That Provident Article

We'll be live on Saturday morning, June 17, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. Listen through your browser at the link. Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. I'll try my best to make time to take calls. A Convention of States summer consists of not just vacation, but prime preparation time for the upcoming legislative session. National Legislative Director Rita Dunaway presented three common legislative pitfalls in this video; we'll expand and expound on these pitfalls, and discuss some real world examples on how to avoid these pitfalls. The time to prepare for your 2018 session is now!! https://youtu.be/wQVEbkiNvFU The Convention of States Project is a grassroots led effort to encourage state legislatures to use the Constitutionally authorized state-initiated amendment process to propose and ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution that will restrain our overreaching federal government. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Regional Director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX #COSPodcasts  #TexasLeads #TexasPlan

We'll be live on Saturday morning, June 10, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. Listen through your browser at the link. Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. I'll try my best to make time to take calls. Two weeks ago we surveyed some of the scholarship and books promoting the use of the State-Initiated Amendment process found in Article V, and we noted the dramatic increase in public interest in the last 8 years. But what about endorsements? Who in our past has endorsed this process, and who are the present day endorsers? Who is in opposition, then, and now? And what value do endorsements have? The Convention of States Project is a grassroots led effort to encourage state legislatures to use the Constitutionally authorized state-initiated amendment process to propose and ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution that will restrain our overreaching federal government. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Regional Director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX #COSPodcasts  #TexasLeads #TexasPlan

We'll be live on Saturday morning, May 27, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. Listen through your browser at the link. Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. I'll try my best to make time to take calls. For two centuries, almost no scholarship existed regarding the state-initiated amendment process described in Article V of the US Constitution. 1988's "Constitutional Brinksmanship", by Russell Caplan, was the first serious work addressing this issue. In 2009, Georgetown Law Professor Randy Barnett promoted the idea of states applying for an Article V Amending Convention to discuss and propose amendments described in his "Bill of Federalism." He has since included this work in his book "Our Republican Constitution." The latest book on Article V will be released nationally this coming Tuesday, May 30th. Written by Convention of States Senior Advisor Dr. Tom Coburn, this book provides insight available only from someone like Dr. Coburn, who became known as "Dr. No" during his tenure in the US Senate! And, of course, we'll discuss two other Article V books - Mark Levin's "The Liberty Amendments", and Governor Greg Abbott's "Broken But Unbowed". The Convention of States Project is a grassroots led effort to encourage state legislatures to use the Constitutionally authorized state-initiated amendment process to propose and ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution that will restrain our overreaching federal government. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #TexasLeads #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX #COSPodcasts

We'll be live on Saturday morning, May 20, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. Listen through your browser at the link. Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. I'll try my best to make time to take calls. We're going to discuss how we won in Texas, and what we've learned through this proces. The Convention of States Project is a grassroots led effort to encourage state legislatures to use the Constitutionally authorized state-initiated amendment process to propose and ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution that will restrain our overreaching federal government. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #TexasLeads #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX

That Provident Article returns with big news - Texas, and Missouri, have joined 10 other states joining the call for a Convention of States. We'll be live on Saturday morning, May 13, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. Listen through your browser at the link. Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. I'll try my best to make time to take calls. We're going to discuss the dramatic Texas Stampede on May 4th, the great victory for the Texas Grassroots, and the aftermath of Texas joining the Convention of States. We'll also congratulate our friends in Missouri, who on Friday, May 11th, became the 12th state! The Convention of States Project is a grassroots led effort to encourage state legislatures to use the Constitutionally authorized state-initiated amendment process to propose and ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution that will restrain our overreaching federal government. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #TexasLeads #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX

We'll be live on Saturday morning, December 24th (Christmas Eve, 1st Day of Hanukkah), 8:30 a.m. Central Time. Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. This morning we'll begin with an excerpt from Mark Meckler recorded earlier this week during a Convention of States leadership conference call. Mark explains in detail the Providential Circumstances which joined the Convention of States Project with Mark Levin in the Summer of 2013, effectively jump starting the COS Movement from it's inception. We'll review the progress that's been made in just over three years time, and then preview what lies in store in just a couple of weeks as many state legislatures will begin their sessions, and consider the Convention of States application. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #TexasWillLead #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX

