Title: Louisiana Newsletter March 2023 (Keynotes)
Original CoS Document (slug): louisiana-newsletter-march-2023-keynotes
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Attached File: KeyNotes_March_2023.pdf
Created: 2023-03-22 18:56:19
Updated: 2024-03-22 23:00:00
Published: 2023-03-21 08:00:00
Converted: 2025-04-14T20:11:15.313366091
1
Declaration of Independence,
Constitution, &
Bill of Rights
are known
collectively as the
Charters of Freedom
page 4-5
Preserve Constitutional
Originalism!
The First
Core Value
page 10-11
Mark Levin page 12-13
Original “Bill Of Rights”
Louisiana Round-Up!
Core Values
An Example
of What
Diligence
Can Accomplish
page 2-3
conventionofstates.com/
surveys/la-advocacy-day-2023/take
Speaker’s Spotlights
LA Meetings page 6-7
&
Advocacy day
page 8-9
Bryce Barras
2
3
Shift of Focus
Now that Louisiana is part
of the two-thirds,
Barras
says the focus should be
on building grassroots
activism. He believes
power is in locality, and
continued relationship
building with legislators
will establish a conduit for
that power to pull back the
juggernaut that the federal
government has become.
He recommends walking
into the local legislator’s
office, letting them know
you are with COS, and building that relationship. Take
the initiative, strategize, and get involved. Activist training
is key. That is why he helped start the collection of
videos called
Convention of States University (COSU),
that teach COS volunteers how to become involved
in the political realm and how the individual can put
their unique talents to work to help steer our country
back to its founding principles.
Be a Part
Barras is confident that within 10 years, an Article 5
constitutional convention will be held. You can be part
of this by going to
COSAction (conventionofstates.
com). If others work as diligently as
Barras and his
team, the convention could be held much sooner.
Thanks go to them, and thanks to all who are involved
in helping to return our country to its position of
protection, prosperity, and freedom.
youtu.be/VXopZcMswSw Louisiana high school students testify for Convention of States
Danny Bolden
ecognizing the need for a convention of
states, Louisiana became the
eighth state to
pass the Convention of States Resolution.
This resolution will ultimately bring about
the passage of amendments to the United
States Constitution that will limit the power
and jurisdiction of the federal government,
impose fiscal restraints, and place term
limits on federal officials. Since then,
11
more states have passed the resolution.
Article 5 of the Constitution states that two-
thirds of the states must pass such a resolution
before this convention can be called to assembly.
Therefore 15 more states, for a total of 34, must
pass their own Article 5 Convention of States
Resolution. A state legislature’s approval of a
COS Resolution does not come about on its
own, but requires a similar effort as was put forth
by
Louisiana’s Bryce Barras of New Orleans to
accomplish this task.
Commitment
Barras’ love of history was part of the catalyst
that led him to involvement in the political
process. He was particularly interested in U.
S. history and western thought and read many
books that had influenced the country’s founders.
At age 24,
Barras heard about the Convention
of States organization through
Mark Levine’s
radio program and jumped on board. He became
even more involved when asked to be the
Louisiana State Director for COS. Coming out of
Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond
ready for the information technology field,
Barras faced decisions. Should he go full speed
into his career or spend long hours and have a
very limited social life by leading in advancing
a Convention of States Resolution through the
Louisiana legislature? Taking into consideration his
future children and grandchildren and the character
of the country that he would be a part of forming, he
chose the latter.
Strategy
Barras took the COS state director position and
together with other key players, developed and
implemented a strategy to add Louisiana to the two-
thirds tally. They saw this as an uphill battle since they
would be lobbying a Democrat-controlled committee,
but they planned a sound strategy. They met and began
building relationships with Louisiana legislators, especially
the committee chairman that would handle their resolution.
Barras’ team was influential in promoting the
resolution in Louisiana high schools to garner support
among educators and those about to become part
of the electorate. Some of the girls from these high
schools took what they had learned about Article
5 and the need to put additional constitutional
restrictions on the federal government and testified
before the committee considering the convention of
states resolution. Their persuasive testimony provided
additional leverage for
Barras and company to move
the committee in their direction.
Trailblazing
Initially, the bill failed but
Barras’ team pressed on
with their game plan of persuading politicians and
others through relationship building and educating
on the purpose of Article 5. Their efforts bore the
desired results in 2016 when the resolution was
passed. Through their continued work and that of
Representative Mark Abraham, a template was created
in 2018 for selecting commissioners to represent the
state when a convention of states is called.
HCR4 is an
example that other states can follow to help expedite
their readiness for a convention of states.
Take the
initiative,
strategize,
and
get
involved.
Activist
training
is
key
4
5
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,
or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of
speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble,
and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Note: The following text is a transcription of the first two amendments to the Constitution in their original form.
These amendments were ratified
December 15, 1791, and form part of what is known as the
“Bill of Rights.”
