Why we need a convention of states

There are two ways to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution: by 2/3 vote in each house of Congress, or via a convention of states that is officially applied for by 2/3 (rounding up, so 34) of the state legislatures.

There is only one way to ratify an amendment: by 3/4 approval of the states (38 of them), which means the possibility of a “runaway” convention of states is approximately nil.

A convention of states has never been achieved, but it has been tried, and in at least one case the threat of it succeeding prompted the U.S. Congress to propose amendments for ratification.

A convention of states is being proposed now, with eight states so far approving their applications. The express purpose of this convention will be to reduce federal power, rebalance some powers with the states, and impose fiscal restraint, with most people in the country wanting all of this to happen in some form. There is strong bipartisan support growing in Illinois for this convention of states. Senator Tom Cullerton of Villa Park is the latest state legislator to sign on, and he has agreed to carry Illinois’ application forward in the 2017 legislative session. This is a big win.

Take the time to learn more about convention of states, and then consider supporting it however you are able. Whatever your views on particular social and political issues, you can probably agree with me that we need government that is focused on what it can do well, is more accountable to the people, and is less prone to corruption and abuse of power.

The time for a serious Article V convention of states — which the U.S. Congress cannot legally prevent — is now.

Michael D. House

Aurora

Bad choice for national security adviser

It has come to light that Ret. Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Sr. has been propagating fake news stories. Either he is incapable of distinguishing between truth and fiction, or he is incapable of recognizing the difference between ethical and unethical behavior. In either case, all Americans should be alarmed by the fact that this man has been chosen by President-elect Donald Trump to be the National Security Adviser, a critically sensitive position, not subject to Senate confirmation.

Donald G. Westlake

Wheaton