Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown and the ongoing dysfunction in Congress, there is a growing call for a new kind of revolution in America—one that seeks to reclaim power from Washington through a constitutional convention of states. This idea harkens back to the 1960s slogan “Power to the people,” emphasizing a non-violent approach to reforming the federal government. The Founding Fathers included provisions in the Constitution, specifically Article 5, for such a convention, allowing state legislatures to propose amendments when the federal government exceeds its intended boundaries. The Declaration of Independence serves as a historical touchstone, asserting the right of the people to dissolve political ties when necessary, which today translates to a demand for reform from a Congress perceived as increasingly dysfunctional and self-serving.
Currently, 19 state legislatures have passed resolutions calling for a convention of states, with an additional eight states showing support in at least one legislative chamber. To convene, 34 state legislatures must approve the resolution, highlighting the grassroots nature of this movement. Critics of a convention of states fear it could spiral out of control and jeopardize the Constitution itself. However, proponents argue that a tightly focused agenda—such as implementing term limits and enforcing a balanced budget—could mitigate these risks. With the national debt soaring to $38 trillion, advocates assert that Congress will not relinquish its power voluntarily, necessitating a structured approach to reform to prevent further decline.
The urgency of this movement is underscored by historical examples of nations that have faced decline due to mismanagement and excessive debt. The article warns that America is at a precarious juncture, likening the situation to teetering on the edge of a tall building; without decisive action, the consequences could be dire. The opposition from liberal groups seeking to maintain the status quo adds to the motivation for reform, as their agendas clash with the call for accountability and responsible governance. Although achieving the necessary support from state legislatures may be challenging—especially in those with Democratic majorities—the article draws parallels to the difficulties faced during the original American Revolution, suggesting that significant change is possible through collective action and determination. As the nation grapples with its future, the call for a convention of states emerges as a potential solution to restore the balance of power and reinvigorate the spirit of democracy.
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).
