GOP Agenda Conflicting With States' Rights

[jefferson_dem]

Republicans Finding Agenda Conflicts With States' Rights Principles
By JIM ABRAMS

The Associated Press

Mar. 31, 2005 - Republicans who swear by the principle of states' rights are having to make some exceptions when it comes to saving Terri Schiavo, or reining in trial lawyers, protecting the sanctity of marriage and advancing the party's other priorities.

Capping medical malpractice payouts, putting in place President Bush's centerpiece education law and modernizing the election system also are among the GOP goals that, critics say, expand federal powers at the expense of states' rights.

"Our members have raised the alarm" about the tendency of Washington to pre-empt state laws, said Susan Parnas Frederick, who heads the law and criminal justice committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures.

"We obviously feel that there are times when national actions are necessary," she said. But recently, she said, "everything comes down from the federal government whether we like it or not."

<SNIP>

"Republicans today are as guilty, almost, as the Democrats were over their long reign in power," said Roger Pilon, director of the Center for Constitutional Studies at the Cato Institute, a group that advocates limited government and individual rights. "Now that they find themselves in power they are not at all reluctant to use government for the ends they favor."

<SNIP>

http://abcnews.go.com/US/print?id=628201

[shoelace414]

1. This is what happens when you win elections on empty rhetoric

[BlueEyedSon]

2. Oh yeah that just started this month. HELLOOOO????

[rodeodance]

3. the slumbering media awakes for a moment or two.

[jefferson_dem]

4. Really. Like..."duh"...

A major "lightbulb" moment for the mainstream media - - :think:

Now...they drift back into the slumber...