FOAVC: Please Click HERE to Post Responses from Politicians

DATE: Monday, 2 July 2007, 05:04 PM
FROM: Office of Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN)
TO: Michael Densmore

Dear Mr. Densmore :

Thank you for contacting me regarding next year's proposed federal Budget. I appreciate hearing your thoughts and understand your concerns on this issue.

As you may know, on March 23, 2007 the Senate passed, with my support, a budget resolution which funds our nation's priorities, provides tax relief to middle class families and restores fiscal responsibility to our budget process. Increasing debt and deficits are very troubling to me, and they will have a lasting impact on America 's future unless the President and Congress begin to seriously address our nation's fiscal challenges.

The Senate budget resolution would balance the budget by fiscal year 2012 by adhering to the Pay-As-You-Go rule, which requires that the cost of any increase in entitlement spending or tax cut be offset by reductions in other entitlements or increases in other taxes. At the same time, the Senate budget allows for significant increases for our most important domestic priorities, including the Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), Medicare, education, and veterans' healthcare.

During consideration of the budget, I joined five other Democrats in offering an amendment to make permanent a number of middle-class tax cuts. The amendment, which passed the Senate by 97-1, made permanent the 10% tax bracket, child tax credit, marriage penalty relief, adoption tax credit, dependent care credit, employer provided child care credit, and EITC combat pay. I will continue to work hard in Washington to provide the tax relief American families need.

It is also troubling to me that the federal government is now borrowing billions each year from foreign creditors, such as the Chinese and Japanese Central banks. The growing indebtedness of our country to foreign competitors raises troubling questions of American independence and the ability of foreign countries to influence our economic and trade policies in ways that might not be in our national interest. In order to avoid this threat to our national interest, I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to enact sound fiscal policies that do not pass today's burden on to our children and grandchildren.

I will fight to make sure we keep our promises with essential federal programs like Social Security and Medicare, which provide critical support for our nation's elderly. I also support the need to make critical investments in our children, which is why I support additional funding for education and job training. The tax code should also be fair, which is why I have supported the extensions of the middle-class tax cuts such as the marriage penalty relief and child tax credit provisions.

Now is a time for tough choices. With the baby boom retirement looming and the continued costs of the War on Terror, we cannot afford to waste taxpayer money on ineffective federal programs or corporate subsidies. For that reason, I will work in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues to reduce unnecessary spending and close unfair tax loopholes.

Again, thank you for contacting me. I hope that the information I have provided is helpful. My website, http://bayh.senate.gov , can provide additional details about legislation and state projects, and you can also sign up to receive my monthly e-newsletter, The Bayh Bulletin , by clicking on the link at the top of my homepage. I value your input and hope you will continue to keep me informed of the issues important to you.

Office of Senator Evan Bayh
(202) 224-5623
Russell 463
Washington, D.C. 20510

DATE: Wednesday, 11 July 2007, 01:30 PM
FROM: office of the Governor of INDIANA, Mitch Daniels
TO: Michael Densmore

Dear Mr. Densmore,

Thank you for contacting Governor Daniels with your concerns. He appreciates the time you took to share your thoughts and views.

However, you stated in your letter that you wished to know the opinions of members of Congress for your information-gathering. As you likely know, Governor Daniels is Governor of the state and does not have influence on federal matters. He is not a member of Congress. If you need the information, I can obtain that from him, but wanted to ensure that you had gone to the proper place to find your information. I would presume that it would be more helpful for you to contact your federal members of Congress for their information.

Thank you for your active citizenship.

Sincerely,
Suzi Spahr

Director of Constituent Services, Office of the Governor

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I received a response (after two months) from Senator John Cornyn (TX).
He obviously doesn't believe or understand that all 50 states have ALREADY made 567 requests (far in excess of the two thirds requirement). Congress is in violation of Article V. "WHENEVER" means now. There is no time limit, or any same-subject restrictions.

Dear Mr. Summars:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the United States Constitution. I appreciate the benefit of your comments on this matter.

As our Founding Fathers expressed during the period of our nation's founding, the basis of all laws and powers are derived from the Constitution. As a member of Congress, I affirmed that I would "support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.... So help me God." When a representative is elected, he or she must swear allegiance to the United States of America, its people, and it’s Constitution.

As you may know, Congress may call a convention to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution upon the application of two-thirds of state legislatures. You may be certain I will keep your suggestions in mind should two-thirds of the states propose amending the U.S. Constitution during the 110th Congress.
I appreciate having the opportunity to represent all Texans in the United States Senate. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

517 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2934
Fax: (202) 228-2856
http://www.cornyn.senate.gov

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DATE: Tuesday, 24 July 2007, 08:59 PM
FROM: Ed Charbonneau, State Senator, District 5
TO: Michael Densmore

Dear Michael,

Thank you for your recent e-mail regarding Article V of the
Constitution. Your thoughts and concerns are a valuable guide to my
work as your state senator.

