Supports Convention of States to control federal spending

Regarding the op-ed in the Missoulian (Dec. 5) by Bonnie Lorenzen of Billings titled “Montana should reject out-of-state efforts”: although I support an Article V Convention to add specific limitations on the runaway federal government, I agree on out-of-state special interest groups. The op-ed is a rehash of mythical claims by an out-of-state special interest group, the John Birch Society.

JBS exploits well-meaning patriots who have a zeal for reform but no actual historical knowledge about the 1787 Constitutional Convention. Going from a confederation to a national government was on the table. Going from ratification by 13/13 state legislatures to 9/13 state conventions was legal. No runaway.

The claims used by JBS about exceeding commissions were made by corrupt state legislators. Read Federalist one. It's not taught in schools, but links are available (my mailing address is PO Box 143, Dayton, MT 59914).

Yes, a convention is a little-known provision which would force Congress to call a convention, never used, because every time the number of states got close to the needed 2/3, Congress hijacked the process.

The claim that an Article V Convention puts power and control in the hands of Washington bureaucrats is insulting, but also sublimely comical. It was put in the Constitution to take power away from the federal government should it become abusive. No wonder Congress hijacks it.

Delegates will be chosen by state legislatures, the majority of whom apply for the convention. At present, 19 of the needed 34 have applied to put some limits in the Constitution, similar to the Bill of Rights.

Montanans can petition Helena to do so, and must do so to get results, but sadly, the will of most is to buy into myths because JBS, who claims to stand for the Constitution, either doesn't understand it or lies about it. JBS wants to repeal the 17th, and I agree, but that would require a convention.

A convention changes nothing. Any amendment must be ratified by 38 states. Delegates would be in the hundreds, taking only one to call out any rogue proposal.

Article V actually puts power in the hands of the people, if enough Montanans petition Helena this session. The Bill is LC1603. Petition is at https://conventionofstates.com.

– Eric Knutson, Dayton