S. Treasuries on the open market,
- [Constitution 101: Federal Highway Funding Unconstitutional](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-federal-highway-funding-unconstitutional-1133/) - With a single headline, I just relegated myself to the political fringe. Federal highway funding is unconstitutional. Most people immediately dismissed this statement as out of hand. Extreme. Kookie. This illustrates just how far Americans have strayed from our constitutional roots. Notice what I did not say. I didn’t suggest the federal government shouldn’t fund
- [Two Powerful Little Letters: NO!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/two-powerful-little-letters-no-3402/) - There is great power in the word no. Cops can’t control Gasparilla partiers. And the feds can’t control states. State governments just need to stand up and assert their authority. They need to say no.
- [Constitution 101: The Incorporation Doctrine and the Bill of Rights](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-incorporation-doctine-did-the-14th-amendment-bind-the-staes-to-the-bill-of-rights-942/) - In my last Constitution 101 post, I established that the Bill of Rights was not originally intended to apply to the states. But lawyers and other supporters of federal courts policing rights at the state and local level will point to the 14th Amendment. They argue that it “incorporates” the Bill of Rights and applies
- [The Power of No! (Interview)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-power-of-no-interview-3396/) - I recently appeared on Gun Freedom Radio to talk all things nullification focusing on the power of no! In this interview, I hammer on the fact that we need to resist federal overreach no matter who is in control of the Oval Office. Then I explain how we can do it - a refusal to
- [Federal Wage Controls Are Unconstitutional](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/federal-wage-controls-are-unconstitutional-3392/) - Talk of hiking the minimum wage at the national level has ramped up in recent weeks. With the Democrats controlling the House and the Senate, and Joe Biden in the White House, it seems increasingly likely that we’ll soon see a federal $15 per hour minimum. In other words, it may soon be illegal to
- [The Most Essential Danger...](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-most-essential-danger-3388/) - “The most essential danger from the present System arises, {in my} opinion, from its tendency to a Consolidated government."
- [The Anti-Commandeering Doctrine: A Tool to Fight Federal Overreach](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-anti-commandeering-doctrine-a-tool-to-fight-federal-overreach-3383/) - The anti-commandeering doctrine provides a powerful tool to undermine overreaching, unconstitutional federal power. So, what is this doctrine? What is it based upon? And how can it be used as an effective tool for liberty? How Do We Confront Federal Overreach? Most people assume the feds have the final say. When Uncle Sam says jump,
- [New Evidence: The Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 Were All About Nullification](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/new-evidence-the-kentucky-resolutions-of-1798-were-all-about-nullification-3380/) - Nullification skeptics will often argue that the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798 weren’t actually proposing nullification. They base their argument on the fact that John Breckinridge removed specific references to nullification from Jefferson’s draft before he introduced it in the Kentucky House. But evidence from the debates in the House reveals that the resolutions were absolutely
- [Dear Gun People...](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/dear-gun-people-3376/) - Dear Gun People, I know a lot of you are pretty upset about the prospects of a Joe Biden presidency. He’s promised to be tough on guns and you think he might start an all-out assault on the Second Amendment. We could see more federal gun control coming down the pike. We could even see
- [State Legislators Set to Push Back Against Endless Unconstitutional Wars](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/state-legislators-set-to-push-back-against-endless-unconstitutional-wars-3372/) - States action can take a step toward ending endless wars and reestablishing constitutional war powers. James Madison wrote. "Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded," and that "no nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare." Disregarding his warning, the U.S. government has adopted
- [Blueprint for Local Activism -- Video Presentation](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/blueprint-for-local-activism-video-presentation-3368/) - The election is over. Now what? How about some local, grassroots activism? I spoke to the Libertarian Party of Los Angeles County and outlined the whys and hows of local, issue-oriented activism. Voting the bums out doesn't tend to be a very good strategy for liberty. But local activism can bring about incremental change no
- [And the Federal Spending Continues; Biggest October Deficit Ever](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/and-the-federal-spending-continues-biggest-october-deficit-ever-3365/) - If you thought maybe the federal government would try to rein in the spending after running a recorded budget deficit of $3.13 trillion in fiscal 2020, you were sorely disappointed. Donald Trump and Company have not kicked his spending habit. October was the first month of FY 2021 and the federal government kicked off the year
- [The Biggest Most Powerful Government in the History of the World?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-biggest-most-powerful-government-in-the-history-of-the-world-3359/) - You’ll often hear Tenth Amendment Center founder and executive director Michael Boldin or me say we are facing the “biggest, most powerful government in the history of the world.” Is this just hyperbole? I don’t think it is. Consider the power the U.S. government wields globally. I’m not just talking about military power – although
- [Trump's Unconstitutional War in Somalia](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trumps-unconstitutional-war-in-somalia-3355/) - Through the first seven months in 2020, the U.S. military under Pres. Donald Trump conducted 43 airstrikes in Somalia. That compares to 42 U.S. airstrikes in that country from 2007 to 2017. In other words, in just seven months, the Trump administration bombed Somalia more than Pres. G.W. Bush and Pres. Barack Obama combined. The
- [How the Supreme Court and the Incorporation Doctrine Helped Kill Breonna Taylor](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/how-the-supreme-court-and-the-incorporation-doctrine-helped-kill-breonna-taylor-3352/) - There has been plenty of debate surrounding the death of Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky. But seldom mentioned is the role Supreme Court precedent and the incorporation doctrine played in setting the legal stage for events to unfold ending with the death of a young woman. Breonna Taylor was in bed with her boyfriend Kenneth
- [133 Words or Less: Power Corrupts](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-power-corrupts-3346/) - President Nixon appointed Arthur F. Burns Fed chairman. He was supposed to be one of the "good guys" -- an advocate for free markets, sound money and the gold standard. But Nixon badgered and bullied him into lowering interest rates and signing off on economic "reforms" that included severing the dollar from its last connection
- [The Incorporation Doctrine Broke the Constitutional System](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-incorporation-doctrine-broke-the-constitutional-system-3342/) - I think centralizing power is always a net loss for liberty. So did the founding generation. This is why the framers of the Constitution emphatically rejected a proposal to give the federal government veto-power over state laws. It’s also why the first Congress rejected applying some provisions of the Bill of Rights to the states.
- [Hamilton vs. Jefferson on the Constitutionality of a National Bank](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/hamilton-vs-jefferson-on-the-constitutionality-of-a-national-bank-3338/) - The First Bank of the United States was charted for a period of 20 years by Congress on Feb. 25, 1791. Alexander Hamilton championed the bank, but it wasn’t without its detractors. One of the most vocal opponents of the bank was Thomas Jefferson who argued that it was unconstitutional. The debate was really about
- [The Misplaced American Obsession With Presidents](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-misplaced-american-obsession-with-presidents-3331/) - “I am terrified of the outcome in November.” “The fate of the nation hangs in the balance.” “This is the last chance to save America.” These are all actual quotes about the presidential election I’ve seen over the last few days. Two were from Trump supporters and one came from a Biden voter. They represent
- [How the Federal Reserve Wrecks the Economy Over and Over Again](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/how-the-federal-reserve-wrecks-the-economy-over-and-over-again-3327/) - You simply cannot grasp the economic big-picture without understanding how Federal Reserve monetary policy drives the boom-bust cycle.
- [The Constitution Isn't Meant to Protect Your Liberty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-constitution-isnt-meant-to-protect-your-liberty-3323/) - One of the biggest misconceptions I hear about the Constitution is that it was written to “protect our liberty.” It wasn’t. At least not in a direct sense. The confusion likely arises from the words of the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they
- [Donald Trump's Pen and Phone](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/donald-trumps-pen-and-phone-3319/) - Remember when President Barack Obama said he didn't need Congress? “We’re not just going to be waiting for legislation in order to make sure that we’re providing Americans the kind of help they need. I’ve got a pen and I’ve got a phone," Obama quipped back in 2014. Republicans went into hysterics. "How dare the
- [What's Up With Executive Orders?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/whats-up-with-executive-orders-3316/) - In 2014, President Barack Obama raised the ire of Republicans when he circumvented Congress and effectively legislated from the Oval Office utilizing executive orders. Fast forward to 2020 and Trump is continuing that tradition.
- [Trump Ramps Up Enforcement of Unconstitutional Gun Control Again](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trump-ramps-up-enforcement-of-unconstitutional-gun-control-again-3309/) - “At my direction, the DOJ banned bump stocks. Last year we prosecuted a record number of firearms offenses.” During a public appearance in 2019, President Donald Trump proudly reminded us about his gun control credentials, bragging that his administration implemented new gun control and has conducted more enforcement actions than anyone in history. The president didn’t back
- [What Is Gold's Record Price Telling Us?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/what-is-golds-record-price-telling-us-3312/) - If you follow business headlines you know gold broke its all-time price record early Monday when it pushed above $1,920 an ounce. So, what is this telling us? It's easier to understand gold's record-breaking move up if you look at it from the other side. The dollar is now at its all-time low compared to
- [Trump EO Just More Unconstitutional Nationalization of Local Police](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trump-eo-just-more-unconstitutional-nationalization-of-local-police-3303/) - On Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order to address police reform in the United States, continuing a long history of unconstitutional federal meddling with state and local police. The EO titled "Safe Policing for Safe Communities," orders the creation of a federal database to track police officers with multiple cases of misconduct. It also
- [Police Departments Institutionalizing Violence](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/police-departments-institutionalizing-violence-510/) - It seems like every day I read an article about police brutality like this one. So often these stories of beat-downs, and even shootings, start with minor offenses such as speeding or jaywalking. In the story linked above, an 84-year-old man jaywalked in New York City. The police were apparently doing enhanced enforcement in the
- [Book Review: Constitution Owner's Manual](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/book-review-constitution-owners-manual-3292/) - Dave Benner wrote a wonderful review of my book Constitution Owner's Manual that stands on its own as an educational piece. Dave is a fine historian and has written a couple of books including The 14th Amendment and the Incorporation Doctrine and Compact of the Republic: The League of States and the Constitution. I really
- [Congress Broke the Meat Supply Chain 50 Years Ago](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/congress-broke-the-meat-supply-chain-50-years-ago-3285/) - The coronavirus-induced government shutdown has wreaked havoc on U.S.food supply chains. But the stage was set for this problem decades ago thanks to the federal government. We see shortages of meat on store shelves even as farmers face the prospect of euthanizing entire herds. This bizarre situation came about when several meat processing plants shut
- [Can the President "Send Congress Away"?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/can-the-president-send-congress-away-3278/) - Can the president simply shut down Congress on a whim? Some people think he has this power. As one commenter put it in a Facebook post, "Article 2 Section 3 during extraordinary circumstances the president can send Congress away." This demonstrates how failing to read constitutional language carefully can lead to gross misunderstandings of government
- [Cannabis Heals - Podcast Interview](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/cannabis-heals-podcast-interview-2956/) - I recently appeared on the Cannabis Heals Me podcast to talk about my personal experience with CBD and how states and individual action has effectively nullified federal cannabis prohibition. Earlier this year, I started taking CBD oil to help with pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis in my hip. In this podcast, I share my
- [The Myth of the "Nonessential Business"](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-myth-of-the-nonessential-business-3270/) - As the coronavirus-induced economic lockdowns have tightened across the U.S., we've seen the emergence of a government-inspired fantasy - the myth of the nonessential business. Government officials across the country have forced the closure of these so-called non-essential businesses while allowing "essential" enterprises to soldier on. Politicians and bureaucrats have developed arbitrary criteria to determine
- [I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watchin' Me!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/i-always-feel-like-somebodys-watchin-me-3261/) - That's because they are. And I recently appeared on the Enemy of the [Surveillance] State Podcast to talk about it. The surveillance state is growing every single day - from NSA to your local cops, government agents have the capability to watch virtually everything you do. And they are using it. So, what can we
- [Constitution 101: Who Decides Constitutionality?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-who-decides-constitutionality-813/) - In previous Constitution 101 articles, I’ve shown that states were intended to serve as a check on federal power and that nullification creates a process to do so. I also pointed out that the federal government does indeed enjoy supremacy, but delegated powers limit that supremacy. All legitimate federal act must be “in pursuance” of
- [Constitution 101: Constitutional Interpretation - Living and Breathing is Dead](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-constitutional-interpretation-living-and-breathing-is-dead-1358/) - The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it.” –James Wilson, Of the Study of Law in the United States, Circa, 1790 Many Americans today view the Constitution as a “living, breathing” document. By living and breathing, they mean the Constitution was written
- [Government School Malfeasance: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 154](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/government-school-malfeasance-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-154-3237/) - Promoting my book "Constitution - Owner's Manual" has reminded me what an abysmal job government schools have done teaching us about the Constitution and the founding principles the government was based on. It's a clear case of educational malfeasance.
- [The Best Short Intro to the Real Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-best-short-intro-to-the-real-constitution-3233/) - I recently appeared on the Tom Woods Show to talk about my new book, Constitution Owner’s Manual: The Real Constitution the Politicians Don’t Want You to Know About.” Tom called it “the best short introduction to the real Constitution, as opposed to the one taught in law school and the New York Times.” Tom and I
- [The War Always Comes Home: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 153](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-war-always-comes-home-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-153-3205/) - You cannot simultaneously support perpetual warfare abroad and limited government at home.
- [Technocratic Tyranny and How to Stop It](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/technocratic-tyranny-and-how-to-stop-it-3201/) - A recent study revealed that the United States is the fourth-biggest violator of biometric privacy in the world. I recently appeared on the Corbett Report to talk about how the rising government use of facial recognition and other biometric surveillance techniques threatens our privacy and what we can do about it. https://youtu.be/uY-fWCTc56I In this interview,
- [War Powers Revisited: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #152](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/war-powers-revisited-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-152-3195/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Pres. Trump unilaterally ordered the execution of an Iranian general. Did he have the constitutional authority to take this action? The short answer is no. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why. More importantly, I explain why it matters. LISTEN SHOW NOTES Iraq Government's response to
- [Impeached! Meanwhile... Thoughts from Maharrey Head #151](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/impeached-meanwhile-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-151-3135/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" While everybody obsessed over impeachment, there was other news out there. Well, it wasn't exactly news, because pretty much nobody reported on it. But some significant things happened - things that could actually impact your life. Things the political class would rather you not think about. In this episode of
- [A Dose of Their Own Bitter Medicine: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 149](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-dose-of-their-own-bitter-medicine-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-149-3121/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Progressives don't like it so much when the government expands its own power in ways they don't like. One of the first articles I wrote for the Constitution 101 series was titled "Living and Breathing Is Dead." It makes the fundamental point that if the government can interpret and apply
- [The Constitution Is Just a Political Prop: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 150](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-constitution-is-just-a-political-prop-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-150-3129/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" This week's episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head is a hard dose of reality. Both Republicans and Democrats claim to revere the Constitution. But do they? Really? I don't think they do. In fact, I think the vast majority of politicians, including the current president, view the Constitution as nothing
- [Constitution 101: The 2nd Amendment Militia](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-2nd-amendment-militia-962/) - Two weeks ago, we looked at the Second Amendment and determined that it prohibited any federal infringement on the right to keep and bear arms, and that the prohibition even includes restrictions imposed while exercising legitimate federal power. This week we will look at the connection between the militia and the Second Amendment. “A well
- [What the Heck Happened to the Tea Party? Thoughts from Maharrey Head 148](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/what-the-heck-happened-to-the-tea-party-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-148-3114/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Remember the Tea Party? Remember what it was all about? It was about taxing, spending and the national debt. Today, the Trump administration is running up Obama-era budget deficits. And a lot of the same people who were holding signs at Tea Party rallies are now Trump supporters. What happened
- [Trump Economic Myth-Making: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 147](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trump-economic-myth-making-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-147-3080/) - No. Trump has not give us the best economy ever. Learn why.
- [Debunking the "One Nation" Myth: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 146](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/debunking-the-one-nation-myth-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-146-3062/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Most Americans think July 4, 1776, birthed a nation. It's didn't. It actually birthed 13 independent nations that soon formed a union. The notion that Independence Day birthed a nation is part of a broader "one nation" myth advanced by the likes of Joseph Story and Abraham Lincoln, and perpetuated
- [The People, the Militia and the Second Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-people-the-militia-and-the-second-amendment-3068/) - With the gun control debate back on the front-burner, a 2016 MarketWatch article asserting that. "The Second Amendment doesn't give you the right to own a gun" is making the rounds across social media. The article perpetuates a fundamental misunderstanding of the Bill of Rights and demonstrates the danger of basing your constitutional expertise on
- [The Drug War Gets Personal: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 145](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-drug-war-gets-personal-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-145-3057/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Political activism can be pretty detached from our day-to-day lives. We fight for abstract principles like "liberty" and "limited government" and "constitutional principles." But this week, it got really personal for me. A friend of mine was indicted on federal marijuana charges. He could face 10 years to life in
- [Smashing Some Nullification Myths: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #144](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/smashing-some-nullification-myths-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-144-3051/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" If you learned anything about nullification in school, it's probably in relation to the Nullification Crisis of 1833. And if that's that's the case, you almost certainly learned several myths about nullification. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I give you an accurate historical overview of the events
- [Yes! All of These Undeclared Wars Are Illegal! Thoughts from Maharrey Head #143](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/yes-all-of-these-undeclared-wars-are-illegal-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-143-3046/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" People keep telling me that military intervention in Venezuela would be perfectly constitutional because of the War Powers Act. Newsflash -- a congressional act does not amend the Constitution. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I give an overview of constitutional war powers and explain why undeclared wars
- [A Dose of Dumb: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #142](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-dose-of-dumb-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-142-3040/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" A video going around Facebook blames President Trump for lower tax refunds this year. The real problem is that people are dumb, and this video proves it. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I break down this ridiculous video and dig into what it reveals about American society.
- [Federal Supremacy: It's Not an Anything and Everything Proposition](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/federal-supremacy-its-not-an-anything-and-everything-proposition-3037/) - It never goes away – the myth of absolute federal supremacy. I got an email from a Tenth Amendment Center volunteer in Illinois last week. He has been working to get the Fourth Amendment Protection Act introduced there. Passage of the bill would end state cooperation with unconstitutional federal warrantless surveillance. But he’s run into
- [But Mike...It's the Law! Thoughts from Maharrey Head 141](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/but-mike-its-the-law-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-141-3032/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was arrested by London police and will likely be extradited to the U.S. to face charges in connection with secret documents obtained by Chelsea Manning and published on the WikiLeaks website. These documents revealed government malfeasance. Nevertheless, people on both side of the political spectrum are
- [Constitution 101: The Electoral College](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-electoral-college-3019/) - When you head to the polls and vote for the president, you don’t actually vote for the president. You vote for a slate of electors who select the president through the Electoral College. The Electoral College was established in Article II Sec.1 of the Constitution. "Each State shall appoint, in such Manner as the Legislature
- [Debt, Deficits and Spending Out the Wazoo: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 140](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/debt-deficits-and-spending-out-the-wazoo-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-140-3025/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" The Trump administration set an all-time record monthly budget deficit of $234 billion in February. I've actually had some people try to convince me this is somehow Obama's fault -- which is absurd. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I dig down to the ugly truth. The federal
- [The Electoral College: What It Is and Why It Matters](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-electoral-college-what-it-is-and-why-it-matters-3015/) - What is the electoral college and why does it matter? This presentation explains.
