When we become COS volunteers we are asked to share why we support Convention of the States. What I believed would be a simple task became a journey of memories and deep reflection. The answer to why is an answer built on deeply placed values. A beloved gift from my Dad.
My Dad was one of the many young men who left their families during WWII. He was 17, much too young to experience death, fear, fighting for his life, and the horrors of the concentration camp his troop liberated. He was wounded in Europe and sent home to recover. His wounds resulted in his honorable discharge from the army. My Dad wasn’t done. He then joined the Merchant Marines and worked on ships transporting troops in the Pacific during that war. I often think about how his service to our country changed him - changed all who fought in wars for ours and other countries.
Dad shared his patriotism. I knew "The Pledge of Allegiance" before entering school. Hand over my heart, "one nation, under God". It wasn't just the words and reciting them, he shared what it meant so I would know the meaning of the pledge as I spoke those words. Veterans Day found us lining the street of our small hometown to express gratitude to our Veterans. Memorial Day was a day reserved to visit the Veterans Cemetery. The American flag was always flying from our front porch.
Voting and the election process were another series of lessons. One of those Dad lessons, “You see, voting is the most important thing you must do for your country. And if you don't vote, you are not allowed to complain!"
All these memories come flooding back as I watch the events leading up to this election. As I evaluate candidates and track the daily news, term limits are at the top of my mind. Time in office ensures the accrual of power and the focus moves to how to maintain that power. It is that power that diverts our elected officials from listening and representing “we the people.”
We have elected officials who have been in their roles for over thirty years.
- 70 members of the House of Representatives have served over 20 years and of these, 45 have served over 36 years.
- 25 members of the Senate have served over 35 years and of these, 10 Senators have served over 40 years.
- 9 members currently serving in the 117th Congress have served over 40 years combined in both the House and Senate.
One enduring lesson from my Dad was this, "Always do the right thing. Even when it's hard. Keep your compass pointed North and you will do fine in the world." Dad, it is hard right now but I am contributing to the Convention of the States to do what I know is right.
Are you are weary of the political games, the never-ending bad news, the corruption, the lack of border security, a budget that has not been balanced since 1998, out-of-control crime in our cities, and Federal government overreach? Join our grassroots movement - the Convention of the States. We are growing a grassroots army large enough to call the first-ever Article V Convention of the States. Sign the petition to tell your State Legislators you support the Convention of the States. You will find the petition here.
Learn about Convention of the States. Share what you have learned with others and when you have the time -- volunteer. There are many small and big ways to be engaged.
My Dad fought his battles to ensure freedom. This is now my battle. This is for our children, our grandchildren, and generations to come.
Our Republic is the greatest country in the world. Let freedom always ring out over our land.
