Broadly Informative for Those Living Under One-Party Democratic Government
350973
I bought this book on impulse while visiting Chicago. I was shopping for a Chicago city map in Barnes & Noble.
Despite seemingly odd and obscure chapter titles, this is a broadly relevant and coherent work. Topics covered give the reader new ways to see and interpret the functioning of local one-party government. On a subject as amorphous as neoliberalism, a book length treatment allows a fuller understanding. Many of the contributing authors convincingly use quantitative analyses and maps.
Yet, in the action plan offered in the final chapter, this book founders on the next-to-last page. Suddenly we are told, "There is a deep divide between local African American and Latino political elites that is overlaid with a racial divide that separates both from many white progressives." This statement should have been developed in one or two chapters, particularly because it follows a brief summary of Skocpol's "narrowing of civic life" a few pages earlier.
Proofreading failed to catch a possible error on page 86 where Wasserstein, not Wasserman, might have been the right name. Figure 5.3 on page 126 is one of the worst charts I've ever seen. The authors should have presented their data in a table.
4673112
In this book, David Harsanyi provides his readers with a much-needed critique of democracy.  Harsanyi details the problems that are caused by what might be termed "pure" democracy, and rightly notes that history is filled with numerous examples of democracies that have degenerated into mob rule.  (One can easily name examples of democracies gone wrong, including ancient Athens, whose democratic citizenry condