Timeline to Liberty was presented by our NJ State Director (SD) Chris Garzino at our NE NJ Region Meeting on October 25. 
Chris related the usurpations of England with a review of all their Acts related to the Colonies from 1763-1774 leading to increased physical and financial control over the Colonialists. There were a series of five acts passed by Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party: The Boston Port Act, Administration of Justice Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Quartering Act, and Quebec Act. Known as the Coercive Acts in Britain, these were meant to subjugate the colonies. Such increasing pressure created a turning point for self-governance for the Colonists that resulted in the First Continental Congress meeting in September 1774.
This Congress declared a Revolutionary War that ensued from 1775 to 1781. Chris presented an overview of that war with the co-existing process to create a system of governance for the independent colony. This began with the Articles of Confederation in 1777, concluding with the Constitution of the United States in 1787. Garzino explained a direct connection from the 1760s-1780s to such a time as this. He summarized as follows:
September 17, 1787, unleashed a force so great nothing could hold it back. From that day, over a short period of time, The United States became and remains the greatest “experiment” in the history of the world. The experiment, individual self-governance, allowed for accomplishments to be achieved that no one prior ever dreamed about. But it wasn’t easy or quick to accomplish. Many founders gave up everything for us to have the country we live in today. When you consider initial discontent began in 1763 and liberty wasn’t achieved until 1787 you understand why our Convention of States goals are taking so much time. Ultimately, our goals will be achieved but it will take time. Those with power never willingly give it up.
An Article V & NJ Election 2023 Summary was presented. To read more click about NJ Elections click here: 3 Reasons-for-NJ-to-Get-Out-to-Vote-in-2023
There was much discussion throughout the meeting. We closed with a review of the volunteer opportunities (click here) in Convention of States (COS) and invitations to our next D40 meeting at the Wayne Library and the COS NJ Holiday Party on 12/3.
After we officially ended volunteers and guests stayed a long time to discuss the meeting. We truly have many people growing in their understanding of an Article V convention process.
Please note the beautiful classroom where we are able to meet. Our COS NJ Team expresses sincere thanks to Anthony Colandro, freedom fighter and owner of Gun For Hire Shooting Range, for offering us this meeting space at his facility in the center of Northern New Jersey.
