Michael Farris Debates Andy Schlafly in N.J.(ARTICLE V)

Article V does reasonably reduce to "The Congress, ... , ... , ... , shall call ... ,"

Right, but in the second alternative, the amendment process is initiated, run, and ratified by the states. After the "Application of the Legislatures of two-thirds of the several States," Congress' role to "call a Convention" is merely clerical or administrative.

The single most important thing that would come from an Amendments Convention under Article V is that the first convention would set the precedents as to how the conventions are to be conducted. These precedents would include items such as delegate selection, one state/one vote, and the voting threshold to report a proposed amendment out of convention.

Even more important would be the CSPAN gavel-to-gavel coverage. Rush Limbaugh would have a field day. The details of possible amendments would be the main topic of conversation at dinner tables, churches, town meetings and bars across the country. (Note that at the time of the adoption of the Constitution, the pub played an important role in both male bonding and politics.)

The most important thing to be gained is that the people would no longer fear an Amendments Convention as a tool of governance. They would see good order and spirited debate. From the first day of proceedings, heroes and villains would emerge.

And that brings me to the greatest gain to be had from a successful Amendments Convention. The political parties, the corporate interests and Congress would be on notice that the people have found a way around them.

Yes, as you said, the best feature will be for the American people to see the states in action, standing up to and outside of a corrupted Washington.

It will be difficult for the dino media to ignore, but I don't underestimate them.

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