You’ve probably heard this story before. Following the Constitutional Convention in September 1787, Elizabeth Powel, the premiere “Saloniste of Philadelphia” approached Benjamin Franklin on his way out of the Pennsylvania State House and asked what form of government the delegates of the Congress had agreed upon. He replied, “A republic, madam, if you can keep it.”
It was a simple challenge presented almost 220 years ago that resonates with a stentorian echo to this day.
When I travel the country, many folks ask what they can do, what can be done when the rule of law — the US Constitution — is clearly being violated?
Well, it seems more than a few Americans have an answer and have accepted Franklin’s challenge – although it’s not something you’ll see widely reported in the media.
As Bryan Anderson writes for Investors Business Daily, “A very important meeting is being held in Washington this week, but career politicians, lobbyists and most in the media don’t want you to know about it. More than 100 state legislators from around the country are meeting at the Naval Heritage Center.”
“The Assembly of State Legislatures (ASL) will discuss the rules for the first-ever Article V Constitutional amendment convention. This is their third meeting. They’re preparing to take on Washington, and Congress doesn’t like it.”
“The Framers of the Constitution had the foresight to anticipate what Congress has become: a dysfunctional mess. In Article V they wisely provided a means for the states to step in and amend the Constitution largely without congressional approval. The state legislators in ASL are determined to convene an amendment convention. Our situation is that dire.” Sounds like it’s high time for a Convention of States.
Now of course the crowd inside the beltway will portray these patriotic and concerned Americans as “right-wing extremists” — but if seeking to implement procedures the Founding Fathers bequeathed is extreme, then what is the future of our Constitutional Republic?
I find this to be a truly noble endeavor in understanding the constitutional basis of our country — and the application of the rule of law, which has been so clearly assaulted. Read my friend Mark Levin’s book, The Liberty Amendments, which clearly presents the sound legal and constitutional basis for this venture — and offers a series of amendments which could be instituted.
