Lawmakers, Parental Rights, Who Cares

July 5, 2010

In a recent Star Tribune edition dated June 28, 2010, section A9, an article appeared discussing new laws passed in the 2010 legislative session. One such law, which caught my attention, was the subject of body alterations for minors, specifically tattoos. The new law, taking effect 7/1/2010, further stripped parents of their rights. This law passed by the Democrat Legislature and signed by our Republican governor continues the assumption that government owns "the People," especially our children. It also asserts that government "KNOWS" best how individuals and their God given offspring should think, act, respond, and live life, and that only government can provide proper guidance of conduct, and has supremacy.

The problem with the state government assumption of citizen ownership is in direct conflict with our state constitution. The preamble states: "We the People ... do create this constitution and government..."  The fact is that government is subordinate to and the subject of "The People" in America. Government asks permission and does not give permission to "The People." The
idea that our elected leadership, especially 50-A representative Carolyn Laine, assumes some artificial right of control of our lives and then acts on that arrogant presumption by passing the tattoo ban shows just how elitist our public servants have become. The whole concept of their job description of "public servant" clearly articulates the constitutional fact that "We the People" are the creator and not the created.

Minnesota needs to vote November 2, 2010 and do some house cleaning. Replacing existing elected officials with new constitutional representatives who understand the proper roll of government is vital to our wellbeing and liberty.