These three documents, known collectively as the
Charters of Freedom,
have secured the rights of the American people for more than two and a quarter centuries
and are considered instrumental to the founding and philosophy of the United States.
Encounter the original founding documents
Virtual Tour of the Museum in English and American Sign Language (ASL
)
As Daniel Webster observed. “The Constitution has enemies, secret and professed… They have hot heads and cold hearts. They are rash, reckless, and fierce
for change, and with no affection for the existing institutions of their country. Other enemies there are, more and cool, and with more calculation.These have a
deeper and more fixed and dangerous purpose. These are those in the country who profess in their own words, even to hate the constitution….”
The first and second amendments are under assault today by forces that oppose our founding documents.
There are those that desire to radically change us into a Marxist/Socialist nation.
Amendment I
www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights-transcript
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State,
the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Click on link below to encounter the original founding documents of the United States
in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom, the permanent home of the
Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States, and Bill of Rights
museum.archives.gov/founding-documents#billofrights
Our founding fathers signed their lives and rights away. “We the People” need to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
We need to defend and preserve our great constitution for ourselves and our posterity.
The U.S. Bill of Rights
Amendment II
6
7
hree major areas in the state, Greater Baton Rouge, the Northshore, and the New Orleans Metro Area, hold regular monthly COS meetings. Attendance at
these meetings grow steadily each month, due in part to a great line-up of guest speakers addressing issues of interest to the people of Louisiana.
Current Legislative Liaison Dale Clar y and JC Harmon, who held the position previously, have been popular speakers in all three
locations, speaking on such issues as getting to know your legislators, how a bill becomes a law, and specific pieces of legislation strengthening self-governance,
always of interest to our grassroots organization. State legislators have been invited to speak on their own self-governance legislation.
Greater Baton Rouge area guest legislators have included Senator Franklin Foil and Representatives Rick Edmonds, Blake Miguez, and Larry Frieman. Legislative Assistant,
Tori Hymel, spoke recently about Representative Valarie Hodges’s proposed legislation for the upcoming legislative session. The COS Northshore Region has heard from
Representatives Mark Wright, Mary DuBuisson and Ray Garofalo while New Orleans Metro had Representative John Illg, Senator Kirk Talbot and Senator Cameron Henry as
guest speakers.
Election integrity is a topic of great interest to the COSLA team. As a commissioner on the Secretary of State’s Voting System Commission, LL Dale Clary kept all
three regions apprised of the progress of this commission. Dr. Randy Russ and John Scanlan, who have done extensive research into election integrity in Louisiana, have
been popular speakers in all three regions.
Education is a topic that Louisianans want to hear about. COS Volunteer Activist Jennifer Carignan, the founder of Save Our Schools
Louisiana, has presented information about CRT and SEL to both the Northshore and New Orleans meetings. Tiffany Hatten, also a COS Volunteer Activist and the
founder of LA Parents Choice, has kept the Baton Rouge area informed about these same topics.
All three regional meetings have provided their audiences with information about getting involved in the election process with speakers such as Sue Roundtree, St.
Tammany Parish Elections Commissioner-in-Charge at the Northshore meeting; Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Jon Gegenheimer; and Brandon Abadie, East Baton Rouge
Parish Clerk of Court.
Other popular events/speakers have included former state Representative Woody Jenkins in Baton Rouge; Chris Alexander,
founder Louisiana Citizen Advocacy Group (LACAG) in the Northshore; and a movie night in Metairie.
The public is invited to any of these meetings:
Baton Rouge - the first Thursday of the month at the EBR Parish Main Library on Goodwood Blvd. at 6:00.
Northshore - the first Thursday of the month; locations rotate among the Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell libraries and start at 6:00.
New Orleans Metro Area - 3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30; locations vary.
District 65 - the third Sunday of the month; EBRPL Central Branch at 3:00 p.m.
( For more information, please go to the state calendar at)
Louisiana Meetings
//https:%%//%%teamup.com/ksstk54j8phu5ksjtg?//
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What is Advocacy Day?
• A day to share information about Convention of States with legislators and with the public.
• An opportunity to tell our legislators “Thank you” for serving the people of Louisiana.
• A chance to meet and greet freedom-loving patriots from around the state.
• An opportunity to see the legislature at work in committee and on the House or Senate floors.
When? Tuesday, April 11, 2023
Where? The Rotunda of the State Capitol - 900 North Third Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Time? We will arrive to set up our tables at 10:00 a.m. We would like for everyone to assemble
at the COS tables at 11:00 for pictures and further instructions.
If you wish to go to the observation deck or take a tour, the Capitol opens at 8:00. You may
also wish to attend any committee meetings in progress. Some of us will stay until the
legislature dismisses for the evening; however, we understand that some of you will need to
leave earlier to return home before it gets too late. Stay as long as you wish.
