After the "late unpleasantness" and the official Reconstruction, our ancestors tried to create strong state constitutions because they feared more federal intrusion. Since those days, there has indeed been a lot more federal intrusion with progressive agendas from both major parties. It seems ironic the Democrats are now more offensive than the Republicans that started down this road generations ago.

I wish Southerners were as strong today as they were in the mid 19th Century. We get so distracted with our high standard of living and all the play pretties. Like frogs sitting in a pot of water on the kitchen stove.