With up to a million viewers each day, Lou Dobbs Tonight has become one of the most popular news programs in the nation. Now Dobbs, whose last book, War on the Middle Class, captured the plight of working Americans, asks the question: What has happened to the American dream? By examining the disastrous pubic policy choices that have eroded individual liberties, reduced workers rights and pay, and led our nation into division at home as well as into conflict around the world, Dobbs charts a determined course that will restore the fundamental equality of rights and opportunity for all Americans. I n a time of acute political turmoil, this is a book of vital importance from a revered independent.
Lou Dobbs "Independent"
I received a pre-release copy of "Independents Day: Awakening the American Spirit" by Lou Dobbs for professional review. Not being a huge Lou Dobbs fan, I wasn't sure what to expect, even though I knew he was very patriotic and now writes a weekly syndicated column. I have to confess that I was quickly drawn in and captivated by the contents of the book and, actually, pleasantly surprised by its insight, depth, research, genuineness, practicality, and motivating nature--and is even very funny at several parts. Most of all, rather than just being a negative critique of American modernity, it is a remarkably pragmatic and inspiring work--having just finished it, I am truly quite motivated to do a host of things he outlines in his book, including taking better care of me. This is not just another political diatribe--it is a cultural manifesto.
The book begins with a summary of eight major problems threatening America, in the first chapter, "One Nation, Divided, and Without a Clue." Before detailing his and others' (including our Founders') solutions to our problems in the subsequent chapters, Dobbs opens up the book by explaining these major threats that are tearing apart the fabric we call America: (1) we've lost the connection to and sense of our Founders' America, vision, and legacy; (2) we've got no control over spending--and too much debt, nationally and personally; (3) America's borders and boundaries are still too fluid and unprotected; (4) we've lost our moral compass, and must relearn our Founders' path to civility; (5) we've devalued human life to the point that we've lost the sense of human wonder and awe--which has ultimately contributed to our mistreatment of one another; (6) we are failing our children and the younger generations by not being more intentional in passing down to them the baton of building a better America; (7) the dissolution of the traditional family; (8) Apathy--physical, mental, and spiritual.
The following eight chapters not only detail each of those problems, but give Dobbs' and others' practical solutions--which we can begin implementing immediately. The genius of the book is not found merely in Norris' practical wisdom and motivating altruism but our Founders' work and instruction for future generations. As a supporter of a strictly constitutional America(as proposed by such congressmen as Ron Paul), I've read quite extensively about the Founders and Framers of America. Dobbs does an exceptional job to include throughout each chapter significant (and in-context) excerpts from them, not merely trite Whitman samplers or overused quotes to suffice pseudo-history buffs. Dobbs includes insights from our Founders on a host of today's issues and problems (as Norris calls them, "old solutions for new problems"), such as those on restoring good government, reducing taxes and debt (national and personal), addressing border and immigration issues, raising youth, establishing morality and civility, and even enhancing good nutritional habits (yes, Thomas Jefferson spoke about that too).
Dobbs obviously has a great handle on cultural issues, pundicy, and research, as the reference works cited throughout the book are reputable and scholarly resources--well-known and widely-used in each particular field of study. (The End Notes alone are a veritable gulf of information and resources.) Dobbs does not disappoint in any respect, even in conveying plenty of personal stories as well, many told for the first time in this book, personal accounts with border agents and troops abroad to stories of American-heritage revisionism and his weekly work-out plan with his family's nutritional diet.
There are many pleasant surprises in the book, including what America's Founders thought about a host of issues we face today (including those one wouldn't typically think they would have addressed--like exercise and nutrition, or marriage and family), the best summary and pitch for the Flat Tax I've read, a remedy for the millions of illegal immigrants already living in the country, proofs of how we've been fighting Muslim extremists since the founding of our country, a battle plan concerning how to flank the enemies of today's youth, a fascinating critique of how we've devalued humanity in comparison to our Founders (and how to reinstill their higher value), some very inspiring faith-stories (and of course tough-guy stories too), Lou's weekly workout program and eating plan (how he stays in such great shape), one of the most fascinating and challenging readings (chapters) on the American family, and (for icing on the cake) a batch of new Dobbs photos at the center of the book.
The book concludes with a rallying call in chapter 10, "Reawaken the American Dream," then gives a few appendices in which are copies in entirety of the three documents that Norris says should be posted in every American home: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Ten Commandments.
Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend "Independents Day: Awakening the American Spirit." Whether you are a Lou Dobbs fan or not, or even an American, you'll be motivated over and over to not give up on America, Americans, our cultural wars, or your personal finances, faith, life calling, marriage and family, health, etc. Far more than just a typical book on politics and government, this is an insightful and inspiring cultural manifesto on rebuilding America and rediscovering the American dream. Well done Mr. Dobbs!
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