We'll be live on Saturday morning, December 10th, 7:30 a.m. Central Time. We will leave time to take phone calls; our call in number is (914) 205-5632. Over the last two weeks, the Convention of States Texas has met it's objectives it set forth immediately after the last legislative session ended on June 1st, 2015; the message since that moment has been that Texas Must Lead! This past Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at an historic Bill Pre-Filing Event, the Convention of States Texas officially transitioned from pursuing it's goal to Declaring It's Position in the Nation - TEXAS WILL LEAD! The pieces are all in place; the preparation has been made. It's time for session to begin, and Texas is Ready! This is great news for the entire nation. We'll share our thoughts, and open up for phone calls. This is going to be a free-form episode - no follow along presentation slides. Feel free to call in with questions/comments! "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #TexasWillLead #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX

We'll be live on Saturday morning, November 26th, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. We will leave time to take phone calls; our call in number is (914) 205-5632. This Thanksgiving weekend, we will give thanks for all of the blessings that have been bestowed upon us, in our nation, our families, and in the Convention of States movement. And then we'll look ahead just handful of weeks, in preparation for the legislative sessions in the states beginning in January. This is going to be a free-form episode - no follow along presentation slides. Feel free to call in with questions/comments! "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX

We'll be live on Saturday morning, November 19th, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. We hope to leave time to take phone calls, our call in number is (914) 205-5632. We'll discuss the prognostications prior to the election (not about who would win, but how the country would be governed depending on who would win), the meaning of the results of the election, and the reaction to the election. What can we learn about ourselves as a nation from this election cycle. We'll bring some brief news as well. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX

We haven't broadcast for nearly 4 months! We're going to go live on Saturday morning, November 5th, 8:30 a.m. Central Time. Plus, we're going to try a live simulcast on Facebook Live, at https://www.facebook.com/COSProjectTX. Sometime this coming Tuesday evening, or Wednesday morning, we should know who will be the next President of the United States. This has been an election cycle like no other in modern American history. And many citizens, of all political persuasions, are frustrated at the choices presented to them on election day. Regardless of which candidate wins, the structure of our republic is in grave peril. And no one person, no branch of the federal government, is ready to restore the structure we so desparately need. So, what can we do? Is the most important question facing us "Who should I vote for?" Or is it "What Can I Do to Fix Our Country?" Let's discuss what we can, no, what we MUST do, to fix our broken republic! "We the People" have a recourse, hidden in plain sight in the Constitution, in Article V. But voting alone will not trigger "That Provident Article"! This is an audience participation show - Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #COSProjectTX

We're going to try this again after last week's hiccup. Tamara Colbert, the Convention of States Media Director, and my partner in liberty as the Texas Co-Director, will join us for a discussion on messaging.  How do we best communicate this great solution provided by the Founders in the Constitution? From books, like "The Liberty Amendments" and "Broken But Unbowed", to simple rally/freeway overpass signs using four words or less, and all the mediums in between, how can we deliver a consistent, positive message of Liberty and Constitutional reformation? There are principles to apply no matter the medium, no matter the audience.  But there's also significant differences in approach which do depend on the medium, and the audience.  Tamara will share with us how to best hone our message to cut to the heart of the matter. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates #IM4COS

This is an audience participation show - Our call in number is (914) 205-5632.  And a promise to take callers today! We will plan an extended, edited clip from Mark Levin's July 10, 2013 episode, when he first announced his new book, "The Liberty Amendments", and when many of us heard, for the first time, of the state-initiated process the founders gave us in Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Plus, hear Michael Farris describe the perfect timing related to Mark's book and the Convention of States Project. And this morning we want to hear your story - give us a call after listening to Mark and Mike! "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates

This is an audience participation show - Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. On this Independence Holiday Weekend, we will take a look at the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Hat tip to Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell, for piqueing my interest to take a different look at the Declaration and the U.S. Constitution. Some news items first, followed by the presentation.  If time allows, we'll take calls. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas co-director Paul Hodson. #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates

