Cal Thomas: Time for a second American Revolution
In light of the recent government shutdown and the mounting frustrations over the dysfunction in Congress, many are calling for a revolutionary approach to reclaiming power from Washington. The article draws inspiration from the 1960s slogan “Power to the people,” advocating for a peaceful second American revolution through the constitutional provision for a convention of states. This call to action is rooted in the belief that the current federal government has strayed from the intentions of the Founding Fathers and is in dire need of reform. The Declaration of Independence serves as a historical reference, emphasizing the right of the people to dissolve political ties when their government becomes unresponsive and ineffective.
The path to a convention of states is outlined in Article 5 of the U.S. Constitution, which allows for such a convention if three-quarters of state legislatures approve it. Currently, 19 states have passed resolutions in favor, with eight others showing support in at least one legislative chamber. Advocates argue that this initiative is essential to curtail the growing power and debt burden of Congress, which has amassed a staggering $38 trillion in national debt. Critics of the convention express concerns about potential chaos and unintended consequences, but proponents suggest that limiting the agenda to specific reforms—such as implementing a balanced budget and term limits—can mitigate these risks. The article posits that without significant reforms, Congress will not willingly relinquish its power, likening the situation to a child with a sweet tooth who must be restricted from unhealthy indulgences.
The urgency of this movement is underscored by historical examples of national decline linked to excessive debt and governmental overreach. The author warns that the nation is precariously close to a tipping point, and if reform is not pursued soon, the consequences could be irreversible. While achieving the necessary support from state legislatures may be challenging, particularly in a political landscape that often favors the status quo, the article draws parallels to the difficulties faced during the nation’s first revolution, suggesting that perseverance could lead to meaningful change. In a time when many Americans are disillusioned with their government, the call for a convention of states stands as a potential pathway to restore accountability and limit federal power.
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).
