" The Power of Nice" should be required reading for all citizens
934372
I just finished reading "The Power of Nice" by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. I really enjoyed this book and got through it in a short time. (Couldn't put it down once I started). I have always felt that in business and social interactions how important it is to be kind and try to see the other person's point of view. This book was very reinforcing for me as it states so many of the things I try to do in my own life. How when you go out of your way to be considerate and nice to a client and really listen to them, it seems to come back to you in a positive way. (Referrals, etc.)

I wish everyone would read this book...just think of the possibilities if everyone used this approach in life. We would all get along so much better and more people would be smiling and patient with each other, instead of lashing out and using "vinegar instead of honey".
1479295
This is a novel everywhere should be required reading, by parents, government officials at all levels.  This should be sent to every Congress person and Senator as a public service announcement. I hope David Horowitz can get some billionaire or millionaire  to  fund this as a Necessary Public Service donation !!!
Most Sincerely,
John H. Kuhl, CPCM
4411310
This book is an absolute read for all American Citizens - Republicans and Democrats alike.  (I am a Republican - however a people voter not a party voter)  This book is plain and simple good common sense - which seems to have been lost in politics in D.C.  - This upcoming election is going to be key to the future of the country - and we all owe to future generations to read and understand the problems and the common sense solutions and thoughts on the pages of the amazing book.
4298596
This relentlessly honest and direct book makes an essential point that must inform all of humane global policy making. The poor are NOT poor, primarily, because of their lack of access to capital or education, for example, Rather, they are ultimately poor because they are powerless. They are relentlessly, often violently, manipulated. Their world is, thus, effectively lawless. Only by deployment of they power the rest of us have on behalf of the powerless can we hope to build a wealthier, more humane future. We the fortunate must donate some of the most precious thing we have, the rule of law, to the future of all of us.
2953860
I thoroughly enjoyed John Walker's FREEDOM'S CALL for many reasons, but mainly because it reminded me of the importance of all of us to be ready to step up when we see things going wrong. Walker creates in a work of fiction the truth that all os us need to realize: Freedom isn't free. We have to be willing to make sacrifices and also become the voice when others feel like they have to remain silent or have no one to speak for them.

Talk about a book that is timely and a great discussion piece! Whether you are into the day-to-day drama of the political circus, you will want to read this book to see that as ordinary citizens we really hold the real power to make a difference.
3658380
A must read for all.  There are no boundaries to who should read this powerful book.  It has the potential to impact every person who reads it.  This book starts out with a young boy and his report card.  I was reading this while my 7 year old grandson came for a visit.  I asked him if he would like to read with me; and that I just purchased a new book called, "Think Big".  Although, he was not able to stay for the whole book, when he stops by he asks, "Nana, what is happening with the boy and the report card?"  I would either read parts out of the book (that I had highlighted just in case he would ask again and again) or summarize the important messages I had read.  Now I am going to get the movie, Gifted Hands, to watch with my grandson.  This will bring it all to life.
1848116
FIVE STARS for this fabulous book! William Federer has concentrated the political wisdom of centuries in one brief volume, with an emphasis on the Hebraic underpinnings of America's unique Constitutional Republic, and the role of citizen and educators/pastors as the sovereigns and the royal advisors in conserving the self-government of a free people.
Federer reaches back through 6000 years of recorded human history to show how power tends to concentrate in the hands of a few. He discusses how Liberty is lost, and illustrates through history how tyrants seize power from existing rulers by agitating and disaffecting the population and promising "bread and peace" (Lenin).
No matter how much or how little you already know about these things, you will learn from every page of this terrific book. It is a wonderful book for young adults, and a real wake-up call for we-the-people. It is also an important admonishment to the pastors and moral educators of the Land concerning their accountability as the Counselors of The People.
792760
The frightening developments we see in our global community today alarms me so deeply I turn to the annals of history to understand our current moment. In "On Tyranny," Mr. Snyder does more than clearly identify the mechanisms and manipulations that are crumbling democracies world wide. He also provides normal citizens a simple set of steps to proactively protect the freedom and ideals we hold dear. No suggestion requires riches, power, ambition or extreme action, but rather profound mindfulness that can change our political narrative every day. While sobering to understand how close our international democratic bodies are to obliteration, Mr. Snyder empowers us with reason, calm and courage. As witness to the fear, confusion and frustration rampant amongst those I love, "On Tyranny" is the most useful gift I believe I can give them in this holiday season. I strongly suggest this book for every true patriot who loves civil rights, liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness in any country.