This is an audience participation show - Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. On January 8th, 2016, Texas Governor Greg Abbott advocated the following: "I want legislation authorizing Texas to join other states in calling for a convention of states to fix the cracks in our broken Constitution."  During the same speech, Governor Abbott outlined the "Texas Plan", a series of nine model amendments/subjects to rein in the federal government. One of the common questions we get here in Texas, from supporters and legislators alike, is how does the Texas Plan fit in with the Convention of States Project?  Today's episode will address this question, and provide some help in understanding the relationship between the two. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas. #COSProject #ArticleV #TexasPlan #ConventionOfStates

This is an audience participation show - Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. Amid the growing frustration and impatience with our federal government and it's relentless assault on state and individual liberty, is there any cause for encouragement that a solution, found right in the Constitution, can work? We'll discuss why there is reason to be greatly encouraged by the Convention of States Project - not so much a presentation as a glimpse into just how far we've come in less than three years, and what bodes on the horizon. Plus, we have some very exciting news to share. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

This is an audience participation show - Our call in number is (914) 205-5632. The Convention of States Project is less than three years old.  In that time we have grown our support to over 1.5 million around the nation. Here in Texas, we are just hundreds of supporters shy of 80,000; we've quadrupled in size since this time last year! The biggest factor in our growth is the continuing abuse of the Constitution by the federal government.  Patriots across the nation are excited when they learn that they can take part in a real solution to correct and restrain that abuse, and they are signing up in droves. What can we expect next for those involved in this movement?  How do you transition from being just another grassroots activist to a collaborator with your state legislators?  The Convention of States is the first project launched by the parent organization, Citizens for Self-Governance; the name of that organization should give some indication of where we intend to go! On today's episode we'll discuss some opportunities available for our supporters, volunteers, and state leaders. Last week we bypassed our news segment, so we'll catch up two weeks worth first.  Then, a live presentation; we'll welcome calls ((914) 205-5632) as we move through the presentation. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Two years ago this week, the Republican Party of Texas became the first political party in history to add a pro Article V plank to it's platform.   Following Texas' lead, other State GOP conventions are also adding similar pro Article V planks to their platforms.  Many other States are considering this action. Just three short weeks ago, the Texas GOP again confirmed this plank on it's platform, and also added the passage of an Article V resolution as one of the top five legislative priorities for the coming session. Based on our experience here in Texas, today we'll discuss some of the reasons why this activity has value, delve into the process of putting a plank on a political party's platform, and conclude with some unexpected benefits this activity can bring to your State's Convention of States team. If time permits, we'll then open the phone lines for your thoughts - (914) 205-5632. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

After a two week hiatus, we're back with a fresh look at the Convention of States.   And what a week to come back; Louisiana became the 8th State to pass the Convention of States resolution. We'll segue from that news to review some of the debate on the floor of the Louisiana Senate on Wednesday, much of which centered around the core subject of the Convention of States resolution: "to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government."  How do we defend against the opposition challenging that our resolution could endanger the Bill of Rights, or the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 19th amendments? We'll discuss these questions, provide some opinion/answers, and open the phone lines for your thoughts. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

This week's episode will begin by highlighting news for the Convention of States out of Louisiana, Missouri, and South Dakota.. Then, we'll discuss that there's no denying this has been perhaps the strangest Presidential election cycle in our nation's history.  The Republican Party began the process with 17 candidates throwing their hat into the ring.  The Democrat Party had a relative handful at the beginning of their process.  Both of the major parties have had lively debate, a fair-share of rough-and-tumble campaign battles, some back-and-forth surges in momentum, and even some questioning of the very process involved in selecting a nominee. This past week two of the last three remaining Republican candidates have suspended their campaigns: Senator Ted Cruz and Governor John Kasich.  This leaves businessman Donald Trump as the sole Republican candidate, and the presumptive nominee of the party heading into the Republican National Convention this coming July in Cleveland. On the Democrat side, we have witnessed a see-saw battle for popular votes between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Senator Bernie Sanders.  Most pundits see a Hillary Clinton nomination from the Democrat side, much of that strength coming from that party's super-delegate system. But, what of the Convention of States movement?  Does the knowledge of the available choices for President in the general election affect the Convention of States at all?  If so, how?  If it does, should it? We'll discuss these questions, provide some opinion/answers, and open the phone lines for your thoughts. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