While I acknowledge your opinions on this issue, the Article V
Convention is out of my jurisdiction as an Indiana State Senator. I do
not have the authority to consider or vote on this issue. Nevertheless,
I strongly encourage you to get in touch with our Indiana federal
representatives:

Congressman Joe Donnelly
Longworth House Office Building 1218
Washington, D.C.   20515
202/225-3915

Senator Evan Bayh
463 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C.   20510
202/224-5623

Senator Richard Lugar
306 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C.   20510
202/224-4814

Again, thank you for writing me. If I may be of further assistance on a
state matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Ed Charbonneau
State Senator, District 5

Anne Swords Hendrix
Legislative Assistant
Office of Senator Richard D. Bray
Office of Senator Edward E. Charbonneau
200 Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-9840
ahendrix@iga.in.gov

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael L. Densmore [mailto:mld@mchsi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2007 9:22 AM
To: s5@ai.org
Subject: Email Your Legislator

Name:   Michael L. Densmore
Email: mld@mchsi.com

Address: 5 South Cleveland Street
City:     Knox
State:    IN
Zip:      46534
Email Updates:

Comment:
Dear Senator Heinold,

What is your position on Article V of the Constitution?
Do you think Congress and the Supreme Court have the right to vetoand
ignore the states' and the peoples' right to an Article VConvention?
Already, the legislatures of ALL 50 states have made 567requests on
things ranging from Term-Limits,Balanced-Budget-Amendment, to Tax
Reform.

Please let me know. I am helping the Friends of the Article VConvention
(FOAVC) to build an Article-V-Grade-Card database, and weneed to know
which Congress persons oppose the U.S. Citizens'constitutional right to
an Article V Convention.

Thank you,
Michael L. Densmore
--
Sent to Senator Vic Heinold

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DATE: Wednesday, 18 July 2007, 06:47 PM
FROM: Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN)
TO: Jacob Henderson

Dear Mr. Jacob Henderson:

Thank you for contacting Senator Bayh about Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Your correspondence has been forwarded to me, a legislative correspondent.

As you may know, Article V states that on the "Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments". Although many states have applied for a convention, this clause has never successfully been invoked. This method has come close on several occasions including an instance when only one State was needed before the Senate responded and passed an amendment providing for the direct election of Senators. Other instances include a petition drive for a constitutional limit on income tax rates, another to limit the Supreme Court's legislative apportionment decisions, and finally, a proposal for a balanced budget amendment.

Because this clause has not been invoked, the convention method of amendment is surrounded by a lengthy list of questions. However, arguments exist that if there is an authentic national movement underlying a petitioning by two-thirds of the States, there would be a response by Congress.

Again, thank you for contacting Senator Bayh about this question. I hope the information given in this response has been helpful. Please continue to keep him informed on the topics that are important to you in the future.

Sincerely,

David J. Ziemba

Legislative Correspondent

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DATE: 31-JULY-2007
FROM: Nancy Dembowski, Indiana State Rep. (Dist.17)
TO: Michael Densmore

Dear Michael:

We were researching the Article V Convention and were not certain exactly
what it is proposing...how about educating me as to what it is about? Is it
a Constitutional Convention to eliminate property taxes...let me know some
detail and I will tell you my opinion. Thanks....Nancy Dembowski

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DATE: 30-JULY-2007
FROM: Office of Vice President Cheney
TO: Michael Densmore

Thank you for e-mailing Vice President Cheney. Your comments,
suggestions and concerns are important to him. Unfortunately,
because of the large volume of e-mail received, the Vice
President cannot personally respond to each message. However,
members of the Vice President's staff consider and report
citizen ideas and concerns. Please visit the White House web
site for the most up-to-date information on Presidential
initiatives, current events, and topics of interest to you.

Thank you again for taking the time to write.

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Tim Gray sent this letter to his local congressman and state senior senator from Texas.

Mr. Louis Gohmert

I have a great concern over Article V of the US constitution.
Article v gives the US people a right to have their representatives tell congress that their constituents wish to hold a convention to amend our constitution without oversight of the president of the United States.
Since the late 1800's through 1980's
all 50 states have submitted their wish to hold such a convention 567 times, only 2/3rds of states were needed.
In 2004 the US supreme court ruled that they can just ignore the citizens right to do so.
My concern is because our constitution needs some amendments that congress will not adhere to nor like.

1. Amendment to change the Supreme courts sitting judges way of holding office, they should be elected by the people in a popular vote and held to term limits of two 4 year terms.
2. Amendment for the vote of the US people not be allowed to be handled nor counted by private companies in either electronic or other means of vote counting.
3. Amendment to stop the US. government in any form to force the US. people to buy services or products of any private companies.

