States' rights has been a loaded term as far back as the 1940s, when it was all too often invoked in the name of segregation.

It's a shame, then, that any argument today in favor of them falls under that ugly shadow.

Be that as it may, I've long argued that states are much more effective at taking care of their residents than the federal government. Sure, there's still plenty of back room politics, bloated spending and extensive bureaucracy, but its on a much smaller scale. Besides, I don't care what level of politicians you're talking about, they're still politicians. And they evoke cynicism — if not outright distrust — no matter how far their reach.