This week's episode will highlight some great news for the Convention of States out of Oklahoma and Maine (yes, THAT Maine!). We'll cover the journey of Article V through the Constitutional Convention.  Where did it come from?  What was the intent of the Framers, and how did they express that intent?  Why do the State Legislatures have the enumerated power to apply for a "convention for proposing amendments"?  Was that mode added as a last moment afterthought, or did the Framers give us reason to believe that this mode was their intent from the beginning of the convention? We'll then open up the phone lines for any questions/discussion regarding the Convention of States Project. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

This week's episode will highlight some great news for the Convention of States out of Missouri and Oklahoma. Plus, Chelsea Clinton discloses her mother's plans for the 2nd Amendment under a Hillary Clinton administration.  And the U.S. Supreme Court entertains oral arguments in the United States v. Texas case (immigration).  Where does the Convention of States fit in all of this? We'll then open up the phone lines for any questions/discussion regarding the Convention of States Project. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

We're back from a 4 week hiatus!  I have been so busy this past month that I had to take a break from the show. I'm not the only one who's been busy; our own Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, has been promoting the Convention of States and the Texas Plan in public speeches, in the media, and with the announcement of the pending publication of his autobiography "Broken But Unbowed: The Fight to Fix a Broken America". Today we'll cover news from the last four weeks, but really focus on the implications of Governor Abbott's full endoresement; his experience in challenging our overreaching federal government has given him stature and respect among all the states in our nation. After covering the news for a few minutes, I'll just open up the phone lines for any questions/discussion regarding the Convention of States Project. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

A different type of episode today, driven by events from the past week.  My friend, and partner in Liberty, Texas Co-Director and National COS Media Liaison Tamara Colbert will join me for a joint discussion regarding Michael Farris's Facebook Post/Blog from Wednesday, March 9th, "The Deadly Cost of Fear".  Michael Farris is the head of the Convention of States Project, an experienced Constitutional litigator, and has even litigated an Article V case in federal court. Tamara will present the Convention of States news from this week, and the events which led to Dr. Farris's post, which will segue directly into our joint discussion/presentation centered around the content of that post.   Our hope, and prayer, is that this presentation will serve to both educate and encourage our Convention of States warriors around the nation.  Encourage them to stand up, show up, and speak up to promote the Convention of States application as the only Constitutional means remaining to restore our representative republic form of government. We will not participate in the politics of fear, but rather we will demonstrate that our approach offers hope based on trust in the work of the framers/founders, trust in the steadfastness of "We the People:, and even trust in our own state legislators to consider their country over their comfort and fleeting power.  This episode is exactly 30 minutes this morning - no phone calls today (sorry). That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Today's episode will be discussion of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's "Texas Plan", and specifically the second section of the plan dealing with The Presidency of the United States. We'll have a news segment, to track all of the Convention of States activity occurring around the nation.  Then we'll present the second section of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's "Texas Plan" and his proposed solutions to an overreaching President, any President. We'll leave some time for phone calls, for your questions and comments. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Today we're going to imagine what this election would look like if some amendments, proposed at an Article V "convention for proposing amendments", were already ratified by 3/4ths of the states. How would the elections for Congressional representatives be affected if term limits were in effect?  What about Senate elections?  Add to that the repeal of the 17th amendment - how does that change the focus of your state elections? And what if term limits for the Supreme Court and the judiciary were in effect? The point of this conversation - the first election cycle after amendments are ratified will be radically different from any cycle we've experienced in our lifetime, and We the People will be energized and engaged as we realize the power we have with self-governance. We'll have a short news segment, to track all of the Convention of States activity occurring around the nation this week. We'll leave some time for phone calls, for your questions and comments. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Last Saturday Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia passed away.  His unexpected passing has stirred political debate, and drawn attention to the meaning of the phrase "Constitutional originalist".  Both supporters and opponents of an Article V convention reference Justice Scalia in support of their own position. We're going to spend a bit of time looking at statements made by Justice Scalia in regards to an Article V convention. And we'll discuss the implications of his passing in regards to the Convention of States Project. We'll have a short news segment, to track all of the Convention of States activity occurring around the nation this week. We'll leave some time for phone calls, for your questions and comments. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Today's episode will be open phone lines to discuss the last two weeks of activity in Texas, including the Convention of States Texas meeting with Texas Governor Greg Abbott's staff regarding "The Texas Plan". Our news segment will track Convention of States activity occurring around the nation.  Then we'll share some of the exciting things happening here in Texas which have national implications. We'll open up for phone calls right away, and fill time with the news. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Today's episode will be discussion of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's "Texas Plan", and specifically the first section of the plan dealing with The Congress of the United States. We'll have a news segment, to track all of the Convention of States activity occurring around the nation.  Then we'll present the first section of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's "Texas Plan" and his proposed solutions to an overreaching Congress. We'll leave some time for phone calls, for your questions and comments. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Today's episode will be an introduction to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's "Texas Plan" We'll have a news segment, to track all of the Convention of States activity occurring around the nation.  Then we'll bring an overview of Texas Governor Greg Abbott's appeal to the Texas Legislature to pass legislation calling for a Convention of States.  We're going to leave plenty of time for phone calls, as there has been tremendous activity around the nation the last few weeks. And, I'll explain my "technical difficulties" from the past several weeks, which were actually geographic challenges while I was out of the country. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

