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The Liberty Amendments: Restoring The American Republic (2013)

by Mark R. Levin(Favorite Author)

4.24 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1451606273 (ISBN13: 9781451606270)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Threshold Editions

review 1: Say what you will, but I liked this book. I certainly don't agree entirely with his ideas, but I found this book to be coherently thought out and rationally argued. Talk radio is all too often a parody of itself - shrill tantrums feigning outrage about the flavor of the day. But reading this book gave me a sense of participating in a Constitutional Convention - especially since I didn't completely agree with the author. I'd find myself having to stop reading so that I could explore my own thoughts and flesh out my alternative ideas. I first learned of this book from a friend, but soon saw it being mentioned by grassroots political groups and I decided to indulge my curiosity. I wrote the summary (below) of the 11 amendments. I shared this with my co-workers to spur discuss... moreions, so I hope you can enjoy it too.1 Term limits. Too easy to get re elected. Historically, Congress had high turnover rates but not nowadays. House designed to reflect society but incumbancy, new ideas dont enter the Congress. Gerrymandering has left us no choice but to support term limits. POTUS has term limits and that has been popular.2 Repeal 17th Amendment - no direct election of Senators. Liberals passed this amendment to weaken states and pass the federal income tax. Now, special interests have more sway than state legislatures who are most in touch at the local level.3 SCOTUS term limits & 2/3rds legislative override of Supreme Court decisions - restore checks and balances. Justices make bad decisions (ie: Dredd Scott decision, Roe v. Wade) but it takes courts a long time to correct them because these decisions are considered "settled law". Legislature would respond more quickly to injustices.4 & 5- limits to federal spending and taxing - Levin proposes a balanced budget amendment, limiting spending to 17.5% of GDP and requiring a three-fifths vote to raise the debt ceiling. He also proposes limiting the power to tax to 15% of an individual’s income, prohibiting other forms of taxation, and making tax filing day the same day as Election day.6 limits to federal bureaucracy - require standalone funding bills for all federal agencies with a maximum funding length of 3 years.7 promotion of free enterprise - restore the Commerce Clause and stop its use as the vehicle that federalizes all commercial activity.8 protection of private property - curb federal takings and eminent domain. Require federal reimbursement for lost value of property due to regulation or federal action. Make legal fees recoverable so court system to redress grievances can a again be affordable.9 Require only 2/3 state legislatures to amend the Constitution - amendments should be easier. Calling for a convention where 3/4 of states have to agree would no longer be necessary.10 States veto - allow states to veto a federal law or appropriations over $100 million dollars if 3/5ths of state legislatures agree.11 Require voter ID to protect the vote.
review 2: There are a lot of great ideas in the book. But, I don't see our overly dependent culture actually getting off the couch and making the attempt.Mr Levin, in my opinion, is a far better author than radio host. He set up each amendment and makes a case for each of them that is worth discussion no matter your views. Recommended for anyone who actually cares about our government at the federal level. less

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