What is this “Convention of the States”? I attended a meeting on this topic and heard not one but TWO speakers on the issue.
And it only confused things more.
On 7/9/15 I attended a 9-12 Patriot meeting featuring speakers on “COS” or a Convention of States. The speakers were Al Radke and Kevin Wade.
I have interviewed Radke before and we’ve talked a few times. I find him to be very dedicated and sincere. Radke is Chair of the Delaware Convention of States.
There was an amazing turnout at the Millsboro fire hall that warm and humid night. I was personally acquainted with very few of the attendees so these weren’t your regulars that show up at many of these meetings.
Before going into detail, it’s important to cite Article 5 of the U.S. constitution.
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate.
Radke informs the attendees that three Delaware legislators: Gerald Hoecker, Bonini, and Lawson, have signed on to proposing that Delaware has a convention of the state.
So if 34 states (2/3) call for a convention to amend the constitution, then so it shall be. If Congress, by 2/3’s, calls for a convention of the states, then so it shall be.
As for ratification of any amendments that might come from these convention of states, it would take 38 states to ratify such amendments (3.4’s).
Radke says that his organization, supported mightily by talk show host Mark Levin, among many others, would
concentrate on four items to use for amending the constitution.
They would include: the spending/debt crisis, the horrific regulatory process bottle-necking capitalistic growth in this country, congressional attacks on state sovereignty and the federal takeover of all decision-making processes.
Radke explains that these goals are generic rather than specific.
“For the purpose of limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government.”
Four states have already agreed to this convention of states: Georgia, Alabama, Alaska and Florida.
To my surprise who else should arise and speak on the subject but Kevin Wade, a favorite of the locals and former candidate for several elected positions here in Delaware.
Wade explained that since he is a board member of Delaware Patriots 9-12 that it would logical for him to also discuss the matter.
Wade is more of a dynamic speaker than Radke and that was a problem.
Wade says that there should be separate conventions for different issues, such as a convention for the definition of marriage, recalls of Supreme Court Judges….that will keep such conventions from becoming free for all’s.
First, I knew nothing about this fifth amendment and even now only vaguely understand it. I do understand that it is a vehicle to return control of the government to the people. But I’ve more than one person gripe that if they elected powers-that-be, and the unelected bureaucrats, do not honor the constitution now, why on earth would they honor this convention of states thing?
As for the presentation, I think it was a bit of a bust. I am not at all sure it was such a good idea to bring in TWO speakers on the matter. And while Al Radke is a man I greatly admire for his devotion and dedication to the cause, he doesn’t put fire in the belly as this proposal will need.
Kevin Wade, in fact, would be a much better presenter in that he is a very good speaker, but he seems to bring a whole different set of rules to the table.
Seems like nobody’s in charge of this thing in Delaware is what I’m saying here.
As for those who pooh-pooh that such an action would be taken seriously by those who have power over us, well maybe you’re right. But if you say NO right now, then it will never work, will it? Why not try it and ditch it later should it not work?
As I see it, political junkee who is but a humble Blogger, it’s the old “herding cats” thing.
For while the whole concept of turning over such power to the people appeals, and the numbers of us living and breathing heathens out here in la-la land who think the Feds should patrol the borders and have a balanced budget is indeed formidable.
But it’s like herding cats. To get millions of people to agree on something….well it’s just not that easy.
Still and so I’m intrigued by this notion and believe that the size of that turnout last night was partly caused by the recent Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage.
People are getting nervous about this stuff, yon ladies and gems. Given the right circumstance, the perfect storm of populace politics, this convention of the states could happen just like that. Don’t pooh-pooh and walk away.
I will be watching this closer in the future.
For more information, visit the web site “www.conventionofstates.com”.
The next meeting of the Sussex county 9-12 Patriots will be on 8/13/15 at the Millsboro fire hall.
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I do not respond to comments on my posts. I certainly have no problem with such commentary and, indeed, encourage it. But I’ve written my piece and I don’t want to argue it further.
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NEXT : Got some interviews soon, Sunday Talk Show Post, Some snark and gossip coming up next week. Also Sussex GOP meeting this Monday and I’ll be there.
What makes you think that changing words will change adherence?
If legislators won’t adhere to the Constitution now, why do you think they would adhere to an altered one?
Need a balanced budget? Why wait for an amendment? Pass one now.
A Balanced Budget Amendment would increase the power of the federal government by legitimizing the unconstitutional spending they are doing now.
Term limits? If the voters want a socialist to represent them they will just replace one socialist for another.
Do you want federal control over parenting? Consider Mike Farris’ misnamed proposed Parental Rights Amendment.
Any petition for a call for a convention is a petition regardless of the reasons for wanting one. The Whereases are moot – it is the Therefore that matters.
Once convened, there is no tellig what could happen. And the thought that 37 states must ratify any proposals is not valid since the convention could change that just was done in the 1787 convention.
“First, I knew nothing about this fifth amendment…”
It’s not an “amendment”, it’s an article of the Constitution – which is not a long document – that has been there for over two hundred years. It sets out how to amend the Constitution. There have been more than two dozen amendments to the Constitution. And you knew nothing about it? The mind boggles.
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