Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown and the ongoing challenges facing the nation, the call for a “second American revolution” is gaining traction. This movement, however, advocates for a peaceful and constitutional approach rather than armed conflict. The argument centers on invoking Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows state legislatures to convene a convention of states. This process could empower states to reclaim authority from a federal government that many believe has overstepped its bounds and strayed from the principles established by the Founding Fathers. The Declaration of Independence itself underscores the right of the people to dissolve political ties that no longer serve their interests, a sentiment that resonates strongly today as citizens express frustration with a dysfunctional Congress.
Currently, 19 state legislatures have passed resolutions calling for such a convention, with eight more having done so in at least one chamber. A total of 34 state legislatures is required to initiate this convention. Proponents argue that significant reforms, such as imposing term limits on Congress and requiring a balanced federal budget, are essential to curb the spiraling national debt, which stands at a staggering $38 trillion. Critics, however, caution that a convention could spiral out of control, potentially leading to unintended consequences that might alter the Constitution itself. Nevertheless, supporters assert that without a concerted effort to rein in congressional power, the nation risks further decline, echoing historical patterns observed in the downfall of great nations due to unsustainable debt and governance.
As the movement for a convention of states gains momentum, it faces challenges, particularly from liberal groups that wish to maintain the status quo. Achieving the necessary support from an additional 15 state legislatures, many of which are predominantly Democratic, will be a formidable task. Yet, history has shown that significant change is often born from adversity and determination, as exemplified by the original American Revolution. Advocates for the convention believe that now is the time for decisive action to ensure the future stability and integrity of the nation, making a strong case for why citizens should rally around this constitutional mechanism to restore power to the states and, ultimately, to the people.
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 theÂ
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 toÂ
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 atÂ
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).
