By Chuck Marshall
The Biceps of Liberty
For those not wrapped up in politics or who are simply not well acquainted with the Constitution, there is an article within the constitution that provides for the power of the states to reign in the federal government. It's called Article 5. Why have you never heard of this ? There are many reasons. The "powers that be" (or "Mad King George", as it were) don't want you to know about it because it means they would have less power and influence if it were to be exercised. In addition, because it has not been exercised this important muscle of the "body politic" has grown fat and flabby. We, the American people, have not been working this muscle. In fact Article 5 has hardly been used at all since it was inserted into the constitution over 200 yeas ago at this writing. I say it's time to pull out the dumbells and start working the "biceps of liberty" to get our country back to being within control and under the power of the people.
Article 5 states this; "The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, 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; provided that no amendment which may be made prior to the year one thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any manner affect the first and fourth clauses in the ninth section of the first article; and that no state, without its consent, shall be deprived of its equal suffrage in the Senate."
It's important to note as you read, that it mentions congress and two thirds of both houses, amendments shall be proposed OR "on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments". That's where the Convention of States comes into play. The reason this is so important is it's highly unlikely anyone in Washington, DC will call for limiting their power at the federal level in favor of the states. That will not happen. The only way for the people to truly correct the overreaching power and malevolence of the national government is for them to be forced to give up this power. They will not enact laws or amendments that reduce their own power. Our "Mad King George" has no interest or intention of relinquishing his crown voluntarily.
In My Humble Opinion, CM
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