Craving a Perfect World
By Dana Ives
We’ve all heard these terms - toxic masculinity, patriarchal society, transhumanism, pregnant man, breastfeeder, LGBTQ2AH+, gender-fluid, non-binary, preferred pronouns, carbon footprint, “my truth,” etc. These newly minted words have been forced into our vocabulary by those advocating for allegedly victimized groups of people. The confusing terminology usually can’t even be defined by the ardent, new-term user. Alternate reality seems to be the mantra these days. What does this have to do with craving a perfect world?
I recently had an interesting conversation with a “millennial” generation member. A broad-brush background would describe my millennial example thus: she is very frustrated with the corruption in D.C. and feels that her voice is not heard and her vote is meaningless. She wants a better world and believes gender is a fluid phenomenon and that men can get pregnant. She feels Israel has wronged the Palestinian people and that America is shackled by its systemic racism. She’s pro-choice, supports BLM, loves Bernie, knows climate change is THE existential threat to humanity, has felt the impact of inflation on her income, is a very hard worker (I can vouch for that), and is convinced she will never be able to afford a modest home without the assistance of her parents. Additionally, she feels diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals demonstrate that the U.S. Constitution has failed to keep up with the times.
I’ll confess here and now that my experience with younger generations is in short supply. Despite my career centering on pretty technical subject matter, I had the opportunity to work with people with varying levels of education - from GED graduates to PhDs. As a retiree, I’ve chosen to focus on subjects related to my interests: building a home from scratch, woodworking, running my portable sawmill, canning, writing for COS Action, and pondering the absolute chaos in the world and what spiritual path I should take. As a result, I have limited interactions with younger generations. My interactions seem to share a common thread—the younger generations fear the future. In this day and age of labeling people as members of certain classes, my millennial example would be a “progressive” who, as part of a certain race, is complicit in victimizing other groups.
As they are now considering raising children, my millennial and her musician husband have become more acutely aware of the anticipated difficulties of raising children in this increasingly gray world. Accordingly, they long for a safe environment to raise their children. During our conversation, my millennial’s definition of “safe” took on its own meaning; her interpretation of “safe” is not what Merriam-Webster would assign to the word.
During one part of our conversation, my millennial became almost wistful in describing her ideal community. Her community would be comprised of like-minded people. It would be self-sufficient, with members contributing their specific expertise to the community’s pool of skills. Their collective carbon footprint would be minimal on Gaia. Organic farming and herbal medicines would ensure health. Schooling of the children would be shared among the educated adults. While she didn’t specifically state it, a certain structure of morality and ethics would guide the community’s path. As she iterated her ideas, I mentally cataloged these criteria as defining a “commune.” The unstated prerequisite was that every member had to share the same principles for it to be a successful community.
The conversation I had with this millennial was an epiphany for me. She and her husband’s progressive goals can only be achieved through their close affiliation (equitable inclusion) with like-minded members of society. The result of their attempt to achieve the “diversity” they profess to embrace within their ideal community is non-existent. The lack of diversity in their community unintentionally results in creating a monolithic, isolated group. The ideal world they hope to create derails the civil exchange, discussion, and argument of new ideas. The suppression of exchange leads to stifling the future advancement of their community. The “ideal” community then becomes incestuous and stagnant; their monolithic, homogeneous society becomes a single island in a vast ocean of diversity…exactly what a dyed-in-the-wool Marxist hopes to achieve.
The most disturbing omission in the millennial’s calculation is that she does not recognize that achieving an “ideal community” has been tried over and over throughout history, and it repeatedly fails and often fails epically, including leading to the deaths of millions of people who cannot or will not be “like-minded.” Ask the refugees from Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union or the holocaust survivors who became proud Americans. Closer to home, ask the San Francisco hippies who caravanned to live at the commune known as “The Farm” in Summerville, Tennessee; Ask the surviving Jim Jones followers who went to Guyana or the Branch Davidians in Waco. It sounded good when they started, but it ended in tragedy.