Specifics you need to know:
State Capitol website:
// https:%%//%%crt.state.la.us/tourism/welcome-centers/state-capitol///
Parking: River Road levee - free, open-air parking lot. Walk East on State Capitol Drive and
enter the building under the steps. Then, take the elevator to the first floor where you will see
our tables.
The House Dining Hall is on the Ground Level and is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. until
2:00 p.m.
//Meeting with your legislators: Find your legislators by going to //https:%%//%%legis.la.gov/legis/home.aspx
and typing in your address. Someone on the team can show you how to complete a form to ask your legislators
to come talk to you, if you wish.
Dress: We try to dress in similar fashion to the legislators. If in doubt, check out pictures on
the legis.la.gov website.
We hope to see you there. Please RSVP here:
Advocacy Day
Advoc
R e m i n d e r !
R e m i n d e
Suggested Business Casual Dress Shirt and Tie
Advocacy Day
Advoc
!
Louisiana Convention of States Advocacy Day at the Louisiana State Capitol is almost here.
This is one of two in-person events that the LA COS team has each year, and we want you to be there!
https:%%//%%conventionofstates.com/surveys/advocacy-day-april-11-2023/take
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Preserve Constitutional Originalism:
he U.S. Constitution is under constant assault.
The goal of COSA is to restore and preserve our Constitution
as written. Article 1 of the Constitution gives law-making
responsibilities to Congress.
Most of our laws are not being created by Congress.
They are being created by “executive orders” and bureaucratic
regulations.
The court system also legislates from the bench.
Our goal is to preserve the Constitution as written by using the
second part of Article V of the Constitution. What could be more
righteous and more honoring to our Founding Fathers?
What could promote liberty more? Dave Landry
The first CORE VALUE
You can help us Preserve Constitutional Originalism through our
Article V Project
by going to** conventionofstates.com **and signing the petition.
e believe in the Golden Rule; we treat others the way we
want to be treated. We seek to have positive interactions
with others while being professional, respectful, and speaking
the truth boldly and with love.
We adhere to the wisdom of the Founding Fathers as expressed
in our governing documents, and to the original meaning of
their language. We actively work to restore limited, constitu-
tional government, federalism, individual rights, and America as
the beacon of freedom to the World.
12
13
Mark Levin just threw down the gauntlet!
Mark Levin just called out every politician in
the room. The Great One was speaking on stage
at CPAC, addressing a room full of conservative
activists and politicians. He didn’t mince his
words when it came to Convention of States.
“Convention of States is the ONLY
constitutional way to get our country back. And
it will get it back in fundamental ways. We will
use the constitution to save the constitution…”
Then he threw down the gauntlet.
“But wouldn’t it be nice if we heard here at
CPAC at least one damn politician get up and
say, ‘I’d encourage you to support Convention
of States.’ Rather than say, ‘We’re gonna cut
this and we’re gonna cut that.’ No you’re
not! Because Washington is not going to fix
Washington. YOU are going to fix Washington
through Convention of States, Article V!”
There’s a reason nearly every conservative
political commentator is an endorser of
Convention of States.
They’ve spent their lifetimes closely tracking
politics. They’ve watched administrations
come and go, congressman after congressman
promise change…
and then fail.
After watching the same cycle repeat itself over
and over, these men and women are realizing
that Article V is the only solution that will truly
make a lasting impact.
And they’re using their megaphones to make
sure every liberty loving American knows that
COS is the ONLY solution.
While on Gutfeld!, Pete Hegeseth
interjected, “Thankfully, there is something
called Convention of States Article V in our
Constitution. It’s gathering momentum. Twenty
states have almost passed it…because you’re
exactly right. Federalism is our only way out of
this.”
Meanwhile, Tucker Carlson hosted Mark
Meckler for a segment on how Convention of
States will limit the power and jurisdiction of the
federal government, impose fiscal restraints, and
place term limits on federal officials — the only
way to bring lasting change to Washington, D.C.
But ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the
talking heads think. What matters is that this is
a movement of the American people.
Thanks to our well-trained grassroots army, 19
states have passed the COS Resolution. It only
takes 34 states to call the convention, and right
now, we have our sights set on number 20.
Thank you for standing with us,
Mark Meckler-
President Convention of States Action
Mark Levin “The Great One”
14
Paid for by Convention of States Action, President Mark Meckler
5850 San Felipe, Ste. 580A, Houston, TX 77057 Phone: (540) 441-7227
Not authorized by any candidate or committee or in support of,
or opposition to, any candidate, committee or proposition.
FOLLOW US:
Interested in signing the petition, getting involved or joining one of our Teams?
For more information go to https:%%//%%conventionofstates.com
Keynotes is published periodically
by Convention of States Action Louisiana.
Newsletter Team includes:
Julie Sandifer - State Director
Newsletter Editor & Designer - Glenda Hardey
https://conventionofstates.com/louisiana-home-webpage
Also go to our Louisiana Home
Webpage for Information