All of us who live outside the Washington Swamp should congratulate 7 of the 9 Supreme Court justices. They told the federal government it could not dictate to the states.

Could the states allow sports gambling was the question. But the true issue was federal arrogance and over-reach.

All of us can disagree if sports gambling should be legal and whether it benefits or destroys families and communities.

All of us who favor the individual liberty our forefathers fought for 242 years ago should agree with the justices’ decision that the Constitution prevents Congress from giving orders to state legislatures.

The major argument against legalizing sports betting is the temptation to corrupt players, shave points and rig games.

We recognize this as a potential problem. But those inclined to rig games for money can do it and often get away with it.

Some revenue from legal betting could pay for enforcement of the law and investigations of possible game rigging.

A similar issue is what we call moneyless mandates. These are orders from state lawmakers passed down to local officials to do something about their constituents’ problems.

State lawmakers take credit for solving the problem but send no money to help pay for the solution. Local officials may wish to solve the problem, too, but how can they do it?

Most government solutions cost money. Doing what’s needed may force local officials to raise taxes or impose new fees.

When lawmakers agreed to pass Home Rule more than 30 years ago, they weren’t ready to give up their control of their counties. They kept control through moneyless mandates.

Few of those lawmakers are around now. The Lexington County delegation is made up of people with more vision.

Like the Supreme Court telling the feds they can’t force their will on state lawmakers, we would like to see state lawmakers apply a similar principle in relations with local officials.

JerryBellune@yahoo.com