It’s Constitution Day, which means it’s yet another day for America to celebrate the best darn document a government has ever been based upon. But with that being said, the Constitution is not perfect, and it could definitely use some improvements.
So, without further ado… these are the top 5 best ideas for Constitutional Amendments.
1. Repeal the 16th Amendment (Income Tax)
I don’t have to say it, but I’m gonna say it anyways: Taxation is Theft. Okay, now that I got that out of the way, let’s really look at the 16th Amendment. The entire premise that someone should be taxed based on what they earn is not only completely backwards, but is a means to dis-incentivize an individual from working to earn a living. Instead, it would be much more effective to tax consumption, or perhaps, a flat or fair tax, as that would tax what a person spends or consumes versus what a person earns.
2. Abolish the Ability for Executive Actions to Bring the US into Conflict
Many libertarians have suggested peace Amendments of some type. While Congress does indeed hold the right to declare war, the President has been able to circumvent these restrictions through the use of executive order.
So how do we fix it? An Amendment that takes all acts of war by the U.S. government, except in the repelling of an immediate invasion or attack, being established through a Congressional Declaration of War. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
3. Legalization of Marijuana
If the prohibition of alcohol in the early 20th Century taught us one thing, it’s this: prohibition doesn’t work. The “War on Drugs” has been an abysmal failure and has put countless numbers of non-violent men and women behind bars. All for what? Smoking a joint? C’mon, folks. Personal responsibility is key. If you are for allowing someone to smoke a cigarette or have a drink, then you are nothing short of a hypocrite in a stance against legalizing marijuana.
4. National Balanced Budget Amendment
With the United States’ debt skyrocketing towards $20 trillion, it’s time to take a serious look at our spending as a nation. The BBA focuses entirely on cash-in vs. cash-out. As such, it would require that the federal government cannot spend more than its income. Straight forward and to the point.
5. Term Limits for Congress
While the 22nd Amendment created a two-term limit for the presidency after FDR’s four-terms, there has been no such amendment created to address term limits for Congress. With the likes of Patrick Leahy (41 years), Orrin Hatch (39 years), Thad Cochran (37 years), Chuck Grassley (35 years), and Mitch McConnell (31 years) all serving 30+ years in Congress, it is pretty clear that special interests and stagnant thinking have become an impediment in our democratic process.