“Esse Quam Videri,” North Carolina’s state motto, which means “to be rather than to seem,” first appeared in an essay by Roman statesman and orator Cicero. A similar expression can also be found in Socrates’ writing: “The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.” The phrase refers to the fact that it is better to actually be something than simply to pretend that you are — words of wisdom that have been especially pertinent in the North Carolina legislature over the past few days.
COS supporters have often been frustrated at those who, while professing to care about limiting the federal government and reducing the national debt, nevertheless refuse to act on those principles when given the opportunity. They can protest, grumble, and bellyache all they want; it matters little if they never pursue meaningful solutions to the problems they complain about.
Fortunately, as the grassroots in the Tar Heel State discovered this week, that all-too-common failure to take decisive action does not apply to the North Carolina House of Representatives, which adopted the COS application for an Article V convention on Wednesday.
After sailing through two committee hearings in as many days, the primary resolution and our 34|Ready legislation were fast-tracked to the full House for a vote. Despite JBS-tinged panic-mongering, both bills cleared second reading, with 61–53 and 62-51 votes, respectively, before receiving final approval by voice vote.
Rep. Dennis Riddell, the bill’s sponsor, issued a grave warning about the dangers of ignoring the national debt. He argued that the legislature has a mandate from the people to call a convention, saying, “We have been given a wonderful charge by our Founders and the people who sent us up here.”
As evidenced by the final vote tally, over 60 of his colleagues agreed.
Clearing three major hurdles in less than 48 hours, the North Carolina House of Representatives made passing the COS resolution look like a walk in the park. But, in reality, the grassroots have been preparing for this moment for years. They laid the groundwork so future generations can enjoy the fruit of their labor. Indeed, the whole nation has been blessed by the North Carolina grassroots team and the brave legislators who chose to take action rather than peddle fear. Thanks to their heroic efforts, we are now one step closer to ending federal tyranny.
Both bills will now advance to the North Carolina Senate for final approval. Will the Tar Heel State become the 20th in history to join the COS movement? Stay tuned to find out!
Watch today's full hearing below.
North Carolina House passes COS application and 34|Ready
Published in Blog on May 07, 2025 by Jakob Fay