2217582
Ms. Kelly's book is essential.  It should be ready by every representative, government official, CEO, lawyer, activist, and business student.
 Kelly asks many important questions whose answers demand change in our system.
 Why should public corporations strive for maximum return for investors by minimizing returns for their workers?
 Why do stock holders have maximum control of a public corporation, when it is the employees and public that are the real investors/creators of a company's wealth?
 Why are corporations given rights of individuals?
 She examines current issues and historical precedent of property, inheritance, aristocracy, and ownership.  It is a wonderful book for the historian as well as a guidebook for the activist.
 I recommend three books without reservation.  The Dalai Lama's "Ethics for the New Millennium", Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography, and Marjorie Kelly's "The Divine Right of Capital".  Read these and make a better world with the gifts they offer.
524704
This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to everyone. It is engaging and easy to read and of manageable length. It is a deeply personal true story about a young man who grew up in an impoverished rust-belt community and ultimately survived serving as a marine in the Iraq War and went on to earn a law degree at Yale University. In it, he asks deep questions about what happened to him and the people in his family and community. It is a compassionate book and he cares about and loves the people (many unfortunate) who were and are a part of his life. The book does not offer solutions (I don't think he believes there are any) but it does offer glimmers of answers that could only be perceived by someone who lived through and survived it. It is extremely useful for anyone who cares about what is happening to the less fortunate in our society and what is happening in America. It could just as easily have been about growing up as a poor black (or any minority) in the inner city. It challenges each of us as to what we can do to help. Thousands, perhaps millions of children are growing up in an America offering them no hope. It is a personal account and I encourage you to read it. We cannot afford to turn aside and ignore it. I wish the NY Times hadn't listed it as a book to help understand Trump's win. Perhaps it might but the book is not about Trump. It is about America. Trump is not even mentioned once in the book. Read it! If we all learn to be compassionate, we may even be able to do something about it. This is not a problem government can solve but only we the people.
3587126
I think the book is excellent; it should be required reading (a way to express how important and informative the book is) for ALL VOTERS! and h.s. and college students.

I bought the second copy to give to friends for their 35th wedding anniversary.
218035
Every legislator should be required to read this book. And frankly, so should every citizen. We need to understand why we have been rich while others have been poor, and where our path is taking us. We will recognize our current selves in the description of extractive societies, and be sobered by what happens to them.
214417
I bought Reverend Peterson's book after seeing him on the C-SPAN Book Club.  This book should be required reading for all students and adults.  The Reverend's ability to explain in detail and in plain English the numerous problems regarding liberal politics and how those liberal laws and philosophies prevent Americans (and yes, unfortunately, Black Americans) from bettering themselves is astonishing.  This book was a real eye-opener regarding recovery, Black racism, the civil rights establishment, feminism, abortion, and love for our Country, for example.  As a white, married woman, this book taught me a great deal.  I am forever grateful to Reverend Peterson.
1414491
This is not just great and well-written--it is an IMPORTANT book and I wish the everyone--especially politicians--would read it.  (Indeed, I have bought copies for my family members and some friends).  The book explains why and how humans not only lie and fool themselves, but even when caught in lies and mistakes, they will continue to hold fast to their lies, justify them with flimsy excuses, and dig in even deeper, often with disastrous results for their relationships and public policy.  Even very smart people--and people who are generally *good* people-- fall victim to self-delusions and deceptions; no one is immune, though we all-too-often think we are.  I recognized some of my own behaviors and it helped me understand some of astonishing and perplexing behaviors of others.  It seems so easy to admit a mistake and apologize for it, but haven't we all experienced people who simply will NOT EVER admit they were wrong or apologize--whether it is regards simple matter or one that has tremendous consequences?  This book explains why we do this and you will become a better person after reading it.  It takes courage to admit when we've erred and hurt others (or ourselves), but we will be better and happier people if we can learn to do this.  This is NOT a *pop psychology* book full of fluff; it is thoroughly researched and written in an engaging and smooth style.
