Progressivism is Reactionary and Ancient, not Progressive
Jim MacDonald, COS Tennessee Volunteer, State Content Writer
In 1776 a nation was birthed that would forever change the course of mankind. God established a land that would be the beacon of hope for freedom and liberty around the world. Never before had a government been so uniquely formed to govern such a diverse group of people. It would be a land of opportunity, not without flaws, of course—but a land of principles, whose history is recorded in three distinctive documents.
The embodiment of those principles first began with the Mayflower Compact. In which the pilgrims dedicated that land to the Lord. Next, they appeared in the Declaration of Independence, breaking the bonds of tyranny and acknowledging that our Creator endowed us with inalienable rights. And third, the Constitution of the United States, inspired by God, was written to govern the people and to secure their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In 1776 a nation was birthed that would forever change the course of mankind. God established a land that would be the beacon of hope for freedom and liberty around the world. Never before had a government been so uniquely formed to govern such a diverse group of people. It would be a land of opportunity, not without flaws, of course—but a land of principles, whose history is recorded in three distinctive documents.
The embodiment of those principles first began with the Mayflower Compact. In which the pilgrims dedicated that land to the Lord. Next, they appeared in the Declaration of Independence, breaking the bonds of tyranny and acknowledging that our Creator endowed us with inalienable rights. And third, the Constitution of the United States, inspired by God, was written to govern the people and to secure their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Continue reading.
Self-governance: Can We Achieve It?
Phyllis Stewart, COS Tennessee Volunteer, State Content Writer
The notion that human beings are capable of governing themselves is not new but is certainly up for debate.
In the sixth century, the idea of self-governance was actualized in the Greek city-state of Athens. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) laid the philosophical groundwork and inspired the Greeks, particularly in his works Politics and Ethics. Aristotle had great faith in man’s natural affinity for goodness and honesty as well as his innate desire to improve himself through education and hard work.
You might find his naivete laughable in the current climate, but the middle class lauded by Aristotle is shrinking and at risk in our current progressive/socialist/communist politic. Continue reading.
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” ― Aristotle
We the People, More Than Citizens!
Dan DePriest, COS Tennessee Volunteer, State Content Writer
Ivy Scarborough, the author of Into the Night: The Crisis of Western Civilization, can be heard occasionally on American Family Radio discussing the urgent need for Americans in general and Christians, in particular, to take up the spirit of Gideon and stand firm against the erosion of Western biblical virtues, its missional course, and our American foundations of liberty.
He laments our loss of a once-popular understanding of the bedrock biblical principles that the Founders built our liberty and national identity upon.
Ivy recently asked me and some other friends for our perspectives about his desire to prepare programs for AFR that will help listeners better understand the biblical origins and importance of the Bill of Rights beginning with the Second Amendment. Continue reading.
Lawlessness Makes Victims of Us All 
Toni Clay, COS Tennessee Co-State Director, State Communications Coordinator, Coalitions Director
America has found herself in a precarious position. If you're like me, you read an endless flow of headlines telling us of yet the latest hijacking of our society. One only has to think over the past year to find more than enough to weaken one's resolve to delve deeper into the reason why. But delve we must if we are to have any hope of correcting our course.
It has been aptly stated that it's not the direction of the wind, but the adjustment of the sails that make for smooth sailing. America must assess the prevailing winds and adjust her sails if she is to remain a nation. To accomplish that, her citizens must insist that her laws are upheld for the safety of all. So while this blog is not about issues of immigration, whether you choose to own guns or not, whether you approve of bailouts, or any other particular trouble that ails us, it is about justice.
The few things I mention here are all symptoms of a larger problem plaguing us, and it is one that has been growing for decades. Continue reading.
COS Volunteers- A Point of Light
Marcy Brooks, District Captain, HD5
When I joined the Convention of States, I was excited about the Article V convention, but what really inspired me was the mission: “To raise up a grassroots army of self-governing citizens.”
That fired me up. So, soon after becoming a District Captain, I pictured a map of our district and thinking of each petition signer as a point of light. So I talked to John Taylor and asked if I could form a group in my district. He said “Well, that’s actually what we want! Go to it!”
I can’t really say how it has grown, but I gradually met people from other districts, so I asked permission to start in those districts. Now we have groups in Greeneville, Sevierville, Knoxville, and Johnson City. It is so exciting to teach people the skills to take back their lives, their churches, their communities, and hopefully the nation.
The number one comment from people who have signed the petition? "Convention of States is the only viable hope we have in turning our country around."
When we were in Washington on January 6, President Trump said we were not as mean as the Left, but I don’t think he was saying we should be. What we need is three things: we need to be more strategic, intentional, and prayerful. By learning the skills to think strategically, being determined to act intentionally, and making sure all of that is guided by the Holy Spirit, we can turn our nation around. We just need more people to catch that vision.
If you are interested in making a difference in your community by forming a “Points of Light” group, please call me at (423) 747-4500 or email me at marcy.brooks@cosaction.com. The Greeneville group meets the first Saturday of the month at the Harvest Restaurant at 9:00 a.m. The Johnson City group meets the first Thursday of the month at Cheddars at 7:00 p.m. The Sevierville group meets on the third Saturday of the month at Golden Corral at 9:00 a.m. The Knoxville group meets the third Saturday of the month (location TBD) at 12 noon.
Upcoming Events in Tennessee
- Monthly COS Volunteer Gathering in Kingsport on the Second Saturday of each month: Contact lyle.hill@cosaction.com for more info.
- Point of Light Gatherings: Contact Marcy.Brooks@cosaction.com for more info.
- COS Presence at the RK Gun Show in Chattanooga for Memorial Day Weekend (May 29-30). The hours are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. The event is in the Camp Jordan Arena. Come visit us!
- Creekside Music Festival Oct. 25-28, Pigeon Forge. More info to come.
