“A Raving Religious Fanatic Wants To Govern With the Bible” – Mike Johnson’s Divisive Constitutional Crusade Sparks Outrage

Gabriel RomanNov 14, 2023

Minute Read

The United States Constitution is facing potential revisions under new legislative leadership. The recent election of Mike Johnson to the role of House Speaker has reignited debates over a rarely-explored mechanism for constitutional amendment. Advocates for change are gaining momentum, while critics warn of a possible constitutional crisis.

The Push for Constitutional Change

Over the past decade, a growing movement has been to fundamentally revise the U.S. Constitution. This movement has gained significant momentum with the election of Mike Johnson as House Speaker. Johnson, known for his conservative views, has become a pivotal figure in this transformative period.

Mike Johnson’s Role

Representative Mike Johnson, hailing from Louisiana, has been a somewhat silent advocate for constitutional change within the Congress. However, his prior efforts in advocating for a Convention of States, a significant step towards constitutional amendments, have not gone unnoticed. His election as House Speaker has energized supporters of this cause, who view his new position as a strategic advantage in realizing their goals.

Tim Barton’s View

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Tim Barton, the leader of Wallbuilders, is openly enthusiastic about Mike Johnson’s new role as House Speaker. “This is literally the kind of guy that we’ve been praying for to be in that position,” Barton expressed. His longstanding relationship with Johnson strengthens his belief in Johnson’s capability to champion their shared vision for constitutional reform.

Johnson’s 2016 Support

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In 2016, as a state legislator, Mike Johnson called for an Article V convention. He saw this as the ultimate solution to rein in a government that, in his view, had exceeded its constitutional boundaries. He championed the convention as a necessary measure, expressing his strong belief in its urgency and importance.

Johnson’s Personal Journey

Mike Johnson’s journey to supporting constitutional changes wasn’t immediate. “I came to this conclusion myself reluctantly, but I’m there,” he admitted, reflecting a gradual shift in his perspective. He grew increasingly convinced of the need for a constitutional convention, viewing it as an essential step to correct what he saw as governmental overreach.

Behind-the-Scenes Efforts

Although Mike Johnson has been less vocal about constitutional amendments since transitioning to Washington, his commitment remains firm. Recently, he convened a critical hearing under the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government to deliberate on this matter. This indicates his ongoing engagement with the issue.

Two Ways to Amend the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution offers two avenues for amendments. The traditional method involves a proposal by Congress and ratification by the states. This approach has been the standard procedure for all previous amendments. However, there exists a second, yet unexplored, method that is now the subject of increasing attention.

The Article V Path

Article V of the Constitution outlines an alternative path for amendments – a constitutional convention initiated by state petitions. This route requires the agreement of two-thirds of the states to convene the convention, making it a complex and challenging process. Nevertheless, this path offers a broader scope for discussing and proposing multiple amendments.

Current State of COSA Petitions

To date, 19 states have submitted petitions for an Article V convention, crossing the halfway mark needed to initiate one. Despite this progress, Mike Johnson’s office has been cautious in expressing outright support. They emphasize that holding hearings on the subject does not equate to an endorsement by Johnson.

Johnson’s Spokesperson Clarifies

Corinne Day, a spokesperson for Mike Johnson, clarified his stance. She stated, “Subcommittee hearings about a given subject should not be considered endorsements from the Chairman.” This statement suggests a more measured approach by Johnson despite the growing momentum for constitutional change.

COSA’s Strategy

The Convention of States Action (COSA) movement asserts that state legislatures should appoint delegates to the convention. Traditionally, they are often lean more conservative than the general population. This strategy could empower smaller states with an equal voice as larger ones, reshaping the dynamics of constitutional amendments.

Concerns About Rights and Civil Liberties

Stephen Spaulding from Common Cause voiced significant concerns at Johnson’s subcommittee hearing. He fears that a convention could jeopardize fundamental constitutional rights and civil liberties. This worry is shared by many who worry about the unpredictable outcomes of such a convention.

The Potential Risks

The prospect of an Article V convention raises alarm among various experts and civil rights advocates. They caution that such a convention could open the door to sweeping changes to the government structure and the decline of established rights. They argue it could fundamentally alter the fabric of American democracy.

Legal Experts’ Alarming Views

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Russ Feingold, a legal scholar and former senator, expressed grave concerns about the movement. “It is alarming to have a speaker of the House who supports the extremist Convention of States movement, which is striving to radically rewrite the U.S. Constitution,” he stated. He highlighted the potential for a constitutional crisis.

Criticism of Johnson’s Religious Influence

Critics have voiced concerns over Mike Johnson’s perceived intention to govern based on his religious beliefs. “Mike Johnson… A raving religious fanatic who wants to govern America with his interpretation of the Bible! We all know how these things end! Look at the Middle East,” one comment read. This statement reflects deep apprehension about Johnson’s influence.

Skepticism About Republican Governance

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The effectiveness of Republican governance is being questioned in light of these developments. Comments such as “MAGA can’t govern, they can only obstruct” and “Republicans claim government doesn’t work, and when elected, Republicans prove it by refusing to do their job” exemplify the growing frustration. Some believe the Party is more focused on hindering government operations than contributing constructively.

Founding Fathers’ Intent Misrepresented?

There’s a rising debate over the historical accuracy of the founding fathers’ intentions, particularly regarding religion. One observer noted, “How interesting… these folks claim to know what the ‘founders intended.’ They should read some of the quotes of the founders about religion.” Another added, “How in the world would anyone get the idea that the founding fathers were evangelical Christian conservatives?”

Constitutional Change

Others raised doubts about the feasibility of Johnson’s constitutional ambitions. Critics argue, “Even if they open a Constitutional Convention, they’ll never get 2/3 of both Houses to agree to anything controversial, let alone 3/4 of the States.” This skepticism is rooted in understanding the complex and rigorous process required for constitutional amendments.