So, you're convinced that a Convention of States via Article V is the best hope for our nation, and you're ready to help out anyway that you can.  But, where do you start?  What can you do? Today's episode will be dedicated to an interview with Stewart Collins, a Convention of States volunteer in Florida. Stewart is the epitome of a self-governing individual - in today's language, Stewart "takes initiative" rather than waiting for direction.  I first became aware of Stewart in early 2015 on Facebook; the Convention of States Project began filing legislation in multiple states in a short period of time, and it became very difficult to keep track of which States were filing, which were already in process, and which had already completed the process with his maps - he became known as "Map Guy"! I realize that with the increaed interest generated from Governor Abbott's surprise endorsement last Friday, this would be a great time for news and phone calls - unfortunately, circumstances are such that I cannot accomodate a podcast for news and phone calls until the end of the month.  At that time we will dedicate at least one episode exclusively to Governor Greg Abbott's inclusion of a call for a Convention of States in the "Texas Plan", the legislative priorities he has for the next session! In the meantime, please consider hearing from active Convention of States volunteer from Florida. Mr. Collins will share some of his experiences in Florida, including participation in a mock Convention of States, and the success of seeing a state legislature approve of our Article V resolution.. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

A "Bonus" Episode, with apologies for the incorrect episode airing on January 16, 2016. Today's episode will be dedicated to an interview with Ben Stratmann, the Chief of Staff for Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell.  Please note the day and time for this episode (Monday, January 18, 2016), 11:30 Central Time! I realize that with the increased interest generated from Governor Abbott's surprise endorsement last Friday, this would be a great time for news and phone calls - unfortunately, circumstances are such that I cannot accommodate a podcast for news and phone calls until the end of the month.  At that time we will dedicate at least one episode exclusively to Governor Greg Abbott's inclusion of a call for a Convention of States in the "Texas Plan", the legislative priorities he has for the next session! In the meantime, please consider hearing from a Chief of Staff for a State Senator. Mr. Stratmann will share insights on how a State Legislator's office functions, and give some tips on how to best contact your legislator, and advocate for an issue. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.  

So, you're convinced that a Convention of States via Article V is the best hope for our nation, and you're ready to help out anyway that you can.  But, where do you start? What can you do? Today's episode will be dedicated to an interview with Stewart Collins, a Convention of States volunteer in Florida. Stewart is the epitome of a self-governing individual - in today's language, Stewart "takes initiative" rather than waiting for direction.  I first became aware of Stewart in early 2015 on Facebook; the Convention of States Project began filing legislation in multiple states in a short period of time, and it became very difficult to keep track of which States were filing, which were already in process, and which had already completed the process with his maps - he became known as "Map Guy"! I realize that with the increased interest generated from Governor Abbott's surprise endorsement last Friday, this would be a great time for news and phone calls - unfortunately, circumstances are such that I cannot accommodate a podcast for news and phone calls until the end of the month.  At that time we will dedicate at least one episode exclusively to Governor Greg Abbott's inclusion of a call for a Convention of States in the "Texas Plan", the legislative priorities he has for the next session! In the meantime, please consider hearing from active Convention of States volunteer from Florida. Mr. Collins will share some of his experiences in Florida, including participation in a mock Convention of States, and the success of seeing a state legislature approve of our Article V resolution.. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Today's episode will be dedicated to an interview with Martin Harry, the Legislative Liaison for the Texas Convention of States Project.  No news segment, no phone calls. Mr. Harry will share insights on the responsibilities of the Legislative Liaison, and how supporters and District Captains can best help the Legislative Liaison. That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