Our efforts with the COSA cause are to counter this nation’s current path as COSA relies upon the same principles our founders did: our God-given, inalienable rights and freedoms that our government was created to protect. Do not flag your commitment. Do not let the destroyers of truth and all that is good prevail. COS Action is the clear choice in getting closer to achieving a perfect world.
Remembering King
By Brian Harris
January 15, 2024, marked the ninety-fifth birthday of a great man. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. talked the talk, and he walked the walk. A voice was preaching non-violence in a time of ever-increasing societal upheaval, preaching equality and justice in a time of segregation and injustice. The 1960s, America’s violent decade, was marked by riots, protests, and war. Dr. King’s message resonated with the silent, moral masses that moved this nation. And they killed him because of it.
“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”
Dr. King’s conscience told him that man shouldn’t be judged by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. This position wasn’t safe, politic, nor popular, but it was right. And we are all better because of it. This nation was founded on the principle that all men are created equal. Dr. King’s voice shone a light on the reality that we as a people were not living up to our foundational principles. We are better for it.
Yet today, we are told that racism is worse than ever. We are constantly reminded by politicians and talking heads in the propaganda press that one side is the root of all evil and the other is a perpetual victim. Is it really as bad as we are told? I think not.
The same force that cut down Martin Luther King Jr. is the same force perpetuating the false racism narrative today. It is agenda-driven. The powers that be cannot allow us to be united as one people. There must be constant division. Divide and conquer. And the ends justify the means. Dr. King was becoming a force for good, pricking the conscience of America and calling us to action. His vocal opposition to the escalating nightmare in Vietnam was a turning point. Thou shalt not speak out against the military-industrial complex and interfere with their profit-making war machine. His planned poor people’s crusade and the thought of a tent city in front of the White House could not become a reality. He was marked for death. He had to go.
On April 4th, 1968, Dr. King was struck down by a single bullet while he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. The official narrative is that Dr. King was assassinated by a lone-nut, racist assassin, James Earl Ray. After being apprehended, Ray spent the rest of his life in prison. Just like Lee Harvey Oswald and Sirhan Sirhan, Ray was a patsy, and he was framed. Did you know that a civil trial took place in 1999 in Memphis, Tennessee, where evidence was presented, and a jury concluded that others were responsible for the killing of King? The family of Dr. King filed a wrongful death suit against Loyd Jowers and “other unknown conspirators.” The jury concluded that King was assassinated by a group of conspirators, including agencies of the United States government. William Pepper represented Ray and then the King family for many years and spent decades seeking the truth. His conclusion, based on a myriad of witness depositions, indicates that the conspiracy was hatched out of the office of one, J. Edgar Hoover, and included members of the mafia, the Memphis police department, the Mayor of Memphis, and others, including members of King’s inner circle. I highly recommend Pepper’s book, The Plot to Kill King, if you desire to know the truth.
In the violent 1960’s political assassination was a regular tool of the power elite. JFK, MLK, RFK, and Malcolm X were all powerful voices that bucked the system and upset the status quo. Agencies and actors within our government have perpetrated, and to this day, are still committing terrible actions for the sake of their status quo. They cannot let us unite. If we did, we would see them for who they are and say no more!
As Dr. King stated, we must take a stand. The problem won’t fix itself. Cleaning up our government will require hard work. An Article V convention of states is a good place to start.
A Fearless Courage in the Storm for Freedom
By Jim MacDonald
Kelsi gathered her younger siblings, Grayson and Kaylei, in the cozy nook of their living room, a crackling fire casting a warm glow around them. She held an old, weathered book in her hands, the pages yellowed with time. “Alright, you two,” she began, a spark of excitement lighting up her eyes. “I’ve got a story for you tonight. It’s about a remarkable young woman named Sybil Ludington.”
Grayson tilted his head, curiosity deep in his eyes. “Sybil, who?”
