Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown, calls for a second American revolution are gaining traction, but this time, advocates are emphasizing a peaceful approach rooted in the U.S. Constitution. The idea is not to take up arms, but rather to utilize Article V of the Constitution, which allows state legislatures to convene a convention of states aimed at reclaiming power from the federal government. This initiative is seen as a necessary step to restore the original boundaries of government that the Founding Fathers envisioned, particularly in response to what many perceive as a dysfunctional Congress that has strayed from its intended purpose.
The Declaration of Independence famously states that when a government becomes oppressive, it is the right of the people to dissolve the political connections that bind them. Today, proponents argue that this principle applies to the current state of affairs in Washington, where excessive debt—now at a staggering $38 trillion—poses a significant threat to the nation’s future. With 19 state legislatures already passing resolutions in favor of a convention and eight more considering it, the movement is gaining momentum. The goal is to achieve the necessary approval from 34 state legislatures to convene the convention, where reforms such as a balanced budget requirement and term limits for Congress could be addressed.
Critics of a convention of states voice concerns that such gatherings could spiral out of control, potentially leading to unintended consequences for the Constitution. However, supporters counter that limiting the agenda to specific reforms can mitigate these risks. They argue that Congress will not willingly relinquish its amassed powers, and without intervention, the situation will only worsen. Drawing parallels to historical declines of great nations, the article emphasizes that the time for reform is now; failure to act may lead to irreversible consequences for the American political landscape. As the movement gains traction, the challenge remains to persuade additional state legislatures to join the cause, echoing the difficulties faced during the nation’s first revolution.
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).
