"A Plan for US"

by JD Adler and Cory Schmitt

published by Digital Creation

to be released 10/1/2011

From the Conclusion:

Our politicians are not leaders, and they will not figure out solutions to our problems. We will have to do it ourselves, if it is to happen at all.  Article 5 of the US Constitution provides the tools for holding a Convention to Amend the Constitution. Such a convention would be the perfect forum for populist reform. For us all to put forward our ideas, find the common ground, and develop solutions.

The Convention could be organized as a blending of electronic  town hall and representative democracy. Topics and amendment drafts to be chosen by a six month, online, democratic proposal and selection process involving the entire population. Representatives elected in each congressional district (e.g. 3 per district), would be sent to a Convention to determine a final bill of amendments to submit to the states for ratification.

As varied as our opinions and theories are, we share common goals for our country and ourselves; freedom and stability, health and prosperity. It is reasonable to believe that we can reconcile the various political strategies, to develop a common plan, and execute it effectively.

When readers considers this idea, we ask that they also consider what they future may hold if we change nothing.

Since this country was founded we have argued between the principles of the federationists and the confederationists.  In the past we were able to work our way through to common goals, but that is no longer the case. Our politicians are for sale, and our future is in question. We all know what needs to be done. Many of us talk it about regularly. Solutions abound.

And none of us believe the government will do it.

As our choices seem more and more limited some people choose apathy, others begin the unsubtle work of inciting the mob, but there is another option.  We can choose to participate in our future.  Article 5 of the US Constitution gives us that power and technology makes it feasible.

A convention could produce a bill of amendments designed to address the issues plaguing our society for years.  And the ratification process requires 3/4 of the states to approve, which should prevent any truly fringe ideas from becoming law.

We release this book in the hopes that those who read it will realize that we actually can change our government, and the only qualifications needed for participation is citizenship. We are not "experts" but we are citizens, and our goals for this country are as valid as any being offered by those in the halls of government today.  And so are yours.  Its our future, its our money, its our government, and the politicians are unable to succeed or reform. Why should we not tell them how it will be? 

In addition to being an author, and e-publishing consultant,  JD Adler is a member of the Vine community.

Cory Schmitt manages an education technology lab, and operates a small video company.