A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
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A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
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Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#2There are several glaring (logical) flaws in the US Constitution. We should address those immediately.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#3I would not trust the present day to create a viable constitution. It would likely be dominated by whatever party is in charge to perpetuate their specific platform rather than to establish principle based rules.
The original constitution is really kind of amazing at how well it’s functioned. It has flaws, obviously, but seems really effective.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#4As the author well notes, a Constitutional Convention, unchecked and unregulated, could be means for disaster. We take for granted our Bill of Rights, on the daily. That said, luckily there's an entire process to follow to introduce and put into law any legislation.
I was myself unaware of Article V. The speed at which the internet went from STOP SOPA to DEPLATFORM AND CENSOR EVERYTHING startles me, and if that is any model, a Constitutional Convention would likely repeal every last semblance of freedom, and the ability to defend it, that we have.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#5An Article V convention is in my opinion the most thoroughly boneheaded idea in American politics (which is saying a lot).
There is no way _at all_ to constrain the agenda _or_ the outcome per the current constitution. In particular you can’t say (afaik) “we are calling an article V convention solely on issue X.” The linked article describes this as the “runaway convention problem.”
If you are on the left, imagine the new constitution specifically forbidding abortion.
If you are on the right, imagine it specifically forbidding private gun ownership.
There is no way to prevent those outcomes because an Article V convention is effectively saying “start over again from scratch.”
Separately I think term limits for congressmen are a dumb idea too. It will make party organizations much stronger. For evidence on this, see Mexico where nearly every public office is term limited to a single term. Second, very few people actually want their own congressman term limited (unless you voted for the other guy). They want everyone else’s congressmen (or the junior senator from Texas) term limited.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#6As the author well notes, a Constitutional Convention, unchecked and unregulated, could be means for disaster. We take for granted our Bill of Rights, on the daily. That said, luckily there's an entire process to follow to introduce and put into law any legislation. I was myself unaware of Article V. The speed at which the internet went from STOP SOPA to DEPLATFORM AND CENSOR EVERYTHING startles me, and if that is an…
>Your rights end where my feelings begin.
Certainly don't want people who have the above attitude messing around with the Constitution. It's already bad enough many of them have made it into elected office or appointed to the bench.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#7I would not trust the present day to create a viable constitution. It would likely be dominated by whatever party is in charge to perpetuate their specific platform rather than to establish principle based rules. The original constitution is really kind of amazing at how well it’s functioned. It has flaws, obviously, but seems really effective.
Those flaws are pretty massive though. Legalising slavery and letting anyone and his dog own guns? That barbaric and doesn't belong in any constitution in 2021.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#8An Article V convention is in my opinion the most thoroughly boneheaded idea in American politics (which is saying a lot). There is no way _at all_ to constrain the agenda _or_ the outcome per the current constitution. In particular you can’t say (afaik) “we are calling an article V convention solely on issue X.” The linked article describes this as the “runaway convention problem.” If you are on the left, imagine th…
A runaway constitutional convention can propose all kinds of amendments but they each must still be ratified by three fourths of the states.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#9An Article V convention is in my opinion the most thoroughly boneheaded idea in American politics (which is saying a lot). There is no way _at all_ to constrain the agenda _or_ the outcome per the current constitution. In particular you can’t say (afaik) “we are calling an article V convention solely on issue X.” The linked article describes this as the “runaway convention problem.” If you are on the left, imagine th…
There are a lot of people who want term limits. Even for their own candidates. I don't think we were ever supposed to have career congresspeople. Part of the problem is they start to lose touch with their constituents. I don't know the right length 2-4 for representatives and 1-2 for senators.
Re: A Constitutional Convention is closer than you think (2019)
#10I would not trust the present day to create a viable constitution. It would likely be dominated by whatever party is in charge to perpetuate their specific platform rather than to establish principle based rules. The original constitution is really kind of amazing at how well it’s functioned. It has flaws, obviously, but seems really effective.
Those flaws are pretty massive though. Legalising slavery and letting anyone and his dog own guns? That barbaric and doesn't belong in any constitution in 2021.
Those two things are in no way comparable.