The Chairman’s Corner:

Constitution Day
The Constitution is a document that most Americans ignore, but we cannot. It is our duty to educate others about what the Constitution stands for, as well as what it stands against. I have provided several quotes from our Founding Fathers that are pertinent to our times.

Thomas Jefferson

“When all government …in little as in great things…shall be drawn to Washington as the CENTER of ALL POWER; it will render POWERLESS the CHECKS provided of ONE government on another, and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated.”

Venal (definition): “Can readily be bribed or corrupted” (Webster’s).

Does what Thomas Jefferson said resonate today? Lobbyists are central in getting legislation written for their clients’ interests, not yours. They will not admit it, but you can be certain that something of value is exchanged for a Representative’s or Senator’s influence to get a bill passed.

George Washington

“The POWER under the Constitution WILL ALWAYS be in THE PEOPLE. It is entrusted for CERTAIN DEFINED PURPOSES, and for a certain LIMITED PERIOD to Representatives of their own choosing; and whenever it is executed CONTRARY TO THEIR INTEREST (OURS), or NOT AGREEABLE TO THEIR (OUR) WISHES, their SERVANTS can and undoubtably will be RECALLED.”

In Congress, they claim to represent our interests and wishes because we elected them. On the contrary, once they get to Washington their purpose becomes advancing their Party’s agenda. Over time, these politicians have twisted Washington’s vision, turning from our servants into our masters. Their language and their actions prove it.

James Madison

“If Congress can apply money INDEFINITELY to the GENERAL WELFARE, and are the SOLE AND SUPREME JUDGES of the general welfare, they may take the care of RELIGION into their own hands; they may establish TEACHERS IN EVERY STATE, COUNTY AND PARISH, and pay them out of the public treasury; they may take into their own hands the EDUCATION OF CHILDREN, establishing in like manner SCHOOLS throughout the Union; they may undertake regulation of roads other than Post roads. In short, EVERYTHING, from the highest object of STATE LEGISLATION down to the minute object of POLICE, would be thrown under the POWER OF CONGRESS; for every object I have mentioned would admit the application of money, and might be called, if Congress pleased, PROVISIONS FOR GENERAL WELFARE.”

In Madison’s day, there was an issue of the government paying fishermen to fish. Today, the federal government pays farmers not to raise certain crops. This strips away a farmer’s sovereignty to decide what crop will best provide for their family. Shades of communism! Is that not what such a system does, control everything?

The power of Congress has become corrupt. On religion, they have supported removing prayer from schools or forbidding any expression of faith in public buildings. Yet the First Amendment does not forbid the public expression of faith anywhere. The DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, which President Trump has sought to eliminate, has become the catalyst for indoctrinating children with alternative lifestyles and curricula. The states, with direct input from parents, should direct education, not the federal government.

Here in Florida, we see corruption not only at the county and city levels, but at the state level as well. Recently, Governor DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have ended the “Free Kill Law” which protects physicians and the insurance industry from malpractice lawsuits. He also vetoed a bill that would have provided a mere $150,000 for the operation of the Santa Rosa Veterans Treatment Court. In the world of appropriations, this is miniscule. As Chairman of the Constitution Party of Florida, I wrote a letter condemning his action and calling him a traitor to all Florida veterans (of which I am one).

The Constitution Party of Florida is working to educate citizens and run candidates primarily for county offices, where real power lies. Any member who desires to serve in office must have a high level of personal integrity, something sorely lacking in Florida politics today. It falls on us to plant and practice this vital characteristic, showing the people something they have not seen in a long time.

As Constitution Day approaches, if you do not already have a pocket Constitution, your congressional representative may provide them free of charge, or you can download one online. Wherever you go, declare what you stand for. And if you run and win, never forget: YOU ALWAYS DO THE WILL OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS.

In Liberty and Freedom,
Mark Phillips, Chairman
Constitution Party of Florida
chairman@constitutionpartyfl.com

Contribute today

As individuals who value integrity, liberty, and prosperity in governance, we invite you to take a stand for principles over politics by supporting the Constitution Party of Florida. Every donation, no matter the amount, enables us to advocate for a future guided by unwavering principles. Take action now by visiting our Donor Box link and make a meaningful impact today. Thank you for standing with us!

“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” – Benjamin Franklin