Tag: nonfiction politics

Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America by Mike Bedenbaugh Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Mike Bedenbaugh lays the groundwork for political reform in the United States in the book “Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America.”

The Synopsis

From Founding Principles to Future Promise: 95 Theses to Reinvigorate America for the 21st Century

The United States is in a partisan gridlock. As our constitutional principles erode away and the decline of civic engagement threatens the foundation of American democracy, navy veteran turned preservation leader Michael Bedenbaugh presents a compelling vision for the future of our country.

Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America is a bold blueprint for addressing the most pressing challenges facing our nation today. Drawing inspiration from Martin Luther’s historic call for reform, Bedenbaugh offers a dynamic framework for political reform, reinterpreting founding principles for modern 21st-century challenges. Grounded in lessons across history from the warnings in Washington’s Farewell Address to the Citizens United decision of 2010 that enabled influence of corporations on policy, Reviving Our Republic is a fresh, nonpartisan approach to restructuring American governance, with 40 actionable proposals aimed at fostering a more responsive, accountable government.

In this blend of practical experience and scholarly insight, readers will learn:

  • Proposals to reform the electoral system, including instituting term limits and Electoral College reform.
  • Strategies to curb corporate influence in politics and strengthen individual liberty.
  • A plan to restore the balance between federal and state powers, reviving true federalism in our national government.
  • Methods to ensure fiscally responsible governance and address the national debt crisis.
  • Ways to realign foreign policy with America’s founding principles of neutrality in world affairs without hiding under isolationism.

Reviving Our Republic is not a critique of our political climate—it’s a call to action for engaged citizens who yearn for meaningful change. Whether you’re a concerned voter, community leader, or a student of politics, history, and economics, this book is a radical approach to reform that will inspire you to engage in America’s path forward as a united nation. 

The Review

What an insightful and engaging read. The author’s approach to this subject matter from a purely non-partisan and historical standpoint was refreshing and insightful. The focus on the divisiveness and struggles that come with partisan politics and how it negatively impacts the stability of a democracy was incredible, presenting seemingly inspiring yet straightforward and evolved concepts that could better benefit society. The use of historical context in understanding how partisan politics failed various societies over time was terrific, playing into the idea that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

The juxtaposition of the flaws in our Founding father and their ability to recognize that in the formation of the nation versus the weaknesses in the current political climate and their inability to see past their vitriol was well presented throughout this book. What resonated was the idea of the Founding Fathers recognizing the natural evolution of a society and deeming it necessary to leave room for the Constitution to be amended or changed, which is often overlooked in our modern world. This type of logic fuels the author’s thesis and academic and philosophical approaches to this subject matter.

The Verdict

Insightful, engaging, and thoughtfully written, author Michael Bedenbaugh’s “Reviving Our Republic” is a must-read nonfiction book on politics, history, and the evolution of society as a whole. The call for honorable politics and a need to end attack-based election cycles and focus on the actual needs of the people instead was both inspiring and exemplary, and serves as a broader discussion readers can have going forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Bedenbaugh is a respected voice in historic preservation and community development, with a keen interest in constitutional principles and American governance. Born with a reverence for history, Michael served as the former president and executive director of Preservation South Carolina, where he led numerous initiatives that demonstrated the economic and cultural value of historic preservation, showcasing his ability to blend practical solutions with respect for tradition. 

Driven by a mission to revitalize America’s founding ideals, Michael hosts the podcast Perspective with Mike Bedenbaugh, where he explores the intersection of history, politics, and community development. His unique approach combines grassroots activism with a deep understanding of constitutional intent, offering fresh insights into modern political challenges. This approach was shaped by his diverse career, including his role as CEO of Post No Bills, Inc., a product marketing firm that collaborated with corporate powerhouses like Phillip Morris USA, RCA Records, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, and MGM.  

Michael’s diverse background includes five years of service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS South Carolina, studies in international studies and history at the University of South Carolina and Columbia University, and leadership roles in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. He has also served on his hometown’s city council and chaired his county Board of Zoning Appeals, demonstrating his commitment to local governance. His efforts in community revitalization and historic preservation earned him the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, awarded by Governor Henry McMaster. As a member of Preservation Action in Washington, D.C., he continues to advocate for policies that strengthen local communities and honor America’s heritage. 

