My Letter to the North Carolina Senate

Dear Senator,

I forwarded information concerning the passage of legislation in North Carolina for supporting a Convention of States (HJR 235):

North Carolina ACTION ALERT!!

I hope that you will vote against this legislation in the North Carolina Senate. Passing legislation that may rewrite our nation’s Constitution by unknown and unelected delegates is not representing your constituents or the best interests of North Carolina. If you do not know remember the origins of our Constitutional Convention, I will repeat it so that I hope history will not repeat itself.

The original 13 colonies formed a confederation called the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. No changes could be made to the structure of the government unless it was unanimously approved. Based on problems with the government, a convention was called to address these issues. Rhode Island and the Providence Plantations did not send any representatives to the convention and several states sent representatives who were specifically directed not to vote on any resolutions or legislation offered. Under the conditions of the existing confederation, a unanimous consent could not given at the convention. 

The rest is history: the delegates decided to usurp the current government and draft a new Republic under the Constitution. That convention is now known as the Constitutional Convention which was adopted by a majority of states and the first President elected. 

North Carolina did not adopt the Constitution at that time so our state did not recognize the new government or George Washington as President until November 21, 1789.

My point is simple: I do not trust unknown and unelected delegates to adhere to an itinerary at a Convention of States. I see nothing that would prohibit the calling of a 2nd Constitutional Convention to address the “issues” with the Constitution and rectify them under a new Republic. Do you believe this divided country would agree to any changes from a Convention of States? Or do you think this would only divide the nation further? I sincerely hope that you consider the interests of North Carolina citizens and vote against this legislation. I also hope that you consider the circumstances under which this legislation passed the North Carolina House and ask yourself why the subterfuge was necessary.

Sincerely,

David DeGerolamo