Reclaiming Our Nation

Fixing Democracy

By: Brian Aftanas

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

*** Also listen to podcasts based on the book ***

This remarkable book is an unblinking look at the problems of our current democracy and, more importantly, a road map to get ourselves back on course. It calls our politicians to task and identifies the many places where changes to our government systems will put control back in the hands of “We, the People”. Through an extensive critique of the status quo, we come to realize just how much, regardless of our political philosophy, all of us absolutely agree upon. Topics include electoral representation, taxation, special interest groups, bureaucracy, the concept of nation, etc. This is not a “political” book: it instead is a freethinking nonpartisan analysis of how a nation needs to work and how a government should serve its citizens. This book helps us see that change is possible.

Chapter 1 - The Need for Change
The Mortality of the Nation, The Paralysis of Politicians, The Least-bad Candidate, The Entrenchment of Bureaucracy, National Frustration/National Chauvinism

Chapter 2 - The Concept of Nation
National Boundaries, National Myths, Tribalism, Liberty, Irrevocable Assets, Homeland, Citizenship, Private Ownership, The Role of a Constitution

Chapter 3 – Governance
Development of Laws and Policy, Other Forms of Government, Heads of State, Representation, Popularity Contests, Direct Democracy, The Need for Adjustments, The Obligations of Citizens to their Nation, Deliberative Democracy, Special Interest Groups (Lobbyists, Policy Writers, News and Entertainment Media, Corporations, Advertisers), The Role of Elected Representatives (Independent Representatives, Standing Committees, Drafting New Legislation, Untangling Existing Legislation)

Chapter 4 - Electing Our Representatives
Voting and Polling, Modern Voting Systems, Ballots, Voter Identification, Types of Voting (Referenda, Polling), Voter Information, Input from Non-citizen Residents, Election Campaigns, Electoral Districts, Electoral Colleges, The Role of the President, Term Limits, The President’s Mentor

Chapter 5 - Government Administration
Efficiency, Privatization, Continuous Improvement, Conflict of Interest, Labor Unions, Modernizing Administration (Transparency, Leadership, Staff Rotation)

Chapter 6 - Civic Service
Civic Duty, Conscription, Assignment, Bureau Staff Needs, Youth, Testing, Exemptions, Executive Management, Compensation, Non-Performance, Transition Planning, Enactment

Chapter 7 - A Just Society
Education, Social Dogma, Religion, Delinquent Behavior, Interpreting Law, Selecting Judges, Surveillance, Privacy, Personal Identification, Systematic Data Collection, Data Security, Coup d’État, New Infrastructure, Social Services, Healthcare Insurance, Healthcare Services, Immigration, Cheap Labor, Integration

Chapter 8 – Money
Income Distribution, Resource Stewardship, Monetary Compensation, Return on Investment, Humanitarianism, Research, Government Revenue, National Debt, Government Expenditures (Healthcare Expenditures, Retirement Assurance Expenditures, Social Insurance Expenditures, Other Expenditures), Small Government, Tax Structures, Tax System Complexity, Company Perks, Stock Market Load, Inheritance, Social Burden, Unemployment, Market Distortions, The Nanny State

Epilogue

Appendix 1: An Implementation Sequence

Appendix 2: An Example of a Policy Deliberation Team’s Proceedings