Why the Constitution no longer works

I don't know whether from suicidal depression or simple frustration that some conservative columnists have recently declared, "The Constitution doesn't work!" Liberal Democrats control all branches of the federal government, most of the state governments, news media, entertainment, education, banks, health care and worst of all, auto manufacturers. After 236 years, the great experiment of liberty is over. All that's left is to eat worms and die!

Why didn't the Constitution save us from this fate? One simple reason – it has no power of itself. Take a copy of the Constitution, place it on a table and observe it carefully. It doesn't control government, punish criminals, or protect our borders from foreign invasion. It doesn't even move.

Hmm, there must be some way to resolve this problem. Maybe we need to be more specific. While attending a tea party last spring, I saw a number of signs suggesting new laws: term limits, photo IDs, qualification procedures, ethics rules, campaign finance limits, etc. Which law has prevented the current mess we find in our constitutional republic? Similarly, no proposed law will restore our country to the founder's vision.

Here's my point: Only people make the Constitution work. Words don't have any power by themselves. Even written words have no power without someone who freely abides by them. This power is called "commitment." It voluntarily binds a person to a course of action despite temporary loss, pain, or grief. Those who want a "living constitution" simply don't want to commit to the meaning of the Constitution. They are not willing to suffer any limitation to their personal gratification.

When did government officials start ignoring our national charter – and why does it continue? Find out in "Who Killed the Constitution?"

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A constitutional republic doesn't work on autopilot. It never can; it never will. The founders of this country understood this. Need I remind you of their warnings? The Constitution was designed for a moral people who continually audit the actions of political leaders. Transparency and "follow the money" only work if someone is looking and following. A commitment to the Constitution results in active involvement in the political process, not a reflex vote for the lesser of two evils every other November.

Commitment also requires the guts to change. Has conservative loyalty to the Republican Party led to a reversal of the 20th century socialist agenda? Even when Republicans controlled the White House and both houses of Congress (first half of 2001 and 2003 through 2006), almost no progress was made. Instead, the Republicans advanced several of the other party's issues. If there's something I learned from the McCain candidacy it's that Republicans couldn't care less about conservatives. They spew sound bites hoping to quell the annoying objections to their mastery of governance.

What changes could conservatives make? Withholding campaign cash, writing letters, attending tea parties, supporting alternative candidates (both Republicans and independents), running for office, challenging party officials and voting in primaries are all wonderful ideas. Change the system by all means, from the inside and the outside. Just do it. At the very least, identify yourself as an "independent" whenever anyone asks. It costs absolutely nothing and it is good, clean, all-American fun to confuse the pollsters!

There's really only one change that will reverse the death spiral of our God-given rights. Our Constitution is only as good as the people who lead. To change our government, we must change our leaders. Conservatives must adopt a zero-tolerance policy for mediocrity, vacuous positions, deceit and craven lust for power. This applies to all government and party officials, elected and appointed policy makers whose advice has led to the current debacle.

There's a single thread weaving the power of the Constitution into effective government. Commitment, truth and humility come from character. Consistent conservative political positions are built on a solid foundation of moral behavior and selfless ambition. Character is inseparable from sound judgment.

Far from surrendering, I'm optimistic. Our current situation is a once in a generation opportunity to clean house. In the past, we've respected leaders for their networking prowess, leadership abilities and political instincts. Only this candidate can win the general election. Haven't recent elections exposed this mythology? McCain ran on experience, but failed to prove better judgment. Doing the same thing only "smarter" has always been a poor substitute for authentic policy.

Moderates and some conservatives fear the consequences of demanding character of our political leaders: America becomes a theocracy. Liberals mock moral qualifications in everyone except themselves (since they're "good" people). If demanding character of our political leaders sounds extreme, what do conservatives have left to lose?

Andrew J. Horn is the author of "A Little Help: How God Aids His People during the End Times." He lives in Dallas, Texas.