The Free To Be Free Podcast: Recent Episodes
Paul Phillips
Have you ever noticed the differences between how your State and Federal legislatures operate? We will talk with Senator Mike Braun who has experience in both the U.S. Senate and the Indiana General Assembly to get some interesting perspectives on the differences.
Resources
Convention of States
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Government lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have infringed on our inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness.
Resources
Wikipedia entry on Police Power
The Proper Scope of the Police Power
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Since the ratification of the constitution, there have been over 12,000 attempts to propose amendments. Of those, 33 have been passed by congress to become proposed amendments. 27 of those have been ratified as part of the constitution. In this episode, we will take a look at the 6 unratified amendments.
Resources:
Pew Research on Proposed Amendments
Unratified Amendments
The First and Most Important First Amendment
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Socialism or Capitalism seems to be the question of the day. But this is the wrong question. The real question is Statism or Freedomism. The answer is Freedomism.
Resources:
Restoring America's Soul
The Deadly Isms
The Declaration of Independence and the American Theory of Government: “First Come Rights, and Then Comes Government"
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Judicial Review allows the Supreme Court to exercise a power it was never granted - the power to legislate.
Resources:
Miranda vs Arizona
Federalist 78
Dickerson vs United States
Section 3501
Marbury vs Madison
The Second American Revolution
The Original Meaning of the Judicial Power
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
What many may have missed in the circus that was the Kavanaugh confirmation hearing, is the excellent diagnosis of what ails our Federal Government presented by Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse. In this episode, we will review Senator Sasse’s diagnosis and what it has to do with a concept known as The Non-Delegation Doctrine.
Resources:
Senator Ben Sasse Statement
John Locke's 2nd Treatise on Government
The Creature from Jekyll Island
The Four Stages of Approval of the Bill of Rights in Congress and the States
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
We celebrate Constitution Day on September 17 - the date of the signing of the Constitution. In this episode we will explore the objections of George Mason who refused to sign the Constituion.
Resources:
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
James Madison's convention notes from September 15
George Mason's Objections
The First and Most Important First Amendment
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
In a recent appearance on Steve Hilton's The Next Revolution, Jason Chaffetz and Tomi Lahren both expressed a great deal of fear over a Convention of the States. Chaffetz claimed that "you don't know what the rules are if you have one of these." This episode discusses the rules that apply to such a convention and why there is nothing to fear.
Resources:
Defying Conventional Wisdom: The Constitution was not the product of a runaway convention
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
The 17th amendment, ratified in 1913, changed they way senators are elected. Prior to 1913, Senators were elected by, and were accountable to, the respective state legislatures. After 1913, senators were chosen by popular election.
The impact of the 17th amendment should be obvious when you consider the dramatic expansion of the federal government in the mid-20th century, with the states powerless to contain it.
Resources:
Ulysses at the Mast: Democracy, Federalism, and the Sirens' Song of the Seventeenth Amendment
The Constitution
The Articles of Confederation
Federalist #39
Federalist #62
Federalist #26
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
With the recent presidental election going to the winner of the Electoral College rather than the winner of the popular vote, the Electoral College is facing hightened criticism and calls for elimination.
The Electoral College is not, as characterized by Hillary Clinton, “an anachronism designed for another time”. It is just another one of the ingenious components of the constitution, devised by the founders, to protect our rights and freedoms.
Resources:
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Our modern conception of democracy is one of social and political equality. Our founders understood that democracy in practice is a danger to individual rights and liberty.
Resources:
Federalist Paper # 9
Federalist Paper # 10
Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Executive Orders, while not expressly authorized in the Constitution, are an effective tool for ensuring that the laws are faithfully executed. When Executive Orders stray into the realm of legislation, we have a problem.
Resources:
Sign the Petition
Executive Orders
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Nancy Peolsi's comment was made in an effort to pass the Affordable Care Act. She could not have known at the time how true her statement would become, thanks to the Supreme Court.
Resources:
Sign the Petition
NFIB V Sebelius
King V Burwell
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
In a recent interview, Hillary Clinton used the 'Con-Con' Con to attack the Convention of States. Listen and learn how to spot the 'Con-Con' Con.
Resources:
Sign the Petition
Mark Meckler Responds to Hillary's Comments
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Convention of States is a grassroots led effort. Find out how you can take action to advance the cause.
