Montana Lawmakers Move to Nullify Unconstitutional Federal Legislation

CAN WE ALL LEARN FROM THE SPIRIT OF THE WEST?

by Sharon Rondeau

(Feb. 9, 2011) — A member of the Montana House of Representatives has introduced a bill which would declare null and void any legislation deemed to be an overreach of the federal government in order to defend the state’s right to sovereignty.

Writer JB Williams announced the move by Montana representative Derek Skees and stated that the proposal is based on one drawn up by the U.S. Patriots Union and Stand Up America.  On January 12, 2011, the USPU declared the launch of “a nationwide initiative to introduce and pass broad-based state nullification legislation in all fifty states.”

Skees represents the fourth district in his state, having been elected on November 2, 2010.  The seat had been  traditionally held by Democrats, and Skees had been a businessman not formerly active in politics.

According to the State of Montana website, the legislation has a sponsor, drafter, and requester.  The schedule indicates that a first draft of the bill was presented to the House Judiciary Committee on January 31, 2011.

Also on February 8, the Montana Senate voted to make the “Code of the West” official state code.  The principles contained in the Code of the West are taken from a book entitled Cowboy Ethics:  What Wall Street Can Learn from the Code of the West by James Owen.  The non-profit Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership features Mr. Owen on its website as well as his other books.

The Code of the West was reportedly “unwritten” and consisted of principles for dealing with others fairly, taking care of one’s family, showing courage and respecting the natural environment.

More information on the Code of the West can be found here.