So true. I went over that in some detail here: http://articlevblog.com/2016/08/more-democracy-less-liberty/
Progressives rely on deceiving the nation into thinking that expansion of the democratic element is the key to societal happiness. On the contrary, democracy isn't perfume; it is poison.
I congratulate you for your Article V efforts.
To me, the value of a Balanced Budget Amendment COS doesn't involve balancing the budget; it is in showing the country that the states can conduct a civil, parliamentary COS that doesn't "runaway." Whether the convention passes the BBA or not, I expect the fence-sitters, those who want to fix our government's structural problems yet were uncomfortable with a COS, to come around and really THINK about what needs to be done.
IOW, without an intervening BBA COS, we'll never get rid of the 17A. After the BBA, we must begin the long process of re-educating a nation programmed into thinking that democracy is grand.
Great point Jacquerie. I had not looked at this from that angle. Because every household must deal with a personal balanced budget regularly I can see why it's so easy for people to get on that bandwagon. Now that you've put it in plain English I see my own shortsightedness at letting that issue irritate me. We are in a long haul battle to get 34 states signed on. And in winning over other conservatives the fear of a runaway convention is the #1 concern. It makes sense to make a proof of the Constitutional integrity of a Convention by addressing something all people can relate to. I will carry on in better spirit with that thought. And continue to inject repealing the 17th into conversation whenever I have an interested listener.
The article you referenced is one of the first I read of yours. We can historically point out so many instances in which a republic is superior to a democracy that I forget most people just don't understand the difference. I'd like to see the entire list of Free Republic's ideal amendments passed in my lifetime but I can comfortably say that our 5 children, 21 grandchildren and many other aquaintances will at least know enough to carry on this battle in years to come. I'm not leaving anytime soon by the Grace of God but I need to learn to keep the long term in better focus.
Thank you and have a Blessed day :)