Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown, there is a growing call for a revolutionary shift in the way the United States is governed. The article argues for a peaceful yet powerful approach: invoking the Constitution’s Article V to call for a convention of states. This movement aims to reclaim power from an increasingly dysfunctional Congress and restore the federal government to its original limits as envisioned by the Founding Fathers. The call for action echoes the sentiment of the 1960s slogan “Power to the people,” suggesting that citizens have the right to demand change when their government fails to serve them effectively.
The Declaration of Independence serves as a historical touchstone, asserting the right of the people to dissolve political bonds that no longer serve their interests. Today, this translates to a demand for accountability and reform in Congress, which many believe has strayed from its intended purpose. Currently, 19 state legislatures have passed resolutions calling for a convention, with eight more in progress. To initiate this convention, the support of 34 state legislatures is required. Proponents argue that this is a necessary step to address critical issues such as the staggering national debt, which stands at $38 trillion, and to implement reforms like term limits and a balanced budget.
Critics of a convention of states raise concerns about potential chaos and unintended consequences, fearing that it could lead to detrimental changes in the Constitution. However, supporters contend that the scope of the convention could be narrowly defined to focus on specific reforms, preventing any radical alterations. As the article highlights, the existing political climate suggests that Congress is unlikely to voluntarily relinquish its accrued powers. Just as a child must be restricted from unhealthy indulgences to prevent harm, so too must politicians be restrained from unchecked spending to avert national decline. The urgency of this movement is underscored by historical precedents of nations that have faltered due to excessive debt and governmental overreach. The time for reform is now, and a convention of states may be the only viable path forward to ensure a sustainable future for the nation.
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).
