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Devouring America

With the public, brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk, the heated dialogue that has been boiling the last two decades has galvanized into a vehement debate, furthering the questions: “What in the world is happening to America? Why is it so divisive? What can I do as an individual citizen? How did we get to the point where America is so unrecognizable compared to that of our Founding Fathers? And what does the Constitution have to do with this?”

Let’s be honest and call ‘em as we see ‘em.

Anyone who speaks truth – be it Charlie Kirk, Martin Luther King Jr., or Billy Graham –is going to be “divisive.” It’s the definition of the word. People don’t like what others say, they call the speaker “divisive” and “hateful.” Forget common sense conversations and logic. As pastor and social leader Voddie Baucham said, “Words are seen as violent. So then, people see physical violence as justified in response to ‘violent’ words.”

Do simple words really wield such a tremendous, catastrophic power? Something casually uttered can truly threaten and destroy another person’s entire being? Whatever happened to “sticks and stones?”

Yes, words are weapons – but not in the way many people infer. Yes, words can absolutely chew, gnaw, and spit out someone’s feelings and worldview. Words illuminate hidden darkness. Words weave stories that shape our culture, history, and values. Words judge, condemn, exalt, and heal. Words unite a husband and wife at the altar. Words confirm honesty in the courtroom. We trust others because they have given us their “word.”

Anyone who says words are “merely words” is a fool.

But while words can sometimes be hard to hear, Americans need to hear them all.

Are we not capable of passionate and respectful dialogue? Must all disagreements end with physical violence?

America is a nation built on strength, not weakness. Humans were created with reason and logic, not to be consumed by base instinct or savagery. But looking around lately at the headlines and social media, it’s hard to see it.

It is said that captive rat snakes can consume themselves, as a result of confusion, poor eyesight, and external stress. Has America become so confused in what’s right and wrong? Is our vision so blurry we can’t see who we are? Of what is true and good? To the point that of devouring itself into self-destruction?

Are we so self-coddled that just knowing “that” coworker in the adjacent cubicle worships at “that” kind of church or attended a political rally to support “that” candidate or (heaven forbid!) simply bought lunch at Chick-Fil-A makes your blood boil with contempt?

Freedom of speech is under attack. And we can’t have it both ways, folks. The First Amendment was ratified to protect language that may be unpopular, inane, or even downright vile. Ironically, Americans are confused about their free speech identity. In one breath, it’s “Yes, people should be able to speak their minds,” and the other, it’s “You can’t say that! It’s hurtful and offensive!”

Where is the government in all this tumult? Instead of protecting this fundamental American right of freedom of speech, they are drowning us all an ever-rising deluge of debt. Clawing at each other in selfish and arrogant maneuvers. Disconnecting with its constituents through unending stays in a Capitol office. Passing unnecessary and unconstitutional laws to further agendas rather than fulfill its role to protect God-given unalienable rights. Protecting criminals and condemning honest citizens.

Sure, there are many upstanding, moral political officials doing good, meaningful work. But the practices in place at the federal level have made it impossible for most of these righteous officials to have their say, and either keeps alienating the common folk or smothering them with heavy burdens financially, professionally, relationally, and spiritually.

This is not the America the Founding Fathers envisioned and laid out for us. We are blessed to see their fruits of wisdom and love for righteousness as masterfully crafted in the longest standing constitution in world history. It is this document – in all its genius insight of human nature, morality, and political responsibilities – that Convention of States strives to uphold.

Through the recent fiery tragedies, a phoenix of clarity and reform may take flight. Since Kirk’s assassination last month, church attendance has skyrocketed. Activists on both sides of the political spectrum have come to humble public terms on the need to engage contrary issues on a platform of decency and nonviolence. And there has been a resurgence to not only acknowledge but celebrate the moral foundations of our country. A desire for first-hander understanding of the Constitution has been lit, and Convention of States wants to help fuel this to a conflagration of liberty, truth, and freedom.

Darkness cannot coexist in the light; light will always defeat the darkness. How do veteran bank tellers learn to spot counterfeit bills? By not studying the fakes, but by mastering what is real and true. Americans must devote themselves to seeking the light of our moral foundations, in order to recognize the lies and attacks that come in different flashy and seemingly sage costumes: Marxism, Fascism, humanism, progressivism…

Remember, the Pied Piper knew to draw all the rats away with an attractive, jaunty tune. Will we be led astray so easily?

Convention of States has no desire to “rework the system.” The system is already in place, has been since it was ratified in 1787. But humans are still human, and our American history shows that not only corrupt but also well-intentioned policies have drawn America away from the solidity and purity of the U.S. Constitution. COS’ purpose is to simply bring our federal government BACK to the original intent laid out in the Constitution.

Again, COS’ main platform is simple: Fiscal responsibility, term limits for federally elected officials, and, above all, an adherence to the powers – and only those powers – for the federal branches of government as articulated in the Constitution.

This is not a Democrat or Republican issue. This is an American issue. Anyone who says otherwise does not understand this country.

So, COS longs to partner with like-minded organizations like Turning Point USA (TPUSA) to move citizens and legislatures to an understanding of the important need for such an amendment.

Getting an amendment to the U.S. Constitution passed through an Article V Convention of States? Doing something that has never been done before in world history? Of course, it’s an ambitious goal! There are many rushing rivers and towering mountains to cross. Sure, we will not all agree on just how to negotiate those currents or which slope to climb getting to the summit. Some may even say it’s a journey not worth taking. Others may even say that the destination is destructive.

Good! Let everybody have their say!

With words. Probably with some harsh, ugly, grotesque words.

Then we will discuss and debate all these points. And we will listen. And evaluate. With respect, maturity, intellect, responsibility, and wisdom.

Or we can sit here…and do nothing…and hope everything will just get better, or that “someone else” will take care of it.

Silence, apathy, stagnancy – all these are easy outs. But they also allow the enemies of freedom to flourish.

Those “mere” words of our Founding Fathers are alive and well today. Let us celebrate our freedom of speech while we still can.

Convention of States will do its part, and we invite all of you to join us in this imperative mission to ensure freedom lives on in America.

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Created:	2025-10-25 06:17 GMT
Updated:	2025-10-27 21:16 GMT
Published:	2025-10-27 21:16 GMT
Converted:	2025-11-11 12:07 GMT
Change Author:	Mary Hebert
Credit Author:	Chris Hebert