We the People and the Convention of States
By Jerry Kronk
I'm a volunteer in Tennessee with the Convention of States. I am encouraged by the recent grassroots movement for freedom in our country and the progress of the Convention of States Action Project. I am excited to offer my time and knowledge to grow an army of nationwide grassroots citizens.
It is an honor to be part of the Convention of States Action organization to retain our great country's freedom. We must all remember those having made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain our freedom. We owe them our maximum efforts to keep our freedom for the coming generations.
Are we not to protect the freedom for the coming generations as did the Greatest Generation and subsequent freedom-loving citizens? As freedom-loving people, are we going to stand by and let go of our freedom due to a centralized federal government making decisions that individual citizens should make? Are we allowing the enormous federal government organizations to take control of our state governments and extract individual citizens' rights? Can we let the federal government's power "relinquish our Freedom?" Our country's citizens have gotten to the point where we allow a vast federal government to make our individual decisions previously made by "We the people."
Since becoming a volunteer and discussing the Convention of States with many people, their concern is genuine, but many lack the motivation to take action. Convention of States can solve issues for the future, but problems at hand coupled with the appearance of a high standard of living results in a lack of mass participation. However, the rapidly eroding of our citizen's rights is changing the great country. The Convention of States Action creates the grassroots movement that can solve the Federal Government problem. But, the federal government's power is deleting our freedoms faster than "We the People" can fight to save our Liberty. Unless "We the People" can turn the Tide and stop the insurrection, our ship will sink, and "We the People" will become "We Were the People." Time is critical, and the American People must react now. There is no time for excuses. EVERYONE must support the effort to keep this ship "We the People" afloat.
A tribute to Yvonne Rogers—a Patriot who has gone home to be with the Lord!
This article was written by Yvonne Rogers and published in the Volunteer Voice Newsletter on January 31, 2020. A great piece that is still relevant today.
One Person Can Make A Difference
By Yvonne Rogers
In 1989, students gathered in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, to protest an overreaching oppressive government. The protesters were calling for democracy. Their protests went on for weeks without violence. Then, the Chinese military was moved into the square and began randomly firing on protestors. Hundreds were killed in the square, their leaders were tracked down, beaten, and some were killed. During the heat of the conflict in the square, ONE student walked in front of the military tanks and did the unthinkable. He positioned himself in front of them, defying them to advance further.
The massacre stopped. One person stood against oppression and caught the attention of the entire world. Throughout history, there are examples of individuals standing and saying “enough”. Abraham Lincoln said, “To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men.”
Our task may not appear so dramatic but is just as important. Our time is now. Our Constitution is under assault. Our 1st, 2nd, and 4th amendment rights are violated daily. Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln both expressed the following sentiment. They stated that America would never be destroyed from without, and if we were to falter and lose our freedoms, it would be because we destroyed ourselves.
At a desperate time in the American Revolution, Thomas Paine wrote the following message on a drumhead. He instructed a courier to take the message to General Washington. Washington read it to his demoralized men. These are the words he wrote:
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered, yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”—Thomas Paine
The 2020 legislative session has begun, and election season is upon us. There are things we can all do. We can and must engage. Calvin Coolidge stated it this way: “We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once.”
We should recognize that many in our current government are following an agenda that would have been found abhorrent to our country’s founders. We are shocked at their boldness in pursuing other than a constitutionally constrained agenda. Sadly, despots and authoritarians seek to operate in secret and behind closed doors. They prefer flying under the radar, concealed by darkness. We cannot take for granted that others seek to preserve our nation’s foundation and protect its vision as we do.
As with Tiananmen Square, we are each challenged to stand against those who would oppress freedom, commandeer liberty, and silence our voice. It takes only 3% of the population to engage in bringing about real change. The kind of change that can make tanks and tyrants back down. Are you one who will be counted among distinguished patriots who say, “You shall advance no further?”
Educate yourself on American history. Learn of our governing structure and the powers granted within it. Read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Ensure your children and grandchildren know the real story of America and value the price of her birth. We can find the truth if we are willing.
The Convention of States grassroots army has pledged its voice and actions to preserve personal choice and the heritage of self-governance as given to us in Article V. If you’ve signed the petition, please engage.
If one alone can so effectively stand against tyranny, then dare to imagine what millions can do.
How Well Do You Know Your Constitution? Part 3
I hope everyone enjoyed the questions and the statements from the Conclusion of Arthur J. Stansbury’s Elementary Catechism on the Constitution of the United States. Let me reiterate; this was written for elementary students during the early 1800s and published in 1828. If you missed parts 1 and 2, you could review them in the previous two Volunteer Voice Newsletters.
Here is the last section of Stansbury’s Conclusion:
And, in the last place, my beloved young countrymen, your country’s hope, her treasure, and one day to be her pride and her defense; remember that a constitution which gives to the people so much freedom and entrusts them with so much power, rests for its permanency, on their knowledge and virtue. An ignorant people are easily betrayed, and a wicked people can never be ruled by the mild influences of their own laws. If you would be free—if you would see your country grow in all that constitutes true greatness—cultivate knowledge—flee from vice.
