Repeal the 17th Amendment
February 1999

For those of us that have followed the impeachment debate and trial closely, we have been bombarded with comparisons between Clinton and Johnson. The only two Presidents to have been impeached. But, there is one "BIG" difference between the two that has not been dealt with. Not really even mentioned. In the end, both their futures depend upon the Senators; but when one looks at this more closely, we see the startling truth.

In 1868, President Johnson had little chance to talk to the American people through television or radio. He did not have the media to support him either, BUT it did not matter as it does today. He could not just make the Senators look bad and have them all voted out of office as Clinton has the ability today. Unfortunately, the 17th Amendment, adopted in 1913, made this possible. The dangers of Democracy were sweeping America. The selfishness that consumes today's culture can be seen in this amendment.

The 17th Amendment provided for the direct election of the Senators, by the people. Up until 1913, Senators had been elected by each state's legislature. Our founding fathers new that the masses of people could be influenced falsely. Just because a majority of the people believe something, that does not mean that it is the best for the country. Thus the reason behind the original constitution's wording. Checks and balances were a vital part of our nation's beginning. Not only should the Legislature, Judiciary, and President be part of the checks and balances, but the American people were intended to be checked and balanced.

Would there be any difference in the Presidential Trial if the 17th Amendment had not been adopted? We think so. Whichever party controlled the State Legislatures would win the U.S. Senate seats. But there would be far greater benefits to our society if the 17th Amendment were to be abolished. In order for Americans to have the Senator they wanted in office, they would have to vote for the State Legislators that supported him. Thus making American voters better informed and more involved in politics.

This is what our founding fathers had in mind when they wrote the Constitution. Unfortunately, others came along in the early 1900's and decided that Democracy was better than a Democratic Republic. And because of this our Senators are wasting there time worrying about what the people think, while they are supposed to protect justice and do what is right.