What are the necessary elements for generating and increasing the momentum to change the political landscape of the republic? Committed grassroots activists who show up to engage their representatives and fellow citizens, strong leaders with gifts for motivation and inspiration...and a liberty-loving llama, of course!
All were in place on May 15 as hundreds of Convention of States Action (COSA) volunteers, supporters, and leaders rallied at Halifax Mall near the North Carolina legislative complex in Raleigh to urge legislators to make the Tar Heel State the 20th to approve a COS resolution.
The joyful and spirited event was emceed by COSA chief technology officer Simon Percival.
"Notwithstanding the foreboding weather forecast just the night before," he said, "a respectable percentage of the NC grassroots who had indicated their intention to attend, along with a smattering of folks from other states, took the risk and were treated to a tremendous triumvirate of speeches from Mark [Meckler], Mike Farris, and Sen. [Rick] Santorum."
"From my vantage point," he added, "I saw a rapt and engaged crowd of the most hardcore grassroots supporters and an agenda executed to near perfection with Mark, Mike, and Rick bringing their 'A' game."
In calm, confident tones, the featured speakers encouraged the attendees to remain in the fight to convince North Carolina representatives to support and vote in favor of the COS resolution pending in the Senate.
Underscoring the effort being made by the grassroots apart from electoral politics, Santorum said "I believe in elections, and elections are important, but to change Washington, D.C., is going to take more than an election."
The COS resolution passed the North Carolina House in 2023 and is currently with the Senate's Committee on Rules and Operations.
The grassroots activists in attendance heard encouraging words from the resolution's primary sponsors, Sen. Timothy D. Moffitt and Rep. Dennis Riddell.
“We’re very close to being able to caucus this effort within the Senate Majority Caucus,” Moffitt said. “We’re probably, I would say, days if not just a couple weeks away to where this will be the subject that we debate within our ranks to determine its next steps."
That the COS resolution is on the brink of final passage is due to the committed efforts of the entire North Carolina team, embodied by the work of Kate West and Gary Norris, who were awarded well-deserved Challenge Coins.
Rallygoers enjoyed fellowship and even a visit from the Liberty Llama, who was happy to receive and dispense hugs and kisses from attendees, speakers, and legislators alike.
COSA co-founder and president Mark Meckler shared his thoughts about the positive force that was generated by the rally itself and in his conversations with senators.
"The thing I felt when I was there was a hopeful momentum," he said. "Some of the senators made comments that we hadn't heard before about momentum. Momentum was the kind of the word that we heard. You know, we've been stuck in the Senate there for awhile. It takes time, it takes momentum to build the support that's necessary to pass the legislative chamber."
Meckler added that he believes that the resolution will be successful in North Carolina, and was told by legislative leadership that once the votes are lined up in favor of passing the COS resolution, the vote will be held.
"So pay attention," he said, "pray, and if you're in North Carolina, call your senator."
