by Stephen A. Wait ~ 28th of January, 2023
Our constitution is dependent on those that are honest. It requires an honesty of truths; bare subjective interpretation… and disingenuous argument… and recrimination. This, where the inconvenience of honesty should not be met with indignation, but rather, great humility.
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Over time, the proclivity of governance, beyond their own self-interest, has been a depravity of indifference. Necessitated by the ruinous consequences of such apathy, impediments need be placed within the powers bestowed to our government. Perhaps by divine intervention, the framers anticipated such circumstance and thus the Constitution contains an explicit provision of great proximity to the People. Here, Article V resides as foil to our cancerous condition.
The Constitution is a document of considerable gravity, one that is amendable when less than perfect. Yet, there is disappointment in a necessity for broadening deterrence to governmental conceit. It seems such a diminished return, an expansion of this charter beyond its original design, where honesty was assumed inherent. But sadly, and in obvious fashion, the current version does not possess the contingencies required to parry such corruptions of character.
Some might ask: Why pursue an Article V remedy when we could simply rely on fidelity to Article VI? Regrettably, and unsurprisingly, both the binding nature of the “Oath of Affirmation” and the clarity of “in Pursuance thereof;” has proven unenforceable from within. A persuasive, external force is needed to remind governance of our constitutional hierarchy. It is the People who retain disciplinary authority over governance and a “Convention for proposing Amendments” would certainly serve to make that impression.
Emendation of our most sacrosanct document will require a wisdom of contemplative humility and a sincerity of honest consideration for all opinions. It is an ultimate exercise of profound control on the reins of power. And most importantly perhaps, a solemn duty foreseen by the framers for the patriots of the day. This, as beyond those rights of natural law given to all by God, only the citizenry may grant, or rescind as necessary, authority to govern.
“A republic, if you can keep it.” So sayeth Benjamin Franklin.
And indeed, we can.
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