- [Sucky Strategy Sucks: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 139](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/sucky-strategy-sucks-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-139-3007/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" For some libertarian purists, legislation is never good enough. If a bill doesn't do absolutely everything that they want, they call it "watered down" and actively oppose it -- even if it takes a small step forward for liberty. This is a sucky strategy and sucky strategies suck. In this
- [The Electoral College: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 138](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-electoral-college-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-138-2995/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Donald Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election revived the debate over the Electoral College. There's a strong movement to do away with the system and replace it with a national popular vote. So, what's the problem? In this Episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the Electoral
- [Testimony on the Tenth Amendment and Nullification Before the Ohio House Federalism Committee (Audio)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/testimony-on-the-tenth-amendment-and-nullification-before-the-ohio-house-federalism-committee-audio-3002/) - On March 6, I testified before the Ohio House Committee on Federalism on the Tenth Amendment and how states can push back against overreaching federal authority. http://www.michaelmaharrey.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/1-Capitol-Square.m4a During my testimony, I covered the limited nature of the federal government, the meaning and purpose of the Tenth Amendment, nullification, and how to practically nullify federal acts
- [The Death of the Limited Government Republicans: Thoughts from Maharrey Head 137](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-death-of-the-limited-government-republicans-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-137-2988/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" The limited government Republicans have gone the way of the anti-war left. They can't be bothered with the Constitution because they are in control now. There are walls to build and liberty to impose. On this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about it. LISTEN Thoughts from Maharrey
- [Constitutional Tomfoolery: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #136](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitutional-tomfoolery-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-136-2983/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" When it comes to the Constitution, most people want to have it both ways. They say the Constitution is important and should always be followed until it gets in the way of their political agenda. Then they engage in all kinds of mental gymnastics to justify unconstitutional actions they happen
- [Nullification Works! Even Drug Warriors Know It: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #135](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/nullification-works-even-drug-warriors-know-it-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-135-2977/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" During his confirmation hearing, U.S. Attorney General nominee William Barr basically admitted nullification works. He called the current system with states legalizing weed despite federal prohibition "backdoor nullification." In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about Barr's comments, the states' success in nullifying federal prohibition and what
- [Clarifying the Legal Status of Hemp and CBD: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #134](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/clarifying-the-legal-status-of-hemp-and-cbd-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-134-2972/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Hemp and CBD are now legal in all 50 states! At least that's what most people think after the passage of the 2018 farm bill. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. There is still a great deal of confusion about the legal status of hemp generally and CBD in particular. In
- [James Madison's Christmas Present](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/james-madisons-christmas-present-2964/) - Resolutions drafted by James Madison and passed by Virginia on Dec 21. and 24, 1798, answer a timeless question: What do we do when the federal government oversteps its constitutional bounds? All too often, we simply ignore it. But James Madison had other ideas. The man known as “The Father of the Constitution” insisted states
- [Good Trump Bad Trump: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #133](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/good-trump-bad-trump-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-133-2959/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Donald Trump was really, really awful this week. And Donald Trump was really, really good this week. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the two sides of Trump and prove you can evaluate the actions of a president without getting caught up in a cult
- [Obamacare Still Sucks: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #132](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/obamacare-still-sucks-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-132-2950/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Obamacare was both unconstitutional and economically ill-conceived. The passing years haven't improved it any. It's still unconstitutional and economically ill-conceived. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I reveal just how much "affordable" healthcare would cost my wife and I, along with some solutions we've found to cope. LISTEN
- [So Long Jeff Sessions: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #131](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/so-long-jeff-sessions-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-131-2945/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode, I give Attorney General Jeff Sessions the sendoff he deserves. I also talk a little about the war on marijuana and asset forfeiture. LISTEN You can subscribe to Thoughts from Maharrey Head for free on iTunes. Just click HERE. SHOW NOTES AND LINKS Free E-Book: The Power of No!: The
- [Hillary's "One Nation" B.S. - America Is Not One Nation and Never Was](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/hillarys-one-nation-b-s-america-is-not-one-nation-and-never-was-1967/) - Politicians at the federal level always try to sell the United States as a singular nation. Hillary Clinton peddled this myth during her speech at the Democratic National Convention. When representatives from 13 unruly colonies met just down the road from here, some wanted to stick with the king. Some wanted to stick it to
- [It's Time to Break Up the Government Monopoly](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/its-time-to-break-up-the-government-monopoly-2624/) - People all over the world love to play Monopoly. As of 2013, Hasbro had sold more than 275 million Monopoly games in 111 countries. The game-maker produces it in 43 different languages. San Francisco jeweler Sidney Mobell created a version the game valued at $2 million, featuring a 23-karat gold board and diamond studded dice.
- [Here's How We Can All Just Get Along: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #130](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/heres-how-we-can-all-just-get-along-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-130-2936/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" You've probably heard people talking about the possibility of another civil war. Many people think America has never been more divided. In some cases, violence has even spilled over into the streets. Everybody's fighting for control power in Washington D.C. But what if there was a better way? There is.
- [Personal Reflections on Politics and Stuff: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #129](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/personal-reflections-on-politics-and-stuff-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-129-2931/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" This episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head takes a little different direction. I just share some personal reflections on Taylor Swift, politics, lunch with my daughter and what's really important. I also announce the possibility of a new project. LISTEN You can subscribe to Thoughts from Maharrey Head for free on iTunes.
- [My Confession](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/my-confession-1059/) - Some people call me an extremist. Confession time. It's true! My vision for a decentralized system and non-interventionist foreign policy certainly fall outside of the acceptable political views spanning the vast gulf between the ideals of Mitt Romney and Nancy Pelosi. Of course, when people call me extreme, I’m sure they don’t mean it as
- [Hurtling Toward a Fiscal Cliff With the GOP in the Driver's Seat: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #128](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/hurtling-toward-a-fiscal-cliff-with-the-gop-in-the-drivers-seat-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-128-2925/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Several times a week, I see Trump supporters touting the rising stock market and "booming economy" as proof of the president's economic prowess. Sadly, they are being led down a primrose path to ruin. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain where the standard GOP economic talking
- [Farewell to George: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #127](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/farewell-to-george-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-127-2920/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Over the last few weeks, I have done quite a bit of ranting on my podcast. This week, I decided to give it a rest. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I take a little more academic tone and discuss an oft-overlooked and crucial piece of advice George
- [Interview: The Cost of America's Perpetual Wars](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/interview-the-cost-of-americas-perpetual-wars-2917/) - I recently appeared on the Death to Tyrants podcast to talk about the astronomical price of America's undeclared wars. We not only discussed the price tag of America's military interventions since 2001, we also talked about the human cost and the loss of liberty inherent in perpetual warfare. From there, the conversation moved toward the
- [A Federal Debt Spiral and Delusional Trump Supporters: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #126](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-federal-debt-spiral-and-delusional-trump-supporters-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-126-2912/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I've come to a conclusion: there is a segment of Trump supporters out there who are delusional. They are so blinded by the cult of personality that they can't objectively look at reality. Last month, the Trump administration broke the one-month record for spending. In other words, Trump and his
- [Burning My Nikes and Eating Chick-Fil-A: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #125](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/burning-my-nikes-and-eating-chick-fil-a-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-125-2906/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I burn my Nikes and eat Chick-Fil-A. Or maybe not. But I do talk about the latest political brouhaha and share a little news you probably haven't heard about that I think is much more significant. LISTEN You can subscribe to Thoughts from
- [I'm an Obama Loving Dumbcrat! Thoughts from Maharrey Head #124](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/im-an-obama-loving-dumbcrat-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-124-2901/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I'm an Obama loving dumbcrat. At least that's what some people think. Why? Because I criticize Pres. Donald Trump. Of course, this is absurd. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about it. LISTEN You can subscribe to Thoughts from Maharrey Head for free on iTunes. Just click HERE. SHOW
- [Immigration: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #123](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/immigration-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-123-2889/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Immigration is a huge issue in America. But to be honest, it's not one that I get very worked up over. In fact, other than the constitutional issues, I'm pretty apathetic about it. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I delve into those constitutional issues and then explain
- [Iowa Nullifies the U.S. Supreme Court: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #122](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/iowa-nullifies-the-u-s-supreme-court-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-122-2880/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" When it comes to the legal system, Americans make a federal case out of almost everything. But a guy in Iowa took a different route. When Iowa police violated his rights, he didn't run to the feds. He sued in state court under the Iowa Constitution. As a result, the
- [Song: Just a Thing](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/song-just-a-thing-2894/) - I put this together as I was figuring out Logic Pro. I really never intended to do anything with it, but I thought it turned out pretty cool. So, here it is. What is it exactly? It's just a thing.
- [Constitution 101: War Powers](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-war-powers-876/) - Over the last several weeks, we’ve looked at the “general welfare,” “necessary and proper,” and “commerce” clauses, three constitutional provisions often used by progressives to expand federal power, and we established what those clauses actually mean. While liberal constitutional interpreters abuse those clauses, scholars and politicians have utterly disregarded the proper understanding of war powers.
- [So...You Have Nothing to Hide?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/so-you-have-nothing-to-hide-2884/) - Whenever I talk about government surveillance, there is always "that guy" who claims if I'm not doing anything illegal I shouldn't be concerned about it. Well, I am concerned about it. I explain why in this short video. WATCH
- [A Government Right to Privacy? Thoughts from Maharrey Head #121](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-government-right-to-privacy-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-121-2875/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Does the government have a "right to privacy?" Some cop thinks so. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why he's full of crap. LISTEN You can subscribe to Thoughts from Maharrey Head for free on iTunes. Just click HERE. You can also listen on my YouTube channel HERE. SHOW
- [Constitution 101: Full Faith and Credit](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-full-faith-and-credit-2871/) - Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution requires every state to give “full faith and credit” to public acts, records and judicial proceedings of every other state. This rather obscure constitutional provision eased its way into the spotlight in recent months as gun rights advocates have pushed for national concealed-carry reciprocity. A federal conceal-carry reciprocity
- [Trump Is Setting Himself Up as a Fall-Guy: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #120](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trump-is-setting-himself-up-as-a-fall-guy-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-120-2864/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" To hear Donald Trump and his Republican supporters tell it, the economy is booming because of wildly successful Trumpanomics. But I think Trump is setting himself to take the fall when the bubble eventually bursts. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why. LISTEN You can subscribe
- [Cult of Personality: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #119](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/cult-of-personality-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-119-2855/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" It seems like half of America suffers from Trump Derangement Syndrome. He could give every person in the country a bar of gold and people with TDS would protest it. On the other hand, we have the Trump worshipers. He could kill puppies on stage and they would tell you
- [Interview: Defying the Surveillance State Locally](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/interview-defying-the-surveillance-state-locally-2859/) - I recently appeared on the Culture of Peace podcast hosted by Luke Tatum to talk about defying the surveillance state through local action. During the interview, I talked about how and why I started a local organization to bring oversight and transparency to surveillance in Lexington, Kentucky. I also explained how my efforts ended up getting
- [Conceal Carry Reciprocity and the Constitution: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #118](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/conceal-carry-reciprocity-and-the-constitution-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-118-2850/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" A lot of people are pushing for Congress to mandate conceal carry reciprocity. It may sound like a great idea, but there are some serious constitutional issues. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I focus specifically on the idea that the "full faith and credit" clause authorizes Congress
- [Major Kentucky Grocer Caught Selling Illegal Hemp](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/major_kentucky_grocer_caught_selling_illegal_hemp-2843/) - I recently spotted some illegal hemp products prominently displayed at my local grocery store. I was in Kroger picking up a few things when I stumbled across this nice display of Laura's Hemp Chocolates. I probably should have called the cops! Laura grows hemp on her farm in Winchester, Kentucky, as part of the state's
- [The Price of Liberty: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #117](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-price-of-liberty-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-117-2838/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" A lot of people blame the Constitution for the continual expansion of the federal government. But this is kind of silly. It's like blaming a contract when one party refuses to uphold it. If the other party doesn't bother to enforce it, you can't blame the contract. The real problem
- [Fighting the Surveillance State in My Own Backyard - Interview on Scott Horton Show](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/fighting-the-surveillance-state-in-my-own-backyard-interview-on-scott-horton-show-2835/) - I recently appeared on the Scott Horton show to talk about the lawsuit the city of Lexington, Kentucky, filed against me over an open records request, and how local efforts can put a dent in the ever-expanding federal surveillance state. During the interview, Scott and I talked about the city's lawsuit against me in an
- [Independence: A Revolutionary Idea](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/independence-a-revolutionary-idea-870/) - Today, Americans celebrate America. We wave flags. We thank the troops. We shoot off fireworks. We march in parades. And we talk about the greatness of America and her fight for independence. But the Fourth of July has come to mean something far deeper than a celebration of the birth of a "nation" to me.
- [Stupid Partisan Politics: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #116](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/stupid-partisan-politics-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-116-2829/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I set off a firestorm when I posted the following on my Facebook page. "If your constitutional argument is 'Obama did... You have no principles." This wasn't a post about immigration. It was about constitutional principles. If you have any, you won't try to justify one president's unconstitutional actions by pointing
- [End the Fed! Thoughts from Maharrey Head #115](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/end-the-fed-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-115-2824/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Most people have heard of the Federal Reserve, but they have no idea what it does or just how much of an impact it actually has on the economy. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain just one way the central bank has wrecked the economy as
- [So...You Have Nothing to Hide? Thoughts from Maharrey Head #114](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/so-you-have-nothing-to-hide-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-114-2816/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Whenever I talk about government surveillance, I always get people saying it doesn't matter. After all, "If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear." In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I challenge this ignorant mantra and explain exactly why we should care about surveillance. And
- [Hellfire Fury](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/hellfire-fury-2-2663/) - A song about the drone war. Hear the predator drone Stare into the sun Hear the villagers groan When the predator comes Run! Hear the predator drone Stare into the sun Hear the villagers groan When the predator comes Run! Run! Run! Hellfire fury On my street My mom lost her mind My brother
- [A Big Win at the Supreme Court: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #113](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-big-win-at-the-supreme-court-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-113-2809/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" If you care about state sovereignty, the Tenth Amendment, or limiting the federal government, the Supreme Court just handed you a huge victory! (It was also a big win if you want to legally bet on sports.) In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the SCOTUS
- [Ain't Gonna Lay My Armor Down (Song)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/aint-gonna-lay-my-armor-down-song-2802/) - This song mixes electronic dance music with bluegrass, southern gospel and jazz. It's built around the chorus of a 1920s bluegrass/gospel song by McVay and Johnson. I couldn't find a lot about them. I know the song was recorded On Oct. 17, 1928, in Johnson City, Tenn. It was released by Columbia Records. The song
- [The Degeneracy of War: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #112](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-degeneracy-of-war-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-112-2797/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" James Madison warned that a country could not preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare. The U.S. has been embroiled in war for decades. If you care about limited government and freedom, this should concern you deeply. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about
- [That Wall (Reagan v. Trump) - Original Music](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/that-wall-reagan-v-trump-original-music-2785/) - This song features Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump dueling about walls.
- [My Obamacare Nightmare: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #111](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/my-obamacare-nightmare-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-111-2779/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" A lot of people say Obamacare has been a roaring success. But for me and my family, it's been a nightmare. Thankfully, there are some alternatives to this government boondoggle bubbling up out there. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I share a little bit about my Obamacare
- [The Power to Make War: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #110](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-power-to-make-war-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-110-2774/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Under the Constitution, the president does not have the authority to launch offensive military actions. Not for 90 days. Not for 60 days. Not for one minute. And the War Powers Resolution of 1973 does not change that. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about presidential
- [Nullification Success! Weed - Interview on Real News with David Knight](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/nullification-success-weed-interview-on-real-news-with-david-knight-2771/) - The federal government claims the authority to prohibit a plant. Of course, this is absurd, as evidenced by the fact that it required a constitutional amendment before the feds could enforce alcohol prohibition. I appeared on Real News with David Knight to talk about this unconstitutional war on a plant and how it has ultimately
- [Zuckerberg Goes to Congress: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #109](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/zuckerberg-goes-to-congress-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-109-2763/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg got the big-boy version of a call into the principal's office. He spent 10 hours testifying for a joint Senate committee. The questions some of the senators asked reveals why we shouldn't count on Congress to manage all of our affairs. In this episode of Thoughts
- [Interview: Constitutional Decentralization as a Path to Liberty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/interview-constitutional-decentralization-as-a-path-to-liberty-2760/) - Centralization of power in Washington D.C. is one of the biggest threat to our liberty. On the other hand constitutional decentralization is way out. I appeared as a guest on the Gold Standard with Alan Mosley. We talked generally about the principles of nullification and more specifically how we put the idea into practical effect
- [Baseball, The Constitution and a Lawyer You Can Trust: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #108](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/baseball-the-constitution-and-a-lawyer-you-can-trust-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-108-2756/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Last week, I warned you about trusting lawyers to explain the Constitution. On this week's episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I'm going to make an exception to that general advice. I'm also going to explain what a baseball rule can teach us about constitutional interpretation. You can subscribe to Thoughts
- [Talking Federal Supremacy with Suzanne Sherman - Thoughts from Maharrey Head Bonus Episode](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/talking-federal-supremacy-with-suzanne-sherman-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-bonus-episode-2753/) - On April 4, I appeared on Suzanne Sherman's show The Wasatch Report. We talked about how state action can limit the scope of the federal government, focusing specifically on the Second Amendment, dispelled the persistent myth of absolute federal supremacy and talked about why you shouldn't count on lawyers to tell you what the Constitution
- [If You Want to Know the Constitution Don't Call a Lawyer: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #107](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/if-you-want-to-know-the-constitution-dont-call-a-lawyer-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-107-2749/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Do you want to learn about the Constitution? Don't call a lawyer! In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why you can't generally depend on lawyers to properly explain the Constitution. Hint: Almost all of them are federal supremacists. You can subscribe to Thoughts from Maharrey Head for free
- [Democrats and Republicans - Not a Dime's Worth of Difference: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #106](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/democrats-and-republicans-not-a-dimes-worth-of-difference-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-106-2737/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" This one will ruffle some feathers. But sometimes the truth hurts. There's not a dime's worth of difference between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to their view of the United State political system and the Constitution. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I make the case. You
- [Trumpanomics: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #105](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trumpanomics-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-105-2731/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I hear a lot of Republicans in general, and Trump supporters in particular, talking about how great the economy is. The problem is it's not that great and it has nothing to do with Donald Trump. Or Barack Obama In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about
- [Pick One: Constitutional Principles or Your Policy Preferences](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/pick-one-constitutional-principles-or-your-policy-preferences-2726/) - Right-wing support for the sanctuary city lawsuit is short-sighted. While it might serve to advance their immigration policy objectives, is it worth it? Is it worth destroying the last remaining legal check against federal expansion?
