public:cb_mirror:op_ed_convention_of_states_could_fix_congress_txt_blogposts_7057
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Op Ed: Convention of States could fix Congress
Virginia legislators should pass this resolution.
| The following was written by Regional Captain Warren Wheeler and originally published in the Richmond-Times Dispatch. On. Sept. 15, 231 years ago, George Mason spent the day persuading his fellow delegates at the Constitutional Convention to fix a fatal flaw in their draft document. Mason feared the federal government would one day go rogue. With extraordinary foresight, he secured a constitutional safeguard now being employed to defend against federal overreach. Mason’s fear was well founded. Not only have Washington’s career politicians amassed a $20 trillion debt, more than 70 percent of it has been borrowed just since 2001. The Congressional Budget Office projects the 2017 deficit at $693 billion. Mason grasped the challenge: stopping dangerously out-of-control federal officeholders. His solution was to change Article V, which spells out the two-step amendment process: First they are proposed, then separately adopted by three-fourths of the states (ratification). As then drafted, only Congress could propose amendments. Mason saw clearly the problem: If the only way to propose amendments was through Congress, would it ever reform itself? Those abusing power do not seek change. The Framers got it: Article V now enables states to stop federal abuses. Amendments can be proposed at a Convention of States. This requires two-thirds (34) of the states to articulate their common purpose for the convention in like-worded resolutions approved by their legislature. Twelve states currently have coalesced behind such a resolution, which limits proposed amendments to ending runaway debt, curtailing federal powers, and limiting terms of federal officeholders. Virginia legislators should pass this resolution. Only constitutional amendments can stop a federal government this wildly irresponsible. Join Virginia’s Convention of States Project volunteers to find out. When you do, tip your hat to George Mason. |
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| Login Required to view? | No |
| Created: | 2018-09-14 14:08 GMT |
| Updated: | 2019-01-25 15:49 GMT |
| Published: | 2018-09-17 04:00 GMT |
| Converted: | 2025-11-11 11:55 GMT |
| Change Author: | Laurie Wheeler |
| Credit Author: | |
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