by Mary Fahnestock-Thomas, Hamilton
COS is an interesting thought.
In her letter of July 5th, Helen Sabin recommends that we Montanans start agitating with our legislators to become the 20th state pushing for a Convention of States (COS) – as established in Article V of the US Constitution – to discuss 1) limiting the “power and jurisdiction of the federal government,” 2) imposing “fiscal restraints on the federal government,” and 3) placing “term limits on federal officials.”
If we can’t manage to elect state representatives who will raise and do their best to follow through on these issues, this is perhaps indeed another way of approaching them. I suggest, however, that we first take a good look at whom we Montanans send to Washington, DC – the individuals, NOT the parties – and VOTE in the mid-term elections on November 3rd – NOT for party, but for individuals who share our values.
Somehow guns then get into Helen’s letter, and, if I read her right, she states that 90% of Montanans own guns. In fact, a quick search on the internet will show that, indeed, “Montana ranks first for gun ownership by household in the United States, with 64% of adults living in a home with a firearm” (https://nbcmontana.com/news/local), but “Wyoming has, by far, the highest number of guns per capita,” followed by New Hampshire, New Mexico, Virginia, and Alabama (https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/guns-per-capita).
As she says, “Words do matter.”
So do current, reliable statistics.
Helen Sabin says
Mary FT is the valley’s favorite liberal and often makes us laugh. she is usually illogical and this reply is no exception. Let’s go through her points and shred them which is a favorite thing to do.
1. State legislators do NOT have any authority to do anything proposed by the Convention of States. That is why they are called STATE legislators. Got it? The ost they can do is write their own congress critters and demand something be done.
2. IF hoping that Americans will vote out those in Congress or that we have any control over the President or Scotus, that is wishful thinking. The Longevity in the house for many members is at least ten terms minimum and in the senate 6 terms or 20 years and 36 years respectively. Go look up members who have been in the senate for 59 years! Yeah that has really worked for us – NOT!
3. Looking at who we send to Congress? Great idea. But we don’t need more liberals/leftists/Dems/ there. Look at how badly they have screwed up our country in less than two years. and money spent? OMG! They have NO idea on how to say NO to anything or requests for money – i.e. taxpayer dollars.
4.And gun ownership? Mary you miss the point…Gunners from Montanans and tall other states who own guns will NEVER vote to give them up. Got it?
And if you want to argue statistics, then ask JOE BIDEN Why he claimed 92% of DEMS would vote for him again? But most of the polls and statistics say his are the lowest ratings ever for a president at this time in his presidency. Go dispute those polls Mary. then come back and give us another good laugh!
And what happened to your postcard writing effort to get out the vote in swing states? Did women use their heads and stay home? and why didn’t you help get out the vote in MONTANA? Still no answer from you on that question. Dodging it perhaps?