Title: The Runaway Convention Argument is Un-American
Original CoS Document (slug): the-runaway-convention-argument-is-un-american
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Created: 2024-01-11 17:02:27
Updated: 2024-12-31 03:00:01
Published: 2024-01-11 00:00:00
Converted: 2025-04-14T21:28:59.466650924
The runaway convention argument used by the opposition against a Convention of the States is un-American. But let’s be clear, that is not to say that those who are opposed are un-American. It only means that their argument is un-American. People are complicated and one thing, one idea, one belief does NOT define them. We all have different opinions on different issues because of our life experiences, values, and priorities. Rarely do we all agree. Except of course in the case when the founding fathers unanimously voted to include the Article V clause for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the constitution.
So why then is opposition to this clause in our Constitution un-American? To know that, you first have to understand that the runaway convention argument is predicated on a false belief that anyone could propose an amendment that is NOT a topic in the State’s application for a convention. The State’s Convention Application includes only those topics approved by State Legislatures and permitted for consideration during such a convention. But the opposition argues to the contrary. These arguments have been analyzed by Rob Natelson and other constitutional scholars and have dismissed the possibility of a “runaway” convention occurring. But I will not bother to cover what already has been adequately covered by those more knowledgeable than myself. Instead, I will focus on the speculative and conditional term “could”. Those that oppose the constitutional process for a convention of the states can never define How, When, Why, What, or Where these extreme radical proposals will occur. They have no historical record to even demonstrate it ever has occurred. Their whole argument is based on the word “could”. No substance or facts behind it; purely speculation.
One of the unique qualities that makes us American is our system of jurisprudence. We were one of the first nations on earth to codify “you are presumed innocent until proven guilty”. This concept is closely aligned with “the burden of proof is upon the accuser”. If you were accused of a crime, without presentation of any facts that could be refuted, you can’t prove yourself innocent. It is a well known fact that you cannot prove a negative. The opposition’s argument based solely on the word “could” is tantamount to someone saying you could be a serial killer – now prove that you’re not! It can’t be done. To dismiss something as important as the future of our nation based solely on a speculative condition is the height of intellectual laziness. Our nation grew to be the most powerful and prosperous nation in the history of the world out of ingenuity, risk and hard work. The intelligence of our founding fathers was unequaled. These are the qualities of being American.
Being fearful that a runaway convention “could” occur is extremely risk adverse. Americans have always taken risks, reasonable risks with a viable benefit. Our founding fathers risked their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to bring about the greatest nation in the history of the world. Our heros: policeman, fireman, astronauts, and the military risk their lives everyday. If they all thought of not doing their jobs because they could be hurt or die we wouldn’t have the nation we have today. If the pioneers decided not to go West because they could be killed by Indians, die of starvation or disease, the Western expansion that helped make our nation great would never have occurred. These are the qualities that real Americans are made of.
When South Carolina passed their resolution for a Convention of the States, Governor McMaster responded to the runaway convention argument saying “I see the ever-increasing size and scope of the federal government as the larger threat”. The opposition’s fear of a convention of the states does not take into consideration the greater threat. The “runaway” convention argument is as baseless and emotional as a child’s fear of the dark.