Why can't the left support "states' rights"? (legal, racist, marijuana)

[Mouldy Old Schmo]

Why can't the issue of "state's rights" be co-opted by the left? For example, couldn't the legalization of marijuana in Colorado be an example of it?

[FatBob96]

The very phrase is fighting words to the Left, the entire concept runs contrary to their core philosophy.

[jmqueen]

I'd love to, but the racist history of "state's rights" warns me that it would be taken to some very ugly extremes by certain portions of our country.

Also, the idea the masses of people could just up and move to states they like is so silly and impractical, it boggles the mind.

[Grsz11]

Why doesn't the right support states rights when it comes to things like gay marriage? Instead they favor a federal law.

[jmqueen]

Originally Posted by Grsz11

Why doesn't the right support states rights when it comes to things like gay marriage? Instead they favor a federal law.

^^^ Yep. Rep to you.

[swagger]

Originally Posted by jmqueen

Also, the idea the masses of people could just up and move to states they like is so silly and impractical, it boggles the mind.

I did. Brought five other people with me, too. We're going to do it again in a couple of years.

People move between states all the time, for tons of different reasons. Not sure how the heck you came up with the above statement.

[Chimuelojones]

Originally Posted by Mouldy Old Schmo

Why can't the issue of "state's rights" be co-opted by the left? For example, couldn't the legalization of marijuana in Colorado be an example of it?

Exactly. State's right to do what? I don't smoke pot, and I choose not to do so. My rights are not being violated if some wishes to smoke pot.

It is when a state tries to limit rights in favor of one group over another, that is when constitutional questions arise.

When a state through legislation tries to circumvent the US Constitution, then constitutional questions arise.

When a state tries to recind rights held by it's constutients, then constitutional questions arise.

When State's tries to write state legislation that conflicts with the federal government statutes or provisions, constitutional questions arise.

[Mason3000]

Originally Posted by Grsz11

Why doesn't the right support states rights when it comes to things like gay marriage? Instead they favor a federal law.

I agree with you on the hypocrisy of the right here, but that's still just an excuse. It's like me telling my daughter to brush her teeth & her responding "But my brother didn't brush his teeth". Now you both have disgusting teeth. Enjoy your big moral victory.

[skeeter31]

Originally Posted by Grsz11

Why doesn't the right support states rights when it comes to things like gay marriage? Instead they favor a federal law.

I do support states' rights when it comes to gay marriage. The least thing I'd want is a federal law outlawing gay marriage. It's not a constitutional issue. It's a state issue. If EVERY, single state wanted to pass gay marriage, and all did it on their own, I'd have absolutely no problem with it.

[Mason3000]

Originally Posted by Mouldy Old Schmo

Why can't the issue of "state's rights" be co-opted by the left? For example, couldn't the legalization of marijuana in Colorado be an example of it?

The concept of freedom by states or individuals is contrary to the progressive philosophy of centralized power/control of a small group of elites/corporations. I don't say this to be inflammatory, it is exactly what they believe in.