A bad resolution will be heard in House State Affairs committee next week. HJR 5002 is an application to Congress for an Article V Constitutional Convention. Those who call for a Constitutional Convention are crafty and always include a “hook” issue in which people in the state are interested. This particular application is a request for a Constitutional Convention dealing with term limits.
Term limits come with unexpected consequences, including denying a voter the liberty to re-elect his or her candidate of choice. John Adams, second President of the United States, said, “The people should be at liberty to choose the ablest and best men – yet, upon the present [term limits] supposition, the people voluntarily resign this right, and shackle their own choice.” The best term limits are elections. (We “termed” out Sen. Tom Daschle.) Read more about terms limits here.
Most importantly, we know that a Constitutional Convention might not be limited to one subject. It could open the U.S. Constitution for any amendments that the delegates desire. It could weaken our Second Amendment or put unfettered taxpayer abortion in the Constitution. It could rewrite the entire Constitution, as there are already rewrites waiting for such an occasion. Read our brochure The Constitution is Not the Problem.
Former Justice Antonin Scalia said, “A Constitutional Convention is a horrible idea.”
ACTION: Contact the members of the House State Affairs Committee and urge them to vote NO on HJR 5002. You may use one or more of my talking points in your comment. Put “Vote No on HJR5002” in the subject line.
Also contact your two representatives with the same message. Click here for the list of representatives and their contact information. If you do not know who your state representatives are, click here. Include your name and address so they know you are a constituent. Legislators have asked that we indicate on the subject line your legislative district, for example, “from District 9.”
PRAYER: Father, we thank you for our country and the amazing founding document you directed brilliant men to create. We ask Your protection of our U.S. Constitution from those who wish to do mischief with it. We ask that American citizens would be knowledgeable about our government and that lawmakers would obey the Constitution. Bless our nation with righteousness and revival. May we be a nation that blesses and honors You.
God bless you for your faithfulness in prayer and action.
Linda Schauer
State Director