The Convention of States mission statement is “To urge and empower state legislators to call a Convention of States to propose amendments to the Constitution to curb the abuses of the federal government.” The only participants with actual authority to accomplish this task are the state legislators. Almost every state legislator is a member of a political party. How does this inform us in terms of fulfilling our mission? Last week we described some specific reasons which may prompt you to get involved with a political party.  This week we will delve into the process of constructing, defending, and approving a political party's platform.  How do you get started?  Where does a platform come from?  How will my participation in the party assist me in now influencing the platform? We'll spend a little bit of time with Convention of States news first.  And save some time for phone calls. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

The Convention of States mission statement is “To urge and empower state legislators to call a Convention of States to propose amendments to the Constitution to curb the abuses of the federal government.” The only participants with actual authority to accomplish this task are the state legislators. Almost every state legislator is a member of a political party. How does this inform us in terms of fulfilling our mission? We will discuss the opportunity we have to use the COS grassroots enthusiasm to participate in, and influence, the political parties. We'll spend a little bit of time with Convention of States news first.  And save some time for phone calls. We'll also close the show with Madison Rising's "Soldier's Christmas". "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Our 5th, and final, installment of our examination of the history behind the phrase "Constitutional Convention", as it has been, and continues to be, applied to describe the Constitution's Article V State authorized amending mode, a "convention for proposing amendments". Last week we discussed the 1960's campaign, led by Senator Everett Dirksen, to promote an amending convention focused on overturning the apportionment rulings of an activist Supreme Court, and the responses from the likes of Senators Joseph Tydings, Robert Kennedy, William Proxmire, and Jacob Javits.  This final look at the fruits of the disinformation campaign will pick up with the influence of Senator Robert Kennedy and his political clout, the continuing presence of Yale Law Professor Charles Black, and culminating in the opposition successfully rebranding the phrase "convention to propose amendments" into the politically charged phrase "Constitutional Convention", as a means to counteract the Balanced Budget Amendment movement of the late 1970's/early 1980's. How has the prominence of the phrase affected the view of Article V? We'll spend a little bit of time with Convention of States news first.  And save some time for phone calls. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Part 4 of our examination of the history behind the phrase "Constitutional Convention", as it has been, and continues to be, applied to describe the Constitution's Article V State authorized amending mode, a "convention for proposing amendments". We will pick up right where we left off last week, following the coordinated disinformation campaign from prominent progressive law professors, through the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, high-profile Senators like Joseph Tydings, Robert Kennedy, William Proxmire, and Jacob Javits. How has the prominence of the phrase affected the view of Article V? We'll spend a little bit of time with Convention of States news first.  And save some time for phone calls. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Part 3 of our examination of the history behind the phrase "Constitutional Convention", as it has been, and continues to be, applied to describe the Constitution's Article V State authorized amending mode, a "convention for proposing amendments". This episode will dive into the initial motive behind introducing the phrase "Constitutional Convention", and the key players involved in promoting that phrase. How has the prominence of the phrase affected the view of Article V? We'll spend a little bit of time with Convention of States news first.  And save some time for phone calls. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend than to learn some of the history behind the phrase "Constitutional Convention", as it has been, and continues to be, applied to describe the Constitution's Article V State authorized amending mode, a "convention for proposing amendments"? We'll spend some time referencing multiple original source documents from hundreds of Article V State applications for an amending convention, asking the questions why, and how, the description was changed to "Constitutional Convention", and begin discussion of the implications of this change in nomenclature. We'll spend a little bit of time with Convention of States news first.  And save some time for phone calls. "That Provident Article" is hosted by Convention of States Texas volunteer Paul Hodson, with the Convention of States since late 2013, a District Captain in Texas from February 2014 through November 2015, and now serving as Co-Director for the Convention of States Texas.

