The following was written by Convention of States Texas volunteer Deborah Efurd.
I’ve been a volunteer in Texas with Convention of States since February of this year, jumping in with both feet to learn about Convention of States Project, the Constitution, and America’s rich history, while offering my time and talents to help grow an army of self-governing citizens.
It is an honor to be part of this organization as it fulfills my sense of duty to my country.
Since volunteering, I have heard every excuse about why people won’t volunteer. The truth is, America is a great country, but is rapidly being eroded by elimination of our rights as citizens. Ours is a ship that is sinking fast unless We the People turn the tide. There’s no time for excuses any longer. EVERYONE can do SOMETHING to bail the water out of this ship.
The disinformation campaign against an Article V Convention began in the 1960s and continues to the present day. Liberal commentators initiated the campaign to frighten the public against a convention. The disinformation spread through more rapid communications.
This disinformation has been so successful that many Americans have been duped into thinking that the convention procedure is somehow evil. In fact, it is one of the Constitution’s most important checks and balances. Many of our current ills flow directly from our failure to use it.
Convention opponents often claim that constitutional amendments will have no effect. History shows they are flat wrong. Over the past 230 years, amendments have been powerful tools for reform. We obtained our Bill of Rights through amendments. The Civil War did not finally abolish slavery; an amendment did that. Amendments have curbed abuse of minorities, assured women the vote, and limited the president to two terms.
Think about it: Would we be better off without the First Amendment’s protection for freedom of speech and religion? Would we be better off without the 22nd Amendment’s two-term limit on the president? I’ve never met anyone who believes either of those things. But how many believe we should extend term limits to Congress or the Supreme Court? Supermajorities of Americans believe so. Then why hasn’t it happened? Because Congress refuses to propose a term limits amendment, and we haven’t had the guts to call a convention to propose one.
One of the excuses I hear a lot is, "Why does it takes too long to call an Article V Convention?" Sadly, citizens fall back on the belief that “if we just vote enough of the right people into office” everything will magically change. Well, that hasn’t worked for over 100 years… the problem has only gotten worse.
The level of government overreach that has crept into citizens’ lives is higher now than ever before. Our rights to property, land ownership, national security, healthcare, parenting, and our own money are being jeopardized daily. Calling for an Article V Convention from every state in the union is the only solution that can overcome the enormous problems we face. To do so, takes a team in each state to hold the legislature’s feet to the fire. Is it hard? Yes. Is it worth it? You bet.
While the goal of Convention of States is to get enough states passed to call an Article V Convention, our mission, which is even more important, is to grow the largest army of self-governing citizens in the history of this country, who continue to work in each of their respective states to strengthen state legislatures and hold them accountable. If we stop working toward the goal and mission, then we have given up on the race before crossing the finish line.
Patriots, we are in a fight to turn this country around and that fight is for the long haul. It takes grit, determination and perseverance, just like an Olympic athlete. I believe this country is worth all we have to offer. Cast aside the excuses and get on board. We the People must never give up… We the People will persevere… We the People will win the race!
Join the movement by signing the Convention of States Petition below!
