Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In the wake of the recent government shutdown and growing discontent with the current state of American politics, there is a call for a transformative approach to reclaiming power from Washington. Drawing inspiration from the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s and the foundational principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, proponents argue for a “second American revolution”—not through violence, but via a constitutional mechanism that allows state legislatures to convene a convention of states. This idea is rooted in Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which permits such a convention if three-quarters of state legislatures agree, aiming to restore governmental boundaries and address the dysfunction that has plagued Congress.
Currently, 19 state legislatures have passed resolutions in favor of a convention, with eight more having done so in at least one chamber. Advocates believe that this is a critical moment to act, especially considering the alarming national debt of $38 trillion and the reluctance of Congress to relinquish its accrued powers. Critics of the convention express concerns about the potential for it to spiral out of control, risking further damage to the Constitution. However, supporters counter that any convention could be limited to specific reforms, such as imposing term limits and requiring a balanced budget. The urgency of this movement is underscored by historical lessons regarding the decline of great nations, emphasizing that without significant reform, the consequences could be dire.
As the nation stands at a crossroads, the push for a convention of states represents a grassroots effort to confront the entrenched political elite and seek meaningful change. While the path forward may be fraught with challenges, particularly in securing the necessary support from a majority of state legislatures—many of which are controlled by Democrats—the historical parallels to the first American revolution serve as a reminder of the potential for profound change. The call to action is clear: if Americans desire to reshape their government and address the pressing issues of today, they must rally behind this constitutional avenue before the opportunity slips away.
Had enough of the consequences reverberating from the record government “shutdown”? Ready to do something about it?
This is an ideal time to recall a slogan from the ’60s: “Power to the people.” We need a second American revolution, not with guns or violence, but by a provision in the Constitution the Founders thought necessary should we arrive at a moment like this. That would be the state legislatures calling a convention of states to take back the power from Washington and put the government behind its original boundaries.
In its first paragraph the
Declaration of Independence
gives permission for such a revolution: “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
Granted, that was about a separation from our British overlords. Today it should mean a separation from the dysfunctional Congress, leading to a reformation of the federal government, which has betrayed the intentions of the Founders.
Article 5
of the U.S. Constitution allows for a constitutional convention of states with the approval of three-quarters of state legislatures. According to
Convention of States Action
, a grassroots nonprofit organization that advocates for a convention of states, 19 state legislatures have passed a resolution calling for a convention and eight more have passed a resolution in at least one legislative chamber. The approval of 34 state legislatures is required.
The arguments against a convention include it might get out of control and damage the Constitution and the country.. That is easily dealt with as the conventions could be limited to a short list of reforms, such as requiring a balanced budget and term limits.
Arguments in favor of a convention of states include that Congress will not willingly give up the power it has accrued for itself and things will only get worse – including the $38 trillion debt – if those powers are not curbed.
Members of the House and Senate are not going to voluntarily relinquish their powers and perks. Like the child who has tooth decay from eating too many sweets and must have candy withheld from him, so too must the “candy” of spending and debt be removed from the hands of politicians before the country has decayed beyond repair.
As I wrote in a previous book, “America’s Expiration Date,” the history of great nations is replete with examples that caused their decline. Massive national debt is one of them. We can’t escape the lessons of history, any more than we can escape the consequences of gravity after jumping from a tall building. Halfway down we might regret our decision, but the consequences will remain when the street is reached.
We are teetering at the edge of a tall building. If we don’t reconsider, turn around and come down, we will ultimately regret the consequences. If we wait much longer to address reform it will be too late and the time for repair will have passed. A convention of states appears to be the only answer.
Looking at the liberal groups who oppose it and wish to continue the status quo is reason enough to persuade 15 more legislatures to follow the example of the 19 that have already given their approval. It will be difficult as many of the remaining legislatures that must approve a resolution are majority Democrat, but so was the first revolution difficult. Look how that turned out.
Readers may email Cal Thomas at
tcaeditors@tribpub.com
. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America” (HumanixBooks).
