by George Wilson
My Vermont representative, Laura Sibilia-I (actually more P) Windham-Bennington, sent an email on June 10, 2022 to the Convention of States national team that read “I do not support COS, please inform my constituents”. Joe Benning, current senate member from Caledonia County and a Republican candidate for Lt. Governor, at a forum in Rockingham on June 25 stated he does not support COS. In theory, they come from opposite sides of the aisle. Why are they both afraid of calling for a Convention of the States?
A Convention of States is in Article V of the United States Constitution. Article V allows for two ways to propose amendments to the Constitution. Congress can bring an issue to the floor, have two thirds agree on the issue, and then send the proposal back to the states for ratification. After that, three quarters of the states (38) must agree to the proposal to ratify it into an amendment. That’s the way things have always been done.
However, our founders realized that one day, a tyrannical government may evolve and We The People should have an avenue to propose amendments to the constitution. It is possible, and will occur when 34 states call for such a convention.
At the convention, the proposals will be debated by delegations sent from each state. If 34 States can agree to the same proposal at the Convention, it will then be sent back to the State Legislatures for debate. At that point, it is the same as if Congress had proposed the Amendment. 38 states must approve that specific proposal for an amendment to be passed.
Congress has no recourse to overturn, and the President cannot veto. Why? Because WE THE PEOPLE decide!
The non-partisan issues that the Convention of States project are trying to address are:
- Term Limits – How many current legislators will vote for this? Answer, Very few if any!
- Fiscal Responsibility – How are our children, grandchildren, and their children’s children going to pay off 30 trillion dollars debt? Irresponsible spending must be halted and reversed.
- Stop and Reduce Government Overreach – Both state and federal governments are expanding rapidly. Since they are not for profit businesses, where does the money come from? You and I as taxpayers.
These three issues are not partisan politics. They are common sense issues. Something that most politicians in Vermont seem to be lacking. Remember, they are representatives for us! They may be considered Leaders, but certainly not rulers!
Joe Benning stated in his objection to calling for a Convention is that he fears other items would be introduced. Well, that can’t happen because the platform and agenda are proposed prior to calling the convention. If something like that were tried, 38 states would still be required to ratify it. So, a runaway, out of control convention is an unrealistic scenario and being used as a scare tactic by those who would rather keep the status quo.
It’s time for We The People to reclaim our local, state and federal governments. Your Vote this Tuesday, August 9 and again on November 8 are critical for electing representatives that will represent you. Not some ideological party platform. Your Vote matters!
The Convention of States movement is sweeping the country, 19 state legislatures have passed resolutions to call a convention. Only 15 more states are needed. Elect the right people into office to get our country back on track!
For more information stop and see us at The Vermont State Fair August 16-20th or go to www.ConventionofStates.com
George Wilson
COS District Captain – Windham-Bennington