This book changed the way I think about public policy
351057
Incredibly nuanced, systematic and complex; shows you just how and why policy is influenced by the those in charge. Very theoretical with an anecdote or two for each principle.
205241
Extraordinarily interesting book that every federal, state and local policymaker should read in order to understand how they are impacting the economy with their decisions. The author's style reminds me of my favorite economist, Thomas Sowell, in the fact that he explains complex economic issues in a very easy to understand manner with interesting anecdotes. Additionally, I really appreciated that the author used extensive data to back up his research. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to better understand how nations (or states or local government) can best succeed.
4334332
I became a recent fan of Mark Levin. I never thought that I would be a conservative, but growing up with my parents listening to Rush, it only seemed natural that I would follow that path too. This book really changed the way that I look at our country. The lack of personal responsibility in this country has been a strong feeling of mine for several years, only now strengthened following this election.
You will enjoy this book.
3159113
I use Stone's excellent "Policy Paradox" in teaching classes on public policy, so looked forward to reading this meditation on the role of government in society and our political system.  It surpassed my high expectations going in.  Very readable: completely free of academic jargon, and a wonderful mix of thought-provoking points and engaging stories kept my interest throughout.  At the book's heart is a deceptively simple--and vital--question: how and when should we help our neighbor?  And who, if anyone, should do so when I'm unable/unwilling?  Stone convinced me that our current answers, rooted in a false spirit of "self-reliance," are poorly thought-out and, too often, downright cruel.  I'm a fiscal conservative, but her account of what we the people collectively (i.e., our government) should do for one another in times of need left me both profoundly moved and ready to help.  A genuinely important book, by a national treasure of an author.
1174069
I love this book.  It looks at issues as power, freedom, democracy, and utilitarianism, but not from the view of politics or political science, but from philosophy.  (Too bad political policy isn't done this way.  At least, they put thought into it!)
2099573
This book changed the way I think about and interact with my space. Even my girlfriend noticed a change in my behavior and tidiness.
2562141
Knowledge is Power.

I feel so much more empowered after reading Norm Stamper's book and to participate in the debate/dialogue needed for real change in our nation's police practices.  As an average-Joe citizen with zero education/training in policing, I feel that I have an understanding of the key issues Stamper carefully and artfully draws out in his book.
321421
After reading David Madlands book, I feel that the current economic conversation can start to shift and address the inherent inequalities that have been increasingly widening.  Its great to finally read a book that provides clear and logical arguments for why we should finally put trickle-down economics to bed and focus on strengthening the middle class.  Its hard to understand why this idea has eluded most politicians.  This book is such an important read and comes at a time when the country has started to shift its thinking on many issues.  I am looking forward to reading Dr. Madlands work in the future.
1439247
I cannot believe how much this book changed the way I look at judges, juries and just how we punish the criminal.  I thought this book would be a difficult read, but the author was so open and seemed approachable in his words, I got through the entire book in a short time!

The subject is so interesting, I couldn't put the book down.  I've always been interested in the law and Judge Hoffman put the law and the morality of the way we punish in a new light with all his research and conclusions.  Honestly,  I was surprised at how this book took me in and gently explained a subject I didn't think I could ever understand.  Loved it.  Will recommend it.
508854
Within the first few pages, I was noticing a change in the way I perceived things. This book opened my mind to great ideas, helping me move forward towards my goals.

Great read, I highly recommend it
2199394
What a great book. I feel that this book can change the way people think on a day to day living.
4726698
Another book that is an essential read.

This again is one of those books that I feel should be the focus of High School and College level History/Economics/Philosophy Classes.

Ron Paul goes through 50 issues that impact our every day lives and the future of our nation.  He has wonderful insight and experience that clearly comes with age and a great deal of study.

He opened my eyes to new viewpoints I had not previously considered and changed my narrow view of some topics.

Surprisingly this book made me think about Abortion and the Death Penalty in a whole new light I had never even thought of.  So much so that I felt compelled to rethink my position on these two topics specifically.

Much of the book resonated with me as I feel Freedom and Liberty are innate in human beings.  That we all year to be free from oppression - whether it is from Tyrants or Bureaucratic busy bodies.  More freedom does always seem to be the best solution for our problems yet even today our national leaders always feel compelled to "do something - do anything" when we have a crisis(hell even when we don't have a crisis).

This book is one I read regularly to remind myself of the ideas and principles of Liberty and how they apply to our day to day lives.
1686280
I am not one to recommend books, especially those dealing with politics or social issues, widely. However, this is a book I am telling everyone I know who cares about the US and our society, and others that should but really don't that they should read.
It doesn't matter what your political persuation, Conservative to Liberal (unless your an extereme leftist who wears Che shirts and has a portrait of Marx on your wall) there are points in this book that will make you stop and think. It may just create a number of new libertarians which I feel is a good thing.
Boortz takes what could be very boring topics and makes them enjoyable. Humor is as abundant as his well reasoned arguements and little known facts (which he tells readers not to believe unless they research them personally).
Some of his ideas are a bit radical to most people, such as having to pass a test before being allowed to vote. Or rescinding the 17th Amendment (which allows the voters to elect US Senators thus usurping the individual state's voices in Congress). I especially like his idea of welfare reform.
When you contemplate his reasoning it's tough not to at least partially agree.
His civics test opened my eyes to several facts about our Constitution and government on various levels (especially the fact that there is no right to vote in the Constitution). And I am a history and political junkie.
This is the type of book you want to buy not only to read but also so you can pass it on to friends or leave in a public waiting room so someone else can pick it up and hopefully pass it along.
4276326
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I was skeptical at first when I received this book due to my lack of knowledge in politics, but with an open mind and some common sense, you can easily understand what message this author is trying to portray. I have never been a fan of politics, and I can say that with even more reason today given recent events. This book, however, helped me realize that there are others like me out there who are confused by our government and want to give up hope for a better future. And instead of giving up hope, the author helps you understand that with a little motivation and working together, we can stand up to government and make it right. I thought politics was a bit complex, I never wanted to get into it to learn more, but this book helped me notice that politics is just a game that is being played wrong most of the time. There are fewer people out there in their right mind, and unfortunately those people are also the ones who do not speak up. Let's all read this book and stand together to make a change for a better economical future.
2705355
This was one of the first books I read that was even remotely related to economics.
Growing up, I assumed that it was all about insanely impossible math and that economists were actually wizards. This book really played on my interest in philosophy and history, and helped tie together about a hundred or so notions that I had floating around in the old noggin but previously lacking context. It did an equally efficient job at obliterating my preconceived ideas about the Austrian school of thought and the ideas of free markets. I'm not going to lie, I used to think that central planning could create a perfect utopia. This book definitely wasn't the nail in the coffin for me, instead it was the first book that had me looking at the ideas of centrally planned economies in a whole new light. I really can't believe that this book isn't more popular than it is, it's a must read!
3734748
This book was eye opening, educational, useful, funny, and thought provoking. It should be a must read for politicians, parents, teachers, philosophers, concerned citizens, and economists. The author's experiences helped me understand the cycle of poverty, the concept of a permanent underclass, the problems with our social class structure, and life in the inner city. This book really made me question our priorities as Americans and gave me a philosophic view of the inequality we will contuinue to face in this country. The author is brave, determined, and compassionate, and her writing style makes you feel like you are teacher! Great read, I couldn't put it down!
1077383
This book gave me a lot to think about and is challenging me to step out of my comfort zone in ways I hadn't considered prior to reading this book.