A recent article by Russ Payne (a supporter of the John Birch Society) made some outlandish claims that must not be allowed to stand unchallenged.
In 2012, a “balanced budget amendment,” HCR 40, was passed by a bipartisan vote in the NH Legislature, with a great cause and foresight, to control the runaway Federal US Debt. The facts below speak for themselves.
2012 National Debt = $16,066 Billion Debt to GDP ratio * 99% (* pivotal timing in financial history – as we have just fallen off the Fiscal Cliff) 2022 = $30,824 Billion with a Debt to GDP ratio of *123 % (* For the first time since World War II, the federal public debt has reached 100% of GDP, meaning the federal government will soon owe more in debt than the annual size of the American economy We are in a free –fall with no parachute)
Feb 2, 2024, after nearly an increase of $14 + Billion of runaway debt, HCR 9 was introduced to rescind the NH “Balanced Budget Amendment of 2012. The vote to rescind failed. (14 to 6 as “ITL” House State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee). In testimony supporting a YES vote – (to rescind), was the John Birch Society supporters and Hal Shurtleff of Camp Constitution. It appears via their testimony they believe in the Constitution – but simply want the authority to pick and choose what parts they want you and I to follow!
We want to thank Al Brandano for this Contribution – Please direct yours to Steve@GraniteGrok.com.
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Fortunately, the wisdom and clear foresight of the 2012 NH Legislature won the day, along with the testimony of concerned citizens, organizations, and supporters of *The Convention of States (* approx 13,000 grassroots petition signers in NH)
Now, let’s reimagine 2012 in terms of what we could have accomplished if all of the#34 required states (#26 have signed on) had just used the authority granted to the states under Article V and, in fact, called for a Convention of The States ( NOT a Constitutional Convention/ Con-Con).
The founding fathers envisioned Article V as a nonviolent solution for states to take back an out-of-control federal government. Article V Convention of States simply and only allows us (the states), the rights to come together to just meet, for the purpose of only proposing amendments to this US Constitution. They also gave us a high bar to cross to amend the US Constitution. Any student of the Constitution understands that all proposed amendments via the States under Article V require a ratification process ( same as federal) in which all #50 State Legislatures have a vote.
John Birch & Camp Constitution “Con/Con of Fear Mongering” is simply folly! Current polling indicates that 68% of US voters support A Balanced US Budget. Why? Because the Debt is projected to double to 200% by 2050, when our net interest payments will be the single largest budget item, exceeding the size of Social Security and Medicare. For perspective, fifteen years ago, the U.S. public debt as a size of our economy was only 35%.
Tell your NH Legislators to please VOTE NO on HCR 9 to protect our Constitution and all of our rights. To keep alive New Hampshire’s support, hope in a “balanced budget amendment” for the sake of our children, grandchildren, and national security.
Al Brandano is the New Hampshire State Director for Convention of States
