Title: America in Crisis Original CoS Document (slug): [[https://conventionofstates.com/america-in-crisis|america-in-crisis]] Login Required to view? No Created: 2024-01-20 11:04:01 Updated: 2024-03-26 09:10:27 Published: 2024-01-21 01:00:00 Converted: 2025-04-14T21:29:07.815524409 ---- December 23, 1776\\ \\ //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 by it now, deserves the love and 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. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Thomas Paine, The Crisis.//\\ \\             I finally understand. What was the Freedom so sought after which led people to flee their lands and countries to come to America and then risk it all in a fight against the most powerful empire of the age? Religious Freedom? Freedom to make a new start in a place where there was land and opportunity? True.\\ \\             The real core of Freedom is Freedom from fear. That’s it. America’s foundation is the Freedom from fear of one’s own government. When innocent people live in fear of arrest, loss of property or livelihood, runaway taxation, punitive regulations, or failing to abide by rules over their political and social expression, then the government has become tyrannical. When honest people live in fear of saying the wrong thing or missing one of thousands of incomprehensible rules and regulations, then they are living in a state of absolutism.\\ \\             Absolutism comes in many forms: Monarchy, Aristocracy, Oligarchy, Dictatorship, Communism, etc.\\ \\             Our nation has taken on the trappings of an oligarchy in which ‘elected’ representatives no longer represent their constituents. The gerrymandering of districts has created safe zones for political parties to select who the next ‘elected’ official will be. Red or Blue, Left or Right, Democrat or Republican. We hear pundits speak of the ‘elites.’ Call it an Aristocracy or an Oligarchy. The seats of power are no longer accessible by any of “We the People” but only by the select of two political parties.\\ \\             We are now a nation in crisis no less critical than that of December 23, 1776. And while most people agree, most either fear doing anything, do not know what to do, or have just given up and accepted our dire straits. We are past the time of hoping things will hold together under the current administrative state. It is clear Congress fears no accountability or attribution for their excesses, self-enrichment, and self-aggrandizement. They do not even fear failing of reelection.\\ \\             We are taught that there are three branches of government: Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. And the legislative branch has greedily grabbed power for the application of their will over the executive and judicial. Checks and Balances and Separation of Powers have been diluted by the constant legislation of a Congress hungry for control over everything.\\ \\             The truth is there are four branches of government. Although perhaps this was not articulated well enough by the framers of our Constitution. But it is stated in the first three words:\\ \\             “WE THE PEOPLE.”\\ \\ We are the fourth branch of government.\\ \\             And in that grand document there is Article V which allows for a Convention of States. This is our last and best hope for holding our government accountable to the people. It is the only legal means by which true representatives of the States can come together to propose amendments to the Constitution. It is critical that this message of the people come to the forefront of every U.S. Representative and Senator. They will never willingly accept term limits or any form of fiscal responsibility. They will continue as they have until the well has gone dry and we are left desolate.\\ \\             The Convention of States is forming an alliance of Patriots committed to a rebirth of this great nation, this noble experiment, and “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”\\ \\             Once, Patriots marched in snow and ice, feet wrapped in rags, to establish a free nation.\\ \\             As individuals, now, we are not required to make such a sacrifice. Thanks be to God.\\ \\             But if every true citizen joins the Convention of States, which is based on Article V and totally legal and constitutional, Congress will be unable to ignore that voice.\\ \\             What can we do?\\ \\             Join Convention of States and become an active member. Ask how you can help.\\ \\             Get a ball cap and t-shirt and wear them.\\ \\             Engage people in conversations about the Convention of States and Article V.\\ \\             Contact your State and U.S. Representatives and Senators and say “I support the Convention of States.” Contact them every month.\\ \\             As this year’s elections loom ever closer, it is more critical than ever to keep Article V and Convention of States in a high state of visibility and awareness.\\ \\             You don’t have to march in the snow or cross an ice-covered river. Just join, convince others to sign the petition and join, grab some swag and show it off, and shoot a few notes off to half a dozen officials every month. Share this essay on social media. There is great comfort and security in the fellowship of Patriots committed to saving our nation. We can only lose if honest and innocent people fail of this small and modest effort.\\ \\             Choose to not live in fear. Regain your voice. https:%%//%%conventionofstates.com/\\ \\         \\ \\    Your Brother in Liberty\\ \\   John William,\\ \\ A Poor Fellow Soldier