2020 was an awful time for most of us. We were told time and again, "Stay home." We could not go to church, gather with friends, go out to eat, or travel to be with family.
Mainstream media fear mongered. Facebook and Twitter called our thoughts and ideas racist, sexist, science-denying and all manner of other things. For many months, it just seemed easier to sit mute on the sidelines.
However, the NC-COS team has not been silent. The team has continued to push forward in an attempt to get the resolution passed in this legislative session. Much of our work has been done virtually, through letters, e-mail and video conferencing.
July 17, 2021, was a great day of re-connection, celebration and community. Jeff Groh and Dom Sweeney organized a Patriot picnic on a lovely little farm in the NC mountains, complete with a cookout, live band and special guest Senator Chuck Edwards.
One participant said, "It's so nice to be with likeminded people again." Many people expressed shock and concern, even outrage with the huge lurch this country has made towards the left in the last six months. Time and time again, participants spoke with concern about the country our children and grandchildren are going to inherit.
Senator Edwards expressed amazement at how many petition signers are now in North Carolina. He first heard about COS while he was first running for office and was initially skeptical, but after thoroughly researching, he became a huge proponent saying, "This resolution takes a great step forward toward fixing our government."
Sen. Edwards said, "State representatives are judged by how much [money] they can bring back to their districts. These folks are not going to fix themselves." He asserted he was confident that, if we can get the resolution to the Senate floor this session, it has an excellent chance of passing."
After the speech there was, in true Southern tradition, lots of food, corn hole, music and even some dancing. It is so good to gather and celebrate, share our hopes and dreams for a more responsible government and just enjoy an afternoon in our beautiful NC countryside with true patriots.
