by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
For the past few months, talk radio has featured fascinating exchanges between Constitutional expert and Law Professor, Robert Natelson, and Mr. Skip Chisholm, a “Voice of the Valley.” These two have discussed the problems with the country and the need for Americans to stop the dangerous actions by the Biden Administration and the out-of-control spending by Congress that are threatening the safety and security of the economic, cultural, and spiritual values of the United States and its people.
Natelson wisely provided a terrific solution to the problems: “…It’s called the Convention of States and Article V of the Constitution. It is a legal, non-violent, Constitutional, and safe means to adapt the Constitution to our needs today, as the Founding Fathers meant it to be.” Chisholm knew that the Founders wanted the Constitution to meet the needs of “future generations,” but he questioned amending our current Constitution. “…Many will say we can’t change the Constitution. But we must do something,” he added sadly, seeing the 100 trillion-dollar debt the USA faces today.
Explaining that Americans should NOT fear changing the Constitution, Natelson stated that it is not easy to do but at times necessary. Thousands of amendments have been proposed but only 27 have made the cut. He cited three examples, including the Bill of Rights, the right of women to vote, and the 22nd Amendment limiting the President to two terms. Thus, it is serious business.
Believing that using the Convention of States to propose amendments gives the American people a “voice” in the changes, Natelson urges that “…Now is the time to get our ducks in a row and use Article V as correct way to limit the actions of congress as well as halt the dangerous activity of Washington D.C.”
He reminded us all that the nation originally had numerous Conventions of States to solve problems and that Americans need to re-learn how to use them. Once they do so, he opines, they will feel comfortable using the “Constitution as their solution.”
Natelson explained the values of having an Article V Convention of States. “…It’s safe and secure, it’s effective, and most importantly, it is controlled by the states, NOT the Congress or the Federal government.” The topics proposed at the Convention of States can be limited. It cannot “run away,” and “it is a safe way for the people to regain control of the government.” “…That is what this country should do,” agreed Chisholm, “Let the voice of the American people be heard.”
Chisholm wanted assurances that ambitious, avaricious, greedy, and clever people in politics could NOT twist the language, the meaning, and the intent of the Constitution at a convention to seize control of the government.
“…We are a country of law, and amendments from the convention can clarify the intent of the Constitution and facilitate constitutionally based judicial decisions.” He encouraged Chisholm to speak to his state legislators and fellow Montanans to call for a Convention of States. Chisholm agreed that he will do so. “But Americans must get ducks in order,” he stated, appreciating the analogy used by Natelson, “…as the election coming up in November is crucial to the continued existence of the United States as a free, Constitutional, Republic. We must have a Republican congress and eventually a Republican President to stop the destruction of this country, its values, its culture, and its very existence including our belief in God. Everyone must get out and voice their desire as to the direction they want this country to go.” When the new session of the legislature convenes in January, each and every Montanan should call on his or her legislator to approve a Convention of States to make Montana # 20 to join in the call for a convention. Chisholm states, “…It’s our valley, our state, our country, and it’s time to take it back. Please join me in doing so.”
helen sabin says
Alan – thanks for writing. You need not fear that anything strange can happen as it can’t. There are too many safeguards built in such as just ONE delegate objecting to anything strange being proposed and it is rejected. There are many delegates there and most are serious, professional, and there to do a job – not create chaos. All we have to do is look back into history and to our Constitution. Article V is our solution if we will only get over our “fears” and use it as intended by the Founding Fathers who put it in the Constitution for the purposes that we would face today. They too had faced a corrupt, controlling king, one that stole the money they earned through taxes and regulations, and they had to resort to war if they wanted to stop the king and his actions. The Founding Fathers didn’t want another war, so they used their brains and came up with the Constitution and Article V – a legal, peaceful, non-violent, safe, and secure, Constitutional method of solving the problems facing America today. They knew their constitution was not perfect and fully expected future generations to change it to meet their needs. Go online and check – you will see many statements to this effect.
Most Americans know little to nothing about the Constitution and these thieves take advantage of that fact by using fear to mislead, misinform, and misdirect people to ignore, deny, and disdain the “original intent” and the meanings and experience behind the Constitution. They are what we today call, anti-Constitutionalists.
For example, many “right-wing groups” who claim to be constitutional and conservative, misuse two terms to confuse people and make them fearful: Constitutional Convention, and the Convention of States. They sound the same but are separate conventions with separate purposes. “Purpose” is the main way they are different.
Constitutional Convention: “A duly constituted assembly of delegates or representatives of the people of a state or nation for the “purpose” of framing, revising, or amending “its” constitution.” Example: Delegates to the constitutional convention convened in 1787 and quickly turned to the “creation” of a new Constitution. (Black’s Law Dictionary online. 2nd ed.)
Pay attention to the words of “its constitution” and “purpose of framing, revising, or amending” and the “creation” of a new Constitution.
Convention of States: (shortened for published length limitations). “…On the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, Congress shall call a convention for “proposing amendments,” which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress; (The U.S. Constitution)
Notice the “purpose” – to “PROPOSE amendments” …. And “this” Constitution, not just a general “its” constitution which could apply to any country or state with a constitution. There is no mention of framing, amending, revising or creation of a new constitution, which delegates do NOT do at a Convention of States. They only “propose amendments” which then must be ratified by 38 states to become valid. Further, as an additional safeguard, 13 states can say NO and any bad amendments are rejected. Words used by the Founding fathers were exact and purposeful. Thus, the two terms are two totally separate and different.
So, now that YOU are knowledgeable about what a Convention of States is all about, contact your legislature and tell them to vote YES on making Montana state # 20 to apply for a call to convene. If you want more details, have questions, or have heard myths, legends and lies, that make you fearful, go to Convention of States.com or to the ArticleVinfocenter.com and find the true, correct, and constitutional answer to your concerns. Or, if you want to have a “conversation,” keep your comments coming to this opinion section of the paper and I will answer them. Let’s use Article V like the Founding Fathers directed us to do. Let’s come together and use the Constitution as our Solution.
Don’t believe the myths that are spread around and keep writing with any questions you have. Please try to be specific as to what they are if you can. Let’s work together to educate our Bitterrooters to the value of a Convention of ‘States. Then lets take back our country from the out of control government and put them BACK to the jobs they were supposed to have with the “original” constitution. Agreed?
Alan says
I do not support a convention of states. One can never be sure what might come out of such an endeavor. What I do support is following the constitution we have. Starting with the first and second amendments.