CANYON, TEXAS -- Randall County commissioners quickly decided Tuesday morning to approve a proposal asking Gov. Rick Perry to stand up against Obamacare.
Commissioners are wanting Perry to call a special session of the Texas Legislature invoking the 10th Amendment, which states any powers not given to the federal government are to be given to the individual state governments. Randall County Judge Ernie Houdashell said he and the rest of the commissioners feel healthcare should be state-issued.
"We're asking the governor to stand up and tell the federal government, 'Don't mess with Texas! We're not going to implement it,'" Houdashell stated. "And that's basically what it is. We're going to get this across the state of Texas. It's going to go to to every county judge and every commissioners court and we're going to ask them to do the same."
Houdashell said if this continues, the country will not recognize itself within three or four years.
"In our opinion, it is going to destroy this nation," he said. "It's going to wrap its arms around every citizen. Every citizen will be required to have insurance. If you don't have it by 2014, you can be fined or you can be jailed. This is something that has never really happened in this nation."
Rick Perry's office said he, too, believes Obamacare to be unconstitutional and he will continue to fight against it. Texas is currently part of a lawsuit to overturn federal healthcare along with more than 20 other states. Perry's office said they are hoping the bill will be overturned and they are not anticipating a special session.
However, until it is known for certain, Randall County commissioners will not stop fighting.
"If the 10th Amendment doesn't exist, than neither does the 1st or 2nd Amendment or the rest of them," Houdashell said. "And I for one, as a veteran of this country and an elected official, I'm one to stand up and say, 'Listen, let's find out if we really have a constitution left.'"
