Voting Isn’t Working
The title of this piece is a bold statement, and the SAVE act is proof that it’s true.
Article V
We Forgot About the Domestic Enemies
America is pretty good at protecting itself from foreign threats, but we’ve been guilty of ignoring the enemies within our borders. Now we’re at risk of losing America as it was founded, because of that oversight.
Will We Rise to the Franklin Challenge?
The debate about calling a convention of states is raging across the country. Whether we meet Ben Franklin’s challenge in the 21st century is yet to be determined. So far only 19 states have accepted the “if you can keep it” challenge, and passed resolutions calling for a convention.
Ordinary Men Created America and Ordinary Men Will Preserve It
When Benjamin Franklin was asked what type of government had been created during that hot Philadelphia summer he replied, “A republic, if you can keep it.” Franklin wasn’t predicting the demise of our republic, he was observing that the baton was being passed to the self-governed. Our founders created the greatest republic the world has ever known, and then it became our duty to preserve it.
State Rights, What State Rights?
My state Senator runs a column in our local paper every month, updating her constituents on Idaho government business. In her most recent article, she explained that the big topic in this year’s legislative session is: Who runs Idaho, Idahoans, or Washington D.C.? I suspect it’s a question every state is wrestling with now.
Our Republic Needs a Tune-up
The 2nd Law of Thermodynamics states that, without external influence, everything in nature moves towards disorder. Put another way: without maintenance, all systems eventually fail. Power lines fall, engines seize, and republics collapse.
States Will Only Keep the Rights They Defend
The only thing that makes our Constitution different from any other historical document is our willingness to defend the founding principles which it enshrines. Unfortunately, we are in a crisis because far too many people passively demand constitutional protections, without actively defending them.
The Gerrymander War Has Begun
Would you like your congressman to represent your interests? Unfortunately, far too many politicians have other ideas, and they’re using gerrymandering to pursue what THEY want rather than what WE want.
Are Elections Still the Path to Good Governance?
f our elections have been corrupted, can we vote our way back into good governance? Trust in elections is critical, because a peaceful transfer of power depends on broad acceptance of election results. Yet trust is slipping, because there is ample reason to remain suspicious.
Is Political Engagement a Moral Imperative for the Faithful?
Most churches loath getting involved in politics – and not only because it jeopardizes their tax-exempt status. They understandably prefer to focus their efforts on matters of the soul rather than of the body.
How About No Kings in the Judiciary?
Last month we experienced a weekend of protest. Apparently, the protesters don’t want America to be ruled by kings. But the protesters seemed unconcerned about unelected government officials who are acting more like kings every day — our federal judges.
The Left Wants Us Too Frightened To Talk
The assassination of Charlie Kirk should have clarified one thing for all thoughtful Americans. Civil debate is a threat to the radical forces seeking to fundamentally transform America.
What Does the Parable of the Talents Say About Article V?
When we face the Almighty one day, will we receive praise for using every gift available to “Be fruitful and multiply,” or will we receive scorn for burying our talent?
There Can Be No Democracy Without Open Debate
What do you call a government in which the voters are only allowed to choose between “option a” and “option b” but not “option c”? It is an aristocracy, in which the elites restrict the choices of the electorate, to only approved options.
Was Our Constitution Divinely Created, or Not?
Of all the arguments that Article V convention opponents put forth, I find those that use their faith in God as justification against amending the Constitution to be the most disingenuous.
The Federal Government Needs Adult Supervision
Sir Isaac Newton posited that “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” My teachers taught it as a law of physics. But it turns out that it applies to 21st century American politics to: For every executive action, there is an equal and opposite judicial injunction.
A Convention of States is Merely a Debate of Ideas
Self-governance advocates have always supported robust debate, where the pros and cons of competing ideas are discussed, and voters are allowed to make informed decisions. Conversely, in recent years, it has been the anti-democratic radicals who shout down speakers, claiming that their ideas are too dangerous to be heard. That is, until an Article V convention is the subject. Then the roles reverse.
A Faith Based Argument for an Article V Convention
Honest answers to a few basic questions will lead the faithful to the inevitable conclusion that we have a moral duty to use ALL means available to prevent government overreach from encroaching on our God given rights.
Please Don’t Put Words in Justice Scalia’s Mouth
It bothers me when someone uses another person’s name and reputation to advance their own position, without the other’s consent or agreement. Yet that is a favorite tactic of Article V convention opponents – frequently attributing convention of states opposition to the late Justice Antonin Scalia.
Our Fiscal Crisis Cannot Be Overstated
Our current federal debt stands at nearly 37 trillion dollars. That’s more than a “37” with 12 zeroes behind it. It’s an amount of money which is nearly impossible for the human mind to grasp.