By John Citizen
“Don’t mess with Texas?”
Gov. Perry of Texas has just signed into law the “State Sovereignty Act”. This act which passed overwhelmingly in both chambers of the Texas Legislature, and expects no problems with the Texas Supreme court; has essentially severed several ties with the federal government.
Under the new act Texas will no longer accept federal funding for any programs which do not directly affect interstate commerce.
Excerpt: “…any transportation or building projects which fall exclusively within the boundaries of Texas will no longer be eligible for federal funding, nor will they be subject to federal inspection, restrictions, codes, regulations, taxes etc. Only those structures which are owned by the federal government will be subject to such restrictions as the federal government might deem appropriate. Furthermore, the State will accept no federal funding, nor enforce any federal regulations concerning education, healthcare, licensing, or any other form of commerce or activity which is not expressly relegated to the federal government.
But, the act goes much further than this. Texas will no longer allow federal agents to collect taxes from citizens of Texas past those percentages which are utilized for National Defense (DOD, CIA), Select Federal Law Enforcement Agencies (FBI, Secret Service, US Marshals) and Foreign Affairs (DOS). In addition to withholding such taxes, the State will not permit the federal government to tax citizens utilizing a progressive or graduated tax system. The Federal Government has been given the option of imposing a 5% sales tax or a 10% flat tax within Texas borders, in order to cover federal expenditures.
Gov. Perry was quoted, “It’s a sad day where patriotic Americans must pass such acts in order to remind the federal government of its appropriate place in our Republic. Never the less the citizens of Texas have spoken, as free men and women, as Texans and as patriotic and loyal Americans. The citizens have no desire to see the dissolution of or union, only a return to those founding principles which understood and respected the boundaries that our fore fathers put in place.”
President Obama warned Gov. Perry, “…just as one of our greatest president fought to ensure both liberty for all as well as the preservation of our Union, I too will look to President Lincoln’s example when deciding upon the best course of action in dealing with those who would threaten our national harmony and unifying values.”
Although President Obama has been silent as to whether or not he would use federal agents to enforce policy; he has not denied considering the option. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke has already suggested that if Texas implements the act they would be subject to the same requirements as foreign nations conducting trade with the US. This would result in searches of any and all products originating in Texas by federal agents. The EPA’s Lisa Jackson, has made similar statements in reference toward Texas industry and commerce.
The people of Texas will vote on a State wide referendum later this year. Although State law does not require such a referendum, both houses of the legislature called for the special vote in order to determine popular support for the act.
Right now most of the country is waiting and watching this historic event, uneasy about the far reaching implications this could have for our nation.
(This report is a work of fiction)
3- Future Report News Agency
“I guess they mean it!”
With 97% of precincts reporting it appears that the “State Sovereignty Act” which was passed by the Texas State legislature and signed into law by Gov. Perry, has received overwhelming support from Texans. The current tally rests at 61% approve with 38% oppose and 1% yet to be counted from the suburban areas of Austin and Huston.
This referendum was the final test that the “Sovereignty Act” had to pass, and it appears to have done so with relative ease. Possibly owing to the wide spread in the official tally, various civil rights groups have already begun filing lawsuits claiming voting irregularities.
The heads of the ACLU and ACORN have filed complaints with the Texas Secretary of State’s office. Their official statement reads
“The ACLU and ACORN are very concerned with several alleged attempts by both individuals and in some cases state officials in preventing or discouraging select voting blocs from exercising their voting rights during this referendum. Needless to say we have filed an official complaint with the Texas Secretary of State and will do everything within the power of the law to ensure that every citizen of Texas has their vote counted; and to ensure honest voting practices are enforced. The voters of Texas cannot afford for such an important vote to be tainted with misconduct and the ACLU and ACORN will ensure that the people are heard.”
The Secretary of State issued a short comment ensuring that Texas election laws were adhered to, but that in the interest of transparency, a thorough investigation would be conducted into the alleged abuses by various state and private agencies.
Gov. Perry who has supported the bill since its initial proposal joined prominent law makers in congratulating the citizens of Texas for taking a stand for the Constitution of the United States and Texas.
President Obama will be giving a formal address to congress where he plans to lay out a “Plan of Reunification and Fidelity” to lawmakers. The President has stated that while the referendum in Texas appears to be conclusive, the administration is holding out hope that investigations into election irregularities in Texas will prove that the initiative does not have as wide spread support as initial voting tallies indicate.
(This report is a work of fiction)