Come learn more about the effort to get an Article V convention at www.foavc.org and become a member.Do not keep witnessing the unraveling of American society, voting for lesser evil candidates, and believing the propaganda that putting different Democrats or Republicans in office will actually improve things for most of us.Choose peaceful rebellion by using what our Constitution gives us.Fight self-delusion.
Joel S. Hirschhorn is the author of Delusional Democracy - Fixing the Republic Without Overthrowing the Government (www.delusionaldemocracy.com). His current political writings have been greatly influenced by working as a senior staffer for the U.S. Congress and for the National Governors Association. He advocates a Second American Revolution, beginning with an Article V Convention to propose constitutional amendments. He is Chair of the Independent Party of Maryland.
If you're going to make a comment about an article... READ THE ARTICLE. An Article V Convention DOES NOT ABOLISH THE CONSTITUTION. It's the legal way of regaining our civil liberties and defending freedom. With an Article V Convention, we could REPEAL the 16th Amendment that has enslaved every American citizen. With an Article V Convention, we might be able to legalize marijuana - emptying our jails on non-violent offenders, saving tax payers money and ridding the current prohibition of a plant.
An Article V Convention is the only way WE THE PEOPLE can go on the aggresive side without resorting to violence. WAKE UP!
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JL Wallace (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 8 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 4:23:02 PM
Mr. Hirschhorn needs to go back and re-read Article V, as his claim that the requirements for calling a Constitutional Convention have been met is completely wrong.
Article V very clearly states that the applications for the Congress to call a Convention must be made by the State Legislatures, not ordinary citizens. As far as I know, there hasn't been an application for a Convention adopted by any of the States' legislatures; certainly there hasn't been such a demand from 34 legislatures.
The constitutions of most of the States do provide for citizens to pass laws themselves by initiatives on the general ballot, and I imagine that any such laws would also count as an official State call for a convention (since the legislatures derive their powers from the people in the first place.) Either way, Mr. Hirschhorn's group will need to focus on the actual constitutional requirements if they expect to get anywhere.
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Robert Davidson (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 10:02:35 AM
What can I do to help educate people who seem to refuse the FACTS. There have been over 500 official requests from state legislatures to Congress for an Article V convention. This has been thoroughly documented. Is it so hard to understand that Congress has refused to obey the Constitution - that clearly specifies just one SINGLE requirement for a convention -- and the 2/3 of states requirement has more than been satisfied!!!!! Go to www.foavc.org and really spend some time reading and learning the FACTS. Or are you purposefully trying to mislead others???
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Joel S. Hirschhorn (116 articles, 22 quicklinks, 51 diaries, 462 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 5:23:16 PM
It's time to dismantle the current 2-party system. There is no opposition party anymore. As far as "And those of us that urge a Second American Revolution are seen as fringe, nutty subversives," we should remember that a revolution always begins with a few. It reminds me of the words of Mark Twain, yes, Mark Twain as much a patriot as he was a writer:
"In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man, brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."
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Cheryl Biren-Wright (17 articles, 15 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 299 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 10:03:33 AM
In 1946 it was understood that to go ahead with a full scale nuclear build up, in one way or another, the mass of human race would be destroyed.
The elite of that time made the decision then to do just that: Destroy the mass human race in an all out nuclear war.
The decision to immolate humanity did not go un-noticed by the high level powers, who apparently own this planet.
The Extraterrestrial craft that was dropped near the 509th atomic bombing airbase, at Roswell, New Mexixo in July of 1947, was the beginning of the demonstration of a method of how a high level power can and will dislodge an assortment of nuclear armed low grueling brutal simpletons; "The good Americans."
'ET' sent us a message in 1947 at Roswell that may be understood as describing to us the "Magnitude of the Deception."
We need not discuss ending the current form of government to install a new form, for the fact is; the current government is no longer viable. It does not exist. By making The decision to exterminate the human race in an unnecesary all out nuclear war, it condemned and ended itself.
The owners of the planet-'ET-' have issued a termination of government order to our nuclear war fighting class. The "ET" have issued a "Revocation of Charter." Our fiend class is finished, and they know that they are finished and this is why there is so much pressure at the moment to go ahead with a full scale nuclear war.
Our fiend class intends to finish us all of with nuclear weapons first, before "They" go into retirement.
The high level members of the military are aware of this, and some such as General Pace, apparently do not want to participate in an all out nuclear war.
