As I recall from Gibbon, the Western Roman Empire went out with more of a whimper than a bang. By the time of Alaric and his Visigoths in 410 AD, Rome was so corrupt and weak there was little to stand in his way. In broad strokes it is fair to say that Roman society declined simultaneously with government. Long before the fall, Roman republican citizenship was a precious possession, a jewel of unsurpassed value. As such it was held closely and kept in short supply, for among other privileges, the Roman citizen wasn’t taxed. He was exempt from the possibility of torture. Even into the empire, he could, under certain circumstances, appeal judicial rulings to the Emperor.

By the end, Roman citizenship was a burden to be avoided. The citizen was taxed to the hilt. Government couldn’t protect him from domestic or foreign borne violence. Local populations built defensive walls as the means to a protection the state could no longer provide.

Today, we hear of enclaves of law abiding citizens that resort to private security. New communities are often promoted as “gated.” Bug Out plans and SHTF oriented websites are common. Public school students are taught to revile their heritage. More Americans renounce their citizenship every year. Those who remain are taxed to support hundreds of thousands of unwanted muslims incapable of assimilation. Rulers live separate existences in an imperial city, far removed in interest and wealth from the ruled. La Raza, Luis Gutiérrez and like-minded officials openly invite barbarians with the intent of overwhelming American culture, if not the annexation of western states to Mexico.

Man fights to keep that which he prizes, while he lets go of that which is a dead load of no value. So which is it? Is the United States worth keeping? If worth keeping, patriots must go out of their way to see that those brought up with hate of, or indifference to, American ideals are properly educated.

An Article V convention is perhaps the best means to bring forth American ideals into the public eye. As envisioned by the Article V State Legislators Caucus, the convention will be open to general attendance. If so, it is likely to be video recorded in its entirety, and probably broadcast live on C-Span. Here, the nation will view state delegations of men and women, unbeknownst to the media and congress, as they argue for and against the various state amendment proposals. We will see if they rise to the occasion and conduct themselves as if the eye of history is upon them. In the process, expositions on the fundamental principles of our founding are a certainty. Proponents will perhaps do verbal battle with enemies of our Declaration; so be it. It is long past time for patriots and SJW to put their cards on the table and present their visions for America.

Since no society in history ever sold themselves into slavery, an Article V convention constitutes a measured risk, a measured risk in favor of free government we must take. We’ll find out if the remains of our republic are worth saving.

We are the many; our oppressors are the few. Be proactive. Be a Re-Founder. Join Convention of States. Sign our COS Petition.

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