A local South Dakota podcast called Spearfish City Limits hosted Mark Meckler to discuss the Convention of States movement.
A recent newspaper article about COS caught the attention of John Dale, founder of the podcast. He said he thought it was important to use this as an opportunity for people to learn more about the concept of Article V convention.
One question John brought up regarded funding. He wanted to know who the big money guys are behind COS. Mark's response was that the last count is over 90,000 individual donors from across the country that are funding this grassroots movement.
"There are no corporate donors, no Koch money, which is the thing I get accused of pretty regularly," said Mark. "Soros has never invested in us. We are primarily small donor run."
COS protects the information of donors, so they do not become targets of attacks.
"Privacy is for people, transparency is for government," added Mark. "If people want to give money privately, I think they should have the right to do so."
The next point of discussion focused on the topics that are proposed within the resolutions calling for a Convention of States. These are setting fiscal restraints, term limits for federal officials, and limiting the scope, power, and jurisdiction of the federal government.
The discussion wrapped up looking specifically at the questions within the newspaper article. Mark addressed the "one state, one vote" question and the imagined runaway convention theory.
"[Each] state is required to pass the same resolution," said Mark. "And that resolution specifically, legally, in very tight language, sets the boundaries of the convention."
Mark readdressed the three pillars of COS and said that the resolutions outline these as subject matters but not as specific amendments. They set the outline for what can be addressed at the convention and then allows for discussion of the state commissioners to develop the precise wording for constitutional amendments.
To hear the full podcast click here.
Awareness of Convention of States continues to grow, and citizens across South Dakota are finding they support the core values of the movement. To join the grassroots army, sign the petition today and find a volunteer position that fits your gifts.
