Wednesday, October 27, 2021, began a little earlier than usual for Thomas Powers, SCW and new member of the Convention of States movement.
Waiting in front of his apartment building in Clinton Township, MI, he was picked up at 7:45 AM by fellow member Carol A Brennan to transport him to Lansing. The purpose for going there was to accomplish one of the most important functions of the Convention of States movement and grassroots activism: providing education.
Wednesday’s mission would serve that purpose doubly as we would be 1) spreading word about COS to the respective representatives of COS team members’ districts and 2) introducing COS members to how our elected officials work on a day-to-day basis. Hopefully their work will soon include voting on legislation to vote for a resolution for a Convention of States, House Joint Resolution E (HJR-E). We went with a full understanding of our role in accomplishing this goal.
Arriving at 9:45 AM, we waited a short time in front of the Michigan Capitol for a press conference to be held, one of the primary speakers for which was Doug Wozniak of Shelby Township, MI.
At just after 11 AM, the COS group headed by Bill Pacey, State Grassroots Coordinator, headed over to the office building of the state representatives where a few members had made appointments. The intent of the meetings was to confirm the representatives' support for the pending resolution for a Convention of States (HJR-E) and the objectives of 1) having a balanced budget without raising taxes, 2) having term limits for members of Congress and federal bureaucrats, and 3) reducing federal overreach.
The COS objectives would give states back the rights that the Founding Fathers intended in the US Constitution. The COS team was prepared to let their representatives know that thousands upon thousands of Michigan's citizens support a Convention of States.
The Founding Fathers had known the federal government might one day become too powerful and out-of-touch with the people. That’s why they provided the solution in Article V of the U.S. Constitution – the solution as big as the problem, Convention of States.
My expectation of the Capitol being an extremely vibrant and busy place seemed correct! It seemed a small miracle to me that so many things were going on simultaneously, and in so many directions. It seemed all but impossible to coordinate and keep up with! After some members spoke with their representatives, the COS group went to Kelly’s Downtown Pub, a pleasant little pub with great food. I had baked cod, which was excellent!
After enjoying the food and conversation at Kelly’s Downtown, we returned to the Capitol, where Bill Pacey had arranged for the COS group to observe the State Representatives in session. As a new member and one who had been to Lansing, but never inside the Capitol, it was quite an experience! We arrived shortly before 1:00 PM, before the House was in session, and the reps were standing around and talking to each other.
Many things were going on in the chamber at the same time as the House was called into session and, at least for this ‘newbie,’ it was somewhat difficult to follow!
Once in session, we got to observe the voting procedure in the House. It appeared the reps had read the bills before taking to the floor and that there had been three readings for each bill. We saw votes on 4 bills that were quickly passed: HB 4693, HB 4997, HB 4998, and HB 4281. Several other bills were advanced to the 3rd reading. After going through the proposed bills, the House adjourned and we, the COS group, met in the lobby of the Capitol building and Bill Pacey briefed us and thanked us for coming! He then informed us of coming events and wish us all a safe journey home.
As a new member of the group, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and the company of the rest of the group. I am looking forward very much to my next visit to the Capitol! If you aren’t a volunteer yet, I must ask: why not? A love of country and willingness to work to save it are all you need to be a successful volunteer; choose from a variety of different roles and get involved today.
We especially need District Captains and Follow Up team members. Check out answers to frequently asked questions about Convention of States, sign the petition, and volunteer today.
