CONSTITUTIONAL GOVERNMENT

The establishment of a new Constitution must be among the first considerations of a new state. A Constitution which recognizes that the power of the State rests in the people and that the State has only those powers delegated to it by the people.

The Magna Charta of 1215 limited the government only by those provisions stated in the document. All other powers still resided in the King. The American Constitution turned this notion on its head. The people retained all powers not delegated to the government. Now the present Illinois Constitution has again reversed the concept and restored all power to the government except those it "gives" to the people.

The Constitution of the new State must rectify this situation. It must be written in clear, concise, and unambiguous terms that all rights and obligation rest with the people and are then delegated to the government. The government has only those power delegated to it and not more.

SOVEREIGNTY

The creation of a compelling vision of the future is the beginning of the path to sovereignty. Societies will move toward sovereignty when they begin to have a sense of independent identity, purpose, and self-confidence. When the impulse to self-reliance finds expression in an individual, society, or community, it will clothe itself in a newly acquired self-identity and awaken a will to transform current conditions into a long-term prosperity.

Individual and family effort is the essential ingredient in building a prosperous, productive society. The role of government is to maintain an environment in which such effort may thrive. Great civilizations are created when individuals nurture family interests while addressing the needs of society through involvement in religion, politics, education, and the arts.

The most significant contributions occur when such efforts follow a conscious and structured approach. Sovereignty is the result of a conscious decision that must be conceived, planned, and executed over time.

Individuals, communities, and societies which lack the desire and courage to define and control their own destiny will be absorbed and dominated by other more energetic societies. Societies, as well as individuals, must assert control over their own destinies or they will be controlled by others. The impulse toward self-assertion is most strongly manifested when competition exists. Adverse conditions bring out either the will to strive and assert one’s dominion over circumstances.

The oppressive political and economic environment in which Southern Illinois now finds itself can produce either the will to assert ourselves and take control of our own destiny; or we can continue to be subservient to the Chicago/Springfield political system and live as second class citizens.

ITS TIME FOR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS STATEHOOD!

What others have to say about Southern Illinois Statehood.

http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2009/01/30/opinion/letters/doc49828688664dd195569042.txt