Kelsi smiled, settling comfortably in her seat. “Sybil Ludington. She was just a little older than me when she accomplished something extraordinary. Back during the American Revolution, when our country was fighting for its freedom, Sybil was only 16 years old.”
Kaylei’s eyes widened. “Wow, you’re right. That’s not much older than you, Kelsi!”
“Exactly,” Kelsi nodded. “And just like us, someday, she played a big role in history. One night, in April of 1777, British troops were marching toward a town called Danbury, Connecticut. They wanted to destroy supplies reserved for the American soldiers.”
Grayson leaned forward, completely engrossed. “What did Sybil do?”
“Her father, Colonel Ludington, knew their troops must be alerted to the threat. And Sybil realized she must rise to the challenge and signal the men because the militia needed help,” Kelsi continued. “So, despite the danger, she saddled her horse and rode through the night, warning everyone she could find. She rode for miles and miles, through forests and across rivers, shouting and knocking on doors to gather the militia. She even used a stick to defend herself from a highwayman!”
Kaylei gasped. “She did all that alone?” While Grayson’s curiosity perks. “What is a highwayman?”
Kelsi nodded, her voice filled with admiration. “Yes, she did. Sybil’s ride lasted all night, and thanks to her bravery, the militia assembled in time to protect the supplies and fight back against the British.”
“And Grayson…” Kelsi said: “A Highwayman was a robber or bandit who would ambush travelers, often on horseback, demanding valuables or money through threats or force.
Grayson grinned. “That’s amazing! So, young people like us helped win the war?”
“Absolutely,” Kelsi affirmed. “It wasn’t just grown-ups; it was ordinary folks, young and old, who believed in freedom and fought for it. It’s a reminder that each of us, no matter our age, can make a difference.”
Kaylei’s eyes shone with determination. “I want to do something important, too!”
Kelsi ruffled her sister’s hair affectionately. “You will, Kaylei. We all can. We’re part of this great land because of the bravery and courage of people like Sybil Ludington. Remember, it’s not about how big or small you are; it’s about the size of your heart and the courage to stand up for what’s right.”
Kelsi paused, looking out the window as thunder rumbled in the distance, the sound echoing the tumultuous night of Sybil’s ride. “You know,” she said, her voice carrying the weight of the storm outside, “that night was just like this one. Thunder cracked, rain poured down, and the darkness was thick.”
Grayson’s eyes widened, the flashes of lightning illuminating the room. “Really? And she still rode through that?”
Kelsi nodded. “Yes, she did. It was pouring rain, and the roads were muddy and treacherous. But Sybil didn’t hesitate. Her father, the Colonel, was the one who sent her on that daring ride. He knew she was brave and quick, and he trusted her.”
As she spoke, Kelsi painted vivid pictures with her words, describing Sybil racing through the thick trees, her horse’s hooves splashing through puddles, and determination burning in her heart. “She rode to each soldier’s home, knocking urgently on their doors, warning them that the British were coming. It was a race against time, and Sybil knew she had to get to every house to alert the militia.”
Kaylei’s eyes widened with amazement. “I can’t imagine riding in the dark and rain like that!”
“But you know what,” Kelsi added, her voice softer now, “Sybil believed she wasn’t alone on that ride. She felt something guiding her, giving her strength and determination. She believed it was the Spirit of the Lord, watching over her and helping her through that difficult night.”
Grayson leaned in closer, the room seeming to hold its breath anxiously. “So, even when things were tough, she wasn’t afraid?”
Kelsi smiled. “That’s right. She was scared, I’m sure, but she didn’t let fear stop her. That’s what courage is all about—being afraid but doing what needs to be done anyway. And because of her bravery, because she pushed through the storm and darkness, she helped change the course of history.”
The thunder outside rumbled on, but inside, the siblings felt a different kind of rumbling—a sense of awe and inspiration for the young girl who defied the odds, guided by something greater than herself, and made a difference in the founding of their nation.
