Resources

How You Can Make a Difference

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Message from the author

When I began writing The Independent, my only aim was to tell a great story. That all changed as I delved into the research phase of the project.

While I already knew it to be true, I was shocked by the extent to which the two major U.S. political parties have successfully restricted competition. There has been no single silver bullet. It has been the subtle work of decades that has built a large moat around the two-party system.

Moats, by design, are hard to cross. But with enough collective effort over time, the journey can be made.

How, then, can we make a difference?

Supporting independent candidates for office is certainly one way to get involved, much like the support my protagonist Jack Sanborn received from an angry populace that mobilized quickly in vast numbers.

However, while it is not great fodder for a thriller, the real changes will come from election reform on a state-by-state level. Specifically, I suggest that anyone looking to support change get educated on ranked choice voting and on-partisan top four primaries. The links below are a mix of short educational videos and NGO’s that are working to reform the election process.

The change can happen. It needs to happen. We can make it happen.

Sincerely,
Brad Goodwin

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Classic view of Mount Rushmore
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A vertical shot of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in West Potomac Park in Washington, USA

Step One

Learn a bit more about HOW our political system devolved to where it is today.

  • For all you need in one document, the Gehl/Porter HBR assessment of US politics is SPOT ON.

    The cover of the study for "Why Competition in the Politics Industry is Failing America" by Katherine M. Gehl and Michael E. Porter.

  • Gehl's 17 minute Ted Talk on their assessment is the shortcut version!

    Mile High TEDx logo.

  • Andrew Yang's Ted Talk is another short but powerful message.

    Andrew Yang on a stage speaking

  • Lawrence Lessig's Ted Talk is loaded with great insights on how we got here.

    Lawrence Lessigs speaking at a TedX talk.

  • I don't trust the media much, but this PBS segment on ranked choice voting is a good watch.

    The opening credit of the show on PBS called America At A Crossroads.

  • Who knew Rolling Stone could be a good source of news? Great explanation of Ranked Choice Voting.

    A Rolling Stone logo on a red background.

Step Two

Look into these NGO's, pick one you like, get involved!

Join my List and Get Extra Bonus Material

If you’d like to learn a little bit more about Jack Sanborn and read the futuristic debate scene that was cut from the final manuscript, then please join my mailing list. You’ll receive the bonus after the book is launched.

I promise to honor and protect your email address as I would a dear friend’s (ie. I don’t spam my friends — or anyone for that matter).

Word of warning: the excerpts you will receive here won’t spoil anything if you haven’t read The Independent, but they won’t make much sense either. I highly recommend the full novel as the entree, followed by the excerpts for dessert.

The midnight buffet will be a teaser for BOOK TWO of The Independent – but as a working Dad, timing for that midnight buffet is subject to change!

Happy reading!