Bush and Cheney both, along with Blair, have ordered a nuclear war to begin. 'ET' seems to continue to disagree with that plan, and maintains the Power, to prevent an all out nuclear war from beginning.
The 'ET' have ended forever our human fiends plans to exterminate us. "Fiend power," is no more. The "Revocation of Charter" is clear to all who have the Mind to understand it.
It is long since past time to end the threat of instantaneous nuclear extermination of the human race, at the hands of our nuclear war fighting elite.
This old Crown Colony and its experiment in force and fraud is ended. The "Gods" themselves have revoked the Charter of government of the nuclear war fighting fiend elite, by the nuclear war fighting fiend elite and of the nuclear war fighting fiend elite.
Our fiend elite considered that they had the 'Right' to destroy humanity based upon the concept of "Natural law," or what some refer to as the "True law."
The "ET" have ended the powers of our fiend elite by demonstrating a higher form of law that is embodied within the concept of the "Right of Power."
The "ET" have used their Power in a just manner. Our nuclear war fighting elite have used their power in an unjust, malign and abusive fashion.
Our fiend elite recognize no other law than that which allows them to committ whatever crimes they feel up to at the moment.
"They" recognize no law, and as such, they have no authority.
We are the Living Dead..
.
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Patrick (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 377 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 11:29:26 AM
I keep reading articles calling for a national constitutional convention to address some unexplained problems with some unexplained solutions.
Just why do we need such a convention?
It is apparent to me that we do not understand the Constitution we have now, and that misunderstanding extends to much of the Supreme Court and to all of the media. So to call for a new constitutional convention of people who don't understand the present Constitution is dangerous. Let's learn the existing Constitution first.
Our present Constitution was created by men who had just finished writing state constitutions, so they knew what they were doing. We don't have many such people today.
Just what issues are to be addressed?
I would hope it would create public financing for all political races and the prohibition of "swiftboating" by anyone. Let's hope it would create health care as a right of all. Let's hope it would create more-honest business practices so that more Enrons don't come calling. Let's hope it would eliminate war-making by treaty (or at least involve the entire Congress in the process).
Until I hear specific problems to be addressed and specific solutions to be considered, a new constitutional convention isn't practical, or welcome.
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tabonsell (28 articles, 0 quicklinks, 22 diaries, 249 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 4:25:34 PM
How anyone reading this site's materials can raise the question of what problems we face and need major solutions for. I hardly know where to begin. How about a representative form of government that no longer works for the good of the public because of the corrupting influences of money on politicians? How about having a citizenry that is so turned off and distracted that over all elections less than half of eligible voters bother to vote? How about school and health care systems that are dysfunctional? How about a government that through globalization has sold out the public? And a government that has refused to protect our borders? And a government that enacts public policies to promote economic inequality? And a government that repeatedly violates various provisions of our Constitution? And a Congress that no longer takes seriously its constitutional power to declare war? You really need to read my book Delusional Democracy: go to www.delusionaldemocracy.com and buy at on Amazon at a low price; it will really educate you, IF you actually care to open your mind and be educated and better informed.
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Joel S. Hirschhorn (116 articles, 22 quicklinks, 51 diaries, 462 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 5:31:13 PM
your efforts to effect positive change through the rule of law, and applaud them, but even if there were a const. convention called, resolutions/amendments passed/ratified... what makes you think that the current power structure, blatantly operating clearly outside the guidelines and laws of this country, will abide anything benefiting their loss of power or influence?
this cabal is not some misquided bunch of idiots, they have an agenda, and our freedoms and laws are not part of the equation. shrub and co. have wiped their asses with the founding docs, why would they respect their intent now? some fairy dust on the head going to bring them round? power relinquishes power only by force...and if you don't understand that i've wasted my breath.
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k kelly (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 182 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 9:33:09 PM
I know what problems exist in this nation. What I don't know is how your constitutional convention is to fix them because you refuse to say. You refuse to provide specific amendments and specific solutions.
I repeat myself. Learn to use the present Constitution before you try to form a new one. What we have is not perfect, just the best ever written.
I suggest you read my book "The Un-Americans; Trashing of the United States Constitution in the American Press"; it tries to tell you why Americans don't understand our Constitution.
In a future article, I will present some specific amendments to be considered; something you have yet to do.
Incidentally, leaving the union by a state is unconstitutional in several ways. Not knowing that renders you incapable of improving on the present Constitution.
