Most libertarians and conservatives today believe that the U.S. government wields far too much power. They frequently disagree, however, about the best way to restore a proper balance among lawmakers in Washington, lawmakers in the states and, most importantly, the individual liberty of the citizens.

Of the governmental reform ideas currently up for debate, perhaps none arouses so much passion as the possibility that the states might seize upon a never-used provision from Article V of the U.S. Constitution that allows the states to demand a national convention that would consider proposals to amend the Constitution. Some people adamantly oppose such a convention, arguing that it represents a Pandora’s Box that could result in the undoing of the American system of government. Others argue that the states can put restrictions in place to prevent a “runaway convention,” and they point out that given the current state of governmental affairs the potential benefits of such a convention more than offset any likely risks.

Some good folks in St. Louis thought this discussion was important enough to stage a debate on the issue to help citizens understand the arguments for and against an Article V convention so that they can instruct their legislators as to the course of action that they think would be wisest. Here are the details concerning that debate:

When:

Tuesday, March 1, 2011 – 7:00pm

Participants:

Phyllis Schlafly has been a national leader of the conservative movement since 1964. She is the president and founder of Eagle Forum as well as the author or editor of 20 books. Her most recent book is The Supremacists: The Tyranny of Judges and How to Stop It. Mrs. Schlafly has testified before more than 50 Congressional and State Legislative committees on constitutional, national defense, and family issues. She received her J.D. from Washington University Law School and her Master’s in Political Science from Harvard University.

Dave Roland is the Director of Litigation and co-founder of the Freedom Center of Missouri, a non-profit constitutional litigation center. His expertise is in state and federal constitutional law, particularly as it pertains to religious liberties, free speech, property rights (eminent domain), economic liberties, and school choice. Prior to founding the Freedom Center, he spent three years working as an attorney and policy analyst for the Show-Me Institute. Mr. Roland received his law degree and a Master’s in Theology from Vanderbilt University.

Tim Mooney is a political consultant and a founding partner of Silver Bullet, LLC. One of America’s most successful grassroots political firms, Silver Bullet has worked on the behalf of candidates, causes, and clients on both the national level and in all 50 states. Most recently, Mr. Mooney is a founder of PassTheBBA – the leading national effort to pass a Federal balanced budget amendment. Mr. Mooney received his education at Pepperdine University and Harvard University.

Moderator:

Gina Loudon, Ph.D., is a political analyst, writer, and the originator of the field of Policology—the nexus of politics and psychology. Dr. Loudon hosts a radio talk show weeknights from 4-6 pm on KJSL, TruthTalk 630 AM, and is a political commentator on national and international news outlets.

Location:

Sheraton Clayton
Gallery Ballroom, 2nd Floor
7730 Bonhomme Ave. (east of S. Bemiston Ave.; west of S. Hanley Rd.)
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 863-0400 ‎
sheratonclayton.com

FREE complimentary garage parking on 2nd level
Seating capacity = 150-200 people
Raised stage for panel and moderator
Theatre-style seating

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Caroline Mueller (via email peanut_mueller@hotmail.com).

Also, feel free to submit any questions to Caroline via email that you would liked to be asked at the debate.

This event is FREE. However, a free will donation to defray costs would be most appreciated.
Suggested donation = $2.00.