The book is boldly called The Next American Revolution with a subtitle of “how to demand Congressional Reform NOW”. And by all possible reasoning that is an accurate description of what the author, Charles R Hooper, aims to achieve. Lest you worry it is not some Turner Diary style call to arms, but a call to use the provisos set aside in the Constitution to help keep government as its meant to be, by the people for the people.
Hooper, mercifully, does not believe that his book needs to be a long turgid tome. The book, all of 116 pages including The Constitution, is more a pamphlet than an political book. The book is meant to be read by everyone and is not merely a theoretical examination of his suggestions.
His ideas are not unique as he is hardly the first person of late to call for an Constitutional Convention. What is clever about this book is that he has written helpful suggestions to possible constitutional amendments to be passed by any such convention. He even takes the time to get the wording so that its in a proper format.
Now not all will agree with his suggestions, especially his idea of adopting a European style proportional representation system. In fact there are quite a few reasons why many would be opposed to this in the US as there are those opposed to the “alternative voting” referendum to happen in the UK next year.
He has been partly hurt in this argument by events. He makes claims that a first past the post style system (winner takes all) does not lead to more than two parties or coalitions (which he thinks are a good thing). The most recent UK election with its coalition government of two of the three main parties rather shows the theory up. The UK has a winner takes all system yet it has three major parties and a coalition government.
One other minor quibble is that Mr Hooper does not manage to mention the tea party movement once. He seems to ignore its currently high profile and ability to motivate people to affording change in their nation.
Those two quibble aside this is a well written book that is well worth the read. It goes some way to allaying the fears of those fearful of even contemplating a Constitutional Convention. This is a valuable addition to the debate about how to rectify the current Washington vs. people disconnect.