- [Open Letter to Kentucky State Sen. Albert Robinson on Marijuana and Federal Supremacy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/open-letter-to-kentucky-state-sen-albert-robinson-on-marijuana-and-federal-supremacy-2720/) - Kentucky state Sen. Albert Robinson (R-London) has been a vocal opponent of legalizing medical marijuana in the commonwealth. He has based his opposition on the Constitution's "supremacy clause" arguing that Kentucky cannot pass a law that contradicts federal statute. Unfortunately, Sen. Robinson demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of what federal supremacy actually means. He also ignores
- [Jeff Sessions Is Just Like Rachel Maddow: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #104](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/jeff-sessions-is-just-like-rachel-maddow-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-104-2713/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions doesn't like nullification. He attacked the principles in recent statements about California's sanctuary state policies. In doing so, he sounded just like Rachel Maddow. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about it. I compare the ideas of Maddow and Sessions (there's
- [Nullify Obamacare! Thoughts from Maharrey Head #103](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/nullify-obamacare-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-103-2709/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" The Republicans still haven't gotten rid of Obamacare and they aren't going to. But there are things going on at the state level that could eventually undermine and replace the federal healthcare debacle. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey, I tell you about some exciting developments at the state
- [The Constitution Isn't Silly Putty: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #102](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-constitution-isnt-silly-putty-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-102-2703/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" A lot of people seem to think the Constitution is Silly Putty. The call it "malleable" and claim politicians can shape it into any form that fits the current political climate. They're wrong. In fact, the whole point of a written Constitution was to ensure that powers of government were
- [The 2nd Amendment Wasn't For Hunters: Thoughts from Maharrey Head #101](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-2nd-amendment-wasnt-for-hunters-thoughts-from-maharrey-head-101-2694/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I wade into the fray and tackle a common myth related to the Second Amendment
- [The Evolution of Sovereignty in American Political Thought - Part 1](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-evolution-of-sovereignty-in-american-political-thought-part-1-2127/) - This is part 1 of a 2-part series examining the evolution of American political thought as it relates to sovereignty in the political system. When Americans talk about the Revolution, they generally mean the fight with the British. But there was a more fundamental revolution that began long before the first shot was fired and
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #100: Ideology and the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-100-ideology-and-the-constitution-2687/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" After a seven month hiatus, Thoughts from Maharrey Head is back with episode #100! We all have ideologies. They help us make sense of a complex world and provide us with a lens through which we can evaluate events. But ideologies can get us in trouble when we become unable to
- [Constitution 101: The Judiciary and Judicial Review](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-judiciary-and-judicial-review-2674/) - The federal judiciary has arguably become the most powerful branch of the general government. Opinions issued by nine politically connected lawyers have redefined marriage throughout the entire United States, authorized the internment of American citizens and dictated what kinds of decorations cities can display in their parks. Federal courts were never intended to wield this
- [Real News: Jeff Sessions Can't Do Squat About Marijuana (Interview)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/real-news-jeff-sessions-cant-do-squat-about-marijuana-interview-2670/) - The federal government has relentlessly tried to enforce marijuana prohibition, but because of state action, it has utterly failed. I appeared on InfoWars Real News with David Knight to talk about Jeff Sessions' empty threat to crack down on marijuana and more generally about the effectiveness of state nullification. "No matter what the federal government has
- [Radio Interview: Jeff Sessions and His Feckless Marijuana Policy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/radio-interview-jeff-sessions-and-his-feckless-marijuana-policy-2667/) - Last week, I appeared on Patrick Timpone's One Radio network show to talk about AG Jeff Sessions and his feckless pot policy. What was initially slated to be a conversation about state efforts to resist federal marijuana prohibition turned into a wide-ranging discussion on the Tenth Amendment, state power and the effectiveness of nullification. I started the
- [You Don't Really Want to Limit Government Power, Do You?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/you-dont-really-want-to-limit-government-power-do-you-2660/) - We often hear people on both sides of the political aisle complaining about the expansion of federal power. And yet, federal power constantly expands. Why? If everybody is worried about federal encroachment and overreach, why doesn’t anybody do anything to stop it? Why don’t more people insist on strict adherence to constitutional limits on federal
- [What Was the Purpose of the Second Amendment?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/what-was-the-purpose-of-the-second-amendment-2655/) - The purpose of the Second Amendment wasn’t to ensure people could always go hunting.
- [Mike Maharrey and Tom Woods Talk Surveillance and Local Activism](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/mike-maharrey-and-tom-woods-talk-surveillance-and-local-activism-2651/) - Tom Woods interviewed me for episode 1030 of his podcast. We talked about my local efforts to confront the surveillance state here in my hometown of Lexington, Kentucky, the lawsuit the city filed against me because of my efforts and more generally the power of local activism. https://youtu.be/PYyFR-RpyDU Tom and I started off the conversation
- [Good Old Fashioned Nullification Hatchet Job Courtesy of CNN](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/good-old-fashioned-nullification-hatchet-job-courtesy-of-cnn-2642/) - CNN resurrected the old-school hatchet-job template for nullification articles this week. Andrew Kaczynski and Chris Massie breathlessly reported Alabama Republican congressional candidate Roy Moore "signed onto a resolution in 2010 affirming the right of states to nullify, or void, federal law." We haven't seen an anti-nullification story following this script in quite a while. But Kaczynski and
- [Trump Following in Obama's Footsteps with Healthcare EO](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trump-following-in-obamas-footsteps-with-healthcare-eo-2632/) - When Pres. Trump issued an executive order phasing out DACA last month, the administration made it a constitutional issue, accusing Pres. Obama of overreaching his authority when he created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) by executive order in June 2012. Now Trump is following in Obama's footsteps with his planned EO to expand access to
- [Now's the Time to Defend Constitutional Barriers](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/nows-the-time-to-defend-constitutional-barriers-2628/) - Now is the time to stand firm on constitutional principle. Stand up and say no to the usurpers. Remember, the power you give them today they will have forever.
- [Constitutionally, Trump's Opinion on Afghanistan Shouldn't Matter](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitutionally-trumps-opinion-on-afghanistan-shouldnt-matter-2618/) - As a candidate, Pres. Trump called the war in Afghanistan "futile" and pledged to pull the U.S. out of the quagmire. But in a recent speech, the president announced a plan committed to extending and deepening U.S. military involvement in that country. Trump said he was now convinced “a hasty withdrawal would create a vacuum for
- [The Liberal Case for Absolute Freedom of Expression](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-liberal-case-for-absolute-freedom-of-expression-2605/) - Despite the emotional appeals of the thought-police, and their shallow justifications for violent suppression of certain ideas, the case for unbridled free expression remains compelling. In fact, any quest for truth requires it. To limit free expression is to potentially bury the truth and mire society in an endless cycle of banality.
- [Feds Are Actually Limited in Using Funding to "Coerce" States](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/feds-are-actually-limited-in-using-funding-to-coerce-states-2602/) - Sometimes emailers offer a good opportunity correct widely-held erroneous ideas. In a recent article, I asserted the federal government has very little power to force so-called "sanctuary cities" and states to enforce federal immigration law. Under a well-established legal principle known as the anti-commandeering doctrine, the courts have long held that the federal government cannot
- [How the Federal Fight Against Sanctuary Cities Undermines the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/how-the-federal-fight-against-sanctuary-cities-could-undermine-the-constitution-2596/) - We all need to fight the temptation to abandon constitutional principles when they conflict with our policy preferences. I recently appeared on a radio show to talk about the Tenth Amendment and nullification. The conversation moved along marvelously as I explained Madison's blueprint, and how state and local governments can thwart unwarrantable federal actions (and
- [Maine Governor Wants Feds to Bring the Hammer Down on His Own State](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/maine-governor-wants-feds-to-bring-the-hammer-down-on-his-own-state-2592/) - Gov. Paul LePage is doing it wrong. Instead of protecting the people of Maine from overreaching and unconstitutional federal overreach, he's begging the feds to trample on his state's sovereignty. You see, the Republican governor doesn't like marijuana. And he doesn't like the fact that the people of his state voted to legalize weed. He wants
- [The Constitution: A Tool for Decentralization and Liberty  (Video-Speech)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-constitution-a-tool-for-decentralization-and-liberty-video-speech-2587/) - On July 18, I spoke at the Libertarian Party of Kentucky District 3 meeting in Louisville, Ky. and explained why I believe the Constitution is so important. In a word - decentralization. WATCH I stated with a quick overview of the ratification of the Constitution and explained that it undeniably established a very decentralized system
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #99: America's First Immigration Debate](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-99-americas-first-immigration-debate-2582/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about America's first immigration debate and what it reveals about federal power. Immigration ranks among the most contentious political issues in America today. Debates rage about "pathways to citizenship," building walls and blocking refugees. But Americans often ignore the most
- [Empire of Lies (Song)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/empire-of-lies-song-2531/) - This song started out as just a sampled beat and a base line. Then I found this really cool audio quoting some lines from George Orwell's 1984. I ended up building the lyric around that. The famous Ron Paul quote "truth is treason in an empire of lies pulled it all together." For you music
- [Constitution101: The General Welfare Clause](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution101-the-general-welfare-clause-820/) - When challenged on the federal government’s constitutional authority to create welfare programs, meddle in education or run a national healthcare system, progressives will almost always appeal to the “general welfare clause.” Huffington Post columnist Paul Abrams demonstrated this line of thinking in a March 9, 2011, piece. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 grants the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #98: Fourth of July Fireworks and Nullification](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-98-fourth-of-july-fireworks-and-nullification-2561/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about how my Independence Day fireworks experience demonstrates the power of nullification. Despite all of the successes we've had at the Tenth Amendment Center over the last few years, whenever I talk about nullification, somebody wants to argue, "It will
- [James Madison and the Necessary and Proper Clause](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/james-madison-and-the-necessary-and-proper-clause-2558/) - "Necessary and proper" ranks among the most abused clauses in the Constitution. It has been dubbed the "elastic clause" because of the perception that it allows the scope of federal power to expand. The federal government began abusing this clause within years of ratification. In 1800, James Madison countered these early abuses, forcefully arguing that
- [Constitution 101: The Supremacy Clause and the Bill of Rights](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-supremacy-clause-and-the-bill-of-rights-2552/) - Many Americans believe the Bill of Rights apply to state and local governments. Most who hold this position rely on the 14th Amendment and the "incorporation doctrine" to support their position. But some proponents of using federal power to restrict state and local actions through the Bill of Rights use tortured legal reasoning to argue
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #97: Centralized Government Is No Friend of Minorities](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-97-centralized-government-is-no-friend-of-minorities-2543/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about centralized government, slavery and discrimination. Conventional wisdom holds that national, centralized government protects the interests of minorities. This is a myth. In fact, the state has a long history of persecuting minority populations. A recent trip my wife and I
- [Decentralizing for Freedom: Radio Interview](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/decentralizing-for-freedom-radio-interview-2540/) - On June 23, I appeared on a Chattanooga, Tenn., radio show hosted by David Tullis to discuss how state and local action can move power away from Washington D.C. and ultimately lead to greater liberty. We opened the discussion talking about the Tennessee legislature's failure to follow through and start the process of creating a
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #96: The States vs. the Federal Reserve](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-96-the-states-vs-the-federal-reserve-2525/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about state action to undermine the Federal Reserve and the government's monopoly on money. Ron Paul mainstreamed the idea of "ending the Fed." Even today, we occasionally hear about efforts in Congress to audit the Federal Reserve and perhaps rein
- [Constitution 101: The Preamble](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-preamble-2520/) - For many Americans, knowledge of the Constitution begins and ends with the preamble. A lot of you probably even memorized it at some point in school. I suppose you could laud the educational system for at least acknowledging the existence of America's governing document. But unfortunately, all of the focus on the preamble has done
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #95: Free Speech for Real](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-95-free-speech-for-real-2514/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about freedom of speech in light of Kathy Griffin's photo with Trump's severed head. Comedian Kathy Griffin sparked the brouhaha of the week when a picture of her holding the likeness of Pres. Trump's severed head surfaced. Social media went
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #94: The Preamble  to the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-94-the-preamble-to-the-constitution-2506/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the preamble to the U.S. Constitution - what it tells us and what it doesn't. If you're an American, you're probably familiar with the preamble to the Constitution. In fact, you may well have memorized it at some point
- [Subverting the Constitution: Madison on General Welfare and Common Defense](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/subverting-the-constitution-madison-on-general-welfare-and-common-defense-2503/) - The words "provide for the common defense and general welfare" rank among the most abused phrases in the Constitution. I often refer to this as the "anything and everything clause." Partisans on both the political left and right use "general welfare and common defense" to justify all kinds of federal actions, from wars to social
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #93: Trump and the Dog of War](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-93-trump-and-the-dog-of-war-2495/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about how Donald Trump proves we shouldn't let the president hold the leash restraining the dog of war. In a recent Facebook post, I suggested that with all of the trouble swirling around his administration, it was time for Trump
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #92: Red Team! Blue Team! Rah! Rah!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-92-red-team-blue-team-rah-rah-2488/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the absurdity of "red team" vs. "blue team" politics. This week's political brouhaha erupted when Pres. Trump fired FBI director James Comey in the midst of an investigation into Russian ties - or something. The firing caused a total
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #91: Anything and Everything for Common Defense?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-91-anything-and-everything-for-common-defense-2483/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the "provide for for the common defense" clause in the Constitution. Progressives have long used "general welfare" as an "anything and everything" clause to justify all kinds of unconstitutional overreach, from federal meddling in education to national healthcare. The
- [Constitution 101: To Provide for the Common Defense](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-to-provide-for-the-common-defense-2461/) - The left uses the general welfare clause as its "the federal government can do anything and everything clause." Meanwhile, the right has turned the phrase "provide for the common defense" into a similar justification for federal overreach. Progressives invoke the general welfare clause to justify all kinds of unconstitutional federal actions, from national healthcare to
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #90: Sanctuary Cities and the Tenth Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-90-sanctuary-cities-and-the-tenth-amendment-2465/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" This episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why the recent Federal District Court injunction on Pres. Trump's "sanctuary city" was a big win for the Constitution. Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge William Orrick slapped an injunction on Trump's executive order relating to so-called sanctuary cities. The EO
- [Sanctuary City Injunction a Win for the Tenth Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/sanctuary-city-injunction-a-win-for-the-tenth-amendment-2451/) - If you consider yourself a "conservative" who believes in upholding the Constitution, you should celebrate at least one aspect of the injunction a federal judge slapped on Pres. Trump's "sanctuary city" executive order. Many conservatives have already expressed outrage at the injunction issued by U.S. District Judge William Orrick Tuesday, citing the decision as another
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #89: Fake News](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-89-fake-news-2443/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" This episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about fake news. There's been a lot of talk about "fake news" over the last several months. But what exactly is fake news? Why the sudden obsession with rooting it out? And can we really be sure what we get from
- [Bill Nye the Constitutional B.S. Guy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/bill-nye-the-constitutional-b-s-guy-2448/) - Debate continues to rage about whether Bill Nye is really a "science guy," or if he's just an entertainer pushing a political agenda, but one thing is certain: Bill Nye is not the Constitution guy. In an interview on CNN during the so-called "March for Science," Nye made the case for federal funding of science
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #88: Outrage Culture](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-88-outrage-culture-2437/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" This episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about outrage culture. I'm outraged!! Aren't you? Last week, video of security dragging a United Airlines passenger off a flight sparked outrage. The backlash caused United stock to stumble. Social media continues to churn the story to this day. But that
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #87: Ask Mike Anything Third Edition](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-87-ask-mike-anything-third-edition-2433/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" This episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head features another edition of "ask Mike anything." This week, I let listeners determine the show topics. I solicited questions on my Facebook page and answered a number of them in this episode. Subjects run the gamut from the federal government's constitutional power over
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #86: Who's We?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-86-whos-we-2426/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the size and scope, of "society," and why it matters. Whenever I talk about political or social issues, at some point somebody in the conversation will say, "We need to ..." "We need to provide healthcare." "We need to
- [133 Words or Less: Huckabee Another Fake Constitutional Conservative](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-huckabee-another-fake-constitutional-conservative-2423/) - Mike Huckabee doesn't want to cut funding to the National Endowment for the Arts. The former Arkansas governor wrote a Washington Post op-ed defending the federal program. Huckabee makes a wonderful utilitarian case for federal arts funding, but what about the fact the Constitution doesn't authorize it? Huckabee often positions himself as a constitutionalist -
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #85: 9 Reasons Cosmo Should Stick to Orgasms](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-85-9-reasons-cosmo-should-stick-to-orgasms-2409/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about Cosmopolitan's B.S. article about the Constitution. A recent Cosmo article titled 9 Reasons Constitutional Originalism Is Bullsh*t demonstrates why the magazine should just stick to talking about sexual positions and better orgasms. The confirmation hearings for Neil Gorsuch have reinvigorated the
- [Art Funding: Does the Constitution Matter?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/art-funding-does-the-constitution-matter-2402/) - Pres. Trump sparked outrage on the left (again) with budget proposals to slash funding to the National Endowment for the Arts and National Endowment for the Humanities. Defenders of federal spending on the arts immediately kicked into high gear touting its virtues. Here's just one example. President Trump has taken an ax to one of
- [Thoughts From Maharrey Head #84 Barney Fife's Tank](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-84-barney-fifes-tank-2398/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about police militarization. Last week, I got an email from the Department of Defense. It was a response to an article I wrote for the Tenth Amendment Center on an Oregon bill to help limit militarization of state and local
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #83: Obamacare 2.0](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-83-obamacare-2-0-2392/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the recently unveiled Republican healthcare plan. The Republicans have come out with their much ballyhooed Obamacare "repeal and replace" plan. Turns out it doesn't repeal. The replace part looks pretty awful. And of course, it's just as unconstitutional as
- [Bill to Return Legislative Authority to Legislature Causes Complete Freakout](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/bill-to-return-legislative-authority-to-legislature-causes-complete-freakout-2387/) - A bill to restore some level of constitutional sanity to the federal regulatory state recently passed the U.S. House and caused a total freakout. The REINS Act would require congressional approval before major regulations imposed by federal executive agencies such as the FDA, EPA and OSHA went into effect. When I say passage of the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #82: The Constitution Is Dead](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-82-the-constitution-is-dead-2381/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the death of the U.S. Constitution and its irrelevance in today's politics. Two hundred years ago today (March 3, 2017), James Madison's vetoed an infrastructure bill. The president refused to sign the legislation because it was unconstitutional. The federal
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #81: Getting Rights Wrong](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-81-getting-rights-wrong-2375/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about rights, privileges and immigrants. Earlier in the week, I wrote a post titled Yes. Non-Citizens Have Rights. It created the proverbial poop-storm. The comments and emails made it clear that a lot of Americans don't understand rights. They think
- [Yes. Non-Citizens Have Rights](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/yes-non-citizens-have-rights-2370/) - Over the last week, I've heard several people say things like, "Non-citizens don't have any rights in America." Or a variation on the theme "Illegals don't have rights in this country." I find this mentality troubling on two levels. In the first place, it implies government gives people their rights. You only get 'em if
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #80: Taking Apart the Federal Behemoth](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-80-taking-apart-the-federal-behemoth-2363/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about dismantling the unconstitutional, overreaching federal bureaucratic behemoth. The appointment of Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary created a firestorm of controversy. Many vehemently opposed the nomination, fearing DeVos will gut the Department of Education. Others cheered the pick for the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #79: The Rise of the Brownshirts](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-79-the-rise-of-the-brownshirts-2356/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the rise of the Brownshirts and political violence. Protests surrounding a recent scheduled speaking engagement by controversial "alt-right" figure Milo Yiannopoulos at U.C. Berkeley turned violent, forcing cancellation of the event. The perpetrators of the violence call themselves "antifa,"
- [Mike Maharrey Talks "States' Rights" on the Lions of Liberty Podcast](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/mike-maharrey-talks-states-rights-on-the-lions-of-liberty-podcast-2352/) - I recently appeared on the Lions of Liberty podcast to talk about why libertarians should care about "state's rights" and the importance of political decentralization as a strategy to advance liberty.http://lionsofliberty.com/2017/01/30/280/ https://lionsoflibertypodcast.podbean.com/mf/play/e88dip/LoLP_Ep_280_Michael_Maharrey.mp3 "The bigger the government is, the more powerful it is, the more authority it wields, the more people it has control over, the
- [Trump Refugee EO Sets Stage for More Military Intervention in Syria](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trump-refugee-eo-sets-stage-for-more-military-intervention-in-syria-2340/) - UPDATE: The provision discussed below did not end up in the final draft of the refugee executive order. It remains unclear if the Trump administration continues to pursue such a policy behind the scenes. An early draft of an Executive Order Pres. Donald Trump will likely issue Jan. 26 features a provision that sets the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #78: The Trump Executive Order that Could Kick Off WWIII](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-78-the-trump-executive-order-that-could-kick-off-wwiii-2345/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about an obscure provision in a proposed Trump executive order that could set the stage for World War III. Hyperbole? I don't think so. There has been a lot of talk about a proposed Trump executive order relating to refugees.
