Would Congress attempt to use any and all means to prevent a conventon? Absolutely! This is why Judge Napolitano pointed out how critical the wording was for those state petitions. However, once the two-thirds threshold has been met, Congress must call a convention, and this was reinforced by a number of old Supreme Court decisions.
As far as the states doing it on their own, Article V forbids it. Congress must call the convention for it to be valid. Further, when the convention finishes its work, should the convention produce one or more amendments, Congress must decide whether the states should ratify by the Legislaive Option or the Ratifying Convention Option. This has also been reinforced by some old Supreme Court decisions.
The biggest and most serious threat in your post is that Congress will try to weasel out of doing its job in calling the convention. I know it will, because it's about power, not about Democrats or Republicans. But that's where Judge Napolitano's warning comes in -- the states must coordinate to dot all the i's and cross all the t's.
Appreciate your prompt reply.
Next question: what are we waiting for? What a wonderful project for the boundless enthusiasm of the Tea Party movement, to start organizing to pressure the states to do what needs to be done.
Thank you both for your work on this thread. The subject is becoming more timely each day.
Once again, Americans will be called to go forward in a firm and steady manner, as they have historically in the face of challenges to their nation.
To quote Clausewitz:
“ strength of character does not consist solely in having powerful feelings, but in maintaining one’s balance in spite of them.”