Today's episode will begin a series considering the phrase "Constitutional Convention", as it has been used for decades to describe the second mode of amending the Constitution as defined in Article V.  This will be an introductory presentation, laying some basic ground work, highlighting both opponents and proponents of an Article V "convention for proposing amendments" using the phrase "Constitutional Convention", and beginning the discussion regarding whether that is helpful, or harmful, to the understanding of the meaning of Article V. The news segment will be a bit longer, as we missed last week's news, so we have two weeks of news to cover. We will definitely allow time for phone calls as well.

A real treat for me this week, and I think informative for all of you as well.  We'll be interviewing Michael Cicerone, who worked in Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell's office this past legislative session as a Policy Analyst to the Senator. Michael played a key role for the Convention of States Texas team in Austin, as our real insider, able to access key staffers for other legislators when we could not make headway. No news segment in this podcast.

Following Tuesday's election results, analysis was available in print, digital, talk radio, and probably at your work place water cooler as to what this means. On Wednesday's Mark Levin show, Mark spent the majority of the first two hours of his show laying out the case that the grassroots, We the People, have shown that we are ready to consider the alternative to the business as usual in Washington, D.C.  With the continuing show of strength for Constitutional Conservative candidates and policies in local and statewide races, ballot initiatives, and referendums, NOW is the time to take advantage of this interest. We will spend time on this past week's news and how it relates to the Convention of States, and then spend some presentation time reviewing the Tuesday election results, the implications in general, and then some specific, individual applications based on those implications. The presentation section of this podcast is particularly relevant for those either already in a leadership position with the Convention of States Project (District Captains in particular), and for those who have indicated or demonstrated that they are ready to pursue a leadership position.

Since last week's episode was devoted entirely to our great interview with Joy Davis, Chief of Staff for my State Representative DeWayne Burns, we missed our normal news update. So today, we're going to cover the last two weeks of news, spend a little bit longer fleshing out each story, and do the real easy work of concluding that the only real fix is for the States to reclaim the authority given them in the Constitution.  Only an Article V "convention for proposing amendments" is going to curtail the continuous abuse. And, we'll allow time for your phone calls.

This week we interviewed the Chief of Staff for my State Representative here in Texas.  Joy Davis generously gave us about 30 minutes of her time as we discussed some of the general challenges in running a State Legislator's office and schedule.  We then specifically discussed the best methods of communicating with our State Legislators, how to not only get their attention, but also to keep their attention.  Joy worked in 2013-14 as DeWayne Burns' campaign manager, and then after winning election in November of 2014, transferred into her role as his Chief of Staff during Representative Burns' (R, TX, HD 58) freshman legislative session.  She continues in her role as Chief of Staff, as well as again managing another campaign as Representative Burns seeks reelection in 2016. For time and continuity sake, we will forego our normal news update during this podcast.  However, weather being what it is this weekend in Texas, I may well host a bonus "news only" episode on Sunday late afternoon. There should, however, be some time for phone calls after the interview segment.

The concluding part (6) of our multi-part series examining the view with which James Madison, considered the father of the Constitution, regarded the State amending convention provision in Article V. Various interpretations of Madison's views have been presented over many years, in support of multiple positions in regard to the utility, and even the safety, of the Article V provision to the States to hold a "convention for proposing amendments".  We are going to walk through this man's life, through his written record, to construct his position, and the continued consistency of his position, and provide the most accurate representation we can of his thoughts.  We're going to take as many episodes as necessary to thoroughly flesh out his view. Today, we discuss James Madison's response (the Virginia Resolution) to the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, instituted by Founding Father, and Second President, John Adams.  What was Madison's initial goal, what was the response, and what did Madison conclude after the passage of the resolution? As always, we'll present the latest news in the Convention of the States.  And, we'll allow time for your phone calls.

Part 5 of our multi-part series examining the view with which James Madison, considered the father of the Constitution, regarded the State amending convention provision in Article V. Various interpretations of Madison's views have been presented over many years, in support of multiple positions in regard to the utility, and even the safety, of the Article V provision to the States to hold a "convention for proposing amendments".  We are going to walk through this man's life, through his written record, to construct his position, and the continued consistency of his position, and provide the most accurate representation we can of his thoughts.  We're going to take as many episodes as necessary to thoroughly flesh out his view. Today, we discuss the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, instituted by Founding Father, and Second President, John Adams, which led Madison to write the Virginia Resolution (and Jefferson the Kentucky Resolution).  What is the historical context for these acts, and what is the final outcome of the two State resolutions. As always, we'll present the latest news in the Convention of the States.  And, we'll allow time for your phone calls.

