By Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries – Political Commentary

At En-Joy Ministries, our mission is to spread joy and truth, and on our Political Commentary page, we dive into the pressing issues shaping our nation and world. Today, I want to address a bold idea recently floated by Elon Musk, the creation of a new “America Party”, and propose a more effective alternative: the Convention of States (COS) movement. As a pastor, I believe we’re called to seek solutions that unite rather than divide, and the COS offers a constitutional path to address the systemic issues Musk and many Americans care about, without the pitfalls of splitting the conservative vote.

The Historical Pitfalls of Third Parties

Elon Musk’s vision for an “America Party” stems from frustration with government inefficiency, bloated spending, and entrenched political elites, concerns I share as a pastor and citizen. However, history shows that third-party movements in the U.S. face steep odds. Since 1852, every U.S. president has come from either the Democratic or Republican Party, thanks to structural barriers like the Electoral College and state-by-state ballot access laws. The Progressive Party of 1912, led by Theodore Roosevelt, won 27% of the vote but no electoral votes. Ross Perot’s Reform Party in 1992 garnered 19% of the popular vote, yet it arguably cost George H.W. Bush re-election by splitting the conservative base. Even the Libertarian Party, active since 1971, has never secured significant congressional seats or a presidential win.

Starting a new party also faces financial and legal hurdles. The McCain-Feingold Act, for example, caps political party donations at $450,000, requiring thousands of co-donors to compete with the fundraising machines of the major parties. A new party risks fragmenting the Republican vote, potentially handing elections to Democrats and undermining the very reforms Musk champions. There’s a better way to achieve systemic change without this gamble.

The Power of a Convention of States

Instead of splitting the conservative movement, I urge Musk and like-minded reformers to rally behind the Convention of States, a constitutional mechanism under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. This process allows states to propose amendments to address federal overreach, fiscal irresponsibility, and political entrenchment, issues at the heart of Musk’s critique of government. A COS requires 34 states to convene, and any proposed amendments must be ratified by 38 states, ensuring broad consensus and preventing radical overreach.

The COS movement has gained traction, with 19 states already passing resolutions calling for amendments focused on three key areas:

• Fiscal Restraints: Mandating a balanced federal budget to curb runaway spending, which hit $6.8 trillion in 2024 alone.
• Limiting Federal Power: Restoring authority to states and individuals, countering bureaucratic overreach.
• Term Limits: Ending careerism in Congress and federal offices, fostering fresh leadership.

Historically, Article V has proven effective. The 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition in 1933, was proposed through state conventions and ratified swiftly. While a full COS has never been convened, past efforts, like the 1970s push for a balanced budget amendment, show its potential, though they fell short due to a lack of coordination. Today, with 76% of Ohioans supporting COS (per recent polls), the movement is gaining momentum.

What a Convention of States Can Accomplish

A COS offers a focused, constitutional path to achieve the reforms Musk and many Americans seek:

• Balanced Budget Amendment: Forces Congress to live within its means, addressing the $35 trillion national debt.
• Term Limits: Breaks the grip of career politicians, promoting accountability and new ideas.
• Reduced Federal Overreach: Restores state and local control, aligning with the Founders’ vision of limited government.

Critics warn of a “runaway convention,” but the process is tightly constrained. States define the convention’s scope in their resolutions, and the 38-state ratification threshold ensures only broadly supported amendments pass. This isn’t a partisan power grab; it’s a mechanism for unity and reform, appealing to conservatives, moderates, and even frustrated independents.

A Call to Action

Elon, your influence as a visionary leader is undeniable. Rather than risking a third-party split that could weaken the conservative movement, consider championing a Convention of States. It aligns with your goals of efficiency, innovation, and accountability, leveraging the Constitution’s own tools to enact lasting change. At En-Joy Ministries, we believe in solutions that unite us under truth and purpose. A COS can do just that, offering a path to reform without the electoral risks of a new party.

What do you think, Elon? Could the Convention of States be the bold, unifying move America needs? I invite our readers to join this conversation on our Political Commentary page and explore how we can work together for a stronger, freer nation.

Pastor Barron Greenwalt, En-Joy Ministries