One of my favorite topics to read, though I still have more to learn, is the art of apologetics.
My initial exposure to this field was C.S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, in which he articulated his reasoning for Christianity. I found his arguments to be sound, well thought out, and presented in a friendly, matter-of-fact method. Though he did take time to address points from his critics, he did not attack or vilify anyone.
I dare say, one of my periods of greatest spiritual growth was reading the wisdom in many of C.S. Lewis books. To me, his art, if you will, is what debate and discussion should be: men and women in respectful, well thought-out discussion.
When I look at the state of my country, I don't see this anywhere. Hate and lack of respect have taken hold of what should be intelligent debates.
Nowhere is this more apparent than Congress. I would even argue that Congress has led the country to this mindless point of existence.
When I picture the state of Congress, my mind imagines the broken fields and trenches of World War I. Deeper and deeper the army's dig their holes in order to maintain their grip on money and power. These fields of intellectual death and despair are only broken by the shots of emotional statements, tanks of personal attacks, and the planes of propaganda.
In the rare occasion that a reasonable point attempts to breach the field, it is quickly shot by the sniper of ad hominems. Members of Congress no longer represent the American people. They are so focused on their grip of power, that things will only get worse as they become more out of tune with the American people and narcissistically see themselves as our saviors.
According to Petracca's Restoring The University in Rotation, it wasn't until 1901 that the average number of terms of service exceeded two. Initially, Congress conducted their term of public service and went back to their personal lives.
Even President Washington voluntarily stepped down after two terms of service, knowing the country's fear of dictatorial power. Public service should be embodied by leaders who represent the everyday American, not politically-connected lawyers.
Congress should be cycled through more often with Americans bringing their experiences from their work and homes, while also spreading knowledge and wisdom as those congressional members return to their civilian life. This will not only ensure the average American is represented but also incentivize the average American into actually researching the impacts of policies and forcing debate.
I first learned about Convention of States through my father. I followed the Facebook page for a while and finally decided to volunteer when I woke up to the state of my country. Convention of States aligns with my personal beliefs that Congress should represent the people and not their own entrenched political beliefs.
I believe a Convention of States will bring back meaningful and intelligent debates into our government while plugging a hole in the sinking ship called the federal budget.
Congress will not vote themselves out of power. Congress will continue to vote for special interests, and Congress will continue to pass spending bills for those same special interests.
Dr. Milton Friedmon concluded that “it is not in the interest of a legislator to vote against a particular appropriations bill if that vote would create strong enemies while a vote in its favor would alienate few supporters” (Mark Levin, The Liberty Amendments).
