I got an ARC of this book through Netgalley and I only regret that I didn't get around to reading it sooner. It is a powerful book, complete with a bold step-by-step plan to save American democracy. This is the kind of book everyone who cares about democracy needs to read, but since I know that won’t happen, I’m going to include a few key points. First and foremost, the website for action is CommonSenseDem.org. I strongly encourage you to visit the site, then take action.

The GQPGOP has four weapons against democracy—unlimited dark money, extreme partisan gerrymandering, voter suppression, and diversionary propaganda—and McVarish has a well-thought-out plan to address all of those issues. “According to the most comprehensive comparative study on democracies worldwide, the United States is now considered a ‘flawed democracy,’ ranked as the twenty-fifth most democratic in the world.” Meanwhile, the GOP playbook consists of one central concept: “All of our problems would be solved if a strong leader would restore our country to our (alleged) former glory even if certain groups will be forced to pay a high cost.”

The current conflict is not one of socialism versus capitalism, much as they would like us to believe that. “The struggle is between those who seek to concentrate wealth and power versus those who want to democratize our society and create opportunities for everyone to live well and have autonomy over their lives.” Socialism shifts power to the government. “More democracy—not more government control or unfettered corporate power—is what we need.”

Every chapter concludes with a long list of publications used to provide factual context for the claims made and the suggestions to fix the system. Just a few facts: “In 2017, Trump removed the words “promoting justice and democracy” from the State Department mission statement. In December 2019, Trump’s treasury overruled Congress and lifted sanctions against Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska (longtime business partner of Paul Manafort and investor of aluminum mill in Mitch McConnell’s state of Kentucky). In June 2020, Republicans in the Senate removed the requirement that presidential campaigns report offers of assistance from foreign governments. Also, that “long tradition” of the 60% threshold for the Senate filibuster has only been in effect since 1975.

So, what’s the plan, you ask? Simply put, there are twelve “solutions.” 1) fix the filibuster; 2) fair representation or no taxation; 3) court reform, not court-packing; 4) Citizens United vouchers; 5) eliminate gerrymandering through instant run-off; 6) our power, our vote; 7) a representative electoral college; 8) welcome Citizen Dreamers; 9) clean slate to revitalize unions; 10) citizen-run, citizen-owned media; 11) unmasking trolls; and 12) pardons for truth (a Truth and Reconciliation Joint Committee). Obviously, there’s more to it than the listed headings would indicate. And these are not necessarily new ideas, but they are presented in a logical manner with cogent arguments for why they will work if pursued as directed. He even explains how the tenth and fourteenth amendments not only justify, but also necessitate these vital changes.

For too long, we the people have been led to believe we are powerless. It’s not that we have forgotten that the politicians work for us, but we have allowed ourselves to grow lazy and give them the power that is ours. It’s long past time for us to reclaim our power and push our representatives to embrace the #DemRevPlan outlined in this book. This really is our last chance. Should Democrats squander this final opportunity, Republicans will take back control in 2024 and will never relinquish it.

I wish I had read this before the election. It would have felt more timely. There almost needs to be an update for what comes next since Trump has lost and what should be next towards the effort to save democracy.

Insightful, prophetic and a must read if you are interested in understanding American politics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and value democracy much more than I did
Thank you Netgalley and .5journeys media for allowing me to give my unbiased opinion.

Last Chance to Save American Democracy

Haven Scott McVarish

I received this book from Net Galley for the purpose of review.

I read only about one half of this book because I fundamentally agree with Mr. McVarish .

His analysis of our government is totally from a very different view than I have and I believe he is incorrect in his study of our nation. We are not a democracy, which is ruled by the crowd, but a republic. Our constitution has worked for hundred of years and continues to work.

If you choose to read this, so be it, but I would not count it as a neutral book that is truth.

A fascinating read that should reach a wider audience than politics students but sadly I fear that it won't. Given the current challenges being made by the incumbent in the face of the election result it makes you wonder if American democracy really is at an end. Truly terrifying stuff.