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In this week’s episode, we’ll tell you about a local government in Oregon pushing back on NDAA indefinite detention. You’ll learn about an important state vote against NDAA here in California. And you’ll hear about one of the biggest lies. Ever. Plus, get some perspective on why each small act against unconstitutional federal “laws†is an extremely important one

Host: Michael Boldin.

Content Production: Mike Maharrey

Have you ever listened to a french horn player practice her music?

Not really very interesting. In fact, a single french horn part can come off sounding pretty monotonous. But when she plays her part with a full symphony orchestra, it weaves into a melodious tapestry of incredible beauty.

And consider this: take the french horn out of the mix and the music is diminished. Something lacking much artistic value in and of itself is integral in context. And if you remove too many parts from the symphony – say you take out the french horns, the bassoons and the second violins – the music quickly loses all coherence.

Every part is important. Each part serves a musical purpose. Each part is necessary.

I look at each event in the nullification movement in the same way. A resolution opposing indefinite detention in a single Oregon County may not seem all that exciting taken alone. But it gives us a little line of music we can build around.

Imagine a silent concert hall. The stage is dark. It’s dead silent except for the occasional cough and the intermittent shuffle of paper. Then a single spotlight illuminates an oboe player, and a lonely melody line begins to swirl around the hall.

That’s your single local resolution.

After a few moments, the sound grows as three violins enter with a sweet counter-melody.

A few more resolutions pass and one city approves a legally binding ordinance.

Violas and french horns enter the mix. The sound swells. Percussion adds rhythmic undertones. A bell chimes.

More local ordinances pass. Then a state lawmaker introduces a bill nullifying at the state level.

By now, the basic musical structure is well established, and each additional part easily falls into place. The music reaches a crescendo, sending chills up the spine!

With a strong grassroots network already in place, and an emphatic message already delivered to the state capital, state level nullification passes! That leads other states to take action – and the process replicates. Soon, you have what Madison described in Federalist 46 – very serious impediments; and were the sentiments of several adjoining States happen to be in Union – obstructions which the federal government will hardly be willing to encounter.

Notice how each step builds on the previous. It all started with that single resolution. It didn’t seem like much at the time, but it was of vital importance. As was each additional step along the way.

Every part is important. Each part serves a purpose. Each part is necessary.

And it can work the other way around, too. Sometimes a state will take the first step, passing a bill to nullify an unconstitutional federal act. But, because it’s the first go at it, it’s not a really strong measure. From there it takes local support to enforce the state action. That’s why we’ve developed a specific Second Amendment and Liberty Preservation ordinances for local efforts to support bills passed on the state level.

Sometimes local efforts are necessary to jumpstart state level nullification.Sometimes they are pushed in support of successful state efforts. And these measures always provide practical protections for people right where they live.

No matter how you look at it, they are vital.

Like the french horn.