“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Great Britain
These immortal words were spoken by Winston Churchill on August 20, 1940 to the British Parliament. Great Britain, standing utterly alone against Nazi Germany, had just turned the tide in the struggle for air supremacy over England. Against four to one odds the Royal Air Force defeated the world’s mightiest aerial armada in what became known as “The Battle of Britain.”
How important was Britain’s brave stand in the face of isolation and overwhelming might? Historians often point to two results attributable to the RAF’s successful defense of their “island.”
Firstly, Hitler was forced to look elsewhere for his next conquest. Less than a year after Churchill’s address Germany invaded Russia with catastrophic consequences for the Nazis.
Secondly, the “island” of Britain became both massive military base and unsinkable aircraft carrier when America entered the war on December 8, 1941. The eventual retaking of Europe from the Nazis would not have been possible without the “island” base of Great Britain.
The unyielding spirit of the British populace and military during its “Darkest Hour” enabled a glorious triumph over evil five long years later.
2008 Economic Crisis
Fast forward to October 30, 2008 and candidate for President of the USA, Barack Obama has stated in a campaign address: “we are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America.” He was dead serious.
With breath taking speed the nation watched as a flurry of legislation and executive orders oversaw a massive takeover of government by unelected bureaucrats. Citizens, panicked by a severe economic crisis, abdicated liberty for the illusion of government provided safety. Corporations staring at bankruptcy accepted federal bailouts and the inevitable governmental controls.
American citizens pushed back with the rise of the Tea Party and a massive flip of congressional seats. It didn’t matter. A divided congress and a radical executive office ensured that no meaningful rollback of federal power occurred.
No serious change would be forthcoming and new politicians, running on a platform of fiscal restraints and return to Constitutional law, quickly melted into the “go along to get along” DC crowd. It was a dark hour but some light was beginning to show.
Texas Defies Pressure
My wife and I moved to Texas in January 2015 leaving New Jersey, our home state of 50 years. The drive into Texas on I30 from Arkansas was an eye opener. The very first billboard stated, “Guns and Ammo Next Exit.” I turned to my wife and said, “Honey we’re not in Jersey anymore!”
We spent all of 2015 and 2016 in Arlington, Texas and watched in amazement how a state with determined leadership and a supportive citizenry was able to defy federal pressure on multiple fronts.
Texas called out and sued the federal government over the EPA Mercury Rule that was designed to eliminate coal fired electrical generating plants. The state was able to dramatically expand hydraulic fracturing oil and gas production in the face of drilling restrictions on federal lands since only 1.9% of Texas is federally owned. The race to energy independence was on.
With gun control, public school curricula, emphasis on personal responsibility, we felt that Texas was an “Island of Resistance” towards federal overreach. We felt a definite sense of security knowing Texas would resist on behalf of its citizens.
Florida’s Willingness to Resist
We moved to Florida in January 2017 to be near our grown and married children (translation: my wife made me move). Our trepidation about how independent Florida would be was tempered by the electoral changes of 2016.
The pandemic that beset America in 2020 answered the question of Florida’s willingness to resist federal overreach. After a rocky start in April that included lockdowns, Florida quickly reversed course and began reopening in June. This brought criticism not only from the federal health agencies but also numerous state governments.
Looking back from the vantage point of 2023, Florida altered course and chose the right path for the health of its citizens. My wife and I once again felt protected in a new “Island of Resistance” called Florida.
Disappointment or Hope
My younger brother (Mike) and I have remained close over the decades and we were both disappointed with the 2020 and 2022 elections. Mike was so distraught after the 2020 election that he declared, ”the USA is toast.” In light of all that happened in the lead up to and immediate aftermath of November 2020, his feelings were understandable.
My brotherly advice to him was look to the unique character and powers endowed to each of the fifty states and place his hope in them as “Islands of Resistance.” We discussed the states as the best hope of reigning in a voracious federal government. He now uses the term frequently with family and friends.
Article V and COS are the ultimate demonstration of what can be accomplished if “Islands of Resistance” band together and hold fast to their belief and purpose. Will we win? The answer is simple. Like Great Britain in 1940, we must win if we are to survive. But it all rests on the willingness of each state and citizen volunteers to step forward during our darkest hour and bring about a convention for sanity.
COSA encourages ALL U.S. citizens, regardless of political or cultural alignments, to forge relationships with their town, city, county, and state representatives. Contact your local officials to let them know how we wish to be governed, in spite of the Feds ignoring our voices.
