Free exchange of ideas is a cornerstone of our Republic.

In response to the Jan. 8 letter regarding an Article V Convention of the States to propose constitutional amendments, misinformation necessitates correction by examining historical fact.

First, it is important to note the word OR in clause 2 of Article V of the Constitution. Either Congress OR the people through their state legislatures can call for a convention, 42 of which have been held using the same guidelines to limit topics and specify language germane to the subject matter.

This was the purpose of clause 2, bypassing the federal legislative, executive and judicial branches. Already, 19 state legislatures have signed onto the Convention of States Action petition limited to 3 topics: federal jurisdiction and scope, fiscal responsibility, and term limits for federal officials.

Secondly, Congress has only a ministerial role in “calling” for the convention, indicating place and date but without power to prevent it and no need for permission.

The framers, including James Madison and Col. George Mason (who insisted on clause 2), knew tyranny was inevitable as our founders fought the Revolutionary War.

They unanimously adopted Article V, engaging in a convention of states and to grant the same power to the states as the federal government.

Madison stated in Federalist No. 45 that federal government powers were “few and defined” while state government powers were “numerous and indefinite.” Enumerated powers are found in Article 1.

Elitist talking points from the far left and far right have distorted historical fact.

Attempts to control language by changing the meaning of words or phrases is a tool to fear-monger.

The founders wanted “self-governance,” not power in the hands of an all-powerful centralized federal leviathan. The pertinent question is “who decides?” We the people or the feds?

Randy Grabill

Altoona