Book Reviews

Reviews of The Next American Revolution: How to Demand Congressional Reform NOW

Charles Hooper begins this important book by quoting Thomas Paine, whose famous line, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” was used by George Washington to inspire his troops and whip the British. According to Hooper, we’re again living in very trying times, due to the paralysis in Congress caused by partisanship and greed. He spends the rest of the book arguing for a new American Revolution — a call for congressional reform and a return to our Founding values — that will throw out self-serving bureaucrats and replace them with “servants of the people” envisioned by our Constitution. The book ends with a warning from 20th president James Garfield: “If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.” As Hooper says, we owe it to past and future generations to fight for a better America.
- Jim Barnes, Editor, Independent Publisher Online, August 2010.

The United States Congress has been reduced to a partisan body of bickerers, controlled by special interest groups, in which members are more concerned about their re-elections, perks, and power than they are about serving their constituents, claims the author. His remedy is for the states to call an amendment convention, as described in Article Five of the Constitution. This is not a radical screed calling for the overthrow of the government, but rather a well-conceived plan that would result in a peaceful revolution and make Congress responsive to the public.

Likely, his role as a professional advocate informs this sensible, concise blueprint for congressional reform. This reviewer does not share the author s optimism that the public would form the dedicated grassroots movement necessary to convince their state legislators to call an Article Five Convention. Amendments passed to reform Congress at such a convention must be approved by three-fourths (or thirty-eight) of the states to become part of the Constitution. Public concerns about jobs and the economy might take priority; and congressional power for better or worse is likely too entrenched to be reined in. (A classic example of the foxes guarding the henhouses.)

However, Hooper might ultimately be proven right and his analysis and suggested changes are worthy of consideration by all people concerned about the current state of Congress. The author calls for new constitutional amendments: the 28th would impose term limits of twelve years total on congressmen and senators, the 29th would require that all campaign funding come solely from individual citizens, and the 30th would reduce the number of congressional districts in each state to one or three.

The author does not offer his plan as the ultimate cure-all for Congress, an institution clearly in need of repair, but rather as a springboard for further dialogue and public action. Much of what Hooper hosays make sense, notably that congressional districts are too large, that state governments have been increasingly burdened by unfunded federal government mandates, and that Article Five may be the key to congressional reform. Readers might not agree with all that the author proposes, but will likely be impressed by his passionate commitment to this cause and the public s role in making it happen. Karl Helicher, ForeWord Reviews, August 2010.

The Next American Revolution or Not

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 it’s meant to be, by the people for the people.

Hooper, mercifully, does not believe that this book needs to be a long turgid tome. The book, all of 144 pages including the Constitution, is more a pamphlet than a 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 a 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 it’s in a proper format.

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 is 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.

Those quibbles 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. –By: Andrew Ian Dodge, Special to The Washington/San Francisco Examiner, 2010.

A Thoughtful and Well-Argued Urging for Reform

A revolution doesn’t need to be fought with guns, and this sort of revolution is needed to make Congress work again. “The Next American Revolution: How to Demand Congressional Reform Now” is a call from Charles R. Hooper as he outlines the flaws in today’s congress and how it is failing the American people. Not trying to call for a politic biased position, his argument is more aimed at the general failure of congress in recent years and he encourages people to stand against this corruption and make the congress work for the people once more. “The Next American Revolution” is a thoughtful and well-argued urging for reform, a solid recommendation. The Midwest Book Review, October 2010.

Outstanding Work and an All-Out Political Literary Accomplishment

Charles Hooper has a deep-seated passion and commitment to the success and prosperity of this nation. His thoughts and ideas were cultivated in patriotism and all he wants to see is the vision of the founding fathers furthered and strengthened, not devalued and destroyed. I strongly recommend his book The Next American Revolution as both a reader and a radio show host that recently had him on to talk about solutions to our broken political system(s). Please add this book to your library or e-reader/smartphone.
Aleksander Danilov, December, 2010.

Reader Comments from Amazon.com

The Article V Convention, or Amendment Convention, is the most powerful tool available to the people! Considering the level of outright assault on America, isn’t it time that we looked for something like this? I urge anyone who doesn’t understand how this Liberty saving Convention works to read this book. While there is still time!

A wonderful book! All members of the 112th Congress should be required to pass an open book test on this before they can be seated on January 3rd, 2011.

Mr. Hooper has written a thoughtful and well written book that reminds us as citizens of this wonderful country that we need to pay more attention to our history. He has done an excellent job in outlining the problems and the solutions our founding fathers gave use to correct the problem. I commend him for his commitment and his efforts in writing a positive and constructive response to what many of us have found a frustrating and depressing situation.

The process Charles Hooper outlines to take back control of our government is not easy; in fact I think it is virtually impossible. But, he outlines the process and dispels a lot of the myths I had. I thank him for his effort and commend this reading to anyone who has considered a Constitutional Convention as a solution and dismissed the idea as being too difficult.

Charles Hooper proposes real solutions. Take them seriously. I think that our founders would be proud if we implemented Mr. Hooper’s suggestions. This book is very easy to read, has very good historical and constitutional justifications for the conclusions, and proposes very serious solutions to our crisis in leadership.

When Congress won’t listen to the voice of the people, what are we going to do? The Constitution makes Congress an “agent” of the people, yet time and time again, the people are ignored. This book explains how Congressional reform can be accomplished. When all else fails, the people DO still have the power!! This book provides practical answers and is a quick and easy read. I highly recommend.

When I started reading I realized I knew a little bit about everything the author wrote. When I finished I knew everything. The author did a wonderful job on research. This book is a must read for anyone who loves our country and wants to save it from those who do not.

When Congress won’t listen to the voice of the people, what are we going to do? The Constitution makes Congress an “agent” of the people, yet time and time again, the people are ignored. This book explains how Congressional reform can be accomplished. When all else fails, the people DO still have the power!! This book provides practical answers and is a quick and easy read. I highly recommend.

I first read this book when it was loaned to me. I was so impressed with the obvious solution presented that I downloaded a copy on my Kindle for future reference. Charles has certainly grasped the problem and singles out the obvious solution. God bless Charles for all his hard work. May this book be the spark that ignites the fire storm this wonderful country needs.