This book explains how the American people can use a little-known section of the Constitution -- and the communicative power of the Internet -- to organize a federal constitutional convention. It would be the nation's first such convention since the Constitution was written in 1787. At a time when pepole are deeply cynical about politics, a convention could propose amendments dealing with a variety of urgent issues. The author creatively demonstrates that rather than just be discouraged about politics, Americans can improve the Constitution and make their government more accountable. He proposes 10 amendments for a convention to consider, some of which will be very controversial. A University of Kentucky professor of journalism and telecommunications, Labunski holds degrees in political science and law and worked in radio and television news for 10 years. His call for a constitutional convention is based on current political woes--the campaign finance mess, low voter turnout, and so forth--and on a belief that existing institutions (state and federal legislatures and the courts) cannot make the kinds of changes needed to restore American democracy. Labunski proposes local, state, and national meetings to discuss potential amendments and effective use of the Internet and other media to involve Americans in active discussion. He proposes and thoroughly discusses eight amendments: campaign finance reform; equal rights; a crime victims' bill of rights; congressional term changes, including term limits; direct election of the president and vice president; protecting federal courts' jurisdiction; changing the Constitution's amendment process; and repealing the Second Amendment. Even readers turned off by the concept will find useful information in Labunski's defense of his radical proposal. Mary Carroll Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved "...a well-presented and thoughtful blueprint for political activism, offering to return the power of government to the people..." -- Independent Publisher Online, William D. Bushnell "Creative and provocative, The Second Constitutional Convention should be read by anyone concerned about the health of our democracy." -- Patricia Ireland, President of National Organization for Women "His ideas are thoughtful, innovative and undoubtedly controversial. Required reading for people tired of politics as usual." -- Robert D. Richards, Professor of Journ. and Law, Penn State "Professor Labunski has given Americans a thoughtful blueprint for how the new information technology might best be used: the improvement of our democracy." -- Jim Squires, former editor of the Chicago Tribune "With meticulous research and a lucid style...Labunski has provided overwhelming evidence that our political system is in trouble." -- Blurb by John Anderson, former presidential candidate "mixes a quite good historical account of the writing of the Constitution...with breathtaking conclusions and extraordinarily idealistic proposals for change." -- Law and Politics Book Reveiw, January 2001 Labunski is eminently qualified to provide this written call for a second constitutional convention. Well-written and easy to follow. Recommended. -- Choice Magazine, January 1, 2001 This book is especially timely considering the controversy surrounding the Electoral College and the presidential election. I believe this book will interest a variety of readers. I hope it will stimulate discussion about the political health of our nation and how the Constitution can be improved. I urge potential readers to visit the Web site where they can read excerpts of the book and learn a lot more about it. People are fed up with politics in this country and with good reason. Under our Constitution, we are supposed to be able to throw out elected officials who care more about contributors and lobbyists than the citizens they represent. Yet incumbents are able to raise so much campaign money it is almost impossible to defeat them. The American people appear to have nowhere to turn. The politicians who benefit from the system have the power to change it, but they will not do anything that makes elections more competitive and fair. Not surprisingly, people have become deeply cynical about politics and government. Many can't name their elected officials, don't understand the issues, and don't vote. But the Constitution provides its own solution. A little-known section - no more than a few words in Article V - authorizes the calling of a constitutional convention. Americans must hold such a convention, the first since 1787, to change the Constitution. In this compelling and thoroughly researched book, Professor Richard Labunski convincingly argues that a second convention is necessary and explains how to use the Internet to organize it. Never before have so many people been able to communicate with so many others so quickly. By using Web sites, e-mail, chat rooms and newsgroups, citizens w