Jim DeMint’s Phony Federalism

Sen. Jim DeMint on federalism (May 2, 2009):

We can argue about how to rein in the federal Leviathan; but we should agree that centralized government infringes on individual liberty and that problems are best solved by the people or the government closest to them.
…
Freedom Republicanism is about choice — in education, health care, energy and more. It’s OK if those choices look different in South Carolina, Maine and California.

Sen. Jim DeMint on federalism (December 14, 2009):

“Marriage is a religious institution. The federal government has no business redefining what it is,” DeMint says. This is one issue where he doesn’t support states’ rights; state government shouldn’t have the right to permit gay marriage: “Governments should not be in the business of promoting a behavior that’s proven to be destructive to our society.”

DeMint’s ideas about federalism are schizophrenic at best.

In the first quote, DeMint takes a principled stance on limiting the role of the federal government.  In the second, he advocates a values-dependent brand of state sovereignty, a system of government in which powers not delegated to the United States are reserved to red states. At least if gay marriage is involved.

Note to Jim DeMint:  The road to hypocrisy is paved with fair weather federalism.

Published by Jenn Q. Public on December 16, 2009 at 2:11 am

Filed Under Big Tent, Conservatism, Gay Issues, Jim DeMint

Comments

4 Responses to “Jim DeMint’s Phony Federalism”

  1. Tracy Coyle on December 16th, 2009 10:35 pm

    I talk to “C”onservatives all the time that shout from the rooftops their commitment to Federalism and individual rights….right up until an individual decides to marry someone of the same sex..then Federalism and individual rights are secondary to the STATE, to SOCIETY, to the Majority.

    Drives me crazy they don’t see the problem….

  2. Jenn Q. Public on December 16th, 2009 11:16 pm

    I don’t demand ideological purity, but a little consistency would be nice. Situational federalism just doesn’t cut it.

  3. Justin Mckay on February 20th, 2011 5:27 pm

    Demint’s voting record speaks for itself. He is a big government Republican hack.

  4. Despite Professing Love For States’ Rights, Perry Endorses National Anti-Labor Bill | Greediocracy on September 29th, 2011 1:16 pm

    […] while not offering it any financial support). The bill that Perry supports — proposed by another faux states’ rights supporter, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) — would overrule those states that have decided not to become “right to […]

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