Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change

English language

Published 2007

ISBN:: 978-1-4343-4315-4

As author of Citizen Power in 1971, Senator Mike Gravel determined that much of what he wrote then is apropos in America today; hence, the release of Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change that reflects the accuracy of his evaluation of problems then, his current position on a number of issues facing America now, and the process that Americans can undertake to become empowered as lawmakers in partnership with their elected officials. Most chapters of Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change present material from the original book, as well as new information and revised positions. The exceptions are Chapter 2: The National Initiative, and Chapter 7: The War on Drugs. All other chapters cover similar topics in both books, but with the senator's fresh insights for today's world. Each chapter ends with how the National Initiative, once enacted, could help solve the problems presented in that chapter. The Table of …

As author of Citizen Power in 1971, Senator Mike Gravel determined that much of what he wrote then is apropos in America today; hence, the release of Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change that reflects the accuracy of his evaluation of problems then, his current position on a number of issues facing America now, and the process that Americans can undertake to become empowered as lawmakers in partnership with their elected officials. Most chapters of Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change present material from the original book, as well as new information and revised positions. The exceptions are Chapter 2: The National Initiative, and Chapter 7: The War on Drugs. All other chapters cover similar topics in both books, but with the senator's fresh insights for today's world. Each chapter ends with how the National Initiative, once enacted, could help solve the problems presented in that chapter. The Table of Contents is as follows: Chapter 1 Now It's the Citizen's Turn Chapter 2 The National Initiative Chapter 3 America's Failure in Education Chapter 4 Tax Reform The Fair Tax Chapter 5 The Health Security System Chapter 6 National Environmental & Energy Policy Chapter 7 The War on Drugs Chapter 8 Crime & Punishment Chapter 9 The Shroud of Secrecy Chapter 10 American Imperialism Chapter 11 Global Governance Chapter 12 Who Stole the American Dream?

2 editions

JIm FUlner reviewed Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change by Mike Gravel

3 stars

I first learned of Mike Gravel when he was seeking the Libertarian nomination for president in 2008. returnreturnThis review is of the first edition of this book in 1972. This edition had a lot of references to what at the time where current events, such as relating to Richard Nixon, that I felt as a 90's kid I didn't have enough back ground on to reference. It would be interesting to compare it with the 2nd edition released during the '08 election cycle, to see if he updated these references to provide more background, or found more modern examples to show his positions. However, at only 3 stars its not really worth my time to get another copy for that reason alone. returnreturnGravel is a great champion of Democracy, and his book explains why quite well. Its a good reminder that the same problems we have now, have been no …

I first learned of Mike Gravel when he was seeking the Libertarian nomination for president in 2008. returnreturnThis review is of the first edition of this book in 1972. This edition had a lot of references to what at the time where current events, such as relating to Richard Nixon, that I felt as a 90's kid I didn't have enough back ground on to reference. It would be interesting to compare it with the 2nd edition released during the '08 election cycle, to see if he updated these references to provide more background, or found more modern examples to show his positions. However, at only 3 stars its not really worth my time to get another copy for that reason alone. returnreturnGravel is a great champion of Democracy, and his book explains why quite well. Its a good reminder that the same problems we have now, have been no different in the 70's. He does fairly well explaining his plan for the 4th branch of government, to allow for national referendum. If you believe in democracy I guess it makes sense. But he takes for granted that his reader does believe in democracy. For me he does nothing to convince me the rights of the minority will be improved at all under such a stance, in fact I fear it would be worse. Not to mention who wants to hear commercials from every special interest group in the world about the need to "save the earth from businesses" no explanation on this at all. returnreturnIf you are a true believer in Democracy, but feel that the current republican form of government has been taken over by special interests, than this book is for you. If you are a true believer in individual liberty, the ideas here are not main stream enough for it to be considered looking at our competition and no respectful enough of the NAP for it be something we can adopt.