The Nullification Movement Goes Local

Tenther News 03-17-13:

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Last week in Southwest Utah, the Iron County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in passing an Iron County 2nd Amendment Protection Resolution.  This is the second Resolution passed in the county, the first being the Cedar City 2nd Amendment Resolution passed by the City Council in February.
The Resolution makes it clear that the county does not recognize any federal acts, laws, orders, rules, executive orders, or regulations that violate the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution.  It also requires the sheriff to take a stand to protect the right to keep and bear arms.  It reads, in part:
“it shall be the duty of the Sheriff of Iron County to take all measures as may be necessary to prevent the enforcement of any federal acts, laws, orders, rules, or regulations in violation of the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”
Iron County Sheriff Mark Gower is fully on board with the resolution.  He said, “I will not allow anyone to come into this county and violate the Constitutions of the United States or Utah.  If I have to stand in the street and stop that from happening I would do it.”  He further said, “I have refused to sign any agreements or contracts with Homeland Security or any other federal department and no one can come in and preempt the local control of our law enforcement. The US Constitution will not be violated on my watch.”
In Maine, the town of Millinocket also passed a 2nd Amendment resolution last week.  Town Councilors Jimmy Busque and Michelle Anderson both explained the importance of this Resolution to those present. Busque explained the importance of the resolution and why its passage was required, followed by Anderson discussing the history of nullification.   The resolution passed by a vote of 5-2.
A similar resolution is being considered on Monday night in Upper Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania.  It would 1) Condemn federal overreach and infringement upon the Right of the Individual to Keep and Bear Arms; 2) Express support for, and urge immediate passage of PA House Bill 357 and 3) Reserve the right of the Township to take measures necessary to prevent enforcement of federal acts regarding the Right of the Individual to Keep and Bear Arms.
Also in Maine, the town of Brooksville held a public referendum in support of a Food Freedom Ordinance, which nullifies unconstitutional overreach from the FDA.  The ordinance exempts “producers and processors” of local foods in town from state and federal licensure and inspection, so long as they leave the middleman out and sell their produce, baked goods, dairy and meat directly to customers.  It passed by a vote of 112-64.
Activists point out that quite a bit can be done by just a single person.  The efforts in both Cedar City and Iron County, Utah were spearheaded by one man, Sylvan Malis.  He said, “This is only the beginning.  There are still many issues that need addressing and many resolutions that need passing.  After the resolutions come laws.  If we value our country like we say we do then get up and call or talk to your neighbor, family member, workmate and then call your city council person, your county commissioner or county supervisor, and get them working on passing the resolutions, ordinances, and laws.  If I did it, you can too; anyone can do it!  It’s easy!”
For model legislation that you can introduce in your area, visit http://tenthamendmentcenter.com/local
On the state level, there are a number of important hearings and potential votes on nullification bills this week.
In South Carolina, S92 the NDAA Nullification of 2013 from Senator Tom Davis, is finally moving forward.  The Senate Republicans set the bill for special order this week, which means it will be given priority status for debate and a possible vote.
Also in South Carolina, H3101, to nullify Obamacare is up for a do-or-die hearing in the State house on Wednesday.  Conservative icon Walter E. Williams will make it hard for republicans to consider voting against the bill as we will be on hand testifying in favor of the legislation.   South Carolina legislators won’t be alone, as the Oklahoma house beat them to the punch on the issue.  Last week, they voted 72-20 to pass HB1021, the Obamacare nullification bill for their state.
On Monday in Arizona, SB1439 which already passed the State Senate, will be heard in the state house committee on financial institutions.  The bill is a big step towards nullifying the federal reserve as it authorizes gold and silver coin to be used as legal tender within the state.
In Michigan on Tuesday, a bill to nullify NDAA indefinite detention will be heard in the state house oversight committee.  SB94 already passed the Senate by a vote of 37-0 and committee chair, Representative Tom McMillin authored the house companion bill, HB4138.
On Wednesday in Nebraska, LB451 is being heard in the State Judiciary Committee.  The bill would prohibit enforcement of federal bans or restrictions on semi-automatic weapons and large capacity magazines.  It would also prohibit enforcement of federal acts requiring registration of firearms, magazines, or accessories.
Track the status of these and all other nullification bills in states around the country at http://tracking.tenthamendmentcenter.com
10 for 10: Tenther News is a weekly video report on the top 10th Amendment news around the country. Get 10 minutes (or so) on the 10th, from the Tenth Amendment Center. Live at 10:10 AM (Pacific Time) every Monday at www.youtube.com/tenthamendmentcenter.