New Health Alliances Formed by States
Some states are taking healthcare into their own hands, forming alliances that could influence federal policies. It’s not just a matter for blue states; red states could also benefit. This reflects a fundamental principle of federalism—the rights of individual states as outlined in the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution.
The Tenth Amendment seems to have been overshadowed for quite a while by a narrative that elevates federal authority. Many prominent thinkers over the past century have suggested that the federal government holds the majority of power and wisdom.
However, this perspective diverges from the views of founding fathers like James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, who championed state power. Unfortunately, much of the historical discussion has buried these foundational beliefs that don’t align with the mainstream narrative.
Today, the federal government’s low popularity means that many citizens are frustrated with how it operates—especially regarding healthcare regulations.
When Joe Biden was in office, there was a wave of support for leaders like Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis, who pushed back against federal directives.
Now, with Trump back in the picture, it seems the political tides are shifting again. In recent reports, there’s been discussion about a coalition forming along the West Coast to counter federal policies. Not long after, Hawaii joined this group.
On September 18, an announcement came together where seven states—including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and others—formulated the Northeast Public Health Collaboration. Their mission is to ensure equitable access to health services, emphasizing scientific data.
Some may interpret this new coalition as a direct challenge to federal health directives, particularly those proposed by figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Currently, 11 out of 19 states that supported Kamala Harris in the last election have allied with either the West or East Coast coalitions. It’s very likely that more blue states, like Illinois and Minnesota, will follow suit.
This raises questions about the potential power of these alliances—can they stand up to federal authorities on health issues? I think there’s a decent chance they can, primarily because federal entities don’t have military forces at their disposal. Additionally, democratic representatives in these states seem to be aligned with the coalition’s objectives.
Smart Republicans might see this as an opening for their own strategy. Recognizing that the GOP won’t always hold sway in Washington, they may start organizing red states to prepare for potential federal overreach in areas like healthcare and social policies.
In the face of these possibilities, it’s essential to maintain civil peace. The hope is that red states, which number around 25, can form protective measures against any aggressive federal moves.
As the saying goes, a good fence makes good neighbors. Currently, blue states are erecting those metaphorical fences, which, while protecting them, could also fortify the boundaries necessary to keep federal intrusions at bay.
This is crucial for maintaining harmony within the country. The aim is to work together to prevent divisions from escalating into something far worse.