- [Executive Orders](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/executive-orders-2333/) - In his first full day in office, Pres. Trump signed a number of executive orders. His actions have rekindled fierce debate on the legitimacy of EOs. A lot of people seem to adopt one of two extremes. On the one hand, many argue the president can legitimately issue executive orders with virtually no limitation. The
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #77: Politicians Are Full of Crap - Rick Perry Edition](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-77-politicians-are-full-of-crap-rick-perry-edition-2323/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about Rick Perry's giant 180. When former Texas Gov. Rick Perry was running for president, he famously failed to remember which departments he would eliminate from the federal government. But he did name two. One of them was the Department
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #76: Political Hypocrisy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-75-political-hypocrisy-2317/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about political hypocrisy and selective moral outrage. The aftermath of Donald Trump's election has flipped the world on its head. People on the right have suddenly embraced the Russian bear. Meanwhile, progressives have turned into neoconservative warmongers who put absolute
- [The Evolution of Sovereignty in American Political Thought: States' Rights](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-evolution-of-sovereignty-in-american-political-thought-states-rights-2210/) - This is part 2 of a 2-part series examining the evolution of American political thought as it relates to sovereignty in the political system. You can read part 1 HERE. In the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, and continuing through the post-war era, Americans conceived and developed a revolutionary political idea. They came
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #75: "States' Rights" and Liberty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-75-states-rights-and-liberty-2311/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why supporting "states' rights" is crucial for liberty. During an interview on the Lions of Liberty Podcast, Libertarian Party National Committee Chairman Nicholas Sarwark created a stir when he called Ron Paul’s support for “states’ rights” anti-libertarian. While he later
- [Why Libertarians Should Support "States' Rights"](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/why-libertarians-should-support-states-rights-2295/) - During an interview on the Lions of Liberty Podcast, Libertarian Party National Committee Chairman Nicholas Sarwark called Ron Paul's support for "states' rights" anti-libertarian. He had policy prescriptions that were straight-up wrong and anti-libertarian...None of us should be given a pass on having to have actual libertarian positions, or not be able to be called
- [Here's Why Media Outlets Often Serve as Government Megaphones](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/heres-why-media-outlets-often-serve-as-government-megaphones-2291/) - In many cases, media outlets serve as little more than megaphones for official sources and government narratives. Why? Many chalk it up to some kind of conspiracy, but I think it has more to do with the way media outlets "do" journalism, and the incestuous relationships this breeds between government officials and reporters. Forbes did
- [Three Reasons I Don't Care About the Russian Election Hacking Story](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/three-reasons-i-dont-care-about-the-russian-election-hacking-story-2287/) - The American left, along with many neoconservatives (redundant?), have gone ballistic over Russia "hacking" the presidential election. But I can't bring myself to get very worked up over this alleged travesty for three reasons. First, I'm not convinced Russia actually hacked the DNC emails. As Glenn Greenwald and his associates at the Intercept have shown,
- [Turning the Bill of Rights into a Billy Club](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/turning-the-bill-of-rights-into-a-billy-club-2281/) - America celebrated Bill of Rights Day earlier this week. But perhaps we should have declared it a day of mourning. After all, federal supremacists have turned the Bill of Rights into just another government centralizing document. On Dec. 15, 1791, Virginia became the 11th state to ratify the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, crossing
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #74: Economic Ignorance Minimum Wage Edition](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-74-economic-ignorance-minimum-wage-edition-2274/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about people holding a loud and vociferous opinion on economic subjects while remaining completely ignorant of the subject in the context of the minimum wage. Murray Rothbard once said, “It is no crime to be ignorant of economics, which is,
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #73: The Stamp Act Crisis; Protest Done Right](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-73-the-stamp-act-crisis-protest-done-right-2267/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the American colonists' protest against the Stamp Act and how their actions effectively nullified it. We've seen a lot of protests across America over the last few years, most recently waves of unrest in the wake of Donald Trump's
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #72: A Federal Government Beyond Its Authority](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-72-a-federal-government-beyond-its-authority-2260/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" The federal government does not have the authority to do almost all of the things it does today. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about it. If you read what people actually wrote during the process of ratifying the Constitution, you will come away with an
- [Yo Feds, You Can't Do That! -- Tench Coxe on Federal Power](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/yo-feds-you-cant-do-that-tenche-coxe-on-federal-power-2254/) - The federal government has no constitutional authority to do the vast majority of the things it does today. Of course, this truth runs counter to conventional wisdom and everything you learned in your high school government class. Suggest the feds shouldn't formulate policies on marriage, healthcare, education or infrastructure, and you'll get blank stares at
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #71: Following the Constitution in the Trump Era](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-71-following-the-constitution-in-the-trump-era-2235/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Some people seem to think a Trump presidency means the federal government will be more faithful to the Constitution. Does it? In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about it. Several people I know have expressed optimism that a Trump presidency will mean fewer unconstitutional federal actions.
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #70: Post-Election Musings](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-70-post-election-musings-2230/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I do a little bit of post-election analysis. Campaign season has mercifully ended, and Americans have cast their votes. The Donald Trump victory surprised most, pleased some and threw others into a total meltdown. So what are the implications for the future,
- [133 Words or Less: The Left's Chickens Come Home to Roost](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-the-lefts-chickens-come-home-to-roost-2227/) - Here's my post-election prediction: the left will suddenly become very interested in limiting the power of the federal government. Expansive executive power was great when their guy was in charge. But in a few months, Donald J. Trump inherits all of that unconstitutional presidential authority. For years, I've preached the danger of ignoring Constitutional limits just
- [An Unconstitutional Act Is No Law at All](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/an-unconstitutional-act-is-no-law-at-all-2224/) - In a recent article, I made the case that the "gun people" need to steal a page out of the "weed people's" playbook and take action to nullify unconstitutional federal gun laws. State, local and individual action has effectively nullified federal marijuana prohibition in half the country. Heck, they’ve even nullified it in the federal
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #69: Does Your Vote Matter to the Constitution?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-69-does-your-vote-matter-to-the-constitution-2218/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the upcoming presidential election and ponder the question: will any candidate do anything to preserve or restore the Constitution? Millions of Americans will head to the polls Tuesday to cast ballots for president of the United States. Many call
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #68: Ask Me Anything II](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-68-ask-me-anything-ii-2203/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I answer listener questions. Listeners asked some great questions for this episode of Ask Me Anything. Issues covered include a quick walk-through of the relative authority of federal, state and local governments, whether the president has the authority to refuse to enforce
- [Gun People Need to Learn a Lesson from the Weed People](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/gun-people-need-to-learn-a-lesson-from-the-weed-people-2196/) - Gun people talk tough. "They can have my gun when they pry it from my cold, dead hand." But all the bluster disappears when talk turns to the Supreme Court and the possibility of an opinion that undermines the Second Amendment. The prospect of a Hillary Clinton Supreme Court nominee has turned millions of gun
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #67: Bad Historians](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-67-bad-historians-2188/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" A lot of the history you learned in school is just flat-out wrong. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I take apart one bad historian on nullification and explain why you need to rethink all of the history you think you know. Don Jeffries calls them "court historians,"
- [Why I Don't Care All That Much About the Presidential Election](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/why-i-dont-care-all-that-much-about-the-presidential-election-2178/) - “This is the most important election of our lifetime!” “If [insert candidate’s name here] wins the presidency, it could mean the end of the Republic!” “[Insert candidate’s name here] will shred the Constitution and trample our rights!” I’ve heard these kinds of statements over and over again since the beginning of this election cycle. And
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #66: Trump and the Supreme Court](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-66-trump-and-the-supreme-court-2174/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" People keep telling me I need to vote for Donald Trump because of Supreme Court justices. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about that. If I care about the Constitution and limited federal power, I have to vote for Donald Trump no matter how bad he
- [133 Words or Less: Crying Over Spilled Milk (Crony Capitalism Strikes Again)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-crying-over-spilled-milk-2168/) - Two years ago, there was a milk shortage. Dairy producers expanded operations and cashed in on market conditions. But they overcompensated. Now we have a milk glut. As a result, prices tanked. Through the first eight months of this year, producers simply dumped 43 million gallons of milk. Prices now signal cut production. Inefficient dairy
- [Why Do You Want a King?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/why-do-you-want-a-king-2034/) - Why do Americans want a king? The American colonists fought a long, bloody war to free themselves from the tyranny of a king, but in the ensuing 240 years, America has slowly but surely reestablished a monarchy - if not in name, at least in form. The president exercises unprecedented powers today. With the stroke
- [We Can't Serve Two Kingdoms](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/we-cant-serve-two-kingdoms-2154/) - Many American Christians have substituted a quasi-religious political identity for the Kingdom of God. This earthly kingdom that many of America’s faithful embrace roots itself in violence and stands in stark contrast to the kingdom Jesus died to usher in. Nowhere do we see this more clearly than in the way so many American Christians
- [133 Words or Less: Feelings Can't Trump Economics](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-feelings-cant-trump-economics-2148/) - Far too many Americans think their feelings trump economics. At no point does this become more clear than during a disaster when millions decry "price gouging." Plenty of articles explain the economic importance of sharply higher prices during a crisis, both in protecting supply, and enticing goods and services into the affected region. (For example
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #65: What Is Equality?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-65-what-is-equality-2143/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the insidious nature of identity politics, and the Lockean conception of equality. Virtually every political issue today eventually gets framed in terms of race or some other group identity. How useful is this? Can we really legitimately lump individuals
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #64: Presidential Powers](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-64-presidential-powers-2136/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the proper constitutional role and powers of the president. During the recent presidential debate, both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump talked extensively about what they plan to "do" if elected president. As I watched, it occurred to me that
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #63: Basic Economics - Why Centralization Never Works](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-63-basic-economics-why-centralization-never-works-2122/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Ignorance of economics leads millions of Americans to embrace bad political policy. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I outline a few crucial basic economic principles you need to grasp so you don't fall into politicians' traps. Minimum wage laws, anti-price gouging laws, regulations and "free" healthcare -
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #62: States' Rights](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-62-states-rights-2118/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" We hear the term states' rights thrown around a lot, but most people don't really know what it means. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the concept of states' rights and its importance in the American constitutional system. What do we mean when we use
- [Modern American Conservatives: A Different Brand of Progressive](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/modern-american-conservatives-a-different-brand-of-progressive-2115/) - Modern conservatives constantly rail against left-wing collectivism and central planning. Well pot...meet kettle. Recently, Donald Trump suggested America should just "take the oil" out of Iraq. Now, anybody who values liberty should recoil at such a suggestion. After all, the oil doesn't belong to America. Normal people call taking things from others theft. But in
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #61 - The Real American Revolution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-61-the-real-american-revolution-2111/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" We usually think of the American Revolution as the war with the British. But there was an even more fundamental revolution that began long before the first shot was fired - a revolution in political thought. I talk about it in this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head. In an
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #60: Strategy - Pretend D.C. Doesn't Exist](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-60-strategy-pretend-d-c-doesnt-exist-2064/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" Do you really think Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton will "save" America? Everybody focus all of their political energy on Washington D.C. This is a complete waste of time. In this Episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head I explain why and talk about a better strategy. Tis the season for
- [More Madison; Less Tea Party Fundraising](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/more-madison-less-tea-party-fundraising-2061/) - The other day, I got a fundraising email from the Tea Party Patriots imploring me to pony up and help them "defend the Supreme Court." Our constitutional rights are in jeopardy if a conservative isn't nominated and approved to fill former Justice Antonin Scalia's shoes on the Supreme Court." If? Really? They make it sound
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #59: States Undermining Hemp Prohibition](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-59-states-undermining-hemp-prohibition-2049/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about how states are effectively nullifying federal prohibition of industrial hemp by simply ignoring federal law, and legalizing cultivation and processing of the plant anyway. The federal ban on the cultivation of industrial hemp is as ridiculous as it is
- [Maine Governor to Feds: States Don't Work for You](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/maine-governor-to-feds-states-dont-work-for-you-2045/) - AUGUSTA. Maine - (Aug. 25, 2016) - Maine Gov. Paul LePage recently demonstrated exactly how states should handle the federal government. Just tell it, "No!" In July, the U.S. Department of Commerce sent a request to LePage, asking him to turn over classified state information relating people on Maine's welfare roles. According to Maine Wire,
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #58: The Anti-Commandeering Doctrine](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-58-the-anti-commandeering-doctrine-2040/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain a legal principle known as the anti-commandeering doctrine that puts a Supreme Court stamp of approval on James Madison's blueprint to stop federal overreach through state non-cooperation. Last week, I talked about James Madison's blueprint to stop federal overreach, involving
- [133 Words or Less: Bernie Bought a House](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-bernie-bought-a-house-2029/) - Many people seemed shocked at the news Bernie Sanders plopped down $600K for a new (third) home. Or maybe it was just shock at the 21st century Pied Piper for "Democratic Socialism" opting in for such a blatant display of hypocrisy. But I doubt Bernie sees the purchase of a lakefront vacation home hypocritical. You
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #56: The Great "One Nation" Debate](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-56-the-great-one-nation-debate-2010/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain that the United States aren't "one nation," that the Pledge of Allegiance is not an authoritative statement of American founding principles and why it matters. I created a firestorm when I published an article taking Hillary Clinton to task for
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #57: Madison's Blueprint to Stop the Feds](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-57-madisons-blueprint-to-stop-the-feds-2020/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain James Madison's Blueprint for stopping overreaching federal power. What do we do when the federal government exceeds its authority? This was a question people asked even before the Constitution was ratified. It was a hotly debated topic. If the federal
- [133 Words or Less: Want to Reduce the Influence of Lobbyists and Corporate Interests?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-want-to-reduce-the-influence-of-lobbyists-and-corporate-interests-2004/) - Do you want to get the influence of lobbyists and corporate money out of politics? Decentralize the system. With governopoly in Washington D.C., lobbyists and influence peddlers can do one-stop shopping. A single policy implemented at the federal level impacts the entire United States. But in a decentralized system, lobbyists must push for changes in
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #55: Is the Federal Government Supreme?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-55-is-the-federal-government-supreme-1963/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the Constitution's supremacy clause. Whenever I talk about a state taking action to limit federal overreach, some political hack inevitably screams, "Supremacy Clause!" at me. Federal supremacists use this particular constitutional clause as a billy club to end all
- [Kentucky Oath Breakers Approve REAL ID; Gov. Bevin Will Break Oath and Sign](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/kentucky-oath-breakers-approve-real-id-gov-bevin-will-break-oath-and-sign-1810/) - Yesterday, the Kentucky legislature gave final approval to a bill that will set the state on the road to full compliance with REAL ID. Gov. Bevin has expressed support for the bill and will likely sign it into law. Pres. G.W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act in 2005, creating a framework that was meant
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #54: What Is Necessary and Proper?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-54-what-is-necessary-and-proper-1956/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the Constitution's necessary and proper clause. Hint: it doesn't mean anything and everything. Politicians and legal academics often call the necessary and proper clause the "elastic clause" because it supposedly expands the powers of the federal government. In fact,
- [Partisan Electoral Politics Is Dumb](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/partisan-electoral-politics-is-dumb-1953/) - Today's political outrage revolves around allegations that Melania Trump plagiarized part of a Michelle Obama speech. A passage from Melania's speech in Cleveland was nearly a verbatim rehash of part of Michelle's 2008 DNC speech. A friend of mine condescendingly noted that Trump supporters wouldn't care. Of course, he's right. They don't care. No more
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #53: Police Violence in America](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-53-police-violence-in-america-1948/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about how the federal government bears much of the responsibility for the explosion in police violence in America. In the wake of the most recent officer involved shootings a few weeks ago, some progressives have called for the federal government
- [Repeal the 2nd Amendment: Feds Still Can't Regulate Guns](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/repeal-the-2nd-amendment-feds-still-cant-regulate-guns-1910/) - Proponents of federal gun control have seized upon the most recent mass shooting in Orlando to advance their agenda, predictably trotting out the same worn narratives. Chief among these we find the argument that the Second Amendment was only intended to protect a “corporate” right of the “people” to keep and bear arms, and that
- [Constitution 101: The Ninth Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-ninth-amendment-1937/) - Generally, Americans treat the Ninth Amendment like the Bill of Rights’ unwanted stepchild. They mostly ignore it, and when they do talk about it, they often misunderstand it. In reality, the Ninth Amendment serves a very simply but crucial purpose. It expands the limits on the federal government – at least in a manner of
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head Bonus Episode: Nullification - The Solution for What Ails Us](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-bonus-episode-nullification-the-solution-for-what-ails-us-1942/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I this bonus episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain nullification and how we can use it today to roll back federal overreach. I often sum up the work of the Tenth Amendment Center in a single sentence; follow the Constitution, every issue, every time, no exceptions and no
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #52: The Declaration of Independence](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-52-the-declaration-of-independence-1933/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the Declaration of Independence and secession. The recent Brexit vote has a lot of people talking about the idea of secession. Americans by-and-large have this strange, incongruous view of the idea. On the one hand, they celebrate secession every
- [Tell Me Again How Voting Republican Fixes the Supreme Court?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/tell-me-again-how-voting-republican-fixes-the-supreme-court-1927/) - The Supreme Court constantly ignores the Constitution and makes up “constitutional law” by edict. The fact anybody puts any faith in this panel of politically connected lawyers in black dresses receiving federal paychecks to limit the power of the federal government strikes me as absurd on its face. But conservatives constantly tell me the problem
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #51: Bipartisan Constitution Shredding](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-51-bipartisan-constitution-shredding-1921/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the bipartisan attack on the Constitution in the wake of the Orlando shooting. As I put it in a recent article, Gun-grabbers to the left of me, voyeurs on the right. People often complain about partisan bickering and gridlock.
