Reporting from the Article V Simulation -- Steve Johnson

Former Michigan State 72nd District Representative Steve Johnson was a commissioner in the recent Article V Convention Simulation sponsored by the Convention of States Foundation. He graciously agreed to an interview with Robin Riddell and Sarah Santana, State Director for Convention of States, and this article will summarize their discussion.

For starters, Steve did not have many expectations regarding the simulated convention, as this was so new to everyone involved. What he did experience exceeded all of what he would have expected.

Steve has been a supporter of the Convention of States resolution in the Michigan State House and was thrilled to be a part of the simulated convention.

He emphasized the need to be careful when considering amendments to the US Constitution but was excited for the discussion regarding the additional needs of the Constitution for our present time.

Johnson was especially impressed by the overwhelming need the attendees found for a balanced budget amendment, something that in various forms everyone can agree upon. Everyone knows spending outside of what you take in is a recipe for disaster, and so the Federal Government must be restrained from spending more than it takes in because it will not enforce it on itself.

Another thing Steve mentioned is that the way the convention was run was very impressive. One aspect he noted was that we lack discussion in any meaningful way in our current political landscape.

And this lack of discussion is detrimental to the country in general. If the only focus is on elections, and the smears that accompany elections, and not on actual issues that need to be discussed, the country is not moved forward but backward.

Mr. Johson said that the greatest takeaway from the convention was essentially (4) things:

1.      That we are not different from the Founders, in that they were human and so are we. And if they could establish great things, we should be able to as well.

2.      The need for not just political term limits on elected officials, but also term limits for the bureaucracy.

3.      The need for action and leadership, not just talking.

4.      That we could have the same discussions that were being had in the 1700’s leading up to America’s Independence and Foundation if we were allowed to do so.

One of the things that came to light was the special need to limit executive control around interstate commerce. The Executive Branch should not be able to interfere in all areas unless specifically going across state lines. Otherwise, it should be left up to the States and their own Executive of the State.

So, what would be the best result of having 34 states sign up for a Convention, and the result of this convention?

Well, in Steve’s mind it would be three things.

The first would be the chance to have an open discussion where people, not just politicians, have a say in the direction of the country and any amendments that might be proposed.

This in turn would create “buy-in” from the people.

And unlike some in our country who are against this convention, Mr. Johnson assures us that there is no way to have a runaway convention. Even if you wanted to have a runaway convention for your party, it would be impossible to generate this aspect of a convention.

One last thing that was discussed at the simulation was the need for an amendment allowing states to abdicate from federal statutes signed into law. This would be something that the states would need to have a majority approval of any statute passed by Congress before it would become law.

The individual states are the strength of our Republic and must have their ability to push back against Federal oppression restored.

Overall, this was a very successful simulation according to Mr. Johnson, and from listening to his interview I would agree.  

In the end, six proposed amendments passed during the simulated convention which was the best outcome possible.

But we have work to do in Michigan. Our legislature must see the need to sign a resolution to join an Article V Convention of States. This is the only way to restore freedom and authority of both the individual and State Legislature.

And this will not happen if we are only focused on the next election. If we could change our mindset in that area and focus on open discussions regarding the future of our country, according to Steve Johnson, an Article V Convention of States would be a huge success!