Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In the wake of the recent government shutdown, there is a growing call for a fundamental shift in how power is distributed in the United States. The article advocates for a “second American revolution,” not through violence, but by utilizing a constitutional provision that allows state legislatures to convene a convention of states. This concept, rooted in the Declaration of Independence, emphasizes the need for citizens to reclaim authority from a federal government perceived as increasingly dysfunctional and unresponsive to the will of the people. The author draws parallels between the historical struggle for independence from British rule and the current situation, suggesting that the time has come for a similar separation from a Congress that has strayed from the Founders’ original intentions.
Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides a pathway for this reform, requiring the approval of three-quarters of state legislatures to call for a convention. Currently, 19 states have passed resolutions in favor of such a convention, with an additional eight states showing support in at least one legislative chamber. Advocates argue that this is a necessary step to address pressing issues such as the national debt, which has soared to $38 trillion, and to impose checks on congressional power through measures like balanced budget requirements and term limits. Critics, however, warn that a convention could spiral out of control and threaten the Constitution itself. Yet, the article contends that without reform, Congress will not willingly relinquish the power it has amassed, and the consequences of inaction could lead to a national decline reminiscent of other great civilizations that faltered under the weight of debt and mismanagement.
The piece concludes with a call to action, urging readers to support the movement for a convention of states, particularly in the face of opposition from liberal groups who favor maintaining the status quo. The author acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially since many of the remaining state legislatures needed for approval are controlled by Democrats. However, they draw inspiration from the original revolution, highlighting the necessity of perseverance in the pursuit of fundamental change. As the nation teeters on the brink of financial and political instability, the article underscores the urgency of this movement, suggesting that the time for reform is now, before it is too late.
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).