The virtuous citizen is the true noble. He who enlightens his understanding—controls his passions—feels for his country’s honor—rejoices in her prosperity—steps forth to aid her in the hour of danger—devotes to her advancement the fruits of his mind, and consecrates to her cause, his time, his property, and his noblest powers, such a man is one of God’s nobility; he needs neither riband, nor star; his country knows and remembers his name; nor could any title add to its honor, or to his reward. We have seen such men among us; we hope to see many more. And though the glory of giving to their country such a Constitution as this, is what none but they have been so blessed as to enjoy, yet you succeed to a task, but one degree removed from it, that of preserving what they have committed to your virtue, unsullied and unimpaired.
Stansbury makes a couple of points worth repeating, considering the state we find our nation in today.
- Knowledge and virtue are required to maintain freedom and entrust the power given us for our country’s hope, her treasure, her pride, and her defense
- When people are ignorant of this knowledge and virtue, they are easily betrayed
- Wicked people can never be ruled by the mild influences of their own laws
Thanks to all the Patriots involved with the Convention of States Action. You are the people who will restore our country’s hope, treasure, pride, and defense.
Here are the final questions. Enjoy!
188. Q. How many Electors of the President are appointed in each state?
191. Q. How do these electors proceed?
213. Q. What is the President’s oath of office?
301. Q. What security have we that the Constitution will be observed?
333. Q. Have the different States of the Union all the powers which rightfully belong to a State, except those which are denied to them by the Constitution.
And, here are your answers:
188. A. As many as the state has members in both Houses of Congress. For instance, a state which is entitled to two Senators and eight members of the House of Representatives must appoint ten electors of the President.
191. A. The electors appointed by each state meet in the states that appointed them, and vote by ballot for the President. The electors all meet on one and the same day in their several states; the day is fixed by Congress.
213. A. It is in these words—“I do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States; and will, to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
301. A. The President, the Members of Congress, the Members of all the State Legislatures, and all public officers of the United States, and of each one of the States, takes an oath, when they enter upon their several offices, to obey the Constitution. But the great security for its observance lies in the wisdom and excellence of the Constitution itself and the conviction of the whole people of the United States that it is for their true interest to observe it inviolate. It has been tried for fifty years and has done more to render this nation peaceable, powerful, and happy than any form of government that ever existed among men.
333. A. Yes. When the States united to form a constitution for the General Government, they agreed to give up to that government some of the powers they had before, and they set down in the Constitution what these powers were. All other powers they keep. The same thing is true for respecting the people. All the powers they have not given up to the State Governments or to the General Government, they keep in their own hands. 
Volunteer of the Month
I would like to recognize a young lady named Debbie MacDonald as the Volunteer of the Month. Over the last six months, she has worked virtually every day for the Convention of States Action. She goes through her FUTs, calling and/or sending emails to new petition signers.
Debbie doesn’t hesitate to call John Taylor for the answers when she has questions. Twenty minutes to a half-hour later, she hangs up and is back at it (thanks, John, for your patience).
But, probably what stands out the most about this recognition is Debbie’s performance at the Surge Day event at the Capitol in Nashville on January 11. Prior to the event, she made several appointments with lawmakers in a number of districts, including her own State Representative and Senator.
On Surge Day, when she walked into these legislators’ offices, Debbie was prepared and showed little signs of nervousness when speaking with them. She was cordial and polite but bold and strong. You could tell the lawmakers felt a sense of respect and confidence in what Debbie was addressing.
Now, the Surge Day in Nashville was a huge success. And things stated above about Debbie could easily be shared about so many of our great volunteers. Everyone who attended that day deserves to be nominated as volunteers of the month.
So, let me give you a little background on Debbie.
To say I may be a little partial is an understatement since I’ve been married to this young lady for more than thirty-six years. Over these years, she has always displayed great potential in everything she did. Including raising four incredible children, and now we have seven beautiful grandchildren.
Convention of States Action has compelled Debbie to go far above her insecurities and shine like the star I always knew she was. Debbie was never reluctant to take on projects and always gave it everything she had. For example, she was highly accomplished with the BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) as a teacher for kids two years old through kindergarten ages for over 30 years. The long-term impact she made with these children may never be realized till were at home with Jesus. But teaching adults would place her out of her comfort zone, and I feel she did all she could to avoid these situations.
Debbie reluctantly took on the District Captain position when Lyle Hill asked me to take the State Communication Coordinator position. She needed coaxing from John Taylor and myself but eventually accepted the role. Since then, I believe she has lit the world on fire and doing an outstanding job. She happily took on the Regional Captain position when she knew she could be more effective in the expanded role of managing eight to ten districts at once.
As her husband and a Patriot of this great nation, I could not be more proud to have Debbie working as hard as she is, doing her part in the restoration and preservation of America. It’s truly an honor to have a front-seat view of her leadership on display and see the impact on others.
