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To view this on the COS website, click here [[https://conventionofstates.com/news/join-the-platoon|join-the-platoon]]


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====== Edmund Burke and Convention of States ======


Enemies of republican self-government and ordered liberty have methodically eroded that elegant simplicity. The founders of this nation provided the remedy in Article V.


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|A quotation from the writings of Anglo-Irish statesman and political philosopher Edmund Burke is often utilized to describe the importance of voluntary associations such as Convention of States to the life and time of a republic.\\ \\ From Burke’s book [[https://www.amazon.com/Reflections-Revolution-France-Oxford-Classics/dp/0199539022|//Reflections on the Revolution in France//]]:\\ \\ > //“To be attached to the subdivision, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle (the germ as it were) of public affections.”//\\ \\ Although the passage is a reference to social class, many political philosophers ([[https://conventionofstates.com/news/first-principles-russell-kirk-s-the-american-cause|Russell Kirk]] most notably) have advanced the notion above. Associations such as guilds, community groups, and religious organizations make life interesting, strengthen the culture, and sustain ordered liberty and self-government.\\ \\ It may seem strange to think of an organization like COS that has the support of over four million Americans as a “little” platoon. Yet Convention of States President Mark Meckler’s late August address to the COS Massachusetts team and the subsequent presentations by state leadership reinforced the concept.\\ \\ This voluntary association consists of like-minded constitutionalists who love the United States and revere its founding principle (“the germ as it were”). The citizen is sovereign.\\ \\ During his October 24, 2019, appearance in Haverhill, Mark Meckler told the story of Levi Preston. Though his name has largely been lost to history, Preston’s stated motivation for fighting in the American Revolution echoes across the centuries, amplifying our goal: “…we had always governed ourselves, and them redcoats meant that we shouldn’t.”\\ \\ Enemies of republican self-government and ordered liberty have methodically eroded that elegant simplicity.\\ \\ The founders of this nation provided the remedy in Article V. We--acting in platoons little and large--must continue to engage our state representatives and senators so that we can amend our Constitution in furtherance of the more perfect union that Preston and his like forged.\\ \\ Our cause is noble. The fellowship and association we enjoy is not only uplifting and edifying, but it is also consistent with the grand tradition of the political philosophy and action of the giants upon whose shoulders we stand today.\\ \\ Even in deep blue Massachusetts, the ranks of our platoon grow, and our enthusiasm is unbridled and undaunted. Despite the great challenge we face to add the Bay State to the glorious roster of states that have approved COS resolutions, we continue to persevere with talented and committed individuals who wish to return to first principles.\\ \\ There are perhaps those who agree with and support our cause yet may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by what we are attempting to accomplish. What can a person do in the face of such a task? Isn’t it enough just to sign the COS petition?\\ \\ One of the most attractive attributes of the mighty COS platoon is that the contribution of any time and talent–even if seemingly insignificant–can make the difference.\\ \\ The smallest engagement with COS in your area can help persuade your representatives to consider and support the COS resolution on Beacon Hill. Spread the word about our cause to family, friends, and neighbors.\\ \\ As you consider adding more than your name to the Convention of States movement, keep in mind another gem from Edmund Burke:\\ \\ > //"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.”//\\ \\ Join the platoon. Make the difference that will make an Article V convention a reality.\\ \\ #|LEADER_POSITION_FORM{leader_position:volunteer_activist}|#|


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|  __Page Metadata__  ||
|Login Required to view?  |No                  |
|Created:                 |2020-09-02 23:47 GMT|
|Updated:                 |2025-02-19 04:04 GMT|
|Published:               |2020-09-03 04:00 GMT|
|Converted:               |2025-11-11 11:56 GMT|
|Change Author:           |Matt May            |
|Credit Author:           |                    |