“New” doesn’t mean “Better”
Radio Commentary, 90.7, 91.7 New Life FM, December 27, 2013 – By Sue Ella Deadwyler
Good morning, Jim. Five days from now we’ll have a new calendar, a new year and a new legislative session to give us new laws, but “new” doesn’t necessarily mean “better!” But don’t misunderstand, new things and new challenges may be good, but the new wave of support for a constitutional convention is NOT good.
They’re calling it a “convention of the states,” but a rose by any other name is STILL a rose. Regardless of its label or the arguments FOR it, nobody can guarantee what will be introduced or what will pass a constitutional convention or convention of the states.
Proponents of a constitutional convention pooh-pooh the idea of a runaway convention, although Supreme Court Justices, such as Arthur Goldberg, say there’s no enforceable way to prevent wholesale changes to our Constitution and Bill of rights, once a convention convenes.Even the Philadelphia Convention broke every limitation on its power and agenda. Delegates threw out the Articles of Confederation, passed the Constitution we have now and set the example that once a constitutional convention begins, the sky’s the limit!
The father of our Constitution, James Madison recognized the dangers of another constitutional convention when he said an Article V national convention would greatly disturb public tranquility and delegate selection could be fierce. Selected delegates could be of dubious character with insidiously dangerous views that won’t be evident until after they have destroyed the very foundation of this republic.
He concluded with these words: “Having witnessed the difficulties and dangers experienced by the first convention … I would tremble for the result of a second. Let’s turn away from this risky business of a convention and focus on the enduring inspiration of our Constitution…. It is an instrument of practical and viable government and a declaration of faith – faith in the spirit of liberty and freedom.”
Nobody knows how Georgia would handle a constitutional convention, because it’s not mentioned in our State law or the Georgia Constitution. But watch out for changes. Two new Indiana laws went into effect July 1st to regulate the appointment of Indiana delegates to an Article V convention and limit delegate authority once they get there.
Expect a constitutional convention to be an issue in Georgia next session. So, be ready to oppose it! In the meantime, have a Happy New Year! For Georgia Insight I’m Sue Ella Deadwyler, your Capitol correspondent.