North Michigan News

Michigan Convention of States has issued the following press release:

On Saturday, Aug. 28 at 10 a.m., the Michigan Convention of States (MI COS) team will present at the Carnegie Building across from the Petoskey District Library. The free event will include a presentation, discussion, and Q&A about the Convention of States Project with Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City) and Rep. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). Jim Carter, U.S. Air Force Veteran, will lead a town hall discussing the Convention of States organization, his experience as a grassroots patriot, and how you can get involved in the movement too.

Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021

10 a.m.– 11:30 a.m.

Carnegie Building (across the street from Petoskey District Library, Petoskey Library: 500 E. Mitchell St. Petoskey, MI 49770)

Cost: free

Parking:

On Michigan (free street parking). Use metered street parking lot on the corner of Woodland and Michigan (right behind the library). Rasmussen, Teller, and Caron CPA firm (parking available evenings, weekends).

Article V of the US Constitution grants state legislatures the right to call a Convention of States. Convention of States Action is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging states to stand up and curtail the runaway power of the federal government. The organization gives us, as concerned citizens, the opportunity to demand change via the following:

Term Limits – Federal bureaucrats & Congress

Common-sense Federal Fiscal Restraints

Return of stolen powers back to the States from the Federal government

Jim was briefly introduced to Convention of States (COS) while in Washington State. Confronting an impossible burden that state was becoming, he returned to his home state Michigan. After purchasing a home in northern Michigan and settling in, became further interested in COS. After checking the volunteer box on the petition, he was asked to consider becoming a District Captain, did so, and soon his talents were recognized, and he was invited to move up to the State Grassroots Coordination team and to also fill in as a Regional Captain when one of the districts needed assistance.

Jim Carter described his military experience and civilian career: He is retired from the U.S. Air Force, having worked for 22 years as a medical equipment technician. Jim continued in civil service 19 years as a facility manager. What is interesting is the theme of his work, which becomes clear as Jim, through the years, has focused his talents and commitment:

• Medical Equipment Technician, Medical Logistics, and Medical Readiness
• Facility Management
• Search and Rescue in Southern Idaho and Washington State. This included several Rescue or Recovery missions
• Fire Department Volunteer in Central California

Jim's activities and life's work continue to be intimately engaged in the community ... focused on Lives in Very Critical Times

Jim Carter modestly shares his accomplishments; however, the numerous achievements have a clear theme... Saving Lives.

Interviewing Carter was easy. He was "in the moment” and modest about his impressive background. Most importantly, he shared his commitment to confront the grave travesty this nation is enduring, the need to engage government officials, and (in Jim's view) most importantly, to engage the community.

"Petition signings immediately engage the public and are opportunities to discover volunteers. Volunteers become familiar enough to engage in activities that continue to grow the community's awareness. But it takes time, and sometimes developments, unnoticed, provide constructive surprises."

Carter and the COS organization share many hopes and concerns, especially those about the federal government. The Convention of States organization aims to limit the federal government in three ways: 1) make common-sense restrictions to federal spending, 2) give stolen power back to the states, and 3) impose federal term limits. As a representative of MI COS, Carter hopes that his town hall will strengthen his abilities to articulate his convictions and bring more people together for this cause. So far, the organization’s resolution has passed in 15 states; 34 states must pass identical applications to create a “Convention.” When an amendment is proposed, 38 states will need to ratify any changes to the Constitution for them to become law.

You can also become involved by signing the petition for Michigan’s state legislature to support a Convention of States.

"Opportunities to engage the public are family and community gatherings (gun shows, car shows, county fairs, church), but can be at the shopping center while waiting in line... Other opportunities are scheduled Town Hall meetings; one of which is coming to Petoskey 10am Aug 28th, where Senator Wayne Schmidt and Representative John Damoose will be in attendance."

Throughout our discussion, Jim was energizing. He drove the narrative, his demeanor was addictive, and his statement below could be a bumper sticker:

"We've got work to do!" If you’ve been inspired by Jim’s story, Convention of States is for you.  You CAN make a difference, help stop tyranny, and save America.

Please contact Jim Carter to RSVP or to ask questions about Convention of States or the upcoming town hall. He can be reached at james.carter@cosaction.com or calling (360) 703-5764.