Book Review: Mike's Election Guide 2008 by Michael Moore and The Do-It-Yourself Constitutional Amendment Kit by Nathaniel Whitten - Page 2

Rather than urging a partisan line, The Do-It-Yourself Constitutional Amendment Kit is predicated on urging the citizenry to take back control of the government. Whitten's first foray into political humor uses the vehicle of suggesting various constitutional amendments to prompt discussion, debate, and inspiration of ways to "right our lilting ship."

For example, one amendment would make the president's role as commander in chief literal. Under the amendment, any president who takes us to war because they believe it's in our national interest "will be required to physically lead the charge into battle." To encourage voter participation, another amendment would require proof the person voted in order to get or renew their driver's license. To encourage civil decency, anyone using cell phones on public transportation where two or more commuters are present shall have their phone crushed. Furthermore, "Slapping the person in the face with a glove is also allowed (one slap per minute of usage)."

Yet the kit falls truly short in connection with the final amendment, which would require each American 16 years old or older to read and be tested on the Constitution. That is followed by the full text of the Constitution and the amendments to it, along with six blank lined pages for readers to jot down their own suggested amendments. I would be among the first to encourage people to read and learn about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the other amendments. At the same time, it is somewhat off-putting when more than 40 percent of an already slim volume consists of essentially blank pages and material in the public domain. Again, perhaps this is what is required to educate the American public today. Many readers, though, may feel more like they've been taken advantage of rather than thankful they have the Constitution in their hands and available for future reference.

Ultimately, closing The Do-It-Yourself Constitutional Amendment Kit with a significant number of pages focused on the kit approach and educational goal undercuts both its power and its merit as political humor.

Article Author: Tim Gebhart

Tim Gebhart lives in Sioux Falls, SD, where he practices law in order to provide shelter for his family, his dogs, and his books. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle and his blog de guerre is A Progressive on the Prairie.

Visit Tim Gebhart's author page — Tim Gebhart's Blog