Call to action for a Constitutional Convention

So how do we get the Article V convention going? Well it takes an application of two-thirds (34) of the states legislatures to the Congress. Congress then must call the convention, they have no choice. Estimates vary but a good number of states already have passed their applications for an Article V convention. We need a big push to get the rest of the required 34 states to apply as well. It may seem daunting but in the 1960s the country came to within one state of getting a convention.

What we need going forward is to get the rest of the states on board for the Article V convention. The way to do that is a call to action like we have been having with health care reform. This is where you the average citizen can do something and make a difference. Talk to your family, friends and neighbors and have everyone call, email and visit your state legislator and ask them to support having your state legislature pass an application for an Article V convention.

The one nationwide movement that could have an impact on this is the tea party. If the tea party movement would rally for an Article V convention like they rallied against the health care reform legislation, they could put it over the top. It is obvious that the president and Congress do not care what the members of the tea party have to say, so this is their chance to go around them, have their voices matter and effect real change.

So there it is, we the people have a choice to make either continue to just talk and do nothing, or do something about fixing our country by taking action and having an Article V convention. As Thomas Jefferson said “A little rebellion now and then…is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.”

Darin Selnick is an independent consultant and former director of Center for Faith Based and Community Initiatives within the Department of Veterans Affairs.