Constitutional collapse: Why we could be on the verge of a democratic apocalypse
SATURDAY, FEB 25, 2017 09:59 AM EST
Constitutional collapse: Why we could be on the verge of a democratic apocalypse
If Republicans gain full control, they have the power to amend the Constitution into their own authoritarian image
LES LEOPOLD, ALTERNET
As Donald Trump vilifies the press, the courts, immigrants, Muslims, Democrats, protesters and anyone who disagrees with him, it isnt hard to imagine a modern-day Mussolini or worse. But an even greater threat lies in Republicans march toward full control of state government. If they get there, they will have the frightening power to amend the Constitution into their own authoritarian image . . . or Ayn Rands.
Republicans now control 32 state legislatures and 33 governorships. They have majorities in both state legislative chambers as well as the governorships in 25 states. The Democrats have total control in only six states and legislative control in two more.
If Republicans achieve veto-proof control in 38 states, they can do something that has never been done before hold a constitutional convention, and then ratify new amendments that are put forth. To date, all amendments have been initiated from Congress where two-thirds of both houses are required. In either case, 38 states would be needed to ratify the amendments. The Republicans are well on their way.
We know what they are likely to do: end collective bargaining, outlaw abortion, forbid progressive income, estate and Wall Street taxes; prohibit class action law suits, privatize social security, guarantee free choice in all school systems, and so on. They would do what theyve always wanted to do: outlaw the New Deal and its social democratic programs. And if they get crazy enough, they could end separation of church and state and undo other portions of the Bill of Rights.
more:
http://www.salon.com/2017/02/25/why-we-could-be-on-the-verge-of-a-constitutional-apocalypse_partner/
samnsara
(17,650 posts).....does their job.
joet67
(624 posts)enough
(13,264 posts)Haha.
no_hypocrisy
(46,234 posts)Five years? Ten years? Forever?
Initech
(100,108 posts)That is an extremely terrible idea.
joet67
(624 posts)no_hypocrisy
(46,234 posts)Say Pennsylvania votes in favor of a Constitutional Convention, how long does the window to vote last?
For example, states were voting for the Equal Rights Amendment in the 70s and 80s but it didn't pass because the time to vote in its favor was circumscribed, limited.
So my question is if the first state were to vote in favor of a Constitutional Convention in 1980, does that mean that the other states have, say, 20 years to vote 2/3 in favor to convene?
Initech
(100,108 posts)We need to go back in time and stop Ayn Rand. She may do far more irreparable damage to the planet in the long run. The cause of the death of humanity won't be Donald Trump. It will be Atlas Shrugged.
SylviaD
(721 posts)That document could use some updating. i.e. protections for LGBTQ persons and some other progressive amendments.
jmowreader
(50,567 posts)We'd be far more likely to get a ban on abortion, a ban on same-sex marriage, Christianity the official religion, English the official language, NC HB2 as official policy...
Dan
(3,583 posts)The smartest move that they could make would be the outlawing and possession of firearms.