- [Gun-Grabbers to the Left of Me, Voyeurs to the Right](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/gun-grabbers-to-the-left-of-me-voyeurs-to-the-right-1917/) - I've got gun grabbers to the left of me, voyeurs to the right. In the wake of the Orlando shooting, politicos of both the Republican and Democratic persuasion scrambled to apply Rahm Emanuel's salient advice. "Never let a crisis go to waste." Right wingers filled my Facebook newsfeed with complaints about the lefty gun-grabbers exploiting
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #50: Guns](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-50-guns-1908/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" I this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about guns in the wake of the most recent mass shooting in Orlando. In the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando, people on the left and right have launched attacks on the Constitution. People on the left want to
- [My Grandfather's Eulogy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/my-grandfathers-eulogy-1905/) - Last weekend, my grandfather passed away. He was 92. Following is the eulogy I delivered at his funeral on June 16, 2016. As you all know the Colonel – as many people called him – wasn’t exactly what you would call a “soft and fluffy” person. He was Army all the way. No-nonsense. Tough-skinned. And
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #49: Another Federal Court Fail](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-49-another-federal-court-fail-1901/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the latest federal court failure to protect your rights. This time it relates to privacy. Apparently, using your cell phone voids the Fourth Amendment. In a 12-3 ruling issued last week, a federal appellate court held police do not
- [Question War](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/question-war-1894/) - The vast majority take a default position in defense of war. I find this bizarre. The other day, I posted this cartoon depicting a group of people dumping a cart full of weapons labeled “war” off a cliff on Facebook. The caption read, “How to make the world a better place.” Apparently, this constitutes a
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #48: The Constitution & General Welfare](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-48-the-constitution-general-welfare-1888/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain the original meaning of the General Welfare Clause. The federal government involves itself in nearly every aspect of American life. Government officials and apologists for governopoly often point the the Constitution's General Welfare Clause for its justification. They argue that
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #47: Why We Can't Have Nice Things](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-47-why-we-cant-have-nice-things-1884/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about two seemingly unrelated topics that share a common theme - government meddling at home and around the world keeping us from having nice things. At first glance, it might seem like Elizabeth Warren's economic views and America's drone war
- [Hellfire Fury - A Song](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/hellfire-fury-a-song-1879/) - A few months ago, I was reading an article about the drone war and the number of innocent people killed by American drone strikes. The accounts in the article struck me in a very visceral way, and I started scribbling lines on a sheet of scrap paper. That started a process that culminated in this
- [133 Words or Less: Extreme Republican Constitutional Hypocrisy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-extreme-republican-constitutional-hypocrisy-1875/) - A number of Republican state elected officials have expressed outrage at Pres. Obama unconstitutional federal bathroom mandates. In the process they reveal their extreme constitutional hypocrisy. The Obama administration’s threat to withhold education funding if states don’t adhere to unconstitutional federal bathroom guidelines raised the ire of many Republican state legislators and governors. For instance,
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #46: Bombs, Bathrooms and Bad Arguments](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-46-bombs-bathrooms-and-bad-arguments-1871/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I wade into the Great Bathroom Controversy of 2016. I tackle some of the constitutional issues and explain why I think the whole thing is generally kind of dumb. Somehow, bathrooms have become the most significant issue of the year, with the
- [Credit Where Credit Is Due: Kentucky Gov. Bevin Vetoes REAL ID Legislation](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/credit-where-credit-is-due-kentucky-gov-bevin-vetoes-real-id-legislation-1821/) - I've been hard on Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin over the last few weeks due to his initial support for a bill that would have set Kentucky on the path toward compliance with a national identification system known as REAL ID. Today I get to reverse course and give credit where credit is due. As Senate
- [Words You Should Never Utter - "Federal Bathroom Policy"](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/words-you-should-never-utter-federal-bathroom-policy-1852/) - “Federal bathroom policy…” Words no American should ever utter. Ever. And yet here we are. Last week, the Obama administration issued bathroom directives to all public schools in the United States. Today, I eagerly await White House direction on how to wipe my butt. I challenge anybody to reconcile presidential bathroom directives with Madison’s words
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #45: Interpreting the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-45-interpreting-the-constitution-1847/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about how to interpret the Constitution. Before we can talk about following the Constitution every issue, every time, no exceptions no excuses, we have to understand what it means. So, how in the word do we interpret it? A lot
- [Decentralization: A Strategy for Liberty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/decentralization-a-strategy-for-liberty-1842/) - Hardcore libertarians sometimes criticize me because of my focus on the Constitution and political action at the state level to limit federal power. They argue that the American constitutional system will never bring about liberty, and that by working through government at any level, I undermine the cause of freedom. I am sympathetic to the
- [Libertarian Centralizers Endanger Liberty with Governopoly](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/libertarian-centralizers-endanger-liberty-with-governopoly-1836/) - The libertarian centralizers are at it again, federalizing an issue that should remain a local concern. This time, it revolves around hair washing. Yes, some liberty-minded folks among us want to federalize shampooing hair. The Tennessee state cosmetology board maintains ridiculous occupational licensing rules for people who want to earn a living washing hair in
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #44: Big Brother and the Effects of the Surveillance State](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-44-big-brother-and-the-effects-of-the-surveillance-state-1833/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I share a personal story that demonstrates the very real impact of the surveillance state on everyday behavior. Since the Edward Snowden revelations, Americans have become much more aware of the ever-growing surveillance state. But they don't really seem to care. Many
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #42: The National ID Debacle](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-42-the-national-id-debacle-1816/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about state resistance to the national ID program mandated by the REAL ID Act of 2005, and how the will to stand up against the feds seems to be crumbling. In 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act and Pres.
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #43: Harriet Tubman, Nullification and Making a Difference](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-43-harriet-tubman-nullification-and-making-a-difference-1825/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about Harriet Tubman and the $20 bill, and how individuals can make a difference at the state level. This week, I delve into two completely unrelated issues in a rather spontaneous and completely unscripted episode of my podcast. I've seen
- [Irony: Celebrating Emancipation Day on April 15](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/irony-celebrating-emancipation-day-on-april-15-1803/) - Here's some irony for you. April 16 is "Emancipation Day." The holiday commemorates the day Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, freeing more than 3,000 District of Columbia slaves. Since the 16th falls on Saturday this year, the official Emancipation Day holiday got bumped up to Friday, April 15th. Normally that would be you tax
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #41: The Incorporation Doctrine and the 14th Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-41-the-incorporation-doctrine-and-the-14th-amendment-1800/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain the incorporation doctrine and the original intent of the 14th Amendment. More than five decades after the ratification the 14th Amendment, the Supreme Court suddenly pulled an entirely new doctrine from it - virtually out of thin air. The court
- [How Baseball Can Help Us Interpret the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/how-baseball-can-help-us-interpret-the-constitution-1793/) - Did you know that there is a general rule of thumb in baseball that will help you understand whether the federal government can constitutionally exercise a certain power, even in in the most legally complex situations? In a baseball game, a tie always goes to the runner. If the baseman catches the ball at the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #40: The Liberty Enforcement Squad](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-40-the-liberty-enforcement-squad-1790/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain the original application of the Bill of Rights, why it matters and why the liberty centralizers are wrong. A lot of people who say they believe in "limited government" turn around and favor the federal government "enforcing" liberty on the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #39: What Is the Role of the Federal Government?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-39-what-is-the-role-of-the-federal-government-1787/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the proper role of the federal government. Hint: meddling in your sex life isn't part of it! During a recent televised townhall meeting, Anderson Cooper asked Donald Trump to name the most important priorities of the federal government. Two
- [Constitution 101: A General Government for Limited Purposes](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-a-general-government-for-limited-purposes-1783/) - If you delve into the ratification of the Constitution, you will often see the federal government referred to as the “general government.” This terminology tells us a great deal about how the founding generation understood the role of the government it created, and its relationship to the states and the people. Samuel Johnson’s 1755 Dictionary
- [Kentucky Gov. Bevin Just Another Federal Supremacist Lying About REAL ID](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/kentucky-gov-bevin-just-another-federal-supremacist-lying-about-real-id-1777/) - Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin ran as the “limited government” Tea Party guy. He even famously boasted the would tell the EPA to “pound sand.” But it turns out he’s just another federal supremacist without a spine lying to push an unconstitutional national ID system. Bevin released a YouTube video on Friday to tout a piece
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #38: Ask Me Anything](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-38-ask-me-anything-1773/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I answer some listener questions. This week I am traveling, so I prerecorded an episode last weekend. I decided to do something a little different and tackle some listener questions. In this episode you will find out what piece of legislation I
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #37: Freedom of Speech and the First Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-37-freedom-of-speech-and-the-first-amendment-1764/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head I talk about the First Amendment, its relation to freedom of speech, and more generally the importance of free expression in a free society. The recent shutdown of a Donald Trump rally in Chicago has generated a lot of discussion about freedom
- [Go Ahead; Discriminate Against Me](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/go-ahead-discriminate-against-me-1754/) - A bill making its way through the Kentucky legislature would allow businesses that provide "customized, artistic, expressive, creative, ministerial, or spiritual goods or services" to refuse service to individuals or groups based on religious convictions. The bill was obviously written to allow the proverbial Christian baker to refuse to bake a cake for a gay
- [Mobs Vying for Power](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/mobs-vying-for-power-1746/) - Over the last few weeks, several videos popped up showing Donald Trump supporters roughing up protesters. In Louisville Trump disciples shoved a young girl around. In North Carolina, a guy sucker punched a young black man heckling the crowd. Police threw the protester to the ground. On Friday, Trump canceled a campaign event in Chicago
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #36: Rewriting Nullification History (With the Truth)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-36-rewriting-nullification-history-with-the-truth-1743/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about a recently published academic paper that obliterates conventional thinking about nullification and interposition. In 1798, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison penned the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. These documents, approved by the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #27: Screw D.C.; Focus on the States](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-27-screw-d-c-focus-on-the-states-1571/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why I focus my attention on state politics and not Washington D.C. For the next year-and-a-half, virtually every politically engaged American will focus almost exclusively on the presidential horse race. The country will spend millions and millions of dollars to
- [America: Untethered from Its Constitutional Moorings](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/america-unethered-from-its-constitutional-moorings-1714/) - Americans have untethered their government from its moorings. The colonists fought a war to tie government down. Under British rule, government had become more and more arbitrary. Parliament and the King could issue edicts and pass laws detached from any absolute guiding principles. Americans called it tyranny. In the British system, the constitution evolved. Government
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #28: The Constitutional Limits of Presidential Power](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-28-the-constitutional-limits-of-presidential-power-1606/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head I talk about presidential executive orders and the constitutional limits of executive power. Earlier this week, President Obama issued his promised executive orders relating to firearms. Many Democrats and gun control advocates praised the president for "taking action when Congress won't." Meanwhile,
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #35: Donald Trump](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-35-donald-trump-1710/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I share my thoughts on the Trump phenomenon. As a general rule, I don't care much about national politics. I'm particularly apathetic about who inhabits the White House. But the Donald Trump phenomenon is pretty hard to ignore, and I couldn't resist
- [Legislative Testimony: “Right to Try” Bill would Nullify in Practice Some FDA Restrictions on Terminal Patients](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/legislative-testimony-right-to-try-bill-would-nullify-in-practice-some-fda-restrictions-on-terminal-patients-1707/) - Following is testimony I offered before the Alaska Senate Health and Social Services Committee in support of "Right to Try" legislation. SB113 would bypass the FDA expanded access program and allow terminally ill patients to obtain experimental drugs from manufacturers without first obtaining FDA approval. This procedure directly conflicts with the federal expanded access program
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #34: The Constitution and Federal Lands](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-34-the-constitution-and-federal-lands-1702/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about what the Constitution has to say about federal land ownership and management. The recent standoff between the feds and ranchers at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon thrust the issue of federal land ownership and control into the
- [Monopoly Government? No Thanks!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/monopoly-government-no-thanks-1698/) - In this short video, I explain why I opposes centralizing government power in D.C. (Or anywhere else) Hint: it's not because I think state and local governments are great. https://youtu.be/T0I3Uoh7Flg
- [Nullification: The Path to Liberty - Burns, Oregon, 2016 (Speech)](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/nullification-the-path-to-liberty-burns-oregon-2016-speech-1693/) - The federal government was conceived as an institution with limited, enumerated powers. As James Madison put it in Federalist #45, "The powers delegated by the proposed constitution to the federal government are few and defined." Today we have a system that bears no resemblance to the founders' vision. This supposedly limited government claims the authority
- [Refusal to Cooperate: The Moderate Middle Road Between Revolution and Unlimited Submission](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/refusal-to-cooperate-the-moderate-middle-road-between-revolution-and-unlimited-submission-1690/) - Ammon Bundy and the other ranchers arrested after taking over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge outside Burns, Oregon,tried to go toe-to-toe with the federal government using raw force and power. They failed. The feds killed one man, and the rest of the ranchers now sit in jail, facing charges under a law passed during the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #33: Things I learned in Burns, Oregon](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-33-things-i-learned-in-burns-oregon-1687/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I share some of the things I learned during my recent trip to Burns, Oregon, along with some personal thoughts and insights. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to speak in Burns, Oregon. I talked about unconstitutional federal actions and how
- [Thou Shalt Associate...](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/539-539/) - As I've listened to the debate swirling around the issue of whether or not a business owner should be allowed to deny service to a gay person due to their religious convictions, I have to wonder if those supporting a policy of coerced association hold consistently to their stated principle. In other words, do they
- [Supreme Court Hysteria](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/supreme-court-hysteria-1683/) - In the wake of Justice Antonin Scalia’s sudden and unexpected death, many on the right have gone into an absolute panic. There seems to be this sense that the very fabric of American constitutionalism could tear in half depending on whom Obama nominates to fill the newly created vacancy on the Court. It’s the “we
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #32: Your Right to Try; Nullifying FDA Rules](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-32-your-right-to-try-nullifying-fda-rules-1681/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk to Robert Scott Bell about Right to Try legislation nullifying some FDA rules. In the last couple of years, 24 states have passed "Right to Try Legislation" that sets the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #31: Embracing Tyranny](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-31-embracing-tyranny-1676/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain how America has embraced the very tyranny the founding generation fought to reject. America's founding generation fought a long, bloody war to free itself from British tyranny. Virtually every American knows this, but very few actually understand what it was
- [What Crime Did He Commit?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/what-crime-did-he-commit-1668/) - Pete Santilli was one of the men arrested outside of Burns, Ore., last Tuesday. He faces a felony charge of conspiracy to impede federal officers. Santilli hosts an online talk radio show called the Pete Santilli Show. He joined the armed ranchers occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Media reports described him as the groups
- [133 Words or Less: The Death of a Rancher](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-the-death-of-a-rancher-1657/) - I’m sad this morning. Robert LaVoy Finicum was a husband, a father, a rancher and a friend. He believed the federal government exercises unwarranted powers. In an interview he spoke positively about the people he dealt with from the BLM, but he made a poignant observation. “It’s not whether they do good, or bad, it’s
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #30: Gridlock Isn't Necessarily a Bad Thing](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-30-gridlock-isnt-necessarily-a-bad-thing-1652/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the importance of conflict in government. Gridlock isn't always a bad thing! People often complain about "gridlock" in government. But gridlock isn't necessarily a bad thing. In the minds of America's founders, government was meant to be adversarial and
- [The Supreme Court: Living Under the Despotism of an Oligarchy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-supreme-court-living-under-the-despotism-of-an-oligarchy-1648/) - Thomas Jefferson observed, "To consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions [is] a very dangerous doctrine indeed...Our judges are as honest as other men and not more so. They have with others the same passions for party, for power, and the privilege of their corps." Yet many Americans still trust the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #29: The Supreme Court Isn't...](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-29-the-supreme-court-isnt-1644/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the absurd, fallacious concept of absolute judicial supremacy. Most Americans believe the Supreme Court enjoys absolute supremacy in the American political system. After all, the word "supreme" is right in the name. They believe when the Supreme Court offers
- [Constitution 101: Natural Born Citizen](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-natural-born-citizen-1115/) - Article II Sec. 1 of the Constitution lays out requirements for the presidency, including a stipulation that “No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President.” We find little debate about the reason
- [Looking Through the Proper Constitutional Lens](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/looking-through-the-proper-constitutional-lens-1631/) - Most Americans believe a Supreme Court opinion automatically makes a given federal action constitutional, even though they have no clue about the actual constitutional issues involved. They are looking through the wrong constitutional lens. For most, it’s not even that they read the court’s opinion and agree with the reasoning. No, they just automatically assume
- [America Embraces Tyranny it Fought to Reject](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/america-embraces-tyranny-it-fought-to-reject-1601/) - Americans fought a long, bloody war to free themselves from a tyrannical government, only to eventually embrace the very system they struggled to throw off. That may seem like a stinging indictment, but careful examination of U.S. governance today reveals that it rests on essentially the same philosophical foundation as the 18th century British system
- [Spying: It Can Happen to Me; It Can Happen to You](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/spying-it-can-happen-to-me-it-can-happen-to-you-1590/) - When I talk about NSA spying and mass warrantless surveillance, I’m pretty sure most people react something like this: yeah, it’s bad, but it doesn’t have any direct impact on me. I mean, why would the government ever bother to spy on me? Really, that’s for the bad guys, or the Muslims. It can't happen
- [Second Chance: A Christmas Story](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/second-chance-a-christmas-story-1587/) - John O’Reilly looked dejectedly out the airport window. Cold wind blew across the empty ramp and taxiway, pushing wisps of snow over the barren concrete. Even within the warm confines of the gate area, John felt the chill. Or maybe it was his soul. A plane had just pushed off the jetway and taxied off
- [Constitutional Professor Attacks Article Apparently without Reading It](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitutional-professor-attacks-article-apparently-without-reading-it-1579/) - Today, I received an email from a "constitutional law professor" chastising me for an argument I made in the most recent installment of my continuing series on The Federalist Papers at the Tenth Amendment Center. It was clear from the outset of the email that this professor either had not read past the article's headline,
- [Trump is Obama 2.0; But Talking About Things Republicans Like](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trump-is-obama-2-0-buttalking-about-things-republicans-like-1574/) - Apparently, a lot of Republicans only hate executive orders when President Obama signs them. Last week, Donald Trump announced he would sign an executive order mandating the death penalty for “cop-killers.” "One of the first things I do, in terms of executive order if I win, will be to sign a strong, strong statement that
- [133 Words or Less: You Don't 'Need' an 'Assault Rifle'](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-you-dont-need-an-assault-rifle-1568/) - Over the last few days, several people have said to me, “Nobody needs an ‘assault weapon.’” The implication: nobody should oppose banning such firearms because nobody needs them. I can think of many scenarios I would need a weapon more powerful than a handgun to defend myself, my family and my property. These include any
- [Driving America Toward Twin Hammers of Destruction](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/driving-america-toward-twin-hammers-of-destruction-1556/) - With an iron fist in a velvet glove We are sheltered under the gun In the glory game on the power train Thy kingdom's will be done And the things that we fear are a weapon to be held against us... The events in San Bernardino last week stoked the fear furnace to a white-hot
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #26: Seeing the Individual](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-26-seeing-the-individual-1536/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about why we should fight our impulse to look at people in terms of groups and instead focus on them as individuals. We tend to look people in terms of groups - blacks, immigrants, gays, refugees, white men, liberals, conservatives,
- [Does Government Have Limits?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/does-government-have-limits-1533/) - Does government have limits? Police in Altamont Springs, Fla., recently raided some little old ladies’ friendly mahjong game because word on the street was they were sometimes playing for than the $10 limit set by state law. Police didn’t make any arrests. They called it an “educational action.” Of course, most rational people recognize policing
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #25: Economics and Thanksgiving](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-25-economics-and-thanksgiving-1530/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I highlight some economics lessons we can learn from the Pilgrims. A Facebook exchange earlier this week reignited an ongoing frustration of mine – how few people possess even a rudimentary grasp on basic economics - or if they do, they chose
- [Turning the Constitution into a Campaign Slogan](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/turning-the-constitution-into-a-campaign-slogan-1522/) - If you hang around in Republican circles, it won’t take long before you hear the term “constitutional conservative.” Republicans like to hold themselves up as the torchbearers for America’s founding principles. They fancy themselves true patriots, in contrast with those rascally Democrats who “hate America.” But as much as they talk about the Constitution, a
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #24: Why Not War?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-24-why-not-war-1518/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why I became a foreign policy non-interventionist. Not so long ago, I was an unapologetic war-monger. There wasn’t a war I didn’t support. Vietnam? Check. The invasion of Grenada? Check. Gulf War I? Check. The invasion of Iraq? Hell yes!
- [133 Words or Less: Safety or Compassion?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-safety-or-compassion-1513/) - I don’t find the issue of Syrian refugees nearly as cut and dry as it seems most Americans on the Internet do. It’s not unreasonable to have concerns about allowing thousands of Syrian refugees into the U.S., considering the very real threat that terrorists could sneak in among them. The fact that some people entertain
- [It's Time to Break the Cycle of Violence](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/its-time-to-break-the-cycle-of-violence-1503/) - I’ve always had this odd fascination with street gangs. A mentality utterly alien to my own drives gang members. I don’t understand it. In many ways it repels me. But I find I can’t look away. As a result, I can sit and watch episode after episode of the TV documentary series Gangland. You can’t
- [133 Words or Less: Terror as a Jobs Program](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-terror-as-a-jobs-program-1508/) - When you decimate a region's economy with years of war, warrior becomes the only viable job option. Conventional wisdom holds religious ideology motivates ISIS fighters. Recent interviews by Lydia Wilson prove this an oversimplification. He was working as a laborer to support his huge family when he hurt his back and lost his job. It
- [Podcast: Hero of Liberty; Charles Langston and the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-hero-of-liberty-charles-langston-and-the-oberlin-wellington-rescue-1405/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I tell the story of a hero for liberty and the rescue of a fugitive slave. Northern abolitionists who defied federal law to assist accused runaway slaves demonstrated the kind of courage we need today. They weren’t deterred by [insert horrible thing the feds will do here].