As the fire crackled and the night deepened, the three siblings sat together, inspired by the tale of a young heroine and filled with a newfound sense of pride in their own potential to shape the world around them.
2023 - A Year of Fatigue
By Dana Ives
Similar to most people, I indulge in reflecting on the past year’s events. As a stubborn COSA Content Writer, I can’t help but write about my reflections. Contrary to your average puppet, informed Americans tend to agree with the FACTS listed below:
- The CCP supplies to Mexican drug cartels the constituents necessary for the manufacturing of the poison, fentanyl, that is killing thousands of our people;
- The CCP supports and profits from an active organ harvesting business using incarcerated Falun Gong practitioners and Uyghurs as “donors:”
- The CCP is actively engaged in a “soft war” with the planet’s crown jewel Democratic Republic - the United States;
- Our US government routinely and ILLEGALLY invades the privacy of its citizens when the FBI and the NSA monitor domestic cell phone and texting traffic;
- Our “elected” officials routinely lie to the American people by twisting facts, colluding with Big Tech to censor and suppress free speech;
- The Biden administration has weaponized the DoJ and the FBI to suppress political dissent, suppress anti-abortion speech, suppress questions of the legitimacy of elections;
- The Biden administration continues to cynically deny Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s requests for Secret Service protection;
- The Biden administration continues its attempts to placate with “diplomacy” and thinly veiled bribes known sponsors of terrorism - to wit: Iran, Syria and Qatar;
- The Biden administration continues its mystifying support of Ukraine’s economy by allocating billions of American taxpayer money with NO transparency or audits;
- The DoD continues to undermine our military’s readiness by, in part, catering to the braying of the <0.01% of our population - the trans-humanism radicals;
- The CDC’s and FDA’s assertions that the COVID vaccines are safe are nothing but hogwash and insulting propaganda;
- Mainstream media has the same amount of trustworthiness as Hunter Biden’s artistic talent;
- Joe Biden was FULLY aware of his son’s business goals;
- Our nation’s borders are NOT secure, contrary to public statements by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas;
- VP Kamala Harris is NOT a functioning border czar, space czar, nor a competent vice president;
- As the American public prepares to exercise their Constitutional right in 2024 to choose its next President, the Biden administration uses its vast power to dictate who the opposing party’s candidate will be;
- Inflation and illegal immigration are systematically murdering the American middle class;
- On and on and on...
God, country, integrity, and family are the only things I have left to hang on to these days. While the world descends into chaos, how can one have hope? Simply put, faith in God above and the success of our COSAction efforts offer that hope, that last connection to a future for our children.
Surge Day, Embarking on a Mission
By Jim MacDonald
On the vibrant morning of January 9, 2024, fifty passionate volunteers from the Convention of States Action TN (COSA TN) gathered to set ablaze the spirit of republicanism during our annual Surge Day event on Capitol Hill in Nashville. But what exactly is Surge Day, you ask? It’s the heartbeat of our mission, the day when Tennessee’s part-time legislature kicks off its session with a burst of energy and purpose!
Picture this: the Cordell Hull Building buzzing with anticipation as
legislators prepare to make history. At noon, they march to the Capitol for the grand ceremonial gaveling, marking the commencement of a new chapter in governance. The House and the Senate engage in the official first-day rituals before returning to their offices. Enter Surge Day, where COSA volunteers play a pivotal role in shaping the course of a representative form of government!
Armed with determination, our volunteers embarked on a monumental task, visiting all 99 House of Representatives and 33 Senators in Tennessee. The mission? To deliver a powerful packet containing a thank-you card, 
signed by our volunteers, a letter outlining our past successes and future plans, personalized bookmarks with QR codes about Convention of States, and a decisive list of petition signers in each legislator’s district.
COSA volunteers waged a relentless campaign in the few weeks leading up to Surge Day, tirelessly calling legislators to secure appointments. Our volunteers dropped in the offices for those elusive ones, armed with passion and a commitment to the cause in between appointments. Each meeting, lasting 10 to 20 minutes, became an opportunity to build relationships and sow the seeds of change.
