• I_Jedi@lemmy.today
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    4 hours ago

    Easy. States that disapprove of unconstitutional laws and EOs can declare that they’re null and void in their states.

    Don’t think that the states are completely powerless against whoever occupies the office of President. They’ve nullified laws before, they can do it again.

    • wonderingwanderer@sopuli.xyz
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      3 hours ago

      States have their own legislatures. What you’re proposing is up to them. Federal legislators don’t have anything to do with state policy, they can only enact federal policy

      • I_Jedi@lemmy.today
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        3 hours ago

        Yes, it is indeed up to them. Do you see what I’m getting at here?

        • wonderingwanderer@sopuli.xyz
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          2 hours ago

          Are you suggesting defederation? I view that as a last resort. Despite all the threats to electoral integrity, the election hasn’t been stolen yet. There’s still a chance to save this ship.

          New England or the West Coast would be fine after a dissolution of the Union of States, but what about all the disadvantaged people in deep red states? You want to just leave them behind?

          • I_Jedi@lemmy.today
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            2 hours ago

            No, I propose the thing that is less serious than secession, but will probably piss off the federal government: nullification. Basically, the state agrees to stay in the Union, but the state will no longer follow federal laws that they deem unconstitutional.

            Take California, for instance. Suppose they are done with Trump’s shit. The California Supreme Court rules that Trump’s tariffs are unconstitutional, causing the tariffs to be voided in the state. While this is guaranteed to piss off Trump, it is likely that it would restore some faith with America’s allies. It might even give a boost to commerce that goes through California.

            And remember: the exact situation I describe happened before in the US, and it ended peacefully. There were concerns of a civil war, but Congress passed some things to placate the state engaging in nullification. The same could be done today.

            • wonderingwanderer@sopuli.xyz
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              2 hours ago

              I agree that states should nullify as much of this unconstitutional and oppressive federal policy as they’re able. It’ll probably bring retaliation, impounded funds, a swarm of ICEstaffel, and maybe some sham investigations into politicians. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t do it, but be aware of the risks.

              The thing is, the feds aren’t really acting within the confines of the law. They’re not really passing much legislation for the states to nullify. Potus is ruling by decree with unconstitutional executive orders, and the mechanisms of the federal government are just falling in line. All congress has done is pass some funding packages and give tax cuts to billionaires while cutting essential social services.

              States should do what they can, yeah. But the feds aren’t exactly following the law so states need to be willing and able to enforce their countermeasures.