A path to restoration

It must have been a dark and stormy night battered by winds rattling along the housetops when RL Hutson penned that fearful vision of a coming America of runaway corporate greed in answer to ultra-liberalism in sway now.

Fear not. There is a far better and attainable solution to the structural problems of our out-of-control federal government, found in Article V of the Constitution. It empowers the states, acting collectively, to go around Congress and propose amendments to the Constitution. It is safe because any amendments so proposed would be subject to ratification by the states in exactly the same manner as all other amendments have been ratified. The distinction is that the states are in control of the process, not the federal government.

There is a growing nationwide grass-roots movement under way now, with project operations in over 40 states, to bring about an Article V amending convention. Its objectives are to propose amendments to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit its power and jurisdiction, and limit the terms of office for federal officials. Think balanced budget, regulation limits, term limits for federal senators, representatives and judges, fairer taxation, limitations on executive power, restoration of state sovereignty, meaningful oversight, and real governmental accountability. Google Convention of States to learn more.

There is no gloom here. The gift of Article V offers a path to the brightest of futures for our country enshrined in Philadelphia 227 years ago. Why not get on board? MARK ALSPAUGH Hot Springs Village