Constitutional collapse: Why we could be on the verge of a democratic apocalypse

[joet67]

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 isn’t 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 Rand’s.

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 they’ve 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]

1. lets hope the CIA....

.....does their job.

[joet67]

2. I'm pretty sure they have infinite resources and ways to "fix" this. I saw JFK, so... nt

[enough]

8. What, the CIA is supposed to be the ultimate final savior of democracy?

Haha.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. How long does a vote for Constitutional Convention last?

Five years? Ten years? Forever?

[Initech]

5. You want the fundies and corporatist to change the constitution? I don't.

That is an extremely terrible idea.

[joet67]

6. Technically, we can't get there until 2/3 of the states vote to convene one, if my memory is correct

[no_hypocrisy]

7. Clarification

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]

4. Forget going back in time to kill Hitler.

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]

9. A Constitutional Convention is actually a good idea.

That document could use some updating. i.e. protections for LGBTQ persons and some other progressive amendments.

[jmowreader]

10. A Constitutional Convention is a terrible idea

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]

11. In the case of the above

The smartest move that they could make would be the outlawing and possession of firearms.