Your To Do List:
Sign the Petition
Like the Facebook Page
Follow on Twitter
Learn More
Register for Introduction Webinar
Donate
Donate to Citizens for Self-Governance on Amazon.com
Volunteer
Join a Volunter Team
Become a Leader
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Term limits for federal officials are supported by about 75% of Americans. Should we "Throw the Bums Out"? The answer might not be that simple.
Resources:
State Legislature Term Limits
State Gubernatorial Term Limits
State Judiciary Mandatory Retirement
Convention of States
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Exactly what form of governance is this "More Perfect Union" the Founders created? The answer is at the same time both more complex and much simpler than you may think.
Resources:
Forms of Governance
Captain Levi Preston Interview
The Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points:
- A simulated Article V Convention of States was held on September 22 & 23, 2016.
- The purpose was to demonstrate that the process of an Article V Convention of the States works.
- Six proposed amendments were passed.
- Commissioners from all 50 states were invited, and all 50 states participated.
Resources:
The Simulated Convention
The Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points
Subsidies
- Are a redistribution of wealth and a violation of property rights.
- Allow the Federal Government to pick winners and losers.
- Add to the Federal Debt.
- Create distortions in free markets.
- Create a moral hazard.
- Create crony capitalism.
- Create regulatory capture.
- Are unconsitiutional.
Resources:
The Pig Book
Uncle Sam's Favorite Corporations
The Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points
- The cost of regulation in 2016 was $1.9 Trillion.
- In 2016, 18 new regulations were enacted for each law passed by Congress.
- Businesses and interest goups co-opt the regulators through Regulatory Capture.
- Regulation is unconstitutional.
Resources:
California Farmer
Kentucky Amish Man
Unelected Bureaucrats
10,000 Commandments
The Theory of Economic Regulation
The Administrative Threat
The Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points
- An amendment must be Germane to the Application
- An amendment should be Brief and Understandable
- Structural amendments are superior to Substantive amendments
- An amendment should Avoid Expansive Language
- Real World Experience with the amendment is invaluable
Resources:
The Liberty Amendments
The Texas Plan
Restoring The Lost Constitution
Proposed Amendments from the COS Simulation
The Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points
- Our natural rights do not come from government
- Natural rights include life, liberty, and property
- Government is instituted to protect or secure our natural rights
- The government derives its power from the people
- Our natural rights are limited by the duty imposed upon us by the natural rights of others in a free society
- Our natural rights impose the same duty upon the government
- Governments may grant legal rights and privileges
- The rights and privileges granted by government should not infringe upon natural rights
Resources:
The Declaration of Independence
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
The Law
The Convention of States Project
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points
- Objections to an Article V Convention come from both the Left and the Right.
- Objections typically start with the false premise that and Article V Convention and a Constitutional Convention are the same thing.
- Nullification is neither in the Constitution nor a practical solution.
- The Constitution is being held hostage and assaulted by the federal officials who have sworn to preserve, protect, and defend it.
Resources:
Opposition Letter
Nullification
Is Nullification the Answer?
Objections to an Article V Convention Lack Merit
The States' Duty to Defend Against Federal Excess: James Madison and the Methods of "Interposition"
The Convention of States
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points
- The solution to an out of control federal government is an Article V Convention of the States to propose amendments
- The process is primarily controlled by the states
- Congress has a minimal role in the process
- An Article V Convention of the States to propose amendments will trigger a constitutional revival
"Every member of the State ought diligently to read and to study the constitution of his country, and teach the rising generation to be free. By knowing their rights, they will sooner perceive when they are violated and be the better prepared to defend and assert them."
- John Jay
Resources:
The U. S. Constitution
Indiana's Faithful Delegate Law
The Convention of States
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song.
Key Points
- America is no longer the land of the free
- The size, scope, and power of the Federal Government is the primary cause of the eroding of our freedom
- The checks and balances of our Federal Constitutional Republic have been eroded
- We the people are the final check and balance
- The solution is found in Article V of the constitution
Resources:
The Human Freedom Index
US Debt Clock
Mercatus Center
The Convention of States
Special thanks to Kerosec Productions for producing/composing/mixing/performing the theme song. Thanks to Megan Morton for performing the Star Spangled Banner excerpts.