Convention of States Florida Team Leader Ed Bender (Regional Captain) hosted the second annual Independence Day Celebration, Barbecue, and Meeting at the 10,500-acre Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound.
July 4 was a warm, sunny day, but Ed Bender procured the Kitching Pavilion, which must have been the breeziest pavilion at the park that day.
Those of you who know Ed understand how committed he is to making these events run smoothly. He and his team, including Bonnie and Bill Corbett, arrived early to set up all the necessary equipment for the barbecue and virtual meeting after lunch.
Bill also served as executive chef at the barbecue, producing a tasty menu of CDC hot dogs and Wuhan burgers with Fauci sauce. Jean Borden (the new State Grassroots Coordinator) was also in attendance.
Ed opened the meeting with a prayer and reference to 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.”
After announcements, Florida State Director Dennis Darragh gave an informative overview presentation of Convention of States Action’s program. It included a brief explanation of the three general areas of focus in COSA’s resolution initiatives.
Ed Bender and Dennis Darragh running the virtual meeting.
The COS Action resolution calls for a Convention of States “limited to proposing amendments to the Constitution of the United States that impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and limit the terms of office for its officials and for members of Congress.” Every state legislature is encouraged to approve the exact same resolution.
Dennis reported that more than 400 attempts have been made to organize an Article V Convention of States. To date, none have been successful. He pointed out the strengths of promoting COS Action’s three-pronged resolution approach. It will allow eventual convention delegates to discuss a range of governance topics.
He explained the best way to keep the government focused on solving problems for the people is to limit its size and jurisdiction, which will help to bring back a culture of self-governance. We need engaged citizens willing to educate legislators and citizens in their own states and support the efforts of citizens in other states, whenever possible.
Regional Passed States Director Brenda Karlin shared a letter written by John Adams to his daughter Abigail about the Independence Day celebration in 1777. It described the naval and military ceremonies that were held during the day and the spontaneous placement of lit candles in the windows of most homes across the community, a display of patriotism and unity.
Bill Corbett reinforced the point that We the People are the government. He encouraged us to get involved in local political activities.
Bill Corbett takes to the mic and leads the charge.
There was a question and answer period for the people on site and online. After the meeting ended, people stayed to talk until late afternoon when we helped each other pack everything up (especially Ed’s van) and headed home.
It was a day well-spent. Find out more by taking action today.
