September, 2019
232 Years and Counting
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State of the State Update Brett Sterley, State Director Convention of States Missouri |
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“I believe we can save our country. We have the opportunity to cheat history. Now, let’s go do it!” – Senator Tom Coburn
Here we are again. On Sept. 17, all Americans should be celebrating the single greatest governing document ever penned by man, the U.S. Constitution. When The Framers gathered in Philadelphia in May 1787, their purpose was to draft a Constitution that would best provide for the survivability of our republic. They understood three primary principles – the tendency of a central government to accumulate power unto itself, the ultimate authority of government is in the hands of consent of the governed, and the Constitution must limit the federal government’s ability to violate an individual’s Natural Rights.
The Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for and clarified the intent and purpose of the Constitution. The Declaration listed 27 reasons the United States declared its separation from the British Crown. The best known, “taxation without representation,” was number 17 on the list. Legislative abuses accounted for 11 grievances, military abuses accounted for seven and judicial abuses for four.
Our first attempt at setting up a viable government was through the Articles of Confederation. This was a loose association of independent states that quickly became unworkable. So, the states decided to hold a Constitutional Convention to address these deficiencies and draft a new governing document. In studying the commissions the state legislatures gave to their delegates, they were instructed to, “join…in devising and discussing all such alterations and further provisions, as may be necessary to render the Federal Constitution adequate to the exigencies of the Union.” So, they met.
Each of the 27 grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence can be linked to a section of the Constitution. The Declaration presented the problems. The Constitution provided the solutions.
The Framers were proud of their work. However, they knew there would be a need to change the Constitution to correct drafting errors or make changes learned from experience. These changes were not to be made to follow the political winds of the day. Changes were not to be rushed into. Amendments were to be carefully considered and debated.
The Framers came up with two solutions: 1) Congress can propose amendments; or 2) We The People, acting through our State Legislatures, could propose changes. Each method is equally Constitutional and valid methods. Regardless of the proposing entity, a super-majority of states would have to approve of the changes. It’s quite an ingenious system.
So, we are here today to celebrate this great document. Yet, the Constitution in force today doesn’t resemble the Constitution as drafted and Constitutionally amended. The Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches have warped the original intent into something for their convenience.
It is obvious that the federal government will never take steps to limit its power and return governing authority back to the states and people where it belongs. It is our responsibility, as citizens actively practicing the principles of self-governance, to take back our government. We must restore the States’ ability to oversee the federal government and return it to its Constitutional box.
This is our “Great Crusade.”
Read the Constitution today and tomorrow.
Make a difference. Be an active member of The Convention of States Project.
| Spotlight on Past and Upcoming Events |
Convention of States Missouri Past and Planned Events
| Spotlight on Volunteering |
Are You A 'People Person?'
How would you like to help inspire, train and mentor the next generation of citizen activists to help save our Constitution and our way of life? Do you consider yourself to be a good judge of character? Is making a difference in your country a passion of yours?
We have openings for Grassroots Coordinators who are tasked with growing the Missouri team and working with leadership to give all volunteers training, guidance and encouragement. Is being a Grassroots Coordinator your mission?
Not quite your cup of tea? Please visit our Take Action Page and check out our other volunteering opportunities. We are on our way to building the largest and most engaged army of citizen activists in the history of mankind. We could sure use your help.
| Spotlight on Education |
Celebrating Freedom and the Rule of Law
Constitution Day is September 17, 2019 and Constitution Week is the 17th through the 23rd. Why bother at all? Because without our constitution we are just another country of ruled people.
Our fellow patriots in Texas took the time to read the Preamble to the Constitution and we hope you will take their words to heart: Happy Constitution Day.
We hope you will also take the time to re-read the original U.S. Constitution (approximately 4,500 words.) Copies are available online and many smartphones have free downloadable copies available. If you would like to read the version currently in use by the Federal Government (approximately 3,000 pages,) you may obtain a copy from the Government Printing Office.
| Spotlight on Jefferson City |
Special Elections will be on the ballot in November
As of the publication of this newsletter, the following Missouri House Districts have been scheduled for special elections due to various circumstances:
H.D. 22 - Tammy Louise Herrera (R), Yolanda Young (D) and Jeff Francis (G)
H.D. 36 - Mark A. Sharp (D) and Roberta (Bob) Voorhees (G)
H.D. 74 - Mike Person (D) and Nicholas (Nick) Kasoff (L)
H.D. 78 - Rasheen Alkridge (D)
H.D. 99 - Lee Ann Pitman (R) and Trish Gunby (D)
H.D. 158 - Scott Cupps (R) and Lisa Kalp (D)
For more information, please visit the Elections Division of the Missouri Secretary of State.
If you live in one of these districts, we encourage you to get to know the candidates and vote in the November elections. You can look up your Missouri House District using your address (lower left-hand corner of the page.)
{D=Democrat/R=Republican/G=Green/L=Libertarian}
| Video of the Month |
| It's Quiz Time |
August, 2019 Quiz Question: Which of the 12 states attending the 1787 convention had the most signers of the U.S. Constitution?
Answer: Pennsylvania had eight signers of the U.S. Constitution, including Benjamin Franklin.
September, 2019 Quiz Question: Which state did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
(Answer will be on the October, 2019 Newsletter.)
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