How This Pandemic Proves the Wisdom of the Founders

[rangerrebew]

How This Pandemic Proves the Wisdom of the Founders
One more time, with feeling: The federal government does not have ‘absolute power.’
Timothy Sandefur
 
   

President Trump raised eyebrows Tuesday when, in answer to a question about whether he could order the revocation of state “lockdowns,” he declared that “the federal government has absolute power.” In reality, no part of the federal government has “absolute” power—or “plenary” power, as Vice President Pence asserted at the same press conference—at any time, even during emergencies. The reason our state and federal constitutions were written was to make that point clear. Instead, our federalist system puts states in the driver’s seat at times like this—and wisely so.

The Constitution’s authors were familiar with epidemics; they were a regular fact of life in the 1780s. And the authorities primarily responsible for taking action back then were state governments, which are closer to the people, more knowledgeable about local conditions, and better able to compare the costs and benefits of their actions. The Constitution they wrote incorporated the preexisting practice of state autonomy on such matters, giving federal officials power over things like matters of foreign relations, but leaving power over public health primarily with the states.

https://thedispatch.com/p/how-this-pandemic-proves-the-wisdom

[Absalom]

Our Founders were wise Men aware of history, unlike our jackass politicos.
The Principle of Subsidiarity (decentralization) was the central focus of
governance since ancient times, whereby authority/responsibility began
at the bottom of the social order; w/the family unit and Not at the top.
The was our 'common law ' legacy from Britain who received it from Rome.
It remained in effect till our Civil War; now sadly long forgotten in our time.

[DB]

Trump doesn't know where the constitutional limits are so he's constantly bumping off the walls of what remains of them.

In this day and age it seems like too much to ask to expect our leaders to understand the restraints of the constitution on the federal government. And if our leaders don't know, how is it we expect to remain a constitutional Republic?

[Absalom]

Trump doesn't know where the constitutional limits are so he's constantly bumping off the walls of what remains of them.
In this day and age it seems like too much to ask to expect our leaders to understand the restraints of the constitution on the federal government. And if our leaders don't know, how is it we expect to remain a constitutional Republic?

---------------------------
Last sentence is ominous and the answer is we will NOT!!!!!
Rome survived and prospered for some 1,000 years, having
some of the greatest leaders in world history; yet fell.
In contrast, we are a tad past 2 centuries and display a collection
of monumental buffoons, clowns, frauds and hustlers that invoke
tears of laughter!!!

[Smokin Joe]

I still think that in bumping off this wall, POTUS has established that the call to end or impose lockdowns lies with the governors of the several states.

In this, he cannot be blamed for opening things up too soon and starting a second wave, nor can he be blamed for locking them down too long and the inevitable economic damage that will result. It is a given, that should any governor miss the 'Goldilocks zone' and not get it just right, the media will attempt to blame Trump.

[DB]

I still think that in bumping off this wall, POTUS has established that the call to end or impose lockdowns lies with the governors of the several states.

In this, he cannot be blamed for opening things up too soon and starting a second wave, nor can he be blamed for locking them down too long and the inevitable economic damage that will result. It is a given, that should any governor miss the 'Goldilocks zone' and not get it just right, the media will attempt to blame Trump.

I agree with that. For Trump most of the problem is what comes out of his mouth. Regarding governors and states, each state is different with different population densities. They also have different vectors for contamination (tourist or not for example). Each city and surrounding area should be allowed to adjust based on the best fit of the current conditions in their own area. The local hospital utilization ought to be the prime driver for any given area trying to avoid triage.