An effort is now underway to call for a National Constitutional Convention as authorized by Article V of the Constitution(this effort is independent of Friends of an Article V Convention and is not endorsed by them). The ultimate aim of this Convention, as envisioned, will be the dismantlement of the federal government in its present configuration, and then reassemblement at the regional level. In essence, 10 (# flexible) independent republics will be created on American soil(state borders intact), each having the Constitution and Bill of Rights as the basis of their new governments. Liken this to the breakup of AT&T into the baby bells some years back. This action has become necessary to diffuse the power of the largely self-serving globalist oligarchy which has hijacked our federal government, bringing this nation to the verge of economic and social ruin, while greatly compromising our national security. It's time for AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL GOVERNMENT!!
See link below for more info:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NationalConstitutionalConvention06

I support it wholeheartedly if Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum aren't allowed to participate. Give them Nevada. The whole state is built upon illusion. They would feel right at home.

If the country wasn't so large, monastic ways would be ideal. Get the population down to less than a hundred, and monastic rules might work.

That isn't practical, so I guess everyone just has to suffer with what ever they come up with.

Retired Monk
"Ideology is a disease"

Well the nice thing about a Convention is that it is state legislature driven. Moreover, my amendment proposals make it very attractive to the states to call one(fed land going back to the states, social security payments made to state trust funds). The feds would only be involved in the formal calling of it(the Founders shouldn't have involved them at all) after the states voted to have one and in specifying how the amendements are voted on--via state legislatures or state conventions. That's the extent of their involvement.

quote:

Originally posted by eric1:
Well the nice thing about a Convention is that it is state legislature driven. Moreover, my amendment proposals make it very attractive to the states to call one(fed land going back to the states, social security payments made to state trust funds). The feds would only be involved in the formal calling of it(the Founders shouldn't have involved them at all) after the states voted to have one and in specifying how the amendements are voted on--via state legislatures or state conventions. That's the extent of their involvement.

well, the only way I could support it is if it included the International Covenent on Political, Social and Cultural Rights. Then it would be a go. A step into the future rather than the past.

Retired Monk
"Ideology is a disease"

Not happy with the Bill of Rights?

After reading Don Smith's post, "Replication of Ruin from Iraq to Somalia" in the World Affairs section, can say it would be nice to see a dissemblation of the US federal government. We would be doing the world a favor at this point.

quote:

Originally posted by eric1:
Not happy with the Bill of Rights?

For its time, the Bill of Rights was a revolutionary step forward in human rights. The International Covenant on Political, Cultural and Social Rights expands upon them.

The U.S. did sign the treaty, but only after striking every clause pertaining to human rights. Otherwise, it would be put in the embarassing position of having to pass laws against each and every one of them. That is the only way the U.S. can void a treaty.

The U.S. is no longer the leader and defender in the expansion of human rights...our claims to being supporters of human rights are looking more and more absurd to a world passing us by.

Retired Monk
"Ideology is a disease"

And what countries today do you see as the leaders and DEFENDERS of human rights?

Are you talking about countries who defend rights within their own borders, or those who try to extend their own limited version of them to other countries?

Your Goldwater quote:
Actually, I admire Goldwater. I didn't like all of his views, and he was a statesman. If he was still around, he'd probably do like he did with Nixon. Pay Bush a call and tell him to resign for the good of the nation.

Retired Monk
"Ideology is a disease"

I guess the point I'm trying to make, polycarp,
is that although the United States takes a lot of heat with respect to human rights, it is not as bad as is made out in many quarters. I do recall we liberated a country named Kuwait and also prevented the massacre of many muslims in Kosovo. Clearly, we're not perfect, and I myself have a lot of problems with the powers that be, but we're still the best thing on the block when you see that MOST other countries aren't even in a position to do anything significant when problems erupt internationally.

Updates--

The President Pro Temp of the South Carolina Senate is now in support of a Constitutional Convention. He also has the backing of the House Speaker.

Dennis Kucinich has just launched a Constitutional Convention Initiative.

http://www.clevelandleader.com/node/3616 scroll down

A nation at the beginning of a melt down isn't a prime candidate for a Constitutional Convention. However, an administration offering more of the same will stoke the fire and make one more likely.

Whether 'tis a Tweedle Dee or Tweedle Dum doesn't administration matter.

Kucinich might create a turn around, but corporate media doesn't like him. We won't see or read much about him.

Edwards has possibilities if he can rise to the challenge of crises avoidance.

A Consitutional Convention with added input of some of the best brains in the country would be a good thing. Allow corporations room in the viewers gallery with severe penalties for bribery. Corporate states are proving themselves not to be a good thing.

Retired Monk
"Ideology is a disease"

I think one is becoming increasingly likely. In fact, in October there was a National Constitutional Convention Symposium in Washington D.C. sponsored by the Center for Politics(Larry Sabato).

As per Edwards, I'm leery of him as he has been to some of the "elitist" gatherings in Europe(Bilderbergers). They're only interested in people they know they can control.

Personally, I believe that Ron Paul's people may be the big impetus for a Convention along with Kucinich's, especially if their campaigns ultimately fail.

Constitutional Convention update---

Senator Glenn McConnell, President Pro Temp of the South Carolina Senate, has introduced a resolution calling for a National Constitutional Convention to deal with the illegal immigration issue. It has 8 co-sponsors--2 Democrats and 6 Republicans. See link below for more info:

http://www.americanamendment.com

Also, I suggest that you revisit and reconsider my AUTONOMOUS REGIONAL GOVERNMENT Constitutional Convention proposal. It diffuses the power of the federal reserve as well. Our country is on the verge of economic collapse due to UNREGULATED banking interests. The current stimulus package only amounts to putting a bandaid on a broken arm. My proposal deals with the ROOT CAUSES of the problem-- too much concentrated power in Washington D.C. government/financial circles. In short, DEAL WITH REALITY BEFORE REALITY DEALS WITH YOU . . . and under the current paradigm, it will be very harshly, sad to say. See link below:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NationalConstitutionalConvention06