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tabonsell (28 articles, 0 quicklinks, 22 diaries, 249 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 1:19:39 PM
An Article V Convention DOES NOT ABOLISH OUR CURRENT CONSTITUTION. It gives WE THE PEOPLE a Constitutional basis for preserving our civil liberties and either repealing or adding certain amendments that are agreed upon by three-fourths of the states.
For starters, an Article V Convention would be used to REPEAL THE 16TH AMENDMENT that has enslaved the entirety of the United States. With an Article V Convention, we could also ABOLISH THE TYRANNICAL AND FASCIST FEDERAL RESERVE.
An Article V Convention does to erase the entirety of our US Constitution - please do research before you start attacking the best non-violent legal choice we have for preserving liberty and saving the Republic.
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JL Wallace (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 8 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 4:32:11 PM
Do your homework. An Article V Convention is the only way to "attack" those in power, without resorting to violence.
Our "elected" officials are owned and controlled by the tyrannical fascists within the Federal Reserve. Our country was sold to Big Oil and Bankers in 1913 - with the abolishment of the Federal Reserve, we could regain our country and rid ourselves of the enslaving 16th Amendment...
And the only way to do that is with an Article V Convention.
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JL Wallace (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 8 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 4:25:56 PM
all along, only I called it Emergency Convention. But as for revolution- it will not happen because we do not have a signiificant group of people, a class, really who will benefit from this change. Or at least those who might benefit do not understand that. What we do understand that any revolution can lead to a bloody skirmish. It is nice to read now about George Washington and his feats but then thousands of young people died and I bet no mother had ever been happy with it. If Congress bluntly violates the Constitution can there be a ' lawsuit' to the Supreme Court on behalf of the Constitution? Can a Constitution ' hire a lawyer'.? Maybe that has to be included - let there be a Convention Committee which demand from Congress to open a Convention and if not- threaten to sue. I have to expalin that the ruling ' iron heel' is as iron as we assume it is. They do not really have any support and their foundation is illusory. It is us who keep them, no one else.
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Mark Sashine (46 articles, 19 quicklinks, 234 diaries, 3343 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 6:28:43 PM
you will find the federal suit which went to the supreme court in the form of a writ of certiaori last year. the evidence in the suit was/is the congressional record. it shows all the states have applied, and the congress has refused to carry out its constitutional obligation.
since the ruling was that politicians will decide if we'll have an article v convention, it's now simply a matter of of marshalling together a tipping point majority of americans calling for a convention. it is a non-partisan issue, and that is agood thing.
There are many groups who are trying to enact legislation that will bring us closer to what the founders intended. One such group is Americans for Fair Taxation. Much of the power the current crop of leaders has comes in the form of being able to sell tax favors for campaign contributions. The system is completely unchecked.
If passed as written, the FairTax will end that system. It isn't a perfect proposal, but many of us in the fight are there specifically because when passed, the FairTax will be the single largest transfer of power from politicians and lobbyists to the people in more than a century.
Please take a look at http://FairTax.org and see if it is a proposal you can support.
Though our group Friends of the Article V Convention will not support any specific constitutional amendment, we do welcome groups like yours to become Affiliate Members, because you can appreciate the possibility of achieving your aims (a better tax system) through a constitutional amendment -- so come on over to www.foavc.org and join us.
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Joel S. Hirschhorn (116 articles, 22 quicklinks, 51 diaries, 462 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 10:27:39 AM
Is Bush and his neocon in power delusional? Is the Pope German? But you can't call the Bush gang cowards. Just stupid and cheap.
Is the Dems delusional? More than that. They're true cowards.
Is Americans politically delusional? 50% yes because half voted for Bush, twice. Once can be a mistake, twice confirms mass delusion of the first order.
Is the American nation delusional? This requires a more complicated answer which can be better illustrated by a real live event. During the Cold War, the Soviet citizens truely believe they're a great power. They have the unquestioned superiority of the communist system, they're world class in science and technology, runs a powerful efficient economy, backed by deep culture and history. In a few short years after the Berlin wall came down, all that belief went puff. Historians call it The Great Soviet Delusion. With the USSR gone, America rejoiced and proceeded enjoy life as the sole superpower. The political culture of Clinton and Bush2 examplifies that. Americans believe they are always the good, their nation is the 'essential' nation because the world simply can't function without the wisdom and power of the USA. The elite believe the "American Is Great" foreign policy is embraced by the world, ready to follow and admire the 'Essential' nation.
