An Impassioned Call To Get Off The Sofa And Get Involved!
After reading the reviews, the so-called reviews, and a few of the nasty personal attacks, I knew this book, Power to the People, by Laura Ingraham had really hit an emotional note with many of its readers--both positive and negative. Except for the obvious throwback 1960ish book title, I did my best to otherwise come at this book without the biases and comparisons many of the reviewers couldn't seem to stay away from. For me, it helped focus and consider what Ingraham was saying, rather than what many think she stands for.
Right from the Introduction, Ingraham gives the reader a clear picture of why she thought the book was important to write, who she was writing to--the American people, and what she wants them to do in response--get involved. Her straightforward, no-nonsense, and sometimes biting approach is what often draws the criticism, and Ingraham has certainly had her share of criticism--justified or not.
I found her book very personal, and at the same time a constant challenge for Americans to wake up, get informed, and take a good hard look at what is happening in our society. For those who think the purpose of government is to provide all our wants, cradle to casket, will naturally hate this book. Sadly, our refusal to listen to another viewpoint has hurt this country terribly. The respectful exchange of ideas is one of the things that made this country great. But that's not the way we are today--just read some of the reviews of this book if you want to see how socio-politically polarized this country has become.
For the big-government people, the bigger the government, the more involved government is in running the affairs of society, the better. Unfortunately, an historical look at countries that had this kind of government--Germany, Italy, and Russia just to name a few, should give us a glimpse of where we are headed if we don't stand up and take back our country. Many think countries like Canada, England, and the rest of Europe are what we need to be. Take a close look and you will see each of these countries is already neck-deep in a nanny-state style of government--and are rapidly approaching national bankruptcy, hardcore Socialism or Communism, even as I write this review. It's only a step away.
Ingraham's statement, "Whether you know it or not, many of the most inportant choices of your life are being made for you. They are being made by out-of-touch politicians, agenda-driven edu-crats, haughty life-tenured judges, and executives in a polluted entertainment industry--all of whom believe they know better than you." really says it all!
In her book, Ingraham touches on a number of important topics--our families, our porous boarders that have led to an immigration nightmare, our national security, our out-of-control judges and school boards, a call to return to the states and local communities running their own affairs, America drowning in smut and pornography, and much more. Though Ingraham gets a little edgy in her presentation at times, these aren't trivial issues and her passion for America definitely comes through. These issues affect every household in America.
The part of Ingraham's book I found most interesting and informing was her call to return the major job of governing to the states, counties, and local communities. In essence, Ingraham trumpets a call to return to the Federalism of our forefathers. This would, of course, require the reading and studying of the Federalist Papers in our homes and schools--just like during the time of our forefathers.
Many of Ingraham's critics accuse her of wanting to turn back the clock to the good-old-days--the days of Buddy Holly, poodle skirts, a locally run government and an essential federal government large enough to spend its time establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty to all Americans and their posterity (I bet this sound familiar--it's right out to the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution). She probably would agree with this--except for the poodle skirts!
Ingraham's book also includes a substantial section of End Notes and a Subject Index. Criticism or not, she does solid job of supporting her positions with cited references.
I was pleasantly surprised with the final chapter. Ingraham lets her professional persona down and lets the reader get a glimpse of the really personal side of Laura Ingraham. Specifically, she shares her personal struggle with cancer--and becoming a cancer survivor. I enjoyed the book a lot. I enjoyed the challenges and have become more involved in my own community. I enjoyed getting to know a little more about the real Laura Ingraham the most. I highly recommend this powerful and well-written book--to liberals, independents, and conservatives alike. If you have to chew on what Ingraham says a little longer to really understand what she is saying, do it! It won't leave a mark, and your hair won't spontaneously burst into flames either. I promise.
This is clearly her best book to date.
Buy Power to the People by Laura Ingraham At The Lowest Price!
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