This isn’t just about paperwork and appointments; it’s about creating connections beyond the legislative halls. A well-coordinated effort, with groups of two to eight volunteers led by experienced state leaders, ensured that everyone, veterans and newbies alike, could confidently engage with
their legislators.
And oh, the atmosphere on Surge Day! The energy is profound, the legislators welcoming, and the exchanges brimming with friendliness. Nearly half of our 50 volunteers were first-timers, and we are poised to double that number next year.
Now, if you’re reading this, mark your calendars for the second Tuesday in January for next year’s Surge Day! Join us to become a vital part of this movement. We’re not just advocating; we’re saving a nation. Patriots, we need you! Let’s make next year’s Surge Day an unstoppable force for change. Together, we can shape the future we envision.
Your Call to Action…
Let’s rally the American spirit! Our nation stands at a pivotal moment, echoing the values our Founders held dear. It’s time for every Patriot to make their voice heard.
The Convention of States is a beacon of hope, a platform granted by those visionaries who built this great nation. It’s a chance for every American-loving Patriot to step up and shape the future, safeguarding the liberties we cherish.
We are the guardians of freedom, entrusted with the duty to ensure that our nation remains a bastion of liberty, opportunity, and justice. Click the link below, join the movement, and be part of a historic effort to preserve, protect, and defend the very essence of what makes America exceptional.
Click: Join our Movement. We’ve got a country to save!
Tennessee on the Move...
Patriots from Dayton, TN.
Patriots from Gallatin, TN.
Patriots from Hixson, TN.
Patriots from Maryville, TN.
Patriots from Murfreesboro, TN.
Patriots from Murfreesboro, TN. American Legion's event.
Patriots from Springfield, TN.
Patriots speaking at the Sumner County GOP Breakfast
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Ashland City, TN. Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bethlehem Community Center,1506 SR-12 N. Ashland City, TN. 37015, Debbie MacDonald
Cleveland, TN. Saturday, February 10th, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Harmony House, 699 Harris Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 Contact Jay Walling (423) 605-6705
Dayton, TN. Thursday, February 8th, 2024, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at Monkey Town Brewery 287 1st Ave., Dayton TN. 37321 Jay Walling
Gallatin, TN. Saturday, February 24th, 2024, from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Location to be determined Contact Debbie at debbie.macdonald@cosaction.com
Hixson, TN. Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at 5435 Hwy 153, Hixson, TN. 37343 - Meet and Greet - Jay Walling
Jamestown, TN. Saturday, February 10th, 2024, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at Fentress County Courthouse, 101 N. Main St, Jamestown, TN. Larry Wilke
McMinnville, TN. Saturday, February 10th, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Magness Library COS Meeting, 118 W. Main St. McMinnville, TN. 37110, Doug Hill & Jay Walling
Murfreesboro, TN. Saturday, February 17th, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Unity Freewill Baptist 1901 Florence Rd. Murfreesboro TN. 37129 Richard and Linda Black
Powell, TN. Saturday, February 10th, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at Shoney’s on Emory Rd. Powell, or the second Saturday of each month, Anne Martin and Dan Mobley
Sevierville, TN. Saturday, February 17th, 2024, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. King Family Library 408 High St. Sevierville, call Christine Solomon at 832-868-3674 for more information.
Springfield, TN. Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location to follow…
Springville, TN. Saturday, February 3rd, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 at American Legion Post 89, 4326 E. Antioch Rd, Springville, TN. 28256, See Bob Kutsy
Tullahoma, TN. Saturday, February 17th, 2024, from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at the Coffee County Lannom Memorial Public Library 312 N. Collins St. Tullahoma, TN 37388 call or text Tony Celiberti at 931-247-8731
BattleCry, Join Mark Meckler for the BattleCry every Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. EST on Facebook and Rumble.
For the most up-to-date schedule, go to the calendar on our Tennessee website: www.conventionofstates.com/tennessee