Here's the answer: America has been living the Great American Delusion of the post-Soviet era. Because it will go puff. Wise historians have already predicted when the puff will go. 2015, give or take a few. It will be an event worthy of the last puff - the Great Depression and WW2.
That's why there's no revolt, despite the signs. True to the above prediction, everybody is somehow waiting for the Great Delusion to hit the wall. It will be an upheaval, followed by crisis, as events take the lead and people just get drag along. No revolt and certainly no revolution. Today, American revolutions are reserved for 10 second TV commericals to hype a stupid, useless product function.
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TomK (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 205 comments)
on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 9:15:28 PM
It is very difficult and challenging to retain some optimism about obtaining the profoundly needed changes in our government and political system, especially by using our constitutional/legal system - not violence. Part of me sees the USA in the toilet waiting for the Final Flush. But another part of me still sees some possibility of enough Americans banding together to truly fix our nation - it is that joining together in common purpose that is so challenging. I am happy to report that yesterday our new group Friends of the Article V Convention got a huge (for us) increase in membership - 14 new members in just one day!!! And we had over 10,000 hits at www.foavc.org ---- so maybe, just maybe we can succeed. Rather than despair - come join our effort....
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Joel S. Hirschhorn (116 articles, 22 quicklinks, 51 diaries, 462 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 10:24:44 AM
Always you think that what ever your understanding is about yourself , about others but never bother to re consider the views of other nations about you and about your policies.
If you murder thousands of eople in Afghanistan and Iraq its ok but if some body Kill few american you shout slogans like war on terror. Is this justice.
If millions of people over all world belives that Your respected President Mr. Bush is Killer of Humanity but you people say he is your hero and doing all right .
Is this justice?
By Hameedullah
Anthropologist
Pakistan
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Hameed (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 6 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 12:05:03 AM
Are you as exercised as Lee Iacocca? Hear him roar:
"I’ll go a step further. You can’t call yourself a patriot if you’re not outraged. This is a fight I’m ready and willing to have.
"My friends tell me to calm down. They say, “Lee, you’re eighty-two years old. Leave the rage to the young people.” I’d love to—as soon as I can pry them away from their iPods for five seconds and get them to pay attention. I’m going to speak up because it’s my patriotic duty. I think people will listen to me. They say I have a reputation as a straight shooter. So I’ll tell you how I see it, and it’s not pretty, but at least it’s real. I’m hoping to strike a nerve in those young folks who say they don’t vote because they don’t trust politicians to represent their interests. Hey, America, wake up. These guys work for us."
__________________________________________
As detailed in the link above, I'm handing an envelope to Lee Iacocca next Tuesday with real letters, on real paper, from our side of the digital divide. Our message is that his natural allies over here are ready to support his effort.
The above post is an appeal for you to reply with a PDF of a thoughtful letter - on electronic letterhead - to demonstrate that there are thoughtful, qualified, disciplined and articulate people out here ready to work with him to make a difference. I'll print them out and also put them online to start the ball rolling. Obviously, your influential friends are welcome to chime in.
All the details are at the above link.
Also, there will be an announcement next Tuesday at the Take Back America Conference describing a broadly inclusive project to advance American governance as much as possible during the year between the next two Independence Days.
It seems that this article is all about selling books for Joel S. Hirschhhorn and getting people to visit his site where they can, undoubtedly, DONATE to Joel S. Hirschhorn.
Can Joel S. Hirschhorn imagine how many people in this country will DIE if there is a revolt or a revolution in this country? Does Joel S. Hirschhorn CARE how many people will die just so long as there is money left to buy his book?
And, of course, the poor will die first, as they always do.
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George C. Sievers (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 9:55:45 AM
You are a dumb, moronic old fart; I have made NO money whatsoever from all my writings; just the opposite - I spend money to advance the interests I believe in. You may be too old and dumb to become better informed and educated, but I hope (as a 67 year old) that you find some time and energy to open your mind and find some hope in a dismal world and devote yourself, as I have, to making our nation better through peaceful revolution, using our constitutional/legal system.
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Joel S. Hirschhorn (116 articles, 22 quicklinks, 51 diaries, 462 comments)
on Friday, June 15, 2007 at 10:18:31 AM
Best look up the definition of "dumb". If this is any indication of your literacy your book would be a hopeless mess of misused words. No one has EVER accused me of being dumb. Ignorant and stubborn and mean, yes - dumb, no.
Oh yes - no where do you mention a peaceful revolt except in answer to my comment?
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George C. Sievers (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments)
on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 10:17:10 AM
