Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the ongoing political turmoil and the repercussions of a record government shutdown, the call for a new American revolution is gaining traction, albeit one that emphasizes constitutional reform rather than violence. The article urges citizens to consider a “convention of states” as a legitimate avenue for reclaiming power from a Congress perceived as increasingly dysfunctional and out of touch with the original intentions of the Founding Fathers. This idea is rooted in the first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which speaks to the necessity of dissolving political ties that no longer serve the populace. The author argues that just as the colonies sought to separate from British rule, modern Americans must now seek to separate from a federal government that has strayed from its foundational principles.
The U.S. Constitution provides a mechanism for such reform through Article 5, which allows state legislatures to convene a constitutional convention with the approval of three-quarters of them. Currently, 19 states have passed resolutions calling for this convention, with eight more considering it in at least one legislative chamber. The article highlights the urgency of this movement, citing the staggering national debt of $38 trillion and the need for reforms such as balanced budget mandates and term limits for Congress members. Critics of the convention express concerns about potential chaos and unintended consequences, but proponents argue that strict limitations can be put in place to ensure focused discussions on necessary reforms.
The article emphasizes the importance of this initiative, likening the current political landscape to a child with a tooth decay problem; politicians will not willingly relinquish their accrued powers, much like a child unwilling to give up candy. The author warns that without immediate action, the consequences of inaction could lead to irreparable damage to the nation’s financial and political health. As the call for a convention of states gains momentum, it faces challenges, particularly in states with Democratic majorities. However, the historical parallels drawn from the first American revolution serve as a source of inspiration, reminding readers that significant change often requires perseverance in the face of adversity. The author encourages citizens to advocate for this constitutional reform as a necessary step toward restoring the integrity and functionality of the federal government.
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).
