Posted on 12/09/2013 2:52:26 AM PST by Jacquerie
Here is a response from Florida State Senator Alan Hays regarding last Saturday's Mount Vernon Assembly.
"We discussed the process of bringing the Article V convention into reality and agreed to meet next year at a time yet to be determined due to the need to meet when state legislatures are adjourned or in recess. That will assure more participation. We also discussed a possible resolution to go to each state requesting their legislatures establish a selection process for delegates to be attending an Article V. Convention."
"We recognized the need for wide communication to the public of our work. I feel it was a very good first step toward success."
Alan Hays
Folks, this Article V movement is off the ground!
From ConventionofStates.com:
Are you nervous about calling your state legislators? Here’s what you do:
1. Find their contact number. Most state legislatures have a website where you’ll find all the contact information you need. Just do an internet search: “[My State] State Legislature.”
2. Call them. Try to use a landline, as this will give you the clearest signal. You don’t want to drop this call!
3. Introduce yourself and thank them for their service: “Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I live in your district, and I appreciate your service in our state legislature.”
4. Explain why you’ve called: “I’m calling because I’d like to talk to you about an opportunity the states have to take back power from the federal government.”
5. Explain the problem: “Almost everyone knows our federal government is on a dangerous course. The unsustainable debt combined with crushing regulations on states and businesses is a recipe for disaster.”
6. Explain the solution: “Fortunately, the Founders gave state legislatures the power to make changes to the federal structure when Washington, D.C., starts to abuse its authority. Article V of the Constitution authorizes the state legislatures to call a convention for the limited purpose of proposing amendments to the Constitution.”
7. Explain the COS Project: “The Convention of States Project was launched to call a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments that impose fiscal restraints and limit the power of the federal government.”
8. Voice your support: “I support this approach. I want [name of your State] to be one of the necessary 34 states that passes a resolution calling for a Convention of the States. You can find a copy of the draft resolution and a legislator’s handbook (which briefly explains the process and answers many questions) at www.conventionofstates.com.”
9. Give them an action step: “I ask you to support the Convention of States Project and become either the lead sponsor or co-sponsor of a resolution in the next legislative session.”
10. Thank them again and give them some contact info: "Thanks so much for your service to the people of our district. You can reach the COS Project at info@conventionofstates.com or call them at 540-441-7227.”
When you finish your conversation, let us know what your state representative thinks! We need a legislator to sponsor our application in every state, and we’d love to talk to a state congressman from your area. That’s it! Of course, it’s always best to use your own words and explain it however you feel most comfortable. We’ve provided this outline as a guide. Good luck! -The COS Project Team
***
I have two reference works.
The first is from the American Legislative Exchange Council, a conservative pro-business group. This document has been sent to every state legislator in the country.
Proposing Constitutional Amendments by a Convention of the States: A Handbook for State Lawmakers
The second is a 1973 report from the American Bar Association attempting to identify gray areas in the amendatory process to include an Amendments Convention. It represents the view of the ruling class of 40 years ago. While I don't like some of their conclusions, they have laid out the precedents that may justify those conclusions. What I respect is the comprehensive job they did in locating all the gray areas. They went so far as to identify a gray area that didn't pop up until the Equal Rights Amendment crashed and burned a decade later. Even if you find yourself in disagreement with their vision, it's worth reading to see how the ruling class will try to dominate an Amendments Convention.
Report of the ABA Special Constitutional Convention Study Committee
Two-thirds of the state legislatures, or 34, must approve an application for a convention to occur, according to the Constitution’s article five. State legislatures would then send delegates to the convention, each state getting one vote on proposed amendments. For an amendment to pass and become a part of the Constitution, it would have to be approved by three-fourths, or 38, of the state legislatures.
Of course, two questions arise. How did you come across this document and where is the rest of it?
If the process seems drawn out, which it is, perhaps it is worthwhile to recall the two plus years between the Mount Vernon conference of 1785 and the Philly convention of 1787.
I suspect the time is necessary to see and feel how strong the grassroots support for an Article V amendment convention actually is. Pols don't like to get very far at all ahead of their constituents.
Turn up the heat!
Publius, you post the same two links to every Article V thread.
IMO, that is a good thing.
I say that because I suspect they prompt freepers to dig deeper into Article V and our history.
Being covered on The Blaze....
These leftists WILL do everything in their power to stop the MVA momentum...they (leftists) ALWAYS tell us who they fear.
Yep, as if “democracy” is the goal, the end purpose of government. That is what they will keep hitting. I hope the good guys are prepared for this.
Is there provision at your local station for listener feedback?
bkmk
I agree fully! We can't afford to be patient. We don't have the next decade to get this job done.
bttt!
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