Representative Jim Kasper and attendees
A flood of COS literature, mini-constitution booklets, and pamphlets embellished the tables of the restaurant floor. Large screens illuminated the room, screens that would aid Representative Jim Kasper in his success with dispelling the runaway convention myth to five legislators that were originally either undecided or against COS. Convention of States Regional Captains Lynn Mahr and Dale Burke hosted a meeting in Bismarck, North Dakota, at a venue with Keynote Speaker, Representative Jim Kasper. The whole community was invited, flyers were sent out, and handwritten letters were given to legislators for a personal touch.
At the event, Jim Kasper took the stage, eagerly explaining to the audience the outcome of the victorious convention of states simulation that took place in August 2023. He walked through the convention process, expounding upon the details of every step. A few of the legislators in the audience brought up concerns about the convention, particularly the “runaway convention” myth. In an effort to assuage these concerns, Kasper elaborated on how the convention would be regulated: he delved into the details about the strict regulations imposed during the convention, emphasizing that it takes 34 states to call an Article V convention and that it is impossible to pass an amendment without 38 states agreeing to ratify the amendment.
After Kasper helped the audience understand the true nature of what the convention entailed, all five legislators in the audience transformed into five pro-COS legislators. It took – just one – educational presentation to be the determining factor in their decision. This phenomenon may be pointing to an urgent, yet fixable issue, which, if addressed, can enable COS to quickly rack up more support. The unfortunate reality is that many of our legislators are unaware of COS or misinformed; it is not entirely their fault either, as legislators are incredibly busy reading several bills in a short period of time. Nevertheless, there is still a spark of hope for COS to make a difference. Just like Kasper elucidated on the vision for America via Convention of States, we too must persist with reaching out to our state legislators, educating them as much as possible, and debunking myths. This is the first step to igniting a brighter future for America, bringing people out of the dark and into the luminous knowledge about a Convention of States.
Left to right: Dale Burke, Lynn Mahr,
Nicholas Mahr, and Dee Stanley Dale Burke, Nicholas Mahr, Dee Stanley
