Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown and the growing discontent with Congress, there is a call for a second American revolution—not one of violence, but through a constitutional mechanism intended by the Founding Fathers. The article advocates for a “convention of states,” as outlined in Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows state legislatures to convene to propose amendments aimed at curbing federal power and restoring government accountability. The urgency for such a convention is underscored by the mounting national debt, which currently stands at a staggering $38 trillion, and the belief that Congress will not willingly relinquish its accrued powers.
The historical context is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which emphasizes the right of the people to dissolve political ties that no longer serve their interests. The article draws parallels between the American Revolution against British rule and the current need to reclaim power from a dysfunctional federal government. So far, 19 state legislatures have passed resolutions in favor of a convention, with eight more considering it, but a total of 34 is required for it to proceed. Critics of a convention raise concerns about potential chaos and unintended consequences, yet proponents argue that a targeted approach could focus on essential reforms like implementing term limits and enforcing a balanced budget.
As the article suggests, the stakes are high; the nation teeters on the brink of fiscal disaster, and historical patterns indicate that unchecked debt can lead to the decline of great nations. The author warns that failure to act soon could lead to irreversible consequences, making the case for a convention of states as a necessary step toward reform. While the road to garnering the necessary support may be challenging—particularly in a politically divided landscape—the article echoes the sentiment that the first revolution was fraught with difficulties, yet ultimately successful. The call to action is clear: it’s time for citizens to advocate for their rights and push for the reforms needed to secure a stable future.
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).
