Gov. Herbert on States' Rights

July 2009, New Utah Governor Gary Herbert will stand up for Utah’s State Rights:

Second, let me also affirm that I believe in the appropriate – but limited – role of government. I believe that what government we have ought to be well-run and efficient. As stated by former President Ronald Reagan in his farewell address, “There’s a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.” As Governor, I will lead the charge for government efficiencies in all that we are tasked to do. effective, and costs the taxpayers less money. Let us commit to build “bottom up,” and not “top down.”

Third, I reiterate my commitment to fiscal responsibility. Simply put: don’t spend more than you earn, and live within your means. This is good counsel for all of us, as individuals and government.

Fourth, I believe in self reliance. This pertains to both the individual and the State. As a nation we seem to be drifting from a culture of self reliance. Government entitlement can never substitute for individual responsibility or for the inherent roles of family, neighborhood and community.

Given the current economic climate, it is wise to remember the counsel of Henry Blood when he was sworn in as Governor of Utah in 1933, during the height of the Great Depression. He stated: “The people should demand of government only what they can afford to pay for; and should willingly pay for what they demand.”

I also affirm my support for the principle and importance of state’s rights. We should never forget that we, as a nation of United States, created the federal government, not the other way around. In today’s political environment, it is all too easy to feel an increasing temptation to let Washington take care of us in a variety of ways. We know from experience that a government closest to the people is more responsive, more effective, and costs the taxpayers less money. Let us commit to build “bottom up,” and not “top down.”

Gary Wood is the Educational Advisor for the Utah Tenth Amendment Center. Co-founder of the Heritage Training Center, focused on helping end constitutional illiteracy. With 35 years of devoted study of our Constitution his desire is to help others rediscover the inspiring heritage of the United States. Radio show host, training officer, lifetime member of the VFW and most importantly Grandpa.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 3:58 am. It is filed under Utah News and tagged with 10th, amendment, Constitution, freedom, government, liberty, rights, states, Utah. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.