Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown and growing public discontent with the federal government, the call for a “second American revolution” is gaining traction. This movement advocates for a constitutional convention of states, a provision outlined in Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows state legislatures to convene and propose amendments to reclaim power from the federal government. The sentiment echoes the famous slogan from the 1960s, “Power to the people,” urging citizens to take action against what many perceive as a dysfunctional Congress that has strayed from the Founders’ original intentions.
The historical context for such a movement is rooted in the Declaration of Independence, which articulates the right of people to dissolve political ties when necessary. The article argues that today’s political climate necessitates a similar separation from a Congress that has accumulated excessive power, contributing to a staggering national debt of $38 trillion. Currently, 19 state legislatures have passed resolutions calling for a convention, with eight more having done so in at least one chamber. To initiate the convention, 34 state legislatures must approve the resolution, highlighting the grassroots nature of the movement spearheaded by organizations like Convention of States Action.
Opponents of a constitutional convention express concerns about the potential for it to spiral out of control, risking harm to the Constitution itself. However, proponents argue that such fears can be mitigated by limiting the scope of the convention to specific reforms, such as implementing a balanced budget and establishing term limits for Congress. As the article emphasizes, significant change is essential, as Congress is unlikely to relinquish its amassed powers voluntarily. Drawing parallels to historical declines of great nations due to national debt, the author warns that without timely reform, the consequences could be dire. The challenge lies in persuading additional state legislatures, particularly those with Democratic majorities, to join the movement, echoing the difficulties faced during America’s first revolution. The urgency for reform is palpable, and advocates believe that a convention of states may be the only viable solution to restore balance and accountability in 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 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).
