Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change (Paperback)

by Mike Gravel (Author)
Key Phrases: global carbon tax, federal ballot initiative, fiscal gap, Mike Gravel, United States, National Initiative (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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 TurnChapter 2 - The National InitiativeChapter 3 - America's Failure in EducationChapter 4 - Tax Reform - The Fair TaxChapter 5 - The Health Security SystemChapter 6 - National Environmental & Energy PolicyChapter 7 - The War on DrugsChapter 8 - Crime & PunishmentChapter 9 - The Shroud of SecrecyChapter 10 - American ImperialismChapter 11 - Global GovernanceChapter 12 - Who Stole the American Dream?

About the Author
A 2008 presidential candidate, Mike Gravel served in the U.S. Senate from Alaska for 12 years, from 1969 to 1981. He scored many notable achievements as a senator beginning in his freshman term when, in 1971, he waged a successful one-man filibuster for five months that forced the Nixon Administration to cut a deal ending the draft in the United States. Senator Gravel is most prominently known for his release of The Pentagon Papers, the 7,000-page secret official document that revealed the government's lies and manipulation that misled the country into the Vietnam War. The release of The Pentagon Papers and the ensuing lawsuits precipitated the end of the United States' involvement in that quagmire. In 1973, Senator Gravel introduced an amendment authorizing the construction of the Alaska pipeline. At the time, the amendment passed the Senate by a single vote. However, since then, the Alaska pipeline has been responsible for as much as 20% of the U.S. oil supply. After serving in the Senate, Senator Gravel went on to found the Democracy Foundation, Philadelphia II, and Direct Democracy, non-profit corporations dedicated to the establishment of direct democracy in the United States through the enactment of the National Initiative for Democracy by American voters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1434343154
• ISBN-13: 978-1434343154
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #904,454 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's all about lawmaking!, February 25, 2008

By	Goodrich (Dearborn, MI USA) - See all my reviews

Those who still want Mike Gravel's original Citizen Power, but can't afford to pay over $200 for the few rare copies that are available, will be pleased with the new Citizen Power: A Mandate for Change. In some chapters, Senator Gravel has incorporated substantial excerpts from his original book and then updated his thoughts on each issue, often admitting that his position on a certain issue in the 1970s was naive and that he now views that issue with a mature mind. This is a refreshingly candid look at a presidential candidate's positions on key issues facing the American people today. Most importantly, however, is Chapter 2 and supplemental appendices about the National Initiative, which Senator Gravel and some of the nation's top constitutional scholars crafted to empower citizens as lawmakers; after all, lawmaking is the cornerstone of democracy. All subsequent chapters address how the National Initiative for Democracy (NI4D)would work to alleviate problems, such as healthcare and education.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From ending the war on drugs to restructuring the UN, March 8, 2008

By	Vidvuds Beldavs "Vid" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Senator Gravel has produced an engaging book! He presents complex and difficult issues facing the US and the world in understandable prose and proposes solutions that call for transformational change. In response to a legislative process controlled by corporations and special interests Gravel proposes the National Initiative on Democracy that would empower the people to legislate through direct democracy in national referendums on issues. In response to ineffective global governance Gravel calls for a restructuring of the UN including an end to veto powers for the permanent members of the Security Council. I was delighted to see his position on American exceptionalism. Granted that we are #1 in the world in the numbers of people in our prisons, on many key measures such as education, healthcare we are far from being the best in the world. I was most pleased by the optimism of Mike Gravel's vision for the future of America in the world. He sees solutions to problems such as global warming, energy, and national security through greater cooperation with other countries. The beginning of his space policy statement on page 59 is particularly encouraging: "SPACE REPRESENTS A LIMITLESS FRONTIER for humankind. Laws modeled on the Law of the Sea need to be agreed upon to make energy, natural resources, and knowledge available in a manner that fosters greater cooperation, rather than greater competition, among all nations. In keeping with this spirit, space must not be militarized."

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crime and Punishment , April 23, 2008

By	Pearl D. Taylor "Dutchess" (Hudson Falls, NY USA) - See all my reviews

Redemption & Deliverance
I am really interested in Chapter 9 about crime and punishment. I fully believe that one should be punished for whatever crime was done, but someone that has been incarcerated for 30 years and has absolutely changed should deserve a chance in life. I'm speaking of my husband, We've written a book of our 23 yrs, a powerful, true story.
I only wish our law makers could understand and see some things differently. Redemption & Deliverance, by Chris & Dutchess Taylor