AFA of PA ACTION ALERT

October 18, 2018

Issue

Is a “Convention of States” What the Nation Needs?

Details

On Wednesday a rally was held at the State Capitol in favor of a “Convention of States.”   A Convention of States (COS) is just another name for a constitutional convention.  The supporters of this action changed the name because they received negative feedback from conservative Americans when the idea of another constitutional convention was presented.

COS supporters point to Article 5 of the US Constitution as the methodology they will use to amend the Constitution.  However, even a casual reading of Article 5 shows there are no rules set down, no means to control such a convention, no means to limit its scope.  One must also ask why this methodology has never been used during the entire history of the United States.

COS supporters also point to deceased Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia’s former support of a constitutional convention.  However, they fail to acknowledge that by the time 2015 rolled around, he had changed his views, saying, “A constitution is about setting structure; it is not about writing the preferences of special interest groups.  A constitutional convention is a horrible idea.  This is not a good century to write a constitution.”

Unfortunately, some conservatives have bought into the idea that a convention of states is a good idea.  For example, the aforementioned Wednesday rally was organized by the Philadelphia TEA Party Patriots!  This organization is no longer affiliated with the national TEA Party Patriots, but I’m not sure they publicize that fact.  These conservatives believe that if a COS is called they can limit its scope.  Some amendments they desire added to the US Constitution are good ideas i.e. a balanced budget amendment.  However, there is no way they can limit the scope or the special interest groups that would be involved in a constitutional convention, if one was called.    And we must also ask ourselves, “If the original intent of the current US Constitution is not being adhered to, will a newly written or newly amended Constitution be adhered to?”

Let’s take a look at some of the other promoters of a constitutional amendment Wolf Pac   Check out their Twitter feed.   Also, if you poke around on Wolf Pac’s website, you’ll run across the name of Young Turks.   They are a YouTube-based news and entertainment channel that dubs itself the “world’s largest online news network.”   This list of Endorsing Organizations is even more revealing!   George Soros money is tied to many of these organizations!

Here are some additional problems outlined in this November 28, 2016 article.

Action Steps

Last year in the PA State Capital, SR 133 was introduced in the State Senate.  In the State House HR 100  was introduced.  Both bills call for a constitutional convention and Wednesday’s rally was in support of those bills.

Contact your State Senator and State Representative and ask them NOT to support any bills that call for an Article V convention, a Convention of States or a Constitutional Convention.

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