The temperature reached a high of 93 at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix Thursday, April 27
But that didn't stop the COS team from rallying support. The Rally began with an invocation by Brenda Karlin, Regional Director of Passed States, and a singing of the National Anthem led by Kevin Fuhrman, Regional Captain for the Phoenix Metro area.
There were speeches by members of the AZ Legislature, a tour of the Capitol, a laying of flowers at the Enduring Freedom monument in Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, an Award Presentation, and lots of team camaraderie.
Voice of the Arizona Legislators
Rep David Cook, a rancher from rural District 7, was invited to speak by his constituent and COS AZ Veterans' Coalition Director (VCD) Pam Tittes. He is term-limited out next year after serving since 2017. He made these key points.
1. Farmers and ranchers must be represented in the AZ Legislature because those two industries are vital to the economy of Arizona, not only within the US but internationally.
2. He carried an Article V Term Limits resolution (unsuccessfully) for the past two years, all while unaware of the AZ COS resolution passed in 2017. (An excellent example of why educating new legislators in a passed state is essential. Legislators come and go, and memories are short).
Walt Blackman, former Representative from the 6th district. He was the first Black Republican elected to the Arizona Legislature. He served 21 years in the United States Army, earning a Bronze Star for combat action as a tank commander in Iraq. He was invited by COS Legislative Liason Ashia Taylor. His Key points:
1. We cannot pick and choose from the Constitution what benefits us and throw away what doesn't. The Constitution is to protect the People and protect the sovereign states.
2. He will be running again in the newly redistricted LD 7 in 2024.
Senator Farnsworth has been representing District 10 since 2023. He was previously appointed to the Arizona Senate on September 11, 2013. He could not attend the Rally, but his constituent Kevin Fuhrman met him earlier in the week and summarized their discussion. His Key points:
1. Kevin found that getting more information was more likely by listening to the Senator's background and point of view first, without judgment.
2. The Senator expressed his viewpoint, but unfortunately, it was riddled with inaccurate information and quite a bit of bias from other groups that have called for a convention. Even though the Senator was quite firm in his stance, he was willing to possibly do more research into CoS.
3. Hopefully, over time we can share enough correct information about the history of Article V and our movement so that he can at least not conflate us with other groups. Who knows? Maybe he might even eventually support our efforts!
Capitol Tour
Museum
Did you Know: The Angel at the top of the Museum is actually a weather vane?
Ditat Deus (God Enriches) is the Arizona State Motto. The Great Seal of Arizona depicts the Five C's of its economy: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate. (Did You Know: The artist who designed this mosaic failed to include a cow and a citrus. Plans to fix it were thwarted due to lack of budget and the omission continues today.) The Five C’s represent a modest impact on Arizona’s economy today, but they still play a strong cultural role.
Ashia Taylor with her family at the old Speaker's Desk
Silver Service from the USS Arizona. It was removed from the ship shortly before its sinking on December 7, 1941.
House and Senate Chambers
Senate (Right) has 30 members, 1 for each district. House (Left) has 60 members, 2 for each district.
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza
The Plaza is one of the Phoenix Points of Pride, it is the site of various memorials honoring prominent figures, wars, and events in Arizona history
COS Volunteers and Veterans Bob Kennedy, Pam Tittes, and Marshall Sanchez lay flowers at the Enduring Freedom Memorial.
Award Presentation
The Rally concluded with the presentation by Brenda Karlan of Patriot Pins to COS Team members: Carole Wilson, Kevin Fuhrman, David Keckta, Marshall Sanchez, Joelene Williamson, Pam Tittes, Ashia Taylor, Beth Outtrim, and Ernie Borgoyne.
