As I recall from Gibbon, the Western Roman Empire went out with more of a whimper than a bang. By the time of Alaric and his Visigoths in 410 AD, Rome was so corrupt and weak there was little to stand in their way. In broad strokes it is fair to say that Roman society declined simultaneously with government. Long before the fall, Roman republican citizenship was a precious possession, a jewel of unsurpassed value. As such it was held closely and kept in short supply, for among other privileges, the Roman citizen wasn’t taxed. He was exempt from the possibility of torture. Even into the empire, he could, under certain circumstances, appeal judicial rulings to the Emperor.
By the end, Roman citizenship was a burden to avoid. The citizen was taxed to the hilt. Government couldn’t protect him from domestic or foreign borne violence. Local populations built defensive walls as the means to a protection the state could no longer provide.
Today see enclaves of law-abiding citizens resort to private security. New communities are often promoted as “gated.” Bug Out plans and SHTF oriented websites are common. Public school students are taught to revile their heritage. More Americans renounce their citizenship every year. Those who remain are taxed to support millions of unwanted illegal aliens. Rulers live separate existences in an imperial city far removed in interest and wealth from the ruled. La Raza, Luis Gutiérrez and like-minded officials openly invite barbarians with the intent of overwhelming American culture, if not the annexation of western states to Mexico.
Men fight to keep that which they prize, while they let go of that which is a dead load of no value. So which is it? Is the United States worth keeping? If worth keeping, patriots must go out of their way to see that those brought up with hate of or indifference to American ideals are properly educated.
An Article V convention is perhaps the best means to bring forth American ideals into the public eye. As envisioned by the Article V State Legislators Caucus, the convention will be open to general attendance. It we be video recorded in its entirety, and probably broadcast live on C-Span. Here, the nation will view state delegations of men and women, unbeknownst to the media and congress, argue for and against the various state amendment proposals. We will see if they rise to the occasion and conduct themselves as if the eye of history is upon them. In the process, expositions on the fundamental principles of our founding are a certainty. Proponents will perhaps do verbal battle with enemies of our Declaration; so be it. It is long past time for patriots and social justice warriors to put their cards on the table and present their visions for America.
Since no society in history ever sold itself into slavery, an Article V convention constitutes a measured risk, a measured risk in favor of free government we must take. We’ll find out if the remains of our republic are worth saving.
We are the many; our oppressors are the few. Be proactive. Be a Re-Founder. Join Convention of States. Sign our COS Petition.
Wonderful piece. Thank you Rodney. A simulation is being held in Williamsburg, Virginia September 21-23. Details coming next week. Keep an eye out at http://www.conventionofstates.com
Yes, thanks, we should all look forward to the simulation. I hope it includes spectators.
Check out the website, sign the online petition that goes to your state legislators, and volunteer to help patriots throughout the nation. There are many legislative districts that still need District Captains within states. Take that on whether you live in a particular district or not. There are wonderful Tuesday evening online training calls (9:00 PM Eastern Time; they’re also recorded for watching at your convenience) that have been enormously helpful to me. They’re informative and inspirational. You’re needed on deck! http://www.conventionofstates.com
You’re absolutely right, Rodney… a Convention of States would be a national forum, and would not only garner wall-to-wall attention from our own media, but from political observers the world over.
We don’t pretend to expect positive coverage from the Alphabet Networks, but the truth is that they no longer have a monopoly on the news. Even negative coverage of
conservative principles is better than no coverage at all… it just might be enough to spark curiosity, to start people thinking, some of whom admittedly aren’t accustomed to thinking for themselves.
If it makes them curious, then that’s good. Curious people do curious things… curious and predictable things. They will seek out the other side of the story… they will find FNC, they will find C-SPAN,
they will find Drudge and Lucianne.com and Free Republic and Breitbart and Red State and countless Facebook pages and Twitter accounts where they will learn about the Founders’ vision for America,
unvarnished and unfiltered by Big Government or its lackeys in the public schools and in the mainstream press.
Just one hour of debate between an eloquent proponent of a balanced budget amendment and an equally passionate big spender would be the equivalent of a PhD in economics for the typical low-information viewer…
and which argument do we honestly think would prevail with the majority?
Or, how about listening to a red state legislator who can clearly illustrate the terrible waste, fraud and abuse caused by overlapping and redundant federal, state and county regulations, one who is
conversant in the Doctrine of Exclusive Jurisdiction and can elaborate on state sovereignty and the simplicity and efficiency of single-authority subject-matter jurisdiction… up against a less liberty-loving
blue state delegate who finds himself in the untenable position of trying to justify federal intervention into matters such as public education, energy production, medical and health issues, possession and
sale of firearms, land use and building codes, water resources, liability insurance, lending practices, and voting rights, just to name a few.
Yes… it’s time for that debate… and I say, bring it on!
Thank you for extending my thoughts. You should post your comment to other forums!
You’re very welcome, and I will… I’m proud to join you in this, The Good Fight!
Thanks Rodney, another great article!! The COS Project application has already been passed by 8 states
and 20 or more state houses. This application is limited to 3 areas:
(a) Impose fiscal restraints on the Federal Government. (Including
campaign finances)
(b) Limit the power and jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
(c) Limit the terms of office for federal officials and members of
Congress.
Please encourage your local state rep to become
more involved in States’ rights. Visit here to learn more, sign the
petition, and sign up to volunteer:
http://www.cosaction.com/?recruiter_id=1636326
Great job as always Rodney! Thanks for all your hard work. We do not have a true republic at the moment due to a severe distortion in the balance of powers. The states need to re-establish their role in a true republic. The way to do this is through Article V.
http://www.cosaction.com/?recruiter_id=246073
I enthusiastically support the Convention of States Project which is the only solution big enough for the problems in our country. We must use Article V of the US Constitution to bring the power back to the people through the states.