Ken Struble has recently become the new district captain for Convention of States (COS) in the Michigan Upper Peninsula. As a District Captain, his goal is to educate others about the issues confronting our nation - and how they can make a difference. A lawyer who has practiced for over 30 years, he is concerned about the long-term ramifications of current “big government” policies, and notes:
“We must continue to be a “nation of laws”, otherwise we will have no ability to know, from one national administration to the next, what is truly right, wrong, acceptable behavior and what is unacceptable. My hope is that the effort to establish a grass roots movement to get people to understand why their regular involvement in local politics is important and further to encourage them to be involved, will be successful. I’ve heard it said that an informed citizenry is necessary for a successful republic. I thoroughly believe this.”
Ken joined Convention of States after meeting an individual whose explanation of COS and its goals resonated with this energetic lawyer. At the time, he was home schooling his daughter in history, and he became increasingly concerned at the disconnect between what her textbooks were discussing about the founding and growth of the United States, and what he was observing in current events.
He decided to get involved for his daughter’s sake, and says, “I realized that the best thing I could ultimately do for her would be to be a part of reigning in our out-of-control federal government. Since 2001 it seems that our federal government has been in hyper-speed mode to usurp state and local governments in governing. We are moving toward authoritarianism at an alarming rate.”
Ken has noticed a growing political divide in recent years that dismays him. He says, “I am very concerned with the increasing political division that is occurring in our country. I especially deplore the breakdown of respect people have for themselves and each other. It is becoming increasingly more difficult to have a peaceful and meaningful discussion with persons with differing views. Bullying appears to be becoming the norm for moving one’s views and desires forward. Ultimately this can only lead to anarchy and authoritarianism which are not principals upon which this country was founded.”
As a District Captain for North Michigan, Ken plans to utilize skills developed over a lifetime of leadership and advocacy to present the Convention of States mission to both individuals and groups. He loves a good discussion that respects various points of views and helps to promote understanding instead of disunity. He states, “I hope that we pursue representatives and members of both major political parties and carefully guard against allowing either party to paint us as partisan for either party.”
Ken brings extensive skills in education and leadership to his new role as district captain. A graduate of Central Michigan University, he taught high school for nine years, then worked as a tool design engineer at Eaton. His technical and leadership skills came into play when he developed and implemented computer aided design and drafting for the Transmission Division of Eaton Corporation. But his real desire was to practice law, and he pursued his dream by attending law school at night, opening a private law practice in 1990, where he continues to practice part-time.
Volunteering with COS is part of a long history of community leadership and service for Ken. In his youth, he was an Eagle Scout, earning the BSA District Award of Merit, and as an adult became a volunteer, eventually becoming the local BSA district chairman. His desire to use his leadership skills to help others led him to serve five years on the Southwest Michigan Salvation Army Advisory board, acting as chairman for three of those years. Ken also served on the board of directors for the Calhoun County Community Action Agency for two years.
Do you share similar concerns to those that Ken discussed? Would like to learn how you can make a difference? Learn why millions of Americans are joining a movement that encourages citizens to bring government back to the states. This three-minute video explains more about Convention of States, along with these answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to take action now? Go online to sign the petition at http://conventionofstates.com.
