Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown, a call to action has emerged, echoing the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s with the slogan “Power to the people.” The article advocates for a modern-day revolution, not through violence, but by utilizing a constitutional provision that allows state legislatures to convene a convention of states. This initiative aims to reclaim power from an increasingly dysfunctional federal government that many believe has strayed from the Founding Fathers’ original vision. The author cites the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the right of the people to dissolve political ties when necessary, drawing a parallel between the historical separation from British rule and the current need to separate from a Congress perceived as ineffective.
Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides the framework for this convention, requiring the approval of three-quarters of state legislatures. Currently, 19 states have passed resolutions in favor of this convention, with eight more having done so in at least one chamber. Proponents argue that Congress will not willingly relinquish the powers it has amassed, particularly in light of the staggering national debt, which has reached $38 trillion. The article suggests that reforming the federal government through a convention could include measures such as implementing a balanced budget and establishing term limits for Congress members. Critics of the convention express concerns about potential chaos and unintended consequences, but the author insists that limiting the scope of reforms can mitigate these risks.
As the nation faces a precarious financial future, the article underscores the urgency of this movement, warning that failure to act now could lead to irreparable damage. Drawing on historical examples of nations in decline due to massive debt, the author likens the current situation to standing at the edge of a precipice, urging readers to reconsider their stance before it’s too late. The article concludes with a rallying cry for additional state legislatures to join the cause, highlighting the challenge posed by a predominantly Democratic landscape in many states. However, it draws inspiration from the difficulties faced during the original American Revolution, suggesting that perseverance can lead to significant change.
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).
