Liberty Maven

Politicians these days need to feel like they’re always “doing something” in order to justify their existence.  New bills are introduced every day.  Point in fact, no less than 21 bills were introduced yesterday.  So, what kinds of things are our esteemed representatives working on these days?  Here are some of the bills introduced just yesterday:

• HR1244 – To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Tiger Woods, in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship, and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people.
• HR1243 – To provide for the award of a gold medal on behalf of Congress to Arnold Palmer in recognition of his service to the Nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf.
• SR61 – A resolution commending the Columbus Crew Major League Soccer Team for winning the 2008 Major League Soccer Cup.
• HR201 – Recognizing Beverly Eckert’s service to the Nation and particularly to the survivors and families of the September 11, 2001, attacks.
• HJR26 – Proclaiming Casimir Pulaski to be an honorary citizen of the United States posthumously.
• HR1246 – To amend the Public Health Service Act regarding early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing loss.
• HR1247 – To protect the interests of bona fide tenants in the case of any foreclosure on any dwelling or residential real property, and for other purposes.
• SR60 – A resolution commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungary, and the Republic of Poland as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
• HR1252 – Provides special immigratory status for Wahab Munir and Hunain Munir, cricket players from Bangladesh.

While most of the bills introduced never make it to a full vote, time and money are being spent on these items.  It could certainly be argued that some of these items are worthwhile causes, but how can they be considered legitimate functions of the federal government?  Since the Constitution of the United States specifically enumerates the powers of the federal government and leaves everything else up to the discretion of the states, these items are clearly not legal (opposing findings of the Supreme Court notwithstanding, since the Constitution is the “Supreme Law of the Land”, not the Supreme Court).  Yet, they’re spending your money on it.  Have you contacted your representatives lately?