The salient point of this podcast episode revolves around the ongoing discussion regarding the Convention of States, a mechanism outlined in Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution. In this discourse, we engage with Diana Tellis, the Ohio State Communications Coordinator for the Convention of States organization, who elucidates the purpose and structure of such a convention, distinguishing it from a Constitutional Convention. The episode methodically addresses the concerns and misconceptions surrounding this process, particularly the fears related to a so-called "runaway convention." We emphasize that this initiative seeks to restore the balance of power between the federal and state governments, aiming to propose amendments that ensure fiscal restraint and impose term limits on federal offices. Throughout the dialogue, we advocate for a civil exploration of these ideas, seeking to foster understanding and engagement among listeners regarding the necessity of this constitutional approach.

Takeaways:

• The Grassroots Freedom Initiative Podcast explores the concept of a Convention of States under Article 5 of the US Constitution, emphasizing its distinct differences from a Constitutional Convention.
• Diana Tellis, an advocate for the Convention of States, outlines the process required for states to convene and propose amendments aimed at addressing federal overreach and fiscal responsibility.
• The podcast highlights the necessity for bipartisan support among state legislators to successfully call for a Convention of States and the challenges presented by political polarization.
• The discussion addresses common misconceptions about the risks associated with a runaway convention, asserting that such fears are unfounded and rooted in misinformation about the constitutional process.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage with their legislators and understand the significance of advocating for constitutional amendments that promote federalism and restore state sovereignty.
• The episode concludes with a call for civic engagement, urging citizens to take an active role in the legislative process and the ongoing dialogue surrounding constitutional reforms.

WATCH this episode on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/kIGsU-y1pBk?si=FfkVe67FtlN9HZhj

WATCH this episode on Rumble:

https://rumble.com/v6qzvcg-episode-article-5-conventions-pro-diana-telles-ohio-communications-coordina.html

Episode: "Article 5 Conventions, PRO: Diana Telles, Ohio Communications Coordinator, COS" (March 21, 2025)

A GFI Special "Virtual Debate"

LINKS IN THIS VIDEO:

Download "Defying Conventional Wisdom - The Constitution was not a Product of a Runaway Convention":

https://journals.law.harvard.edu/jlpp/wpcontent/uploads/sites/90/2017/03/Farris_FINAL.pdf

Download Convention of States resolution in the Ohio House (nearly identical in the Ohio Senate):

https://search-prod.lis.state.oh.us/api/v2/general_assembly_136/legislation/hjr2/00_IN/pdf/

View 2024 polling that shows bipartisan support for a COS among Ohioans:

https://conventionofstates.com/ohioans-overwhelmingly-support-convention-of-states-to-address-national-concerns-according-to-recent-poll

Read "JBS: An obstacle to federal reform":

https://conventionofstates.com/news/jbs-an-obstacle-to-federal-reform-convention-of-states

View re-start of legislation in Ohio's new General Assembly (2025-2026) of Convention of States process (HJR2):

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hjr2

View re-start of legislation in Ohio's new General Assembly (2025-2026) of Convention of States process (HB67):

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb67

View re-start of legislation in Ohio's new General Assembly (2025-2026) of Convention of States process (SJR3):

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sjr3

View re-start of legislation in Ohio's new General Assembly (2025-2026) of Convention of States process (SB112):

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb112

Watch re-start in Ohio's new General Assembly (2025-2026) of Convention of States process (SJR3):

https://ohiochannel.org/video/ohio-senate-general-government-committee-2-26-2025

Watch re-start in Ohio's new General Assembly (2025-2026) of Convention of States process (SB112):

https://ohiochannel.org/video/ohio-senate-general-government-committee-3-11-2025

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