- [Thoughts From Maharrey Head #23: Through Thomas Jefferson's Eyes](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-23-through-thomas-jeffersons-eyes-1499/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the relationship between the states and the federal government through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson. Nov. 10 marked the 217th birthday of the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798. Thomas Jefferson secretly drafted the Kentucky resolutions in response to the Alien
- [Is Insisting on Following the Constitution "Too Dogmatic?"](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/is-insisting-on-following-the-constitution-too-dogmatic-1496/) - At the Tenth Amendment Center, we hold to the following mantra. "Follow the Constitution, every issue, every time, no exceptions, no excuses." Recently, I've had a couple of people tell me that's "too dogmatic." OK, let's consider this quote by Benjamin Franklin in an essay titled Morals of Chess. “If it is agreed to play
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head #22: Can One Person Change the World?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-22-can-one-person-change-the-world-1491/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about doing the right thing, and the potential of one person to change the world. Can one person change the world? I think it's possible. Rosa Parks demonstrates the power of a single individual doing the right thing. In this
- [The Federal Government Fails to Stop Federal Government Spying...Again](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-federal-government-fails-to-stop-federal-government-spying-again-1486/) - Federal courts once again failed to protect Americans from ubiquitous NSA spying. On Friday, US District Judge T.S. Ellis III dismissed a suit against the NSA brought by the ACLU on behalf of Wikimedia, the parent company that publishes Wikipedia. The judge held the company lacks standing to sue because it cannot definitively prove the
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head: Nullification and Weed](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-nullification-and-weed-1483/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about weed! A lot of people are still pretty skeptical about nullification. They claim it won't work. They think the federal government is just too powerful. But nullification can work. And it does. The proof is in the weed. In
- [Constitution 101: Executive Power](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-executive-power-1475/) - Article II of the Constitution defines the role and qualifications of the president. As it does for Congress, the Constitution delegates specific powers and responsibilities to the executive branch – the power of appointment, the power to make treaties with the advice and consent of Congress, veto power, etc. These specific powers are relatively clear
- [Thoughts from Maharrey Head: Picking on Republicans](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-from-maharrey-head-picking-on-republicans-1471/) - "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In episode #20 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I pick on the Republicans. And I also lob some stones at the Democrats. Recently, I wrote an article for the 10th Amendment Center about Rick Santorum. He said he wants a do-over on his education policy position. I argued that his
- [Tax the Rich!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/tax-the-rich-1467/) - Democrats promise a lot of "free" stuff. Free college. Free healthcare. Free daycare. Free this. Free that. Most sane people recognize you don't get any of this for free. Somebody has to pay for it all. But this doesn't phase your average Democrat. Why not? Because the rich will pay for it. It seems America
- [Podcast: Guns](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-guns-1463/) - Thoughts from Maharrey Head "10 Minutes Closer to Freedom" In episode #19 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about guns. We talk about the Second Amendment a lot in the United States. Some people love it. Some people hate it. But the sad truth is, very few people actually understand it. Even some of
- [America Has Become What the Revolutionaries Sought to Destroy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/america-has-become-what-the-revolutionaries-despised-1451/) - Over the last 90 years or so, the United States has transformed into the very thing the founding generation fought to destroy. We learn in elementary history classes that American revolutionaries rejected the notion of a king. But it went beyond that. The founding generation also sought to eradicate the concept of a powerful magistrate
- [Podcast: The Power of Noncooperation](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-the-power-of-noncooperation-1268/) - In Episode 9 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the power of state refusal to cooperate with the federal government, and how we can use it as a strategy to nullify unconstitutional federal acts and overreach. A Calvin and Hobbes comic strip inspired this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head. It vividly illustrates
- [Podcast: Why We Need a Constitutional Foundation](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-why-we-need-a-constitutional-foundation-1442/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain the importance of a strong, stable constitutional foundation. There have been a couple of big issues in the news over the last month or so that have reinforced my belief that most Americans don’t give a rip about the Constitution. Oh sure, they’ll scream about
- [Podcast: National Power: A Tool for Slavers](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-national-power-a-tool-for-slavers-1361/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain how centralized, national power institutionalized and perpetuated slavery in America. The recent controversy over the rebel flag and other Confederate symbols has propelled the issue of slavery into the spotlight. Conventional wisdom inextricably ties the idea of "state rights" to slavery. Most Americans think southerners
- [Podcast: Montana Governor Is Ignorant or a Liar](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-montana-governor-is-ignorant-or-a-liar-1230/) - In episode 6 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about a governor who is either ignorant or a liar. Montana Gov. Steve Bullock claims that he will “fiercely defend the Second Amendment rights of our citizens.” But it's pretty clear the governor doesn't understand the Second Amendment, and he doesn't mean what he says.
- [Ban Guns. Ban Booze.](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/ban-booze-ban-guns-40/) - In order to remain logically consistent, anybody favoring banning so-called “assault weapons,” or guns in general, must also support banning alcohol with equal passion. Ostensibly, gun banners hold their position based on a desire to protect lives and prevent tragedies. Obama alluded to this in a statement made in the wake of the horrible mass
- [Want Economic Justice? Break the Federal Monopoly on Money](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/want-economic-justice-break-the-federal-monopoly-on-money-1434/) - We hear a lot about income equality in the U.S., but very little about the actual root cause of wealth redistribution - government monetary policy. Through quantitative easing - essentially money printing - the Fed enriches bankers and the political elite while stealing wealth from everyday Americans via currency debasement. Since the creation of the
- [Planned Parenthood Funding Unconstitutional; So is Republican Defunding Plan](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/planned-parenthood-funding-unconstitutional-so-is-republican-defunding-plan-1427/) - One of the great debates over the last few weeks has centered around Republican attempts to defund Planned Parenthood. The brouhaha started with the release of a series of undercover videos produced by anti-abortion activists that appeared to prove the organization sells fetal tissue. That prompted conservatives to call on Congress to defund Planned Parenthood.
- [Is it Time for the Supreme Court to Weigh in on Cousin Marriage?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/is-it-time-for-the-supreme-court-to-weigh-in-on-cousin-marriage-1419/) - Did you know Kentucky state law bans marriage between first cousins? But you will find no such prohibition right across the border in Virginia. So, here are a couple of questions. Doesn't Kentucky's law against first cousins getting married discriminate? And doesn't it violate the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause (As interpreted by the Supreme
- [Monopoly Government: The Power to Git-R-Done](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/monopoly-government-the-power-to-git-r-done-1409/) - Anyone wondering about my general antipathy toward the state need look no further than the circus surrounding gay marriage licenses in Kentucky. The two sides squared off against each other in the Great Kentucky County Clerk Gay Marriage License Debate seem diametrically opposed and impossibly divided by a yawning, unspannable chasm. But at their core,
- [The Moral Authority of the Mob](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-moral-authority-of-the-mob-1401/) - Does a mob have moral authority? No more than an individual. All things being equal, a group of people does not have the right to do anything that an individual can't do. Let me explain by example. Say one of your neighbors - let's call her Jill - falls seriously ill and can't pay her
- [Podcast: How to Limit the Federal Government](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-how-to-limit-the-federal-government-1398/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I tell you how we can limit federal power based on James Madison's blueprint. The federal government exercises seemingly unlimited authority and inserts itself into virtually every area of our lives. But the feds were never meant to have this kind of power. As James Madison asserted
- [133 Words or Less: Gun Grabbers Teach Kids Violence is Wrong Using Violence](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/gun-grabbers-teach-kids-violence-is-wrong-with-violence-1388/) - An organization called The Coalition to Stop Gun Violence posted this meme. This organization seeks to "strengthen our gun laws." So, if these people manage to make open carry illegal, and I do it anyway, what happens? Well, some guys with guns show up, take my gun and lock me in a cage. If I
- [No, Secession is Not Treason](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/no-secession-is-not-treason-1373/) - Those seeking to erase Confederate flags and other symbols of the Confederacy from the public sphere most often refer to the association with slavery and racism. I strongly condemn this movement to purge and censor. Tossing inconvenient or uncomfortable history down the proverbial memory hole smacks of Orwellian tyranny. Totalitarian regimes cleanse history. This rising
- [133 Words or Less: Cyber Book Burning](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-cyber-book-burning-1377/) - I've said since the whole Confederate flag controversy blew up that it's just one small step from taking down flags and removing statues to full-blown censorship. Amazon took that step. The online retailer recently removed This Flag Never Goes Down, a non-fiction book about the Confederate battle flag by historian Michael Dreese. Being a nonfiction
- [Flag Burning - Symbolism Over Substance](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/flag-burning-symbolism-over-substance-1353/) - A lot of people get really, really angry about burning the American flag. In fact, over the last few weeks, I’ve read numerous social media comments by people suggesting they would gladly subject flag burners to severe physical injury. Many threats involve kicking a certain part of the offender’s anatomy. The more rational commenters advocate
- [Black Churches Burning: Beware of False Narrative](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/black-churches-burning-beware-of-false-narrative-1337/) - Over the last few days, I've seen a number of stories in national media reporting on fires at black churches, predominantly in southern states. (Some reports include a fire at an Ohio church, but many don't.) Graphics like this one push the narrative. In fact, many readers will draw their conclusions on the map alone.
- [Podcast: Pushing Beyond the Confederate Flag Soundbites](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-pushing-beyond-the-confederate-flag-soundbites-1334/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I try to push beyond the simple soundbites in the Confederate flag debate. After listening to the Confederate flag debate for several days, I was left feeling like neither "side" of the issue really captures the crux of the matter. One side screams racism. One side screams
- [133 Words or Less: Illogical Conclusions](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-illogical-conclusions-1331/) - It is perfectly congruent to simultaneously support people's right to do something and oppose their reasons for doing it. For instance, I can support the right of the southern secession, but emphatically reject slavery, even though it was undeniably a factor in the decision to leave the union. To assert, or even imply, that I
- [133 Words or Less: Anarchy on the Beach](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-anarchy-on-the-beach-1326/) - I witnessed anarchy on the beach this afternoon. I saw about a dozen people playing some sort of ball game. It resembled baseball, but the players clearly made up some of the rules and agreed to them on their own. The most striking thing about the game was the total lack of a central authority
- [Tyranny: Smells Like Lemons](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/tyranny-smells-like-lemons-1310/) - Cops in Overton, Texas, shut down two little girls' lemonade stand because they didn't have the proper permit. According to KTRK TV, the kids were trying to earn money for so they could buy their dad a Father's Day present. The girls' mom summed the whole thing up perfectly. I think that's ridiculous." Anybody with
- [Podcast: Nullification, Slavery and Segregation; Not what You Think](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-nullification-slavery-and-segregation-not-what-you-think-1307/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about nullification, slavery and segregation. Opponents of nullification love to slap down the race card as a way to discredit Madison and Jefferson's principles without having to actually engage in an intellectual debate. They call us "neo-confederates" and imply that we must harbor racist motives.
- [133 Words or Less: Blowing Stuff Up](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-blowing-stuff-up-1303/) - According to gatekeeper of acceptable opinion Nina Burleigh, of the people you know, I'm probably the one most likely to blow up a building. Why? Because I distrust the federal government and hold the extremist view that it should be limited. Nina thinks my views mirror those of Timothy McVeigh's, ergo my latent homicidal tendencies.
- [Podcast: The Pledge of Allegiance](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-the-pledge-of-allegiance-1300/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the Pledge of Allegiance. We've said the words thousands of times. We know them by rote. "I pledge allegiance to the flag..." But does the Pledge of Allegiance actually represent an accurate vision of the United States? Or is it communicating something altogether different
- [133 Words or Less: Economic Dummies](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-economic-dummies-1295/) - The level of economic ignorance in America astounds and saddens me. This morning and advocate for a local project told a TV reporter that, "The cost won't be as high because we've got some federal money." Wrong. Wrong. Absolutely wrong. The fact you obtained funds doesn't change the cost of your project. The price-tag remains
- [133 Words or Less: Peas in a Pod - Security Hawks and Global Warming Alarmists](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-peas-in-a-pod-security-hawks-and-global-warming-alarmists-1290/) - Security-hawks are the conservative Republican equivalent of progressive global warming alarmists. For years, global warming fear-mongers told us we will all probably die if we don’t let them implement their political policies. They predicted a looming ice age. Then they predicted polar ice would melt. They predicted seas would rise and floodwater would inundate coastal
- [133 Words or Less: D.C. Chickens Come Home to Roost in NYC](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-d-c-chickens-come-home-to-roost-in-nyc-1287/) - Washington D.C. chickens have come home to roost in NYC. According to CBS New York, the iconic neon billboards in Times Square must come down or the city will lose $94 million in federal highway funds. Under a 2012 federal law, Times Square qualifies as an arterial route to the national highway system, placing it
- [Podcast: Don't Fear the Feds](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-dont-fear-the-feds-1272/) - In episode 10 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I explain why we shouldn't fear the "big bad" federal government. In last week's edition of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talked about the power of state refusal to cooperate with the federal government. It works, and provides us with a powerful tool to stop federal overreach
- [Podcast: Al Sharpton's Dumb Idea](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-al-sharptons-dumb-idea-1284/) - In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about Al Sharpton’s dumb plan to federalize policing. The Reverend Al Sharpton has come up with a solution for the problem of the use of excessive force by cops. He wants a police monopoly. What a great idea, right? I mean, everybody knows that when
- [133 Words or Less: Foreign Policy Central Planning Fails Just Like Economic Central Planning](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-foreign-policy-central-planning-fails-just-like-economic-central-planning-1246/) - Centralized economic planning fails due to a knowledge problem. No individual, nor group of individuals, can command all of the information necessary to anticipate every possible outcome of a policy. The solution they conceive for one problem inevitably results in unintended consequences and unforeseen negative impacts that ripple through the economy. The American right generally
- [A Sad Truth: Most of You Love Your Police State](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-sad-truth-most-of-you-love-your-police-state-1275/) - The majority of you love your police state. You don’t mind local cops driving around in armored vehicles toting military grade weapons. You don’t mind bulk surveillance, databases full of location information on millions of Americans, or cameras peering down at them from every corner. You don’t even really mind cops shooting people in the
- [War is the Ultimate in Collectivism](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/war-is-the-ultimate-in-collectivism-1265/) - Nothing riles up my conservative friends faster than suggesting maybe the U.S. should work a little harder to avoid war. The other day, I posted a video called What I learned by Friending Iranians on Facebook. It essentially makes the case that Iranians are regular people, just like you and me. One friend didn't exactly
- [Podcast: Jefferson and Madison's Blueprint to Stop Unconstitutional Federal Acts](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-jefferson-and-madisons-blueprint-to-stop-unconstitutional-federal-acts-1261/) - In episode #8 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I delve into some long forgotten history and talk about the blueprint Thomas Jefferson and James Madison gave us to stop unconstitutional federal overreach. In 1798, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison penned the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, laying out the principles of nullification for the first time.
- [133 Words or Less: Egregious TSA Hypocrisy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-egregious-tsa-hypocrisy-1253/) - The TSA recently fired two agents caught in a scheme to allow a male screener to grope “hot men.” According to NBC News, the male agent signaled a coworker when he spotted a guy he wanted to grope, then she would enter the sex of the passenger as female, triggering an anomaly requiring a groin
- [Podcast: My Personal Political Odyssey](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/1241-1241/) - In Episode #7 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I share a little about my own personal political odyssey. For most of my life, I did politics like most Americans. I focused almost all of my attention on national issues and political races. But in April 2009, everything began to change, and I came to realize
- [133 Words or Less: 'Conservative' Central Planners](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-conservative-central-planners-1237/) - I often see very little difference in the core political philosophies of the left and the right. The other day, a self-described conservative berated me for criticizing the Texas Enterprise Fund, a program that awards public money to private businesses in order to lure them to Texas. She couldn't understand how I could oppose a
- [Got a Problem? Solve it with Guns!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/got-a-problem-solve-it-with-guns-1227/) - Last week, President Obama floated the idea of mandatory voting. My friend Jeff Stewart summed it up neatly. Problem: Not enough voters. Solution: Guns I can already see some of you rolling your eyes. "The president wasn't suggesting shooting people who don't vote." OK. Not directly. But in truth, guns lurk in the background behind
- [Podcast: Cops Support NSA Spying](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-cops-support-nsa-spying-1223/) - In episode 5 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about law enforcement support for NSA spying. Whenever legislators introduce bills to rein in NSA spying, I can count on opposition coming from one particular group. Cops. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I share my experience dealing with police opposition to an
- [Maharrey Testifies Before Alaska Senate Committee on Bill to Take On NSA Spying](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/maharrey-testifies-before-alaska-senate-committee-on-bill-to-take-on-nsa-spying-1218/) - Following is my testimony before the Alaska Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee in support of SB13, a bill that would would ban "material support or resources" to the NSA. Last year, the Alaska Senate passed a powerful resolution condemning NSA spying and proclaiming that the Alaska State Legislature “will not assist the federal government
- [Podcast: Arizona Newspaper Columnist is the Butt of Her Own Joke](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-arizona-newspaper-columnist-is-the-butt-of-her-own-joke-1216/) - In episode 4 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I tell you all about a newspaper columnist who is the butt of her own joke. A columnist for the Arizona Republic knows how to snark. She knows how to belittle those she disagrees with. And she thinks she knows about the Constitution and law. But really,
- [Podcast: Why You Should Care About the Surveillance State](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-the-nsa-1207/) - In episode #3 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I talk about the intrusiveness of the NSA and why you should care. The NSA collects our e-mail, phone records, location information, Internet browsing history and other electronic data all without a warrant and with very little oversight. And yet, many Americans seem unconcerned about this gross
- [Beware of J.D. Impairment - Lawyers Don't Necessarily Know the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/beware-of-j-d-impairment-lawyers-dont-necessarily-know-the-constitution-1211/) - When it comes to constitutional issues, most lawyers in America suffer from what I call J.D. impairment. I don't mean to disparage lawyers. But by and large, they don't have a clue about the actual meaning of the Constitution. Of course, most Americans don't have a clue either. What makes this particularly problematic when it
- [Podcast: The Constitutional Ramifications of Net Neutrality](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-the-constitutional-ramifications-of-net-neutrality-1166/) - In episode 2 of Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I consider the constitutional ramifications of "net neutrality" regulations. Last week, the FCC unilaterally voted to regulate Internet service providers under a scheme known as "net neutrality." This raises a number of constitutional questions. Does the FCC have the constitutional authority to impose such regulations? Can Congress
- [Podcast: Taking on the Anti-Nullifiers](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/podcast-taking-on-the-anti-nullifiers-1156/) - In the inaugural episode of my podcast Thoughts from Maharrey Head, I take on the anti-nullifiers. They label us morons and call our efforts to limit federal power through state action illegal. But the anti-nullifiers are wrong. We're not morons, and we're not breaking the law. In this episode of Thoughts from Maharrey Head,
- [Government Failed? I'm Shocked!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/government-failed-im-shocked-1171/) - If you want to set yourself up for profound disappointment, count on the government to do something for you. We all know this intuitively. When we head out to the DMV, we expect to have a bad experience. And yet millions of Americans place their faith in government institutions every day, expecting the state to
- [133 Words or Less: There Was a Dress](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-there-was-a-dress-1160/) - Once upon a time, in a place called Oceania, there was a dress. The people of Oceania were fascinated by the dress. They spent hours each day discussing the coloring of the dress, and contentious debates often erupted. Was it gold and white? Or was it blue and black? Scientists delved into the reasons for
- [Constitution 101: Privileges and Immunities](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-privileges-and-immunities-1147/) - Article IV, Section 2 of the Constitution states that "the citizens of each state shall be entitled to all privileges and immunities of citizens in the several states." Often referred to as the "comity clause," Alexander Hamilton called it "the basis of the union." In his paper Origins of the Privileges and Immunities of State
- [133 Words or Less: I Love the Constitution Until I Don't](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-i-love-the-constitution-until-i-dont-1140/) - This quote from a Facebook comment sums up everything wrong with the “conservative” movement in America. I’m all for state's rights, but sometimes a federal rule makes sense! News flash: you aren’t really “all for state’s rights.” This particular individual wants the federal government to force every state to recognize every other state’s conceal-carry permit.
