Following a conversation with a PA State Senate Staffer, I got to thinking about the title of this posting, and I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that a Citizen's Constitutional Convention, as embodied in Senate Bill 1290 could have disastrous consequences if enacted into Law.
Our Declaration of Independence provides: "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Furthermore Article I Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states: "All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasable right to alter, reform or abolish their government as they may think proper." While these processes were clearly intended to provide the people with a mechanism to make our government more responsive and accountable, there is a grave danger that, in my judgment, cannot be reconciled. The very fragile freedoms and liberties of our citizens could be severely jeopardized or curtailed. Such a development would have outrageous consequences for our society.
I am reminded of an old saying, that the road to hell is paved in good intentions. Having said that I fear there will be no way to limit the scope of a Constitutional Convention once the process has begun.
We can amend our State Constitution, if and when necessary through the normal legislative process without opening up the Pandora's Box of a Constitutional Convention. Regardless of how well-meaning or well-intentioned, the ramifications of such an exercise are just to frightening to contemplate.
Our Declaration of Independence provides: "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Furthermore Article I Section 2 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states: "All power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority and instituted for their peace, safety and happiness. For the advancement of these ends they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasable right to alter, reform or abolish their government as they may think proper." While these processes were clearly intended to provide the people with a mechanism to make our government more responsive and accountable, there is a grave danger that, in my judgment, cannot be reconciled. The very fragile freedoms and liberties of our citizens could be severely jeopardized or curtailed. Such a development would have outrageous consequences for our society.
I am reminded of an old saying, that the road to hell is paved in good intentions. Having said that I fear there will be no way to limit the scope of a Constitutional Convention once the process has begun.
We can amend our State Constitution, if and when necessary through the normal legislative process without opening up the Pandora's Box of a Constitutional Convention. Regardless of how well-meaning or well-intentioned, the ramifications of such an exercise are just to frightening to contemplate.
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