These amendments are highly needed in order for the US people to remain free.
These amendments are perhaps the most important amendments and actions taken by the US. people in US. history.
Furthermore I would appreciate your stance on Article V of the US constitution.
Would you be willing to present to congress your constituents concerns for these amendments and convention wanted by your state.
If you do not believe that article v of the US constitution is any longer needed,then I call for you to remove said article from the US constitution further taking away one of our nations most defensive rights to control our government in case of rampant corruption which is already taking place.

Sincerely: Tim Gray

The Response I got :

August 6 in the Year of our Lord 2007

Mr. Timothy Gray

Dear Mr. Gray,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you about a new service my district staff will provide. In an effort to allow you to let me know how I can help and better represent you in Washington, my district staff will hold office hours in Hemphill on Wednesday, August 22, 2007. They will be located at the Hemphill City Hall , during the hours of 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Throughout this day, my staff will be a valuable resource for you in your dealings with a federal agency. Additionally, if you have questions, concerns, or would like clarification with government programs like Medicare's Prescription Drug Benefit, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, please stop by.

If you have questions regarding government policy, or legislation; my legislative staff in Washington , D.C. would be happy to speak with you about any concerns or thoughts you may have. Please leave your contact information with the district staff and someone in the D.C. Office will address your questions via phone or email. It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve you in the United States House of Representatives.

With kindest regards, I am

Very Truly Yours,
Hon. Louie Gohmert

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Here's a response from my State Senator.
Unfortunately, he also believes the Supreme Court can veto the plain and simple text of the U.S. Constitution. He also believes it is only a federal issue. That is debatable, since it directly affects the 50 states that have already satisfied the two-thirds requirement; that is, all 50 states have already submitted 567 requests to make amendments. Under Chris Harris' and the Supreme Court' interpretation, an Article V Convention is essentially impossible. I do not believe that convenient interpretation is the spirit of the law. It certainly violates the clear and concise text of the U.S. Constitution. No where in Article V does it state a time limit, nor a same-subject requirement. If Congress and the Supreme Court are allowed these absurd and questionable interpretations, then the Constitution is worthless and we are no longer a nation of laws.
Response from State Senator of Texas Senate

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I received a phone call today (about 4PM) from Kay Bailey Hutchison's office (U.S. Senator from Texas).
The woman (not Kay Bailey Hutchison) stated that the reason Congress has not called a convention is because two-thirds of the states have not submitted requests for an amendment of the same language (i.e. same-subject). Arguing that Article V states "amendments", not "same-subject amendments" with a staff member is futile, so that's all there is to it. I'm very curious as to why a phone call from a staff member was chosen over a letter? Is it possible some Congress persons do not want it on record (in writing) what their position is?

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It is highly unusual that any staff member of a senator today would make a verbal response let alone tell an outright lie that they know can be easily verified as false. My lawsuit, which was not disputed as to fact or law by the government, showed that three subjects, repeal of income tax, apportionment and balanced budget, have sufficent applications for that subject to cause a convention call.

Of course, a simple reading of the Constitution makes it clear there is no same subject standard in Article V. Congress....on the application of two-thirds of the state legislatures shall call a convention. The language is plain and I have no doubt the senator knows basic English grammar. The Congress shall call a convention on the application of two-thirds of the state legislatures. The applications are for a convention call not a specific amendment.

The reason for the call is obvious. To attempt in a very amateur way to justify the senator's refusal to obey the Constitution and its plain, clear language without violating federal criminal law. Nice try. But the law also applies to that employee as a federal employee. As a member of the public she has publicly advocated the overthrow our form of constitutional government. Mr. Summars is a public citizen. The law doesn't specify how many people are considered "public" only that it must be publicly advocated. When the employee made the statement, she made a public statement.

It is obvious to me things are beginning to crack in Washington D.C. We must keep the pressure on.

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This is a transcript of the written response I received via U.S. Mail from Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC). I do not have the means to scan and upload it. It does not address Article V at all, as I specifically inquired in my letter to her. I did not make any suggestions, offer any ideas, or provide any insights, as her staff's response thanks me for. I inquired specifically as to her position on whether Congress should obey the Constitution and call for an Article V Convention.

Phillip Durrence

Senator's Letter:

October 17, 2007

Dear Mr. Durrence:

Thank you so much for taking time to write to me with your concerns. Receiving your ideas and concerns is so important in order for me to represent you, and our state, to the best of my ability in the United States Senate.

The issues you describe are indeed important and deserve review. I very much appreciate you sharing your opinions and thoughts with me regarding these matters. Please be assured that I will keep your insights in mind should pertinent legislation be considered by the Senate.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

With my warmest best wishes,

Elizabeth Dole

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