Topic: 10th Amendment

The philosophical foundations of American liberty are discussed, emphasizing the idea that rights are endowed by a creator rather than granted by the state. The Constitution is framed as a document that forbids government interference in these inherent rights. The 10th Amendment is highlighted for its unique "double-dipping" presence in both the main body and the Bill of Rights to protect states' rights.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinded the Obama-era "Cole Memo," which discouraged federal prosecutors from intervening in states where marijuana is legal. The move allows U.S. attorneys to enforce federal law regardless of state legalization. The hosts criticize Sessions for violating 10th Amendment principles of states' rights and speculate on the political fallout in states like California.

Washington State is utilizing the legal doctrine of Parens Patriae to establish standing, claiming the state must protect citizens and institutions like the University of Washington. This strategy effectively uses 10th Amendment states' rights arguments to oppose federal policy. Critics suggest that loose talk from administration associates like Giuliani is "sinking ships" in the courtroom.

Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin gained national attention for a 2013 letter sent to Vice President Joe Biden stating he would not enforce unconstitutional federal gun regulations. During recent interviews, Hanlin has attempted to keep the focus on the investigation rather than the political debate over firearm legislation.

The rise of "Tentherism"—a movement emphasizing the 10th Amendment—has led to a focus on the legal authority of elected sheriffs versus federal agents. Critics associate this movement with the Oath Keepers, alleging that these law enforcement officers hold paranoid views about federal overreach and disarmament.

The hosts discuss the upcoming Supreme Court decision on gay marriage, framing it as a potential conflict between the 14th Amendment and the 10th Amendment's protection of states' rights. They explore the "interstate commerce" argument, suggesting that the federal government may intervene because marriage rights affect citizens moving between states. The conversation touches on how the "gay agenda" might be used as a vehicle to further erode state sovereignty.

A discussion with a constitutional lawyer reveals the complexities of federal versus state law regarding EPA permits for power plants in El Paso. The hosts argue that the federal government's reluctance to enforce marijuana laws in states like Colorado stems from a fear of a 10th Amendment challenge at the Supreme Court. They use the example of the 18th Amendment (Prohibition) to argue that the federal government historically required constitutional changes to ban substances, a standard they now bypass through simple federal law.

A listener's email regarding the supremacy of federal law over state law triggers a debate on the 10th Amendment. The hosts mock the listener's request for "ammo" to use in an argument with his wife, a law student, and reiterate their stance on state sovereignty, particularly regarding marijuana legalization in Colorado.

A segment from MSNBC is criticized for referring to "states' rights" as a "legal technicality" in the context of the DOMA debate. The hosts argue that this framing is a form of media programming designed to diminish the importance of the 10th Amendment. They contend that the federal government's involvement in marriage definitions is a secondary issue to the constitutional authority of individual states.

The hosts examine the conflict between federal law and the legalization of marijuana in Washington and Colorado. They discuss a letter from members of Congress urging the DOJ to respect state laws. John C. Dvorak emphasizes the importance of the 10th Amendment and argues that federal overreach is undermining the constitutional balance of power.

George Stephanopoulos questioned Mitt Romney on whether states have the right to ban contraception, a move the hosts view as a "rigged" attempt to discredit Romney. Ron Paul intervened by citing the 10th Amendment, which the hosts interpret as a subtle win for Paul's constitutionalist platform. The segment highlights the perceived bias of ABC News due to Stephanopoulos's ties to the Clinton administration.

Gold prices have reached $1,430 per ounce, leading several U.S. states to consider alternate currencies. Tennessee is following Virginia and South Carolina in exploring gold and silver-backed currencies to protect against potential U.S. dollar hyperinflation. The hosts debate the practicality of these moves, with one suggesting lead might be a more stable base for currency.

The hosts feature clips from author Thomas Woods regarding his book, "Nullification: How to Resist Federal Tyranny in the 21st Century." Woods argues that the Tenth Amendment allows states to nullify federal laws that are not specifically authorized by the Constitution, citing historical precedents involving the Fugitive Slave Acts and the American Revolution.

A comparison is drawn between the erosion of states' rights in the U.S. and the historical dismantling of the German federal system by Adolf Hitler to consolidate power. The hosts express concern that liberal members of the Supreme Court view the Tenth Amendment as an obsolete "joke," further enabling centralized authority.

Texas gubernatorial candidate Deborah Medina faced intense scrutiny from Glenn Beck regarding her views on 9/11 truth, leading to a backlash from Tea Party supporters. Sarah Palin's endorsement of incumbent Rick Perry is criticized as a political "quid pro quo" against the grassroots Medina campaign. The discussion touches on Texas's potential for secession and the legal weight of the 10th Amendment.

The financial crisis in Kansas, including suspended tax refunds, leads to a discussion on the 10th Amendment and state sovereignty. The conflict between federal law and state-legal medical marijuana in California is highlighted, with criticism directed at President Obama for not using executive orders to stop federal raids as promised.