The writers of a new book advocating for changes in the American democracy to make it more relevant to the 21st century will present their ideas at a public forum at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the LOW Community Center.
The event, which is open to the public, is sponsored by The Lake of the Woods Democratic Club.
Jack Trammell and Guy Terrell are the authors of “The Fourth Branch of Government: We the People,” published in July by Brandylane Publishers Inc. of Richmond, Va.
In the book, Trammell and Terrell make the argument that certain fundamental changes in the framework of our democracy — the U.S. Constitution — may be necessary, changes that include eliminating the Electoral College, implementing electronic voting, perhaps even changes leading to a broader and more direct participation by citizens in our governance.
In Chapter 3 of the book, entitled “Our Unfinished Nation,” the authors write: “The Constitution was created to establish a republic, balance the power of the three branches, and establish the mandate to allow governance of a new nation. Changes to the Constitution were then and remain the key to guaranteeing our future. No one wants to destroy the Constitution, but it no longer matches the times we live in either.”
The influence of the Internet and social media, the writers say, has given American citizens greater access to information that ever in our history, but has left many feeling disconnected from the very mechanisms and people who are supposed to represent their interests.
Trammell, who ran for Congress from Virginia’s 7th District in 2014, is an associate professor of sociology and director of disability support services at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Va. He was a political science undergraduate at Grove City College in Grove City, Pa., where he earned a bachelor of arts degree. He holds advanced degrees or certificates in education, special education, history education, and research methodology, including master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
Terrell, holds a master of business administration degree from George Mason University in Fairfax and a masters degree in information systems from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He is a published poet and past president of the Poetry Society of Virginia.
Copies of the book are available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.
Get together with others to watch the first presidential debate at the home of Jim Donovan at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26. Support Hillary Clinton as she demonstrates why she is the only candidate with the knowledge, experience and temperament to lead our nation in the next four years.
Sara Jezior, who represents the Democratic co-ordinated campaigns for our area, will be guest speaker at the club’s August 18 meeting.