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The Constitution and Article V: Making haste slowly
Patience in drafting the Constitution and working for an Article V convention.
| The phrase “patience is a virtue” is a truism that resonates as we look back at the composition of the Constitution, and our own efforts to call an Article V convention that will return our country to first principles. As delegates to the 1787 convention in Philadelphia came to deadlock after deadlock concerning the elimination of the Articles of Confederation versus holding to the one-state, one-vote arrangement of the Articles – and the general question of representation – it seemed to some in attendance that the proceedings would drag on endlessly. In May of that year, the man who would later become responsible for the most important clause of Article V of the Constitution expressed his frustration to his family back in Virginia: “It is impossible to judge,” Virginia delegate George Mason wrote, “how long we shall be detained here, but from present appearances I fear until July, if not later.” The next month, Mason wrote to push his estimate out further. “It is impossible to judge,” he repeated, “when the business will be finished, most probably not before August. Festina lente may well be called our motto.” Mason's allusion to the Latin phrase, which means “Make haste slowly,” was used to express his impatience and frustration, but the phrase is perhaps an apt motto for all of us as we redouble our efforts to educate and persuade state representatives and senators to call an Article V convention. Everyone associated with the Convention of States movement recognizes the urgency of the moment and the need for action. We recognize the absolute necessity of acting within the bounds established by Mason and his colleagues. That means acting in an orderly, deliberate fashion that adheres to the Constitution, expressing fidelity to the resolutions that have passed muster in 19 state legislatures thus far. What we are attempting is no small thing. It takes time. There have been – and will be – exhilarating wins and disappointing losses. That is the nature of politics. Gathering the necessary number of states to agree to call an Article V convention is a long struggle that requires patience and perseverance in the face of vociferously unreasonable opposition. While we work with the urgency that is required, we must remember that the process is a grind and can sometimes be overwhelmingly discouraging. But we must have faith that we will overcome the madness that is often exhibited by our opponents and carry the day, no matter how long it takes. In the words of the poet Sophocles: “One must wait until the evening to see how splendid the day has been.” We continue to strive, to fight, and work to see that the endeavors of our Founders were not in vain – Festina lente – and win a great victory for our republic and its future. |
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| Created: | 2025-06-10 14:53 GMT |
| Updated: | 2025-09-29 07:00 GMT |
| Published: | 2025-09-22 12:07 GMT |
| Converted: | 2025-11-11 12:05 GMT |
| Change Author: | Matt May |
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