1667148
Eggers and O'Leary have really nailed it in this wonderfully crafted work.  Any person with a remote interest in government and how to make it better, be it voters who have lost faith in our representatives' ability to deliver on big promises, to government officials looking for a roadmap to actually deliver on campaign promises and getting the most of his or her time in office, this is a must read.  And I don't mean a cursory pass or having an intern provide coverage.  This is a powerful book worthy of an active read with a highlighter and a handful of post-it notes.  Every government official, from the local dog catcher to the senate majority leader should be required to digest Eggers' and O'Leary's modern day manifesto for getting government to do big things (and not just voicing hollow promises).  This book will never be mistaken for a boring, required text reserved for freshman political science students. Rather it is a creative, thoughtful and often witty book, read easily on a tropical vacation, at your desk or on your couch.  If our representative government, often mired by inefficiencies and unmotivated, life-long government workers who believe their position with the Federal government is an entitlement rather than an opportunity, is ever going to again accomplish exceptional achievements like putting a man on the moon, then this book must be an essential tool.  A blueprint for delivering on the promises of reforming healthcare and addressing global warming lie in the pages of this book.  Let's hope those charged with delivering on making government better have the courage to heed the words of Eggers and O'Leary.
2564121
I believe this to be one of the most important books written in this decade for anyone who cares about individual liberty. Levin describes how our founding Fathers set up our constitution to protect the citizens from an all powerful government.  He describes how the constitution has been ignored and violated by Presidents and Congress. Our freedoms are eroding and as government has grown ever larger, it has become less a servant of the people and more a master.
 The book offers a dire warning that is a wake-up call to Americans.  The move toward government tyranny has gained enormous momentum since Obama was elected.  Obama talks of the common good, economic justice and social justice.  His goal is a collectivist utopia-a goal that has never been achieved in any collective society in the world. It was tried in the Soviet Union and failed.  It is present in Cuba and North Korea today and it proves that rather than a utopia, tyranny is the result.  The only citizens who enjoy wealth are the government bureaucrats and their cronies.
 Conservatives, on the other hand, look at people as individuals.  They believe that our constitution lays out the perfect form of government-limited government subservient to the states.  They believe that the freedoms in the Bill of Rights should be protected at all costs.  In other words conservatives believe that in following the Founders vision our liberty is protected.
 Levin explains how the free market helps all people regardless of their status. He shows how welfare and all the programs that take away personal initiative hurt poor people and keep them stuck in poverty. He shows how liberalism has eroded our freedoms, hurt our economy, and made the nation less safe.  He makes a strong case that if Americans don't wake up soon to what is happening, our society will totally breakdown and tyranny will result.
 Levin ends the book with a Conservative Manifesto which gives us guide to how we can regain the original intent that the Founders had established at the beginning of our Republic.  We have a choice: to sit by and do nothing while the government grows ever larger and more remote, or get involved, find out what is going on and work to bring back a government that is again, a servant to the people.  I highly recommend this momentous book.
9345
It is rather sad that most people do not understand that when the quality of the human factor decays, the citizens of any country permit their own country to decline too. Historically, the decline of any society or civilization is preceded by severe human factor decay. Sadly, in the United States today, our ignorance about the continuing degradation we experience in every sphere of our livesespecially in the quality of our leaders in at the various levels of governmentis deafening. For those who are interested in leading the charge toward a positive turnaround, Eileen Griffin's new book reveals the truth to us and what it is we must do to achieve a positive turnaround. She calls us to act in ways that will rejuvenate our country and way of life in various ways. Eileen argues correctly that excessive government regulation will destroy rather than heal our nationthe United States of America. To steer successfully away from our regulatory nemesis, it is high time we alter strategy. Our success in doing so depends on who we elect to lead us anytime at all levels of government. Career politicians have and continue to fail us in every sphere of our lives. Our future, indeed, depends on who we elect to lead us into the future and the degree to which these leaders act with moral strength, selflessness, liberty, good judgment, and responsibility in mind. In light of these, Eileen Griffin argues and recommends that we use our power to vote wiselychoosing those who will lead us along the best possible path to greatness. This book is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in seeing the USA rise up and become strong and powerful again. I recommend this book very highly to anyone who is interested in seeing Americansas a powerful nationonce again get back into the role global leadership.