- [Obama's AUMF  Is Not Constitutional](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/obamas-aumf-is-not-constitutional-1127/) - Yesterday, Pres. Obama sent a request to Congress for an authorization to use military force against ISIS. The sudden push for congressional authorization for war with ISIS seems a bit odd considering the president asserts he needs no such authorization, especially given the fact that the U.S. has engaged in military options against ISIS since
- [Constitution 101: First Amendment Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-first-amendment-establishment-and-free-exercise-clauses-1122/) - Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof... The establishment clause of the First Amendment probably counts as the provision in the Bill of Rights most twisted from its original purpose. The establishment clause was intended as a further limitation on federal power, prohibiting the establishment of
- [Political Sand Castles](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/political-sand-castles-1108/) - Even as an adult, I love building sand castles. Having spent a big chunk of my life in Florida, I’ve built a lot, probably more than 100. Not one remains today. Now, this doesn’t exactly count as a profound revelation. Of course my sand castles didn’t survive. I built them out of sand. They lacked
- [133 Words or Less: "Free" Community College](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-free-community-college-1104/) - President Obama announced earlier this week that he wants to give all Americans access to "free" community college. I wonder how he plans to do this. Does he have a bag of education that he will tote out and pull some community college out and hand it out? Did Michelle plant some community college bushes
- [The Might Makes Right "Ethic"](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-might-makes-right-ethic-1096/) - The release of the “torture report” today got me thinking about ethics. Moral and ethical thought, along with broader philosophical concepts, form the foundation of political ideology. I find it interesting to read between the lines in political comments people make and try to figure out what kind of ethical framework they think within. Sadly,
- [Submit to the Law...Always?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/submit-to-the-law-always-1092/) - In the decades prior to the Civil War, hundreds of men and women risked their own lives and freedom to help blacks escape slavery in the South. I used to consider the people who organized and ran the Underground Railroad heroic, but apparently I was wrong. They were merely lawbreakers who deserved nothing more than
- [We Don't Know What We Don't Know](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/we-dont-know-what-we-dont-know-2-1087/) - Three weeks ago today I underwent open heart surgery to replace a leaky artificial valve. Having gone through this same surgery a little more than 11 years ago, I had a pretty good idea what to expect. Based on my previous experience, I set what I thought were reasonable goals for returning to various activities.
- [Power v. Authority](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/power-v-authority-1079/) - Frequently, federal supremacists tell me that the Civil War “settled” the issue of state sovereignty. Essentially, apologists for absolute federal power advancing this argument hold a “might makes right” point of view. From their perspective, the intent of the Constitution means nothing. The fact that Lincoln ultimately fielded superior military force makes his view, and
- [133 Words or Less: Standing in Sewage](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-standing-in-sewage-1076/) - When I write about the evolving surveillance-state, the overreaching federal government or the quickly diminishing individual liberties here in the United States, somebody inevitably dismisses my concerns with the, “It’s so much worse in other places; millions of people would die to live here,” argument. I will grant you that America remains freer than many
- [133 Words or Less: Andy, I Don't Think You Know what this Word Means](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-andy-i-dont-think-you-know-what-that-word-means-1071/) - Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) represents the US Congressional Sixth District in Kentucky. Barr voted to allow the federal government to indefinitely detain people on American soil without due process. In other words, Barr supports state-sanctioned kidnapping. In a campaign ad airing on many Lexington-area radio stations, Barr talks about America being a “beacon of Liberty.”
- [133 Words or Less: Midterm Congressional Elections - They Just Don't Matter](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-midterm-elections-it-just-doesnt-matter-1067/) - The next “most important election of my lifetime” lies just around the corner. It seems most Americans have fixated their attention on whether the Republicans will wrest control of the Senate away from the Democrats. What do I think? Who cares. My prediction: whether the GOP takes over the Senate or not, one year later
- [CDC Ebola Response a Lesson in Big Government](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/cdc-ebola-response-a-lesson-in-big-government-1062/) - Thus far, one can only deem the CDC response to the Ebola an unmitigated disaster. Most Americans seem to view the CDC Three Stooges Show as typical big-government incompetence, with a few conspiracy theorists proposing more sinister scenarios. I’m not aware of anybody heaping praise on the CDC for its outstanding work. Public response to
- [Why do Americans Trust the Government?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/why-do-americans-trust-the-government-1052/) - Most Americans trust their government. They shouldn't. People often reveal this default position in the way they respond to any suggestion that the government might act with intentionally nefarious intent. They will throw around words like "stupid," "absurd," and "idiotic," without actually engaging the argument itself. They view the possibility of intentional government malfeasance so
- [I Fear Fear](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/i-fear-fear-1046/) - I’ve been thinking a lot about fear lately. Between the Ebola and ISIS, many Americans seem to be in a state of near panic. The Ebola, in particular, seems to have the general population particularly scared. In fact, some of the social media commentary I’ve seen borders on hysteria. I really can’t put it into
- [133 Words Or Less: Legitimizing and Celebrating Theft](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-legitimizing-and-celebrating-theft-1042/) - Progressives went into a collective spasm of glee last week after Germany announced it would offer “free” college tuition to Americans and other international students. Of course, in reality, free tuition does not exist. The German government will forcibly confiscate money from one group of people and give it to another group i.e. theft. Here
- [133 Words or Less: "Conservatives" Support the Draft, Affirm the Collective](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-conservatives-support-the-draft-affirm-the-collective-1039/) - This morning, a local conservative radio host posted a Facebook question. “Should we bring back the draft?” I was amazed at the number of people who voiced support for government action that amounts to slavery. They apparently believe the “state” owns me and has an inherent right to commandeer my labor for its purposes without
- [133 Words or Less: Politicians Lie About 'Creating' Jobs](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-politicians-lie-about-creating-jobs-1034/) - With campaign season in full swing, I’m subjected daily to candidates promising they'll “create jobs.” Politicians don’t create jobs. At best, they entice job producers to locate within their districts. That’s great for some people. Not so great for others. Also, politicians must spend tax money to “create” jobs. That represents money now unavailable for
- [Constitution 101: Freedom of Speech and the Press, the Palladium of Liberty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-freedom-of-speech-and-the-press-the-palladium-of-liberty-1028/) - Freedom of speech and freedom of the press were among the core liberties many American believed needed express protection in a bill of rights from infringement by the newly created federal government. Freedom of speech and the press find their roots in the same soil – liberty of conscience. If people have the right to
- [Viral Toddler Argument Video Perfectly Illustrates American Politics](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/viral-toddler-argument-video-perfectly-illustrates-american-politics-1023/) - A viral video featuring adorable toddlers arguing about the weather perfectly illustrated politics in America. "It’s sprinkling!” the little boy insists. The little girl remains unconvinced. “No, it’s raining.” So, the boy appeals to a higher authority. “My mom told me it was sprinkling, not raining.” Not to be outdone, the little girl injects her
- [133 Words or Less: You're Shredding the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-youre-shredding-the-constitution-991/) - Our motto at the Tenth Amendment Center is, “Follow the Constitution, every issue, every time, no exceptions, no excuses.” The US launched yet another illegal war with no declaration by Congress. Many justify the president’s unilateral decision to bomb Syria, arguing, “It needs to be done,” or, “Every president since Roosevelt has done it.” Exceptions
- [133 Words or Less: Freedom when We Say So](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-freedom-when-we-say-so-984/) - A lot of Americans love freedom and liberty, until it means allowing somebody the freedom to do something they find offensive. During a recent Winter Haven, Fla. city commission meeting, Mayor John Rees had a man forcibly removed because he would not stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. The mayor first asked the man to
- [Constitution 101: The Fourth Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-fourth-amendment-978/) - The Fourth Amendment protects our privacy and our person from unreasonable infringement by federal agents. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly
- [133 Words or Less: Coercion for a Good Cause is Still Coercion](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-coercion-for-a-good-cause-is-still-coercion-972/) - I saw this quote relating to universal government pre-school. Critics will dismiss these ideas as unnecessary intervention in family life, or more big government. But this is simply wrong…The real question is not the magnitude of that involvement, but the ends it serves. The ends justifies the means. Imagine you get together with two other
- [133 Words or Less: Thinking About ISIS](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-thinking-about-isis-969/) - So, I've been cyphering on some question about ISIS and how the U.S. should respond. I can’t find any easy answers. These ISIS people have to know that decapitation videos spark outrage and make U.S. military intervention more likely. In fact, it seems likely that they intend for the videos to do just that. They
- [133 Words or Less: Uber Awesome](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/133-words-or-less-uber-awesome-959/) - I had my first experience with the Uber ride-sharing concept recently in LA. Within five minutes of typing information into the app, the driver we chose using customer ratings to guide us pulled up in a Mercedes. For under $6, we got a safe, clean, quick ride across town. It was a win for us,
- [Constitution 101: The Second Amendment - Shall Not Infringe](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-second-amendment-shall-not-infringe-955/) - St. George Tucker wrote the first systematic commentary on the U.S. Constitution and stood as one of the preeminent constitutional scholars through the 18th century. Tucker called the right of self-defense the “palladium of liberty.” The right of self defence is the first law of nature: in most governments it has been the study of
- [Conservative Foreign Policy Centralizers](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/conservative-foreign-policy-centralizers-940/) - This question perplexes me: how is it that in the modern conservative mind, when it comes to domestic and economic policy, government can't do anything right and the people making the decisions are imbeciles, but when it comes to foreign policy, these exact same people suddenly become geniuses? Consider... Conservatives hate the idea of centralized
- [In 133 Words or Less: Libertarian Centralizers](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/in-133-words-or-less-libertarian-centralizers-934/) - I run into a lot of people who want to use federal power to impose liberty. I call them libertarian centralizers. They advocate using federal courts and Congressional mandates to force smaller entities such as states, local governments and private businesses to observe libertarian principles, including gun rights, recognizing same-sex marriage and respecting privacy. While
- [If You Don't Like It, Don't Fly!!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/if-you-dont-like-it-dont-fly-928/) - Last week I had to fly to New York City for a quick business trip. These days, I try to avoid flying as much as possible, not because I dislike flying, but because I loathe the airport experience. Or more specifically, I loathe the TSA peek and grope. I know in the big scheme of
- [Constitution 101: Was the Bill of Rights Meant to Apply to the States?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/919-919/) - Last week we began examining the Bill of Rights. This week we will address a specific question: was the Bill of Rights intended to apply to the state governments? Some people argue that it was. They concoct some interesting arguments based on “rules of construction” or approach it through various philosophies of rights and liberty
- [I Hate Monopolies! Now Give Me A Monopoly!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/i-hate-monopolies-now-give-me-a-monopoly-916/) - Americans hate monopolies. Except when they don’t. Consider this Facebook post I ran across taking a free-market advocate to task. Under the system you propose, trillionaires would be created by default. No reasons, crappy or otherwise would be needed. We'd ditch our anti-trust anti-monopoly law because those require a pretty strong central government to investigate
- [Constitution 101: The Bill of Rights](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-bill-of-rights-906/) - I was originally planning on looking at the Second Amendment this week, but it occurred to me that we should examine the Bill of Rights more generally before digging into specific provisions. Adding a declaration of rights to the Constitution was a condition of ratification for several states, and five state ratification documents included specific
- [Step Off the 3x5 Card of Acceptable Opinion](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/step-off-the-3x5-card-of-acceptable-opinion-898/) - American struggle to entertain idea outside of the mainstream.
- [Constitution 101: What Does it Mean to 'Declare War?'](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-what-does-it-mean-to-declare-war-894/) - In last week's Constitution 101 article, we looked at war powers and determined that it was the role of Congress, not the president, to initiate war. Article I Sec. 8 delegates Congress the power to “declare war.” Article II Sec. 2 designates the president “Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United
- [Don't Be an A-Hole](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/dont-be-an-a-hole-886/) - In order to have a functioning free society, its members must live responsibly and treat each other with basic civility. Critics of conservatives and libertarians often charge that they don’t really care about anybody else and that they exhibit an “I’ll do whatever I want, damn the consequences,” mentality. Sadly, some seem bound and determined
- [Americans Playing Monopoly: Court Takes On Another Case It Shouldn't](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/americans-playing-monopoly-court-takes-on-another-case-it-shouldnt-860/) - In the United States, we have a monopoly government by judiciary. Not only have we monopolized almost all power at the federal level, we have placed nearly unlimited authority in the hands of nine federal employees staffing the Supreme Court. On top of exercising virtually unlimited veto power over every state and local law, these
- [Smash the Frame!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/smash-the-frame-853/) - In the wake of the Supreme Court Hobby Lobby decision, I wrote a blog post for the Tenth Amendment Center arguing that the opinion doesn't warrant celebration. To you conservatives in celebration mode as you dissect the overlords’ opinion on religious beliefs and health insurance mandates, you might want to pause for just a moment
- [They All Suck](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/they-all-suck-836/) - Sometimes I feel like just throwing in the towel. I have to be honest: I didn't get into political activism because I thought it was a pathway to fame and riches. Anybody involved in this kind of work knows the rewards don't come in the form of a padded bank account, or even respect and
- [Constitution 101: Necessary and Proper, Not Anything and Everything](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-necessary-and-proper-not-anything-and-everything-829/) - Last week, we considered the first of several constitutional clauses often misinterpreted to expand federal power. We started with the “general welfare clause,” and established that it does not give the federal government the authority to do anything and everything that might promote the general welfare of the United States. This week we take up
- [Getting from Here to There: The Long Road to Freedom](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/getting-from-here-to-there-the-long-road-to-freedom-765/) - From time to time, our work at the Tenth Amendment Center comes under attack from anarcho-capitalists. (Or if you prefer anarchists, voluntarists or simply libertarians.) These folks object to our emphasis on the Constitution because they argue that "the state" and its governments lack legitimacy. The argue that by its very nature, even a "limited"
- [What Brand Am I ?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/what-brand-am-i-808/) - What brand are you? Are you a libertarian? Are you a conservative? Are you a liberal? Are you an anarchist? Are you a minarchist? Are you a Democrat? Are you a Republican? Are you a constitutionalist? I get these questions a lot. In truth, I suppose it depends on whom gets to write the definitions.
- [Constitution 101: Nullification](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-nullification-770/) - The principles of nullification
- [Constitution 101: Federal Supremacy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-federal-supremacy-780/) - Understanding the constitution supremacy clause
- [Perhaps I Got It Right: A Nice Endorsement for 'Our Last Hope'](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/perhaps-i-got-it-right-a-nice-endorsement-for-our-last-hope-759/) - When I set out to write the moral, historical and constitutional case for nullification, I knew I had a tough task ahead of me. After all, most Americans have never heard of nullification. And the constitutional and philosophical principles nullification rest on remain alien to even well-educated Americans. My goal in writing Our Last Hope:
- [Constitution 101: Was the Constitution Ratified By States or One American People?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-was-the-constitution-ratified-by-states-or-one-american-people-752/) - Was the Constitution ratified by states or "one peopel?"
- [Does the Bible Demand Political Redistribution of Wealth?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/does-the-bible-demand-political-redistribution-of-wealth-745/) - wealth redistribution and the bible
- [Limiting States, Expanding Feds: Amendment Effort on the Left](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/limiting-states-expanding-feds-amendment-effort-on-the-left-739/) - Justice John Paul Stevens wants to amend the Constitution
- [Constitution101: The Sovereignty of the People](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution101-the-sovereignty-of-the-people-724/) - Examines sovereignty in the American political system
- [Constitution 101: The Nature of the Federal Government](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101-the-nature-of-the-federal-government-718/) - The constitution created a limited government
- [Nevada, You Have a Problem!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/nevada-you-have-a-problem-663/) - Nevada, you have a problem. Many have framed the standoff between Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy and the Federal Bureau of Land Management as a “states’ rights” issue. Consider this summary by CBS News. “The fight between Bundy and the Bureau of Land Management widened into a debate about states' rights and federal land-use policy. Bundy
- [More On the Non-Violent Path to Freedom](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/more-on-the-non-violent-path-to-freedom-674/) - Non-violence is the better path
- [Pulling History Out of the Orwellian Memory Hole](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/pulling-history-out-of-the-orwellian-memory-hole-656/) - History falling down the Orwellian memory hole
- [I Choose the Tougher Path to Freedom: Non-Violence](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/i-choose-the-tougher-path-to-freedom-non-violence-668/) - Non-violence is the better path
- [Talking Obamacare Nullification on the Freedomworks Podcast](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/talking-obamacare-nullification-on-the-freedomworks-podcast-652/) - I recently sat down and chatted with Brad Jackson on the Freedomworks podcast on efforts to nullify Obamacare at the state level. I shared good news about a recently passed bill in Georgia that lays the foundation for stopping Obamacare implementation and also talked about establishment Republican efforts to kill an anti-commandeering bill in South
- [No. We Shouldn't Follow Every 'Rule'](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/no-we-shouldnt-follow-every-rule-647/) - I recently wrote an article suggesting that the president should not enforce every act of Congress. My argument primarily rests on those already articulated by founding era figures, specifically Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. You can read the article HERE. I wasn't surprised by the negative reaction I got from some readers. In today's political
- [Smacked with the Race Card](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/smacked-with-the-race-card-562/) - I have to confess; it gets under my skin when people call me a racist. Most things people throw around in political debates roll right off my back. But the racist charge stings. It really shouldn't. When an opponent screams "racist," or its first cousin "neo-confederate," it clearly indicates he has no leg to stand
- [Speaking at the Tennessee Libertarian State Convention](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/speaking-at-the-tennessee-libertarian-state-convention-586/) - I spoke to an enthusiastic audience at the Tennessee Libertarian Convention on Saturday, March 15. I talked about the danger of centralization and why we should emphatically resist it. I compared government monopoly with corporate monopoly and raised the question: why do so many people abhor one while enthusiastically embracing the other? I shared with
- [Crimea - A Matter of Sovereignty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/crimea-a-matter-of-sovereignty-580/) - One of the arguments bandied about to justify US intervention in the Crimean situation revolves around the constitutionality of the upcoming referendum. The people of Crimea will decide whether to remain part of the Ukraine, or split off and align with Russia. Most observers believe the vote will fall on the side of secession, considering
- [Walk in Peace. Live Free](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/walk-in-peace-live-free-552/) - I feel most at peace on the beach. I think it has a lot to do with the vastness of the ocean. As I watch the waves roll in and out, mindless of the latest world events or political debate, I remember that so much of what I fret over has very little significance in
- [I wish I didn't care](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/i-wish-i-didnt-care-533/) - That apathetic drive me crazy. And I want to join them. Like most politically engaged people, I often find myself railing against those who really don't care. I try hard not to resort to denigrating terms like "sheeple," but I do launch into the occasional diatribe, bemoaning the hopelessly uninformed, and the pessimistic do-nothing attitudes
- [Talking NSA Spying on Chicago Radio](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/talking-nsa-spying-on-chicago-radio-528/) - I had my first somewhat adversarial radio interview on the OffNow coalition's Fourth Amendment Protection Act yesterday. I think I more than held my own. I appeared on the Big John & Amy show aired by AM 560 The Answer in Chicago. After I explained the basics of the Fourth Amendment Protection Act and our
- [I Can't Keep Her Safe](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/i-cant-keep-her-safe-520/) - My 16-year-old daughter wrecked her car last week. She lost control, went down an embankment and through a fence. One of the fence posts came around and obliterated a back window. Thank goodness she was not hurt. But that fact didn't make the whole situation any easier for her old man to handle. The accident
- [A Few Thoughts on Mark Levin](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-few-thoughts-on-mark-levin-495/) - The Tenth Amendment Center has been under attack by radio pundit Mark Levin over the last couple of weeks. He's called us leftists, kooks and neo-confederates. On a side-note, I would love for somebody to explain to me exactly what a "neo-confederate" is. I guess it's supposed to be bad. Anyway, you can follow that
- [A Quick Personal Note](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-quick-personal-note-498/) - It's been awhile since I've posted here, so I wanted to provide a little personal update. The holiday season explains some of my absence, but a recent back injury is the real culprit. I herniated a disc, and the recovery has been arduous to say the least. For a few days, I couldn't walk at
- [Are the Poor Getting Poorer?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/are-the-poor-getting-poorer-487/) - The poor are getting poorer and the rich are getting richer? We've heard this so many times, most accept it as true without even thinking about it. But in reality, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting richer. Steve Horwitz, PhD from St. Lawrence University break it down in this short video.
