While Washington engages in XOXO-diplomacy with countries that sponsor terrorism or interfere in the war on terror, some states are taking a stand against terror by stopping businesses from investing in terror-sponsoring countries. Here in Florida, both chambers of the legislature have passed a bill that Charlie Crist promises to sign that will divest any public funds from companies doing business with terrorist sponsors. Indiana has done the same. California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania also have similar laws and all together will deny terrorism billions of taxpayer dollars that have no business undermining this country’s security.

Compare the states’ actions to the administration’s recent move of providing around $900 million to help rebuild Gaza which is currently controlled by the terrorist organization Hamas. The administration says that it will give the money only to the Palestinian Authority and NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) so that it does not reach Hamas, but how can Hamas not benefit from a $900 million infusion into Gaza?

Then comes Cuba, another country on the list of countries that sponsor terrorism that this administration has enriched through policies easing travel restrictions and allowing more remittances to the communist-controlled island. Add to that Iran, a country that this administration is trying to talk to directly in spite of its terrorist support and nuclear ambitions.

Our federal system that divides powers between the central government and the state governments allows for a more level-headed approach to terror on the state level given that Washington seems to be more interested in playing nice. I am proud that the American system of government decentralizes power in such a way, otherwise every tax dollar from every taxpayer in this country would be used to assist whatever regime that the current office-holders in Washington happen to sympathize with regardless of the implication on national security and/or moral stance. America should not be funding the tyrants or terrorists that are planning to kill Americans. I’m glad that these states agree.

-AG