This is a special message from Stephen Patten, Convention of States Maryland's new State Director.
My name is Steve Patten, and I am a volunteer for the Convention of States Project here in Maryland. I am honored to serve in this important effort. The team of patriots that I’m part of are a pleasure to work with and we are looking for additional members to join our cause.
I volunteered to assist the Convention of States movement, because I knew our federal government had gone far beyond the boundaries intended for it by the Framers of our Constitution.
Our goal is to add Maryland to the growing list of states calling for an Article V convention to propose amendments that would rein in the power and reach of the federal government.
Twelve states have already passed the application. The one thing they all have in common is an engaged grassroots army. With the assistance of fellow Maryland patriots, we are putting together an involved and effective state team.
In order to accomplish our goal of restoring self-governance, we need more motivated citizens to get involved. I humbly ask that you would consider joining our volunteer team.
We have lots to do and many roles to be filled, from simply spreading the word about our cause to service as statewide leaders, we could use your help. It comes down to this: our state legislators will only respond when enough engaged citizens require them to do so.
So, what are we trying to do? We all know Washington, D.C., is broken, and the federal government simply will not take the necessary steps to impose or exercise restraint. What governing body would ever vote to limit their own power?
The Framers envisioned this scenario and gave us Article V of the Constitution. This is how we are able to make amendments to the Constitution. It allows for two routes to propose amendments, and only one way to adopt them.
Either two-thirds of both houses of Congress or two-thirds of the state legislatures have the ability to propose amendments. Proposed amendments can only be made part of the Constitution when ratified by three-fourths of the states.
We want to follow our Constitution and propose amendments that will limit the over-reaching power the federal government now wields over us. Such amendments will never come out of Congress. They must come from the states.
It’s important to understand that our movement is looking to enact a safeguard given to us in the Constitution. We are not, and would never look to act outside of the Constitution.
You can find much more information about Article V and our project on our website. Please explore the site, sign the petition, and check out the many volunteer opportunities at the Take Action tab.
Feel free to contact us. We hope to hear from you. Thank you in advance for answering the call for liberty. I look forward to working with you and the rest of our Maryland team to advance the principles of self-governance.
Thank you for your time, and God Bless.
For Liberty,
Stephen Patten
State Director
Convention of States Maryland
Cell: 443 871-5332
Email: Stephen.Patten@cosaction.com
