Free Government is that happy condition wherein government respects and protects the unalienable, Natural Rights of the nation, and makes no law without its consent. Under this simple guidance, government is twice limited: by its end, which any of us would have a right to pursue were there no government at all, and by its means, which require our consent.
Yes, the presidential campaign season is entertaining. But if the practical extent of our God-given freedom depends on the winner, the election of either Bernie, The Beast or Donald Trump, it follows that actual free government is as real and enduring as a passing shadow.
While the outcome of what we advocate, an Article V state convention, cannot be guaranteed, you and I are not alone in the realization that our nation is in extremis, that elections cannot possibly restore free government.
Twenty-nine of the necessary thirty-four states have applied to congress for a balanced budget amendment; I expect the remaining five states will be found soon. While we can disagree on the wisdom of incorporating budgetary rules in our constitution, what is far more important is that a moribund state convention amending process will be awoken for the first time. Perhaps this convention will be as exciting as a gathering of accountants. Perhaps it will adjourn without recommending an amendment at all.
However, the ice-jam of reluctance to convene will be broken. The nation will have experienced a state amendments convention and survived!
Despite the horrid corruption of our previously free government, our republican form (congress, executive, judiciary) remains; within republican forms, change is best done incrementally, gradually, in small steps to allow societal adjustment. Keep them coming, but allow each to sink in.
Perhaps a convention of the states to address spending is a necessary first step toward continuing reform which just might culminate in the restoration of free government.
Politicians famously see the light when they feel the heat. I encourage readers in WA, MT, ID, WY, AZ, MN, WI, KY, VA, SC, and ME to contact their state legislators in support of the balanced budget amendment.
As for the Article V Convention of States project to limit the government’s power and jurisdiction to eventually restore free government, please Sign our COS Petition.