Title: Eternal Vigilance Original CoS Document (slug): [[https://conventionofstates.com/eternal-vigilance|eternal-vigilance]] Login Required to view? No Created: 2023-02-17 12:10:18 Updated: 2023-02-27 03:00:01 Published: 2023-02-20 00:00:00 Converted: 2025-04-14T21:23:05.420085742 ---- The oft-cited phrase "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty" (and variations thereof) has been attributed to many significant Americans, including Thomas Jefferson and the abolitionist Wendell Phillips.  No matter its source, the phrase is the absolute truth in matters concerning the survival of the American Republic and in other particular matters -- none more so than our efforts in calling for an Article V Convention of States.  We need look no further than moves to rescind the already-passed resolution in North Dakota and the last-second switch by a Montana legislator that killed the COS Resolution in the state. These serve as stark reminders that, in legislative politics, nothing is decided until every vote has been completed, and no law or resolution is permanent.  It is axiomatic in many sports competitions -- college basketball in particular -- that visiting teams must always play as if they are ten points down before the game even begins, and then play accordingly. Given the forces aligned and aligning to block Article V resolutions and catch us napping across the land, our movement is perpetually on the road. We must act accordingly.  Our efforts to engage and persuade our state representatives that Article V needs to be activated must be unceasing. That goes for the entire timeline of the legislative process in every state -- pre-filing, rounding up co-sponsors, filing, committee assignments, testimony, debate, floor debate, and, yes, multiple readings and final voting.  Eternal vigilance must be sustained //after the// passage of the COS Resolution as well. There is no doubt that the efforts to nullify or rescind in many of the 19 states already passed will be launched, as they have been in North Dakota. While there is no doubt that again tromping over the well-trod ground can be frustrating, it may well be necessary. Part of our vigilance must be to constantly remind our representatives in state legislatures and citizens with whom we communicate the simple truth about an Article V convention that no amount of propaganda can overcome:  //At the conclusion of an Article V Convention of States -- after the adoption of rules, the debates about proposed amendments, and the amendments proposed and potentially recommended to the states -- not one jot or title of the United States Constitution will have changed.// For our movement to succeed, eternal vigilance is not just a slogan, but must be a way of life.  If you are interested in standing watch for the survival of this Republic, consider [[http://www.conventionofstates.com|signing the COS petition]] and volunteering for our cause.