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There’s a War Coming!

On March 27, 2022, the South Carolina Legislature voted to be the 19th State to call for an Article V Convention of States (if you are unfamiliar with the provisions of Article V, here’s a link to review). When we reached 17 last year, we were halfway to the required 34 State Petitions required to force a CoS. Although some are paying attention now, my guess is that once we hit 20+ states, two things will happen: First, Congress will begin to pass legislation to thwart other States from calling for a CoS. Now, while that may have some positive benefits, it is NOT a positive thing. Second, the forces opposed to what these Legislatures are trying to do will ramp up their opposition. Further, the closer we get to 34, the harder they will fight – and it’s going to get nasty.

One of the most popular, and necessary elements of a possible Convention of States is to pass an preposed amendment and send to the States mandating Term Limits on Congress, the Courts, and possibly other governmental institutions and agencies. Over 80% of Americans surveyed favor some form of term limits on Congress. It’s the one item that could change the way things work in Washington (personally, I’d like to move Washington to the middle of the country where there is more sanity, but I digress….). Other things to be considered would be to force a balanced budget, reduce the scope and power of the government, and address fiscal responsibility.

BUT, none of this will happen until after the War. Those who have power, or vested interests in keeping things the way they are, will spare no expense, leave no stone unturned, and will not forsake any action to prevent this Convention from happening. When (not “if”) such a Convention is called, the attack will shift from prevention a Convention, to either destroying anything the Delegates try to do, or to disrupt the proceedings to make it as difficult as possible to complete any proposed Amendments.

As this time approaches, you need to decide how much you want things to change, because this battle will not be fought just in Washington or in the highly-compromised “Press”, but will involve every one of us, from your employer, to your friends and any groups or organizations you are affiliated with.

So, when the battle lines begin to be drawn, you need to already be familiar with the issue to address the attacks, from answering concerns that people you know might have, as well as vetting public figures (particularly politicians) for their position as well.

Make no mistake, though – this will be a war. I just pray it doesn’t escalate beyond the exchange of ideas and political action. The Founders knew the Convention of States would be a “Hail Mary” (though they had not heard of that term) which would be used when normal tools (elections, court challenges, and common sense) had all failed.

Pretty astute of them to see this coming, don’t you think?

73, K5YPV

K5YPV

Everyone has friends, some that might be referred to as ‘close’ friends. If you’re fortunate, though, you’ll have at least one friend you might think of as indispensable. Wayne Ridge was that indispensable friend in my life.

We met when I was 15 years old. I was looking for someone who would help me get in to Amateur Radio, and Wayne was who was recommended to me. The story of my first meeting with him is humorous, but he instantly took me under his wing (he was 8 years older than me) and taught me what I was looking for, as well as a number of other things down through the years. He helped me get my Ham Radio license, and forever K5YPV and WA5TMC were linked.  I spent countless hours as his business; we traveled together; we enjoyed our hobby together; and I worked for him for a number of years. For over 53 years, I’ve counted Wayne as one of the closest of my friends.

Over the last three years, we both had health problems, then the Covid pandemic kept us apart, but I always saw a smile from him when I’d show up, and we’d still talk every so often. As his health declined, and the pandemic dangers loomed, it became harder to meet in person, particularly when he was essentially homebound.

Wayne passed away Thanksgiving Day, and one of my oldest friends has joined all the others we both had said “so long” to over the years.  Am I sad?  Yes, but from what I know of Wayne, we will see each other again. I’m sad because I can no longer just pick up the phone and call him, and his signal is permanently “off the air”, but I wouldn’t call him back into this mess from the paradise I’m sure he’s now in.

So, 73, K5YPV. I will certainly miss you from this place. But, we’ll meet again in a better place where the signals are always strong, the DX is coming in from all over, and it’s permanent Field Day. Keep the antennas tuned – we’ll all be along shortly.

Karl, WA5TMC