The Solution For America
“The American people get it.” He said smiling, “high taxes only hurt the economy.” I stood in the lounge of Murphy’s Pub at the conclusion of CPAC, my mormon mock-tail in hand, discussing the future of our nation with Les Phillip, a friendly but confident candidate for Alabama’s fifth district. As we talked, I began to realize that this man was not the average political candidate. “What about the income tax?” I asked. Mr. Phillip smiled, and leaned in close. “What we need to do,” he said, a hint of excitement in his voice, “is repeal both the 16th and 17th amendments. By so doing, we will resurrect one of the most important check’s on the federal government’s power, and help to de-regulate the failed social programs of the last 100 years.” Les’s proposal is not only sound, but it is also, perhaps, the solution to the economic crisis now facing America.
There exists a disconnect between congress and the states that they purport to represent. As originally provided for by the Constitution, senators were appointed by their respective state legislatures, rather than the population at large. Federal taxes were collected not from individual citizens, but from the state governments in accordance with their respective population. As can be imagined, the state governments, having a vested interest in keeping as much of their tax revenue as possible, did all they could to restrain and check the federal government’s ability to spend. All that changed with the passage of the 16th and 17th amendment, and it wasn’t long before the federal government began to increase its power in ways never before dreamed of.
As suggested by Mr. Phillip, a repeal of the 16th and 17th amendment would resurrect one of the most important checks on the federal government’s ability to spend. It would restore the lost connection between the state governments and congress, thereby assuring a more transparent, efficient, and respectable federal government, and above all, provide the solution for America.
It is encouraging to see that some national focus is being put on Alabama’s 5th District Congressional Race. The GOP is playing dirty tricks here by backing ex-Dem, Parker Griffith. Just a few months ago, he was a dirty low-down Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi-supporting castoff. Now he is good enough for the GOP. Please, don’t insult us.
And, one candidate, Morris, “Mo” J. Brooks, who has spent his life in mostly local politics (he did have an 8 year stint in the Alabama statehouse – 20 years ago), serves as Madison County Commissioner and is also in the GOP’s pocket. However, he has a fanatical base of supporters who, despite the fact that he isn’t a person who stands for Christian values, will support him over a true conservative candidate as Les Phillip.
Phillip has a compelling, inspiring life story. He came to America as a young boy from Trinidad-Tobago and became a citizen (legally, I might add). He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and earned his wings, fought for our country and has been a successful and respected businessman since that time. He’s only 48 years old.
Phillip should be the candidate that the local Tea Party (Huntsville) supports but they’ve climbed into bed with Mo Brooks. I guess it’s that idea that they don’t want to vote for someone who could lose. What makes them think Les Phillip could lose? I see the DNC jumping up and down about Mo Brooks which indicates that they are very excited at the opportunity to run against AND BEAT him. This will guarantee another Democratic seat in Congress. When we could have a staunch, Constitutional Conservative in Les Phillip representing us.
What a shame that the same ole politics that got us into the jam we’re in today as a nation are going to assure that Alabama, and specifically the 5th District of Alabama stay in the 1960′s.
It is my hope that someone will pick up the story of Les Phillip and give him the national attention he so desperately needs and the people of Northern Alabama need in order to exorcise Mo Brooks from the political scene once and for all.
If we truly care about the Constitution, integrity and character and one who will stand up for America, there’s only one choice and that is Les Phillip.
great writing. I like Mr. Phillip’s solution