Constitution under attack

Dear Editor,

A very dangerous move is underfoot in the Nebraska Legislature. Newly-elected Senator Ebke introduced LR 35 calling for an Article V convention "limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress". A hearing is scheduled February 25th at 1:30 p.m. at the State Capitol building.

What brings this type of request? People are understandably frustrated with the over-reach of the federal government and the tremendous debt being foisted upon our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately talk radio host and lawyer Mark Levin's book, The Liberty Amendments, has been latched upon as the one great hope for our Nation.

Levin's book outlines eleven possible amendments to the U.S. Constitution that he touts as the "magic bullet" to bring our run-away government back under the control of the People. No doubt Levin means well and his proposed amendments do sound good, but in his desire to right all ills, Levin is failing to accurately read Article V of the Constitution.

Article V states, "The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other mode of ratification may be proposed by the Congress...."

Proponents of an Article V Convention fail to understand Congress would be in charge of calling the convention, instead claiming the States would be in charge. Proponents say the convention can be limited to action on a single issue and refuse to heed former Chief Justice Warren Burger's 1983 warning, that (in) "my opinion that there is no effective way to limit or muzzle the actions of a Constitutional Convention. The convention could make its own rules and set its own agenda. Congress might try to limit the convention to one amendment or to one issue, but there is no way to assure that the convention would obey. After a convention is convened, it will be too late to stop the convention if we don't like its agenda."

It is curious to find that George Soros, well-known liberal investor, WolfPac, Code Pink and many other left wing groups are also pushing for an Article V Convention. No doubt the liberal groups see the possibility of a run-away convention that would be their "ticket" to destroying all that our Constitution protects today...Free speech; the Right to bear arms and much more.

If you share my concern -- and if you want to help protect our Constitution, please contact me. It is critical that we work together to defend our freedoms.

Kathy Wilmot,

Beaver City