A grand distraction by state lawmakers (The Progressive argument begins)

Nogales International. ^ | 12/6/13 | By the Sierra Vista Herald

[Jane Long]

Glenn Beck has been talking about a Convention of States, for two days now, as our last chance to save our country from the far left tyranny/take over. He’s touting Mark Levin’s book/concept, as a guideline. Here are links to the segments.

http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/12/05/glenn-its-time-for-a-reboot/

http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/12/04/is-a-constitutional-convention-just-around-the-corner-south-carolina-virginia-call-for-a-convention-of-states/

[Baynative]

Thank you for the ping. If anyone is keeping a ping list to follow up on the Article V effort, I'd l;ike to be included.

THIS DESERVES REPEATING:

"With Article V we can go around the institutions locked down by the Left. If you haven't, take a few minutes to contact your state rep/senator to express your support. Find out if your state assigned someone to attend tomorrow's Mount Vernon Assembly. Isn't it the very least every freeper can do?"

PLEEEEEZE, folks - get up and get busy! Don't let this chance to stand up against the progressive movement in America. This may be our only last hope.

[RKBA Democrat]

3/4 of states would need to ratify anything that came out of a convention. Said another way that means that 1/4 of the states can scuttle it. 13 states are all that are needed to make sure it goes nowhere.

Try these states on for size:
Hawaii
NY
Rhode Island
Washington
Connecticut
Delaware
Vermont
Oregon
Massachusetts
New Jersey
California
Maryland

There’s 12 states. All blue as can be. Add one more. I don’t know, Maine or New Hampshire or Michigan, or Ohio, or.... and there is the end of any change to the Constitution.

Are the folks who want to do this really thinking that the states listed are going to buy off on any meaningful reduction in the government’s power? Really?

Changing the Constitution is a nice fantasy and sells books, but the chances of it coming to fruition are nil.

[Jacquerie]

Thanks. I watched both of your clips. Its good to see Levin and Beck on the same page.

[Jacquerie]

Okay, by your logic there is no harm in calling a convention.

Lead, follow, or get lost.

[justiceseeker93]

You never know which states might change in political outlook somewhere down the road. Some of the "blue" states you listed were at one time pretty much conservative and Republican. On the other side of the coin, some southern states now "red," were once one party Democrat states.

Agree that most, if not all, of the constitutional amendments that may be up for consideration would not get through 38 state legislatures now. But planting the seed is only a first step. Remember that just about all successful political movements (for issues, candidates, or even parties) in the history of the country were not successful on the first try. These movements had to take time to plant their ideas in the public's collective minds before they achieved their goals.

[RKBA Democrat]

You make an excellent point. Its rare that anything in politics gets through the first time. Building consensus takes time and effort.

I stand corrected. I don’t pretend to be a fan of the strategy, but it isnt going to hurt anything by giving it a shot.

[Nuc 1.1]

Hi my friend. I love the power of their arguments at the D. Kos. Our response to the shrill deciet the left is sure to mount is the CC is about restoring limited government and maintaining great individual freedom while insisting upon personnel responsibility. Simple as that. Loved their comment about the “general welfare clause” what nonsense.

[Nuc 1.1]

If we try and fail then we will have tried. With a clear conscience we will be able to fight for our freedom. Just as humans have done since humans have been in the world. See ya then.

[Jacquerie]

The Left will hammer us for being opposed to democracy.

Probably since our nation was sent to war to make the world safe for democracy, generations of Americans have been fed the dangerous notion that majority rule is the end purpose of government.

We cannot allow the Left to determine the field of battle, to set the terms of debate. We must resort to first principles, that the object of government as discovered by the philosophers of the Enlightenment, is to secure our God given rights.

Democratic institutions are necessary, but alone are destructive, for they inevitably lead to tyranny. Philosophers from Aristotle onward wrote of this, and our constitution was designed to cure the ills inherent in democratic republics.

The failures of progressivism surround us and are evident to all. As Obama tightens down on freedom, I believe more and more Americans will come around to the realization that something MUST be done.

[infool7]

Can those states scuttle anything if they choose not to participate? My home state of IL seems to have its hands over its ears yelling maw, maw, maw, I can’t hear you, when it comes to ArticleV.

[RKBA Democrat]

“Can those states scuttle anything if they choose not to participate?”

In my opinion, yes. The ratification requirement needs active participation. If 13 or more states refuse to even take up the issue of ratification, it’s the end. That’s a lot of the reason why I’m not fond of the con con strategy in it’s various forms. I just don’t see 3/4 of the states ever agreeing on anything that fundamentally reduces the scope of government, given that at least a fourth are socialist paradises.

However, I would note that the strategy isn’t harmful. And things do change. There is value in getting the ideas talked about.

[Baynative]

It's been pointed out that you can tell you're on track by the vociferousness of the opposition. Jacquerie posted this from the Kos illustrating that fact.

The Article V movement is the real deal and it could very well be America's last stand. On Friday, Marc Levin's guest from MI said there were going to be 35 states there with bi-partisan representation. The first meeting has been held and I am hoping for some positive news.

We need an Article V ping list and a direct link for following this effort, communicating with others and giving support to participants. I'll help however I can.

[vg0va3]

For your concern to become reality you need 34 states to agree on exactly the same language that eliminates the 2nd amendment. Do you believe that could happen?

[vg0va3]

The problem is it is broken (IMO).

The greatest action to restore state authority is the repealing on the 17th amendment. If the Senate was made to recognize the states again you would eliminate people like McCain et al.

However, a compact needs to be established that allows states to have a process for executing Amendments bringing the federal government back under the control of the people and states.

[Nuc 1.1]

Very, VERY, well said.

[Nuc 1.1]

Well said. I agree that it will be a very rare chance to correct some if not all of the left’s attack on our freedoms. I fear the COS will not go far enough. I fear the COS will fail to completely reign in the tyranny and will allow avenues to exist that should be closed. Some of these are, the income tax, transfer payments, ability to write tax law, property tax, and the unelected burocracy. There is much beyond Marks’s Liberty Amendments to do. I will support the COS and all rational and useful amendments that it proposes. And yes I realize the problem lies not in our current constitution rather it lies in the corruption of our people. Merry Christmas FReeper.

[TEXOKIE]

Thanks for the ping, Baynative! Note to whoever takes up the mantle: I would like to be on such a ping list.

[Baynative]

help, I missed the definition of ‘COS’ as you are using it.

[C210N]

COS is the acronym for the Article V, Convention of States from which to propose Constitutional amendments in a way that bypasses Congress.