A native of Prosperity, South Carolina, Michael remains deeply involved in his home state’s development while contributing to national discussions on governance and civic engagement. His work exemplifies the principle that understanding our past is crucial to shaping a better future. His book, Reviving Our Republic, is an outcome of Michael’s lifelong passion for his community, state, and nation, and was inspired by our founding fathers and the principles that birthed our nation. 

To explore Michael’s perspectives on reinvigorating American democracy through a return to founding principles, visit mikebedenbaugh.com, where he also has links to his podcast, his congressional campaign, and his biography.

New Home

Interview with Author Ryan Bernsten 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve been writing stories from a young age – it started by writing little plays to perform with my friends and family. For me, writing is a conduit to commune with other people, and that’s why my interest has been primarily in playwriting – it keeps the lonely writer trope at bay and keeps art from becoming a solo sport. Writing to me is so much about collaborating, and that’s why this book – which has given me the opportunity to travel across the country to talk to voters and speak at colleges and bookstores – is such an exciting endeavor. 50 States of Mind the book is only the start of the conversation.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My impetus to write the book was a combination of a lot of different seemingly serendipitous factors: like many in the United States, the 2016 election was a wakeup call. I had been working for the Florida Democratic party, and was totally stunned by the result and hungry to dive into the nuances and contradictions of the hugely consequential election. I needed to discover what I missed – I was a Northwestern-educated 26-year-old who had chosen New York City as his home, but also a Rust Belt native who grew up in a sometimes overlooked part of the Midwest. Because of this, I could empathize with not feeling heard by the rest of the country. These preoccupations led me to write an admissions essay to University of Oxford. When I left the U.S. for the U.K. in September of 2017, I had room to reflect on the events of the past year and, fortuitously, the opportunity to pitch a thesis project to my department. The 50 States of Mind idea – the opportunity to travel to all 50 states to speak to people on the ground, seemed to be the best way to dive into the heart of a divided America and see if there were answers to be found from the people.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I think the message of the book, hopefully, makes the reader want to turn off the news, put down their phones, and get out there to fully engage in the ever-changing story of American democracy. We are made to feel that we have to think in black and white terms (or red and blue) about the problems in our country, but there is an awful lot of nuance and gray area surrounding these topics. I think those in power intentionally divide about so many inconsequential things – forcing us to take sides in cultural discussions that have little to do with our democracy – that we lose focus on the issues that matter most and get distracted from finding meaningful ways to make change. Our communities are the perfect canvas for us to get involved and make an impact, and it’s worth considering if we’re actually doing our part to make positive change.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The works of travel nonfiction by folks like Bill Bryson who allows humor to illustrate broader points about society, Samantha Allen who fuses candid memoir with travel writing, and William Least-Heat Moon with the search for meaning among the regular folks in America all helped me reconsider what travel writing should or could be. Seeing what is possible in narrative nonfiction and borrowing what I admired helped me create a work of travel nonfiction that I see myself in.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I really have come to loathe social media because I think it’s tearing apart our democracy (for more details, see the full book or audiobook!), however, I do like to keep people in the loop on Instagram.

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6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

I’ve learned through the development of this book that you are only as strong as those who edit your work, and luckily I had brilliant editors along the way. The most important relationships a writer can cultivate is with someone who will give you honest feedback on relatively polished work. This could be a non-writer, but never, ever make that person feel taken for granted – buy them dinner, buy them a million drinks! These people are worth their weight in gold. And if you are a part of a writers’ group, be the person who reliably gives notes in a week or two. You’ll learn about your own writing by giving feedback to others, and you’re more likely to get careful feedback in return.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m embarking on a speaking tour of U.S. libraries and bookstores next month, which couldn’t be more exciting since it’s quite parallel to the journey of the book. I’m also starting to develop 50 States of Mind into a stage play in the style of The Laramie Project as I hope to use my playwriting background to bring the diverse voices of those I met along my journey to life. 

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About the Author

Ryan Bernsten is a graduate of Northwestern University and Oxford’s Creative Writing Master’s program.  Ryan is a contributor for The Infatuation and has been published in USA Today, The Fulcrum, The Oxford Political Review, and The Trevor Project, where he is the Senior Managing Editor. Ryan is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been performed across the US and UK. You may have seen him as a Slytherin contestant on Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses. ryanbernsten.com

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