Nevada County Tea Party Events

At its general meeting on Wednesday April 22nd, the Nevada County Tea Party is hosting national speaker Pastor David Whitney from the Institute on the Constitution in Pasadena, Maryland.

Come and hear the arguments on both sides of an Article V convention, presented by a constitutional expert. He will speak on an “Article V Convention of States—Is It the Last Hope for America or a Dangerous Idea?” The location is in Grass Valley at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, Ponderosa Hall (Gate 2), 11228 McCourtney Road; admission free, donations appreciated; program on April 22nd begins at 6:30 PM, doors open at 6:00 PM.

As a bonus, on Tuesday April 21st, Pastor David will speak on “The Unlawful Federal Land Grab.” He will cover the constitutional issues at stake, the history of the states regarding land ownership; and the problems and solutions to federal land control. The location is the Nevada County Contractor’s Association (NCCA), 149 Crown Point Court, Grass Valley; program begins at 6:30 PM, doors open at 6:00 PM; $5 donation appreciated. For flyer with details of both events see the “Upcoming Events” tab at www.NevadaCountyTeaparty.org

Article V of the U.S. Constitution specifies two ways to amend the Constitution. The only way used to date is for Congress to propose amendments. Alternatively, Article V specifies that 2/3 of the state legislatures (34) can apply to Congress for a convention to propose amendments, at which time Congress “shall call a convention” (AKA a “constitutional convention,” “con-con,” a “convention to amend the Constitution,” a “convention of states.”) In either case, any amendments passed would require ratification by 3/4 of the states to become law. The latter method is what we’re talking about when referring to an “Article V convention.”

There are conservative as well as liberal groups now proposing to amend the U.S. Constitution by lobbying their state legislators to pass resolutions asking Congress to call a convention on various subjects such as a balanced budget, limited government, or overturning the Citizens United decision and publicly funding elections. Many people claim this method is our last hope to rein in an out-of-control government.

Proponents and opponents of an Article V convention agree that the problem is a federal government that ignores our Constitution. Proponents argue that the Constitution needs to be restructured and clarified because the Supreme Court has twisted its meaning through interpretation and case law. Opponents maintain that regardless of the issue, calling a convention risks our entire Constitution because it is the inherent right of the people in a convention to alter or abolish their form of government, as happened in 1787; and we don't have any George Washingtons, James Madisons, Alexander Hamiltons or Ben Franklins around today to protect us.

Pastor David is an Honors Scholar graduate in history from Rutgers University with a master’s degree from Denver Seminary. An activist and radio personality, Pastor David has appeared on Fox, ABC, NBC, C-SPAN, BBC, and more.