A Beacon of Hope - In Plain Sight
A Beacon of Hope – In Plain Sight
Are you comfortable with the fact that the current US National Debt is approaching $34 TRILLION? Do you like the massive increase in your monthly energy bill as a result of an executive order by the President to shut down the Keystone Pipeline and other actions to end our energy independence as a nation? Did you enjoy all the mandates and restrictions during the COVID days, that were “commanded” instead of simply advised or encouraged? Are you excited that the government will ban gas stoves, water heaters, heating units in order for us to be an “all-electric” nation? Don’t tell the government that electricity is produced from fossil fuels. And, don’t worry that electricity rates are through the roof. Go ahead, run out and purchase that outrageously priced electric vehicle, eventually paying more for electricity than gasoline, and hope you are not charging it during a black-out.
These are just a few of the examples of government overreach which have threatened our freedoms and morality in so many facets of life as we know it – (e.g., education, religion, energy, health, elections, immigration, your privacy, your finances, and capitalism.) Does this overreach seem to be escalating at warp speed in the past decade? Can we do anything to heal our nation, or is it too late?
What are the odds that Congress would pass an amendment that would rein in the fiscal irresponsibility our elected representatives have executed for years regarding reckless spending? What are the odds that Congress would pass an amendment that would limit federal jurisdiction and abuse of power? And, what are the odds that Congress would pass an amendment to impose term limits on themselves (and possibly other federal positions)? Well, the odds are Slim to none, and Slim is currently serving in Congress! So, in other words, we’re doomed – Or are we?
Our Framers of the Constitution were brilliant in their forward-thinking. They, especially George Mason, knew that it was highly likely that sometime in the future, our government would become too big, too powerful, and too corrupt. And that time has arrived. That is why they wisely included Article V of the Constitution, which is a means for We the People to correct government abuse/power at the state level. So, yes, we do have a beacon of hope and it has been here all along right in plain sight.
Article V
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate.
Were you even aware that this option, tool, or choice existed for We the People to utilize a process that actually mirrors what does or should take place in Congress? Why haven’t we exercised this right before? Well, it’s a big, daunting task to meet the requirements therein. Again, our Framers were wise enough to make it difficult to prevent total chaos and mis-use of this process. It simply is an avenue to have citizens/states add an amendment to the Constitution that Congress will never do – because they would risk losing their power.
And for those of you who think that if we ever overcame the hurdles in place and were successful in having an amendment added to our Constitution, we would open up Pandora’s box. Well, here’s a few things to consider. The Constitution isn’t some willy-nilly document that we can mark up, delete portions, and amend it at-will. Think about it, since our Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788, there have been over 11,000 amendments proposed by Congress; but only 27 have actually been ratified. Why? Again, it is a difficult and lengthy process. As an example, Congress finally passed the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972, but it failed to be ratified by the required number of states (38) by three states. The ERA amendment was first introduced in 1923, so it has been over a century of failed effort to have it added to the Constitution. So, you see, Pandora’s box will remain closed.
And for all the other nay-sayers out there concerned that if one political party utilizes this gift from our Founders and is granted a Convention of States under Article V, that the “other side” might exercise this same mechanism. On the surface, that sounds pretty juvenile. In reality, this Convention of States under Article V resolution is for all citizens, as is the entire Constitution. It doesn’t matter if a proposed amendment is deemed liberal or conservative, it has to successfully go through an arduous process:
· Citizens of a state request (through petition) for their state legislators to sponsor and support the Convention of States Resolution (COS). Here's a link to begin that process. (Scroll down to find your state.)
· The COS Resolution must pass both chambers of the state legislature to proceed.
· It requires 34 states to complete these first two steps in order to proceed.
· If 34 states pass the COS Resolution application, then it is sent to the US Congress, who must, by law, call a Convention of States as soon as it is received.
· State legislators choose as many delegates as they want to attend the COS. However, each state only is allowed one vote at the Convention.
· Amendments are proposed, debated, and voted upon at the Convention.
· If amendments are passed at the Convention, then they must be sent to the states to be ratified by both chambers of each state’s legislature. Here’s the kicker, it requires 38 states to ratify an amendment to make it part of the Constitution.
So you see, to get that many people to agree on something is a tall order. To have an amendment pass all these requirements, it must be something that would really benefit We the People, so it doesn’t matter what political party with which one is affiliated. If the amendment is sound, it has a chance to pass; if it is ludicrous, it won’t. Remember, there have been over 11,000 amendments proposed using the Congressional method, and only 27 have passed. Archives
Finally, the areas of concern that the Convention of States under Article V are concerned with are limited in scope, yet have a positive impact on saving our nation and restoring it to the limited government our Framers created. Those areas are: 1) making our government more fiscally responsible; 2) limiting their abuse of power and overreach; and 3) adopting term limits. There is not an earthly chance that Congress would exercise their duty in Article V and propose amendments that would address these issues. Therefore, it us up to We the People!
Remember, the Convention of States under Article V will not dismantle the Constitution. It is not a “Constitutional Convention” as the Republican National Committee has labeled it. It is our last option to take back our country. I urge all of us to truly dig into the facts and benefits of our amazing Constitution, as well as explore the COS website for more information, and to sign the petition to get your state to approve the Convention of States Resolution, if it already hasn’t. With God’s help, we can do this. Take Action
“With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
Mist Carter is Christian patriot who is the author of three books. Her most recent release, “We the People—Daily Devotional for Loving God & Country” is now available. Her previous books are titled, “Our Crumbling Foundation—Will God Cancel Us?” and “God’s Truth About America!” Proceeds from all her book sales go to support Tunnel to Towers!
Enjoy this author’s writings - well thought out and interesting reads. Reading article V is on my list of things to do!