- [Interview with the Forgotten Men](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/interview-with-the-forgotten-men-479/) - I chatted with the Forgotten Men last Saturday, discussing the OffNow campaign to stop NSA spying at the state and local level. After establishing that we cannot count on Congress, the president or federal courts to rein in the NSA, I explained the basic strategy and the anti-commandeering doctrine it is based on. I also
- [Academic Hubris](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/acdemmic-hubris-469/) - You can find a lot of hubris in the world of academia. Every once in a while, I get an email or a comment on an article challenging my arguments based on my credentials. They will claim I can't possibly know what I'm talking about because I'm not a lawyer. Or they will insist I
- [Obamacare Website: A Broken Door to a Doomed System](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/obamacare-website-a-broken-door-to-a-doomed-system-458/) - Imagine for a moment visiting a business for the first time. From the outside, it looks impressive. A beautifully painted sign invites you to buy the company's product. The windows are clean and new paint glistens on the walls. But as you try to enter, the handle snaps off in your hand and the heavy
- [Time for a Liberty Revolution in the Church](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/time-for-a-liberty-revolution-in-the-church-451/) - In one fundamental sense, I see little difference between the religious right and the religious left. Both groups want to use government to impose morality on others. The Christian left often chides the Christian right for seeking to impose sexual morality, drug prohibition and abortion laws on Americans. They call the religious right "intolerant" and
- [Sebelius is not the Problem](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/sebelius-is-not-the-problem-449/) - Scott Pearson holds a doctorate in economics and serves as Chair and Assistant Professor of Business and Economics at Charleston Southern University. He hits the nail on the head when it comes to calls to fire Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for the disastrous rollout of the Obamacare website. As Scott points out,
- [Who's the Bully?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/whos-the-bully-444/) - A Texas football team recently beat an opponent 91-0 and the mother of one of the opposing players filed a bullying report with the school system. According to ESPN.com, "Buchanan spent an hour in the superintendent's office this week and the school is currently investigating, as mandated by the state. The Aledo principal told Buchanan
- [Cheap Compassion](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/cheap-compassion-424/) - A lot of Americans demonstrate what I call cheap compassion. I've seen quite a bit of this cheap compassion during the government shutdown, especially from friends on the left. They post articles and comments highlighting some of the suffering experienced by those directly impacted by the elimination of federal services. One particularly heartbreaking New York
- [Sometimes You Just Have to Let 'Em Have It](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/sometimes-you-just-have-to-let-them-have-it-394/) - Snarkiness and sarcasm come pretty easy for me; no doubt about it. Generally, I try to take the high road when addressing statists, progressives and other opponents of nullification. But, sometimes I lose my cool. Let's face it; you can only be called a racist, slavery loving, ignorant, uneducated, redneck, fool so many times before
- [A Glimpse Into the Basement](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-glimpse-into-the-basement-417/) - This government shutdown gives us just a little glimpse into the basement under Washington D.C. Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. Most attribute the quote to George Washington, although that remains questionable. But whether the first president uttered those
- [Thoughts On the Shutdown](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thoughts-on-the-shutdown-406/) - A few thoughts on the so-called government shutdown. First, let's just call it what it is. Political theater with bad actors! What we have does not constitute a shutdown. If you go to the airport, TSA agents will still grope you. The IRS will collect taxes from American paychecks during the duration of the shutdown.
- [It's Really Good!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/its-really-good-379/) - I bought a peanut butter cracker for $2 today. Two saltines. Crunchy peanut butter sandwiched in between. Two bucks. I was mowing my front yard when two little girls walked up along the sidewalk. They looked to be about 9 or 10 years old. One was holding a paper plate loaded with peanut butter crackers.
- [Please Stop Fixating on British Royalty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/please-stop-fixating-on-british-royalty-372/) - Every time I see another royal baby update, I want to stab a shard of glass into my eyeball. First off, it drives me crazy because we should really have our attention fixed on something more important than some pretty woman in England birthing a kid. Thousands of people birth kids all over the world.
- [Just Say No to a Liberty Enforcement Squad](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/just-say-no-to-a-liberty-enforcement-squad-364/) - People get very upset with me when I insist that the Bill of Rights was not meant to operate on the states. But there exists no evidence that it was ever intended to do so. The preamble of the Bill of Rights makes its purpose clear - "The Conventions of a number of the States...
- [Sorry - Not Sorry](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/sorry-not-sorry-361/) - The other day, I posted the following section of the Kentucky State Constitution on the Our Last Hope Facebook Page. All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety, happiness and the protection of property. For the advancement of these ends, they
- [Finding the Original Meaning of the Constitution](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/finding-the-original-meaning-of-the-constitution-355/) - Who should we ultimately look to when trying to determine the intended meaning of the Constitution? Do we simply accept the interpretation of judges? Should we seek out academics and historians? Should we look to older sources such as the Philadelphia Convention notes or the Federalist Papers? Does it even matter? This video, with narration
- [Orwellian Doublethink in the Nevada Declaration of Rights](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/orwellian-doublespeak-in-the-nevada-declaration-of-rights-347/) - In the dystopian novel 1984, the Party encourages "doublethink" as part of its strategy to control the people. Orwell defined doublethink as the act of simultaneously accepting two mutually contradictory beliefs as correct, often in different contexts. It was the Party's way of controlling thought through the manipulation of language. To know and not to
- [Independence: May We Make the Most of It](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/independence-may-we-make-the-most-of-it-337/) - "WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is urging Americans on the Fourth of July to live up to the words of the Declaration of Independence by securing liberty and opportunity for their own children as well as for future generations." Do you think he really means it? Consider the ramifications. Whenever any Form of Government
- [Check Your Work!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/check-your-work-328/) - My friend Michael Lotfi published a brilliant piece of political satire yesterday. Lotfi "reported" a speech by Pres. Obama urging D.C. interns not to celebrate the Fourth of July and questioning the wisdom of breaking from Great Britain. Why then on the Fourth of July should you celebrate such a radical break from what is
- [Waiting for Our Overlords](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/waiting-for-our-overlords-322/) - Today, Americans wait in eager anticipation for their nine overlords to define marriage for them. Look, I understand the emotional positions held by folks on both sides of the gay marriage issue. But let's take a step back and consider the absurdity: we've essentially empowered five judges to define one of societies most basic relationships
- [A Higher Law](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/a-higher-law-313/) - I've spent much of the last three years studying and defending the principle of state nullification of unconstitutional acts. The philosophical basis for state nullification rests on delegation of powers and the structure of the system created by the Constitution. But other forms of nullification exist, finding their legitimacy in even higher authorities. At the
- [Lesson Learned on NSA Spying? Hopefully?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/lesson-learned-on-nsa-spying-hopefully-310/) - Originally posted at www.tenthamendmentcenter.com Dear Republican, I hear you're a little miffed at Obama's National Security Agency collecting phone records of millions of innocent American Verizon customers. I read some comments on the "bombshell" over at Townhall.com. Guy Benson seems displeased. I here ya! I'm more than a little perturbed myself. I was always under
- [Let the Racists Rant](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/let-the-racists-rant-305/) - Have you seen the "controversial" Cheerios commercial yet? Actually, it's adorable. The "controversy" stems from the fact a bunch of neanderthal racists got all torqued up because the commercial features an interracial couple and a biracial child. They spammed the comments section on YouTube to the point that administrators had to shut commenting down. Then
- [Another Supreme Court Ruling Expanding Federal Power - Wow. Shock](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/another-supreme-court-ruling-expanding-federal-power-wow-shock-299/) - Today the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in Maryland v. King that law enforcement can take your DNA if they arrest you. No warrant necessary. They compare it to fingerprinting. The case involved a man who was arrested on an assault charge. When the cops booked him into the Wicomico County jail, they took his DNA
- [We Don't Know What We Don't Know](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/we-dont-know-what-we-dont-know-276/) - Why are we here? Because we're here. Roll the bones. Why does it happen? Because it happens. Roll the bones. - Neil Peart I recently rediscovered the 1991 Rush album Roll the Bones, and I've had the title track rolling around in my head the last few days. It seemed eerily appropriate as twisters ripped
- [Thinking in a Box](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/thinking-in-a-box-265/) - Here's a fun game you can play during a meeting break or at a dreadfully boring party. Declare yourself a libertarian and start talking about the need to limit the role of government, and then see how long it take before somebody says, "Oh yeah? What about the roads!?!" I promise; it won't take long.
- [Only Seeing Half the Story](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/only-seeing-half-the-story-257/) - People have an amazing ability to draw definitive conclusions while only considering one half of the equation. Political philosopher Frederic Bastiat wrote an entire collection of essays illustrating this reality - That Which is Seen, and That Which is Not Seen In the department of economy, an act, a habit, an institution, a law, gives
- [Washington Times Endorses Nullification](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/washington-times-endorses-nullification-252/) - I feel like I just stepped into the twilight zone. The Washington Times ran an editorial today supportive of state nullification of unconstitutional acts! And they got the history right to boot! I felt like I was reading my own talking points. Early in our history, nullification was also prominently used by free states to
- [The Tangled Logic of a Critic](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-tangled-logic-of-a-critic-249/) - I recently wrote an article arguing that the federal government was never meant to serve as a "liberty enforcement squad." I was basically trying to illustrate the concept of delegation of powers through the use of an analogy. Ross sent me an email taking me to task. He believes the federal government SHOULD enforce its
- [Maybe the Problem is the Rope!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/maybe-the-problem-is-the-rope-184/) - The political process in the U.S. resembles a giant game of tug-o-war. On one side, we have team blue. On the other, team red. The two opponents battle endlessly for control of the rope. The Republicans implore Americans to pull for team red. On the other side, Democrats encourage bystanders to jump in and tug
- [Commerce Clause Does Not Trump the Second Amendment](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/commerce-clause-does-not-trump-the-second-amendment-178/) - Over the last couple of weeks, I've read comments from several "legal experts" asserting that the Constitution's commerce clause allows for the regulation of firearms. Granted, the Supreme Court would likely agree with that assessment. The Court has basically stretched the commerce clause to the point that it allows the federal government to do anything
- [The Constitution means what it means!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-constitution-means-what-it-means-173/) - Many Americans treat the Constitution like a moving target. Recently, I've faced opposition to various constitutional arguments falling into two broad categories. 1. Those who embrace the "living breathing" philosophy. These folks generally believe the constitution was meant to "flex" with the times. They will still hold fast, even tenaciously, to certain constitutional principles, but
- [Monopoly: Good Board Game, Bad Politics](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/monopoly-good-board-game-bad-politics-169/) - My wife manages a store for the country’s largest grocery chain. Kroger raked in over $90 billion in sales during fiscal year 2012. The company employees some 339,000 people and runs more than 3,000 stores, either directly or through its subsidiaries. Now imagine for a moment Kroger was granted a total monopoly on grocery sales
- [Foundational Principles](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/foundational-principles-163/) - It takes about 37 seconds of involvement in the political process to realize that most of the players don't root their actions in any principles. Or, perhaps it would be more accurate to say that pragmatism is their principle. By and large, politics is all about seizing, consolidating and holding on to power. That's why
- [Trying Times](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/trying-times-156/) - I'm an optimist by nature. Even so, sometimes I become discouraged and frustrated. Activism certainly has its ups and downs, and the downs can become downright disillusioning. I had one of those nights earlier this week. I spoke at an event, passionately presenting the blueprint for rolling back overreaching federal power through nullification at the
- [Why I Fight...](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/why-i-fight-143/) - Sometimes I rail against people whose lives revolve around the next big ballgame or the next episode of American Idol. And sometimes I envy them. Every morning I wake up knowing I will find myself in some kind of fight. I never know where the attack will come from. Perhaps from a politician. Maybe from
- [Nanny Bloomberg's Declaration of War](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/109-109/) - Daddy Bloomberg sometimes knows best. “I do think there are certain times we should infringe on your freedom,” NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg said during an appearance on Meet the Press. Here's a question: do you believe that any person has some inherent attribute that makes him superior to you, and therefore innately bestowed with the
- [Might Makes Right?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/might-makes-right-105/) - I've decided I'm going to take a new approach to political activism. Instead of writing and speaking, you know, putting together reasoned arguments with facts and logic, I'm going to just start punching people that disagree with me. Apparently, in Tennessee state Senator Brian Kelsey's bizarre little world, this an acceptable way to "settle" disputes,
- [Speech at Health Care Rally in Nashville March 10, 2013](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/speech-at-health-care-rally-in-nashville-march-10-2013-101/) - On March 10, 2013, I spoke at the Tennessee Rally Against Obamacare in Nashville. I talked about the limited nature of federal authority and a state's duty when faced with a federal government exercising unconstitutional powers. "I'm going to put it very simply. There is no enumerated power for the federal government to run a
- [Who Decides?](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/who-decides-97/) - My testimony before the Tennessee State Senate Judiciary Committee in support of SB0250 on February 27, 2013 Hello, my name is Michael Maharrey. I’m the national communications director for the Tenth Amendment Center. I’m honored to be here. As you know, in the opinion of Attorney Gen. Robert Cooper, SB 250 violates the supremacy clause
- [Dear Legislator: Do Your Duty!](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/dear-legislator-do-your-duty-94/) - The following I wrote and submitted to the Colorado House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs in support of HB13-1045. The legislation would block federal indefinite detention without due process in Colorado. The Tenth Amendment Center began championing state interposition to block federal kidnapping powers written in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012
- [The Audience Laughs with Colbert, But the Joke Is On Them](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-audience-laughs-with-colbert-but-the-joke-is-on-them-92/) - Do you remember when you were in school and all of the “cool” popular kids made fun of the nerdy smart kid? Everybody pointed and laughed. Even the “non-cool” kids would pile on, in the hope that making fun of the hapless geek would elevate their own social status a notch. Of course, today that
- [Some Nullification Q&A](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/some-nullification-qa-87/) - Note: This piece was originally written to counter anti-nullfication talking points in South Carolina. Nullification is historically, morally and philosophically the rightful remedy Doesn’t the Supremacy Clause make state nullification unconstitutional? No. The Supremacy Clause reads: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; …shall be the
- [It Looks Solid...But](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/it-looks-solid-but-84/) - I recently participated on a round-table discussion on the Tenth Amendment, political sovereignty, delegation of power and nullification on a talk show in Indiana. The panel consisted of me, two left-leaning lawyers and a right-leaning lawyer. I took two interesting observations away with me. Most telling was the fact that both of the lefties and
- [Playing by the Rules](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/playing-by-the-rules-81/) - Have you ever tried to play a board game with a bunch of people who don’t really know the rules? Things usually start out OK, until somebody makes a questionable move. Then the arguments start, and things go downhill from there. Each player begins throwing out opinions and rule interpretations – all based on their
- [I swear to protect and defend unicorns](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/i-swear-to-protect-and-defend-unicorns-44/) - Thursday marked the beginning of the 113th session of Congress, kicking off with Congress-critter swear-in day. All of the House members and one-third of the Senate took their oaths of office at noon. I wonder if a Guiness Book of World Record category exists for most people simultaneously telling a lie in one place? But
- [The muddled thinking of a New York Times 'intellectual'](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/the-muddled-thinking-of-a-new-york-times-intellectual-16/) - Originally published at the Tenth Amendment Center On Dec. 30, the New York Times editorial page featured what has to qualify as one of the most intellectually vapid columns of the year. And considering the source, that’s saying something! Louis Michael Seidman says we simply must do away with our blind obedience to the Constitution!

## Pages

- [Biography](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/biography/) - Michael Maharrey is an award-winning journalist and market analyst specializing in precious metals and monetary policy. He is also a leading expert on constitutional originalism. He has written extensively as a reporter and analyst for Money Metals Exchange and as the national communications director for the Tenth Amendment Center. Michael is the author of four books.
- [Sound Money 101](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/sound-money-101/) - We live in a world of fiat money -- government-issued currency unbacked by any physical commodity such as gold or silver. So, what is fiat backed by? "The full faith and credit" of the issuing government. In other words - nothing. Fiat systems allow governments to expand the money supply without restraint. They facilitate borrowing
- [Michael's Music - Flock of Cats](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/michaels-music/) - “When I hear music, I fear no danger. I am invulnerable. I see no foe. I am related to the earliest times, and to the latest.” ― Henry David Thoreau I spent about 10 years as a performing musician. Although those years are behind me, I've started to dabble in music again as a way
- [Learn Liberty](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/learn-liberty/) - Learn the History, Economics and Philosophy They Didn't Teach Us in School I Didn't Know What I Didn't Know! I'll never forget the first time I read the Kentucky Resolutions of 1798. Thomas Jefferson penned them in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts. I sat on my couch with my mouth hanging open as
- [Constitution Owner's Manual](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/books-by-michael/constitution-owners-manual/) - The Real Constitution the Politicians Don't Want You to Know About “The best short introduction to the real Constitution, as opposed to the one taught in law school and the New York Times.” - Tom Woods Buy It Now! Available at Amazon.com in Kindle, paperback and audiobook versions. Or get an autographed copy at Michael's online
- [Our Last Hope](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/books-by-michael/our-last-hope/) - Vote the bums out! Call Congress! Take it to the Supreme Court! These are the calls of political activists nationwide. But, these methods have proven to be a complete failure. Our Last Hope provides another pathway. Order an autographed copy Our Last Hope - Rediscovering the Lost Path to Liberty at HERE. It is also
- [Books By Michael](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/books-by-michael/) - Michael has written two full-length books, two smaller volumes, and several e-books. His most recent publication is Constitution Owner's Manual: The Real Constitution the Politicians don't Want You to Know About. This is "Constitution 101," explaining important constitutional provisions and principles through the eyes of those who ratified the document. You can read more about
- [Store](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/shop/) - To purchase autographed copies of Michael's books and other cool stuff, click below to visit his store.
- [Constitution 101](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/constitution-101/) - Basic constitutional principles and originalism.
- [Connect](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/connect-with-michael/) - You can connect with Michael in several ways Email: me@michaelmaharrey.com Twitter: mmaharrey10th Facebook: Michael Maharrey LinkedIn: Mike Maharrey Michael's Tenth Amendment Center Article Archive: HERE Michael's Tenth Amendment Center Blog Archive: HERE Subscribe to my newsletter
- [Reading List](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/michaels-reading-list/) - A list of article and books recommended for libertarians and advocates of limited government
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- [Keynote Sessions](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/invite-michael-to-speak/keynote-sessions/) - Powers Few and Defined: The Original Constitution The federal government today looks nothing like the vision cast by supporters of the Constitution during its ratification. The decentralized system originally created by the Constitution is explained. In addition, several key clauses that have been reimagined to give the federal government the overreaching authority it exercises
- [Invite Michael to Speak](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/invite-michael-to-speak/) - Michael Maharrey Author/Speaker Michael Maharrey is an award winning journalist, author, keynote speaker, and the national communications director for the Tenth Amendment Center. He holds a B.A. in Mass Communications and Media Studies with an emphasis in news and editorial journalism from the University of South Florida. As a non-traditional student, he won several
- [Keynote Testimonials](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/invite-michael-to-speak/keynote-testimonials/) - “When I served as state chair for the Republican Liberty Caucus of South Carolina, we twice invited Mike Maharrey to speak as a key speaker at our annual convention. His talk was the highlight of the weekend both times. Mike is a passionate speaker and a powerful story-teller. He brings concepts to life. He can
- [GodArchy](https://www.michaelmaharrey.com/godarchy/) - Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and

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