Independent patriot movement gains momentum in central Florida

The Gadsden Flag

Political thought independent of the Democrat and Republican parties is growing exponentially throughout Orange County and across central Florida. Thousands of central Floridians are joining this “patriot movement” as a result of widespread uneasiness with the ever-increasing size, scope and intrusiveness of the Federal Government over the last several years. Floridians are arming themselves with information and demanding that their voices be heard.

This growing concern over the increasing threats to individual liberty is manifesting itself in citizen patriots putting into action their belief in the founding principles of our republic. Floridians of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life are rejecting the mainstream political duopoly of the Democrat and Republican parties and are joining together to from a rapidly growing movement spreading the message of liberty and restricted government authority. This movement that began sweeping the country to protest the Bush-Paulson “bankster” bailout is gaining in momentum here in central Florida, and is making its effect felt on political events in Orange County and Orlando.

A Tea Party protest sponsored by Floridians Unite held at Lake Eola Park on August 22 saw almost 3,000 people in attendance, including many young families concerned about their children’s future over the current financial mess and government encroachment on individual rights begun under Bush and exacerbated by the Obama Administration. Earlier in the week, large numbers of constituents opposing “Obamacare” descended on a “town hall” meeting held by U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Winter Park) only to be shut out as the event was stacked with union thugs and non-constituents sent on orders from Obama’s Organizing for America. U.S. Rep Suzanne Kosmas, (D-New Smyrna) outright refused to meet her 24th District constituents in person, opting instead for a “telephone town hall.”

In Orange County and Orlando, increasing numbers of people are embracing the principles of Classical Liberalism, and numerous “meetup” internet groups have been created or expanded as more and more concerned citizens across the region seek a way to get involved and fight the status quo that is now threatening individual liberty from the local, state and national level.

But what is perhaps the greatest reflection of the influence of this independent-minded movement thus far has been the introduction of H.B. 19 and H.B. 21 in Tallahassee. H.B. 19, “Limiting the Scope and Exercise of Federal Power” asserts Florida sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution; and H.B 21, Florida Firearms Act is also intended to challenge Federal claims to authority over intra-state commerce through exempting by law any firearms, ammunition or components that are manufactured in and never leave Florida from Federal regulations. The recent introduction of these bills puts Florida in the company of thirty-five other states asserting their legitimate status as sovereign entities that allow the Federal Government to exist by consent as opposed to being a mere branch of the Federal Government to be ruled by bureaucrats and administrators from Washington.

The introduction of H.B. 19 and 21 is encouraging for the patriot movement in Florida, for without the support of engaged citizens, they would likely not have come to be. Yet their ultimate passage will require continued support from the people pressuring their representatives and those who will ultimately control their fate. One may expect opposition to these bills from RINO Governor Charlie Crist, who would rather be a member of the U.S. Senate and who has gained notoriety for his shameless begging for Federal dollars. Also questionable is the stance of the soon to be House Speaker in Tallahassee, Rep. Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park), who claims “conservative” credentials, yet whose name is conspicuously absent as a co-sponsor of either bill.

The final paragraphs of H.B. 19 read thus:

Be It Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida: That the Legislature claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the Federal Government by the Constitution of the United States.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this memorial serves as a notice and a demand to the Federal Government, as our agent, to cease and desist, effective immediately, from issuing mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.

Those in elected office both in Washington and Tallahassee should take heed, and those uncommitted must choose their side. The people can see that their liberty is being threatened, and they will do what they must to preserve it. Those in Washington are not listening to the people of their states. One suspects that they will hear loud and clear come November 2010.