Let me quote a statistic: “In America, statistics show that less that 5% of registered voters actively participate within the fabric of politics beyond the act of voting. Within this small number, there is even a smaller percentage that comprises the leadership of both liberal and conservative activists. Within these tiny percentages, the fate of the nation resides.” (Confrontational Politics; H.L. Richardson; 2010; p.36)

Do let that sink in. That 5% includes liberals and conservatives. Here’s a few more to make my point. Rounding to the nearest million, in the 2012 presidential race, of the estimated 314 million population, 222 million were estimated to be “eligible to vote.” Of that, 129 million actually did vote; 58% of the eligible, 41% of the population. That was down from 2004 and 2008. Only 20% (63 mil.) of our estimated population elected King Obama I. Now, 63% of the country thinks we’re headed in the wrong direction and Obama’s approval rating is in the low 40% range. 80% of America allowed the other 20% to set us up for disaster and something less than 5% are actively trying to correct it. And if I had to guess, I’d say there are more liberal activists than conservative activists. There may be only 2% or so leaders of grass roots working to correct our situation. What's wrong with this picture?

We hear a lot today about the Tea Party. The Left hates the tea party and the “establishment GOP” does as well. They tend to get in the way of “business as usual” and the further destruction of our republic. Good for them. They’re true patriots; the closest thing we have to our Founder’s beliefs and philosophy. But a liberal group estimates tea party membership to be only @ 450,000 nationwide, or 0.14% of the population. I’ll bet you’d get higher numbers from conservative groups. But the point is that a number less than 5% working towards saving our republic extends beyond the tea party. Still minuscule when looking at what we’re up against. The point in all this is where is everybody else? How many Americans are sitting around waiting for someone else to do something? Why is it that less than 5% are working to restore our Constitutional Republic?

I can give a lot of theories, as can you, but if something doesn’t wake up the rest of the population, and they move beyond being non-involved couch potatoes, into taking some meaningful action against our ruling elites, the statistics we’ll see a decade from now will simply be horrible. A totalitarian police state. Liberty gone. Limited, or no future. Opportunity? What’s that? What a legacy to leave behind for our posterity. Our parents did better for today’s seniors.

Here are two quotes pertinent to this matter: (1) “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” (Thomas Paine, The American Crisis, No 1, 1776) (2) “Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.” (Patrick Henry; 1778)

It certainly appears that 90+% of We The People have shrunk from the service of our country and have given up the idea of forcing some accountability on to our elected elites. Yet it is our Constitutional duty and obligation to force the government we want. Is what we have, what we want?

Is there any hope? Maybe. On May 16, 2014 Operation American Spring begins in Washington DC designed to do just that; a show of force to hold elected officials accountable; force resignations; force the return to following our Constitution; force the return to a nation of laws from our current nation of men. In short, Restoration of our Constitutional Republic. It is a non-violent first Amendment demonstration at the seat of our rogue government. Google the term “Operation American Spring,” and watch the anthem song here (Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Flies).

Estimates four months out show 1.8 million who say they’ll be there. Still only .005% of the population. And yes, it is controversial. There are those who criticize this movement as it is not without risks, but what is their solution? They don’t offer one. More of the same? Elect better politicians? That takes an informed voter. There aren’t enough of those to make a dent in the problem. Four months out, the numbers are larger than was the 9-12 Tea Party March on DC in 2009. That woke up some Americans for the 2010 elections.

Today we face greater abuse from our out-of-control federal government than our Founding Fathers did from the British Crown. They stood up and demanded change. Can we do no less? One thing is for sure – silence means consent. Where will you be on May 16th?

(Mr. Reams is a Christian, a family man, a veteran, a senior citizen and a retired small business owner. www.allianceofconstitutionalpatriots.com and http://VeteransVent.WordPress.com )