Please send her a slack message congratulating her on this nomination. She deserves it. Thanks, Debbie!
Tennessee is on the move...
Patriots from Greeneville and Sevierville, TN with Marcy Brooks
Patriots from Johnson City, TN with SueAnn Troxel and Marcie Brooks
Catherine Sachse and Lloyd Crawford
Patriots from Clarksville, TN with Norman Doc Ressler
Patriots from Tullahoma, TN with Tony & Dawn Celiberti and Keith Bailey
Soddy Daisy, TN with Jay Walling, Dean McGhan, and Doris Allen
Patriots from Gallatin, TN with Debbie MacDonald
Surge Day 2022
by Ramona P. DeSalvo, State Director for Legislative Action
Volunteers from across the state of Tennessee converged on the Capitol in Nashville for the opening day of the 2022 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Commonly referred to as “Surge Day,” volunteers attended appointments with lawmakers and observed the opening session of the legislature. It was a well-attended, exciting, and effective day for Tennesseans to be involved in their government. Surge Day is an annual event, first started in Tennessee in 2014 by Convention of States volunteers.
To participate as a group, COS volunteers across the state planned Surge Day well in advance of the January 11, 2022 opening day. Even volunteers who could not travel to Nashville worked hard in advance to make the Capitol visit a success. Co-State Director Lyle Hill created thank you cards for lawmakers and their legislative aides and assistants. An informational paper was prepared for each lawmaker in which the state of the Convention of States Project in Tennessee was addressed, considering it has been six years since the Convention of States Resolution SJR0067 passed, making Tennessee the fifth state in the country to pass the resolution. In addition, a bookmark with relevant information about the growth of COS in Tennessee was included for each district on which the number of petition signers in the district was listed, along with the 27% growth of COS in the past year alone. Volunteers met to sign the cards, prepare packets, and affix labels addressed to each lawmaker. Everyone pitched in to make Surge Day 2022 a success.
Co-State Director John Taylor led the volunteers as they met in the early morning of January 11 at the Cordell Hull Building in Nashville, where lawmakers’ offices are located. The legislator packages were distributed to the volunteers, and they headed out to meet with their senators and representatives for scheduled appointments and drop-in visits. Volunteers previously scheduled some 35 appointments with legislators. There were so many appointments that volunteers returned the next day, January 12, to complete them. Each of the 133 legislative offices was visited by teams of enthusiastic volunteers. Volunteers attended the opening session at noon and then returned to Cordell Hull to complete more visits to lawmakers.
The COS grassroots army is alive and well in Tennessee. COS Tennessee sends a big thank you to everyone who made Surge Day 2022 a success. The TN volunteers are engaged in self-governance by getting off the couch and participating in their government. They are getting to know their lawmakers, are sharing messages of liberty and self-governance, the General Assembly’s role in federalism, and the balance of power between the state and federal government.
Many of us have become complacent over the years, trusting elected officials with our futures and those of our children and grandchildren. What COS volunteers have learned is that we must stand up, speak up, and show up! Our lawmakers are our neighbors, our local business owners, and members of our congregations; they are not unaccountable officials hundreds of miles away in Washington, D.C. It is critical that all citizens engage with their state representatives and senators. The Convention of States volunteers led the way again in 2022 by taking time to travel to Nashville to let General Assembly members know what matters to them and their families where they live.
You, too, can join the largest grassroots army of volunteer activists in America, who are actively engaged to preserve our treasured republican form of government. Your freedom depends on you, and it is time each Tennessean makes sure his or her voice is heard by their elected representatives. If you join us, you will be welcomed into a big family of freedom-loving Americans who believe in the greatest country in the world. And you will make wonderful friends of diverse backgrounds across the state that otherwise you may not have had a chance to meet. For more information, please go to conventionofstates.com.
Upcoming Events
Chicken & Chat
In February or March - Date to be announced
COS Points of Light Meetings
Bristol, TN. Saturday, February 5th at Shoney’s 2066 Lee Hwy at 9:30 am
Greeneville, TN. Saturday, February 12th at The Catalyst Coffee Company, at 11:00 am
Johnson City, TN. Saturday, February 12th at The VFW 2518 Jim Funkhauser Rd. at 1:00 pm
Sevierville, TN. Saturday, February 19th at King Family Library 408 High St. at 9:30
Knoxville, TN. Saturday, February 19th at the Cedar Springs Christian Store 504 N. Peters Rd at 1:00 pm
COS Meetings across the state
Spring Hill, TN, Monday, Feb 7th, from 6-7 pm at Spring Hill Library, Multimedia room
Maury County Public Library, Saturday, Feb 27th, from 10-11 am
Ashland City, TN. Saturday, February 12th at Bearwallow Road Church of Christ, 1520 Bearwallow Rd. at 3:00 pm. Call Jeff Cody for more information
Battle Cry
Join Mark Meckler for the BattleCry every Sunday at 8:00 EST on Facebook
Biblical Citizenship in Modern America Class
Every Monday now through March 7 (taking Valentine's Day off)
