The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. (Tenth Amendment)
As with many other Americans I have been favored to enjoy life within the United States. The Preamble of our Constitution speaks of tranquility. I have been fortunate to experience a good measure of stability in terms of material provisions, ample doses of of goodwill, and harmonious fields of values that – crazy as it sounds – gives a population of many millions a sense of family.
Sometimes I think when we get involved in the many demands of life we can forget the essential need for trust to undergird everything. Imagine what it would be like in one's day if everything done from eating a sandwich, to flipping on a light switch, to breathing air afflicted one with fear, anxiety, distrust, and dread. As a citizen I rely constantly on goodwill and trust. But I know myself (and others) only too well to fancy that structural disciples and requirements are not necessary to help good people stay honest.
I have friends that can imagine structural assists or requirements having labels pasted on them giving place of origin – federal, state, or local. They don't care much for the "federal" label. Now when I buy a ladder in a store I frankly don't care much about place of origin so much as the ladder's fitness to meet my needs. I hope I am never so weak minded, however, as to fancy a jerryrigged and slipshod stack of boxes is all I need to reach the ceiling.
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