Charles W. Thompson “Is the United States Worth Saving?” Book Signing Aug. 13 at Library Center
August 9, 2016 —
Author Charles W. Thompson will sell and sign copies of his book, “Is the United States Worth Saving?: For a More Perfect Union!” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, in the Library Center concourse, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.
In “Is the United States Worth Saving?” Thompson spells out the dangers that our republic has encountered, and explains how 21st century reality presents extreme dangers for citizen control of its government. The author focuses on several fundamental conditions he believes have eroded representative government: a slow, insidious alteration in methods for selecting representatives—encapsulated in the words “gerrymandered electoral districts” and “representatives for sale”—and massive growth and a multinational economy. The results are a shrinking “middle class” and stagnated mobility as well as greater class distinctions he writes, and offers several proposals to ensure public control over government.
Thompson served as city manager in communities across the U.S. for 36 years, including Springfield from 1964-65. He was also employed by Missouri Gov. Warren Hearnes to draft legislation and the organizational framework for a State Department of Urban Affairs. He is now retired, living in Huntington Beach, Calif.