Part 4 of our multi-part series examining the view with which James Madison, considered the father of the Constitution, regarded the State amending convention provision in Article V. Various interpretations of Madison's views have been presented over many years, in support of multiple positions in regard to the utility, and even the safety, of the Article V provision to the States to hold a "convention for proposing amendments".  We are going to walk through this man's life, through his written record, to construct his position, and the continued consistency of his position, and provide the most accurate representation we can of his thoughts.  We're going to take as many episodes as necessary to thoroughly flesh out his view. Today, we'll just introduce the historical context of the Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798, which led Madison to write the Virginia Resolution (and Jefferson the Kentucky Resolution).  We'll especially remind ourselves how even our founders, such as John Adams, can easily forget the freedom and form of government for which they fought only 10-20 years earlier. As always, we'll present the latest news in the Convention of the States.  And, we'll allow time for your phone calls.

We're interrupting our series on James Madison's view of the phrase "a convention for proposing amendments", mainly because of an interruption in my weekly schedule which included a lengthy meeting with my State Senator.  While the meeting is fresh on my mind, I thought I'd take advantage of this Providence to discuss some of the ways to contact your State Legislators, what to ask them when you do meet them, and some of the decorum and best practices. Today's episode is airing a little later in the day, as my weekly schedule has been tossed and turned multiple times, both from work and from Convention of States.  As always, we'll present the latest news in the Convention of the States.  And, we'll allow time for your phone calls.

Part 3 of our multi-part series examining the view with which James Madison, considered the father of the Constitution, regarded the State amending convention provision in Article V. Various interpretations of Madison's views have been presented over many years, in support of multiple positions in regard to the utility, and even the safety, of the Article V provision to the States to hold a "convention for proposing amendments".  We are going to walk through this man's life, through his written record, to construct his position, and the continued consistency of his position, and provide the most accurate representation we can of his thoughts.  We're going to take as many episodes as necessary to thoroughly flesh out his view. Today, we'll analyze the Madison's correspondence with George Lee Turberville in 1788, which includes one of the most oft quoted phrases used by opponents of the Article V "convention for proposing amendments".  We'll include a brief biography of the man George Lee Turberville, of which very little is known.  We'll examine the correspondence in the context of the political activity of the time - the State ratification conventions. As always, we'll present the latest news in the Convention of the States.  And, we'll allow time for your phone calls.

Part 2 of our multi-part series eamining the view with which James Madison, considered the father of the Constitution, regarded the State amending convention provision in Article V. Various interpretations of Madison's views have been presented over many years, in support of multiple positions in regard to the utility, and even the safety, of the Article V provision to the States to hold a "convention for proposing amendments".  We are going to walk through this man's life, through his written record, to construct his position, and the continued consistency of his position, and provide the most accurate representation we can of his thoughts.  We're going to take as many episodes as necessary to thoroughly flesh out his view. Today, we'll review the year plus after the Constitutional Convention, and look at Madison's writings not only in the Federalist Papers, but also his personal correspondence, where much has been made of his concerns about the States holding another convention.  To what was he referring?  What role do the State Ratification Conventions play in understanding his writings? As always, we'll present the latest news in the Convention of the States.  I'll keep the presentation a bit shorter, to allow time for calls

  Today we'll begin a multi-part series concerning the view with which James Madison, considered the father of the Constitution, regarded the State amending convention provision in Article V. Various interpretations of Madison's views have been presented over many years, in support of multiple positions in regard to the utility, and even the safety, of the Article V provision to the States to hold a "convention for proposing amendments".  We are going to walk through this man's life, through his written record, to construct his position, and the continued consistency of his position, and provide the most accurate representation we can of his thoughts.  We're going to take as many episodes as necessary to thoroughly flesh out his view. As always, we'll present the latest news in the Convention of the States.  I'll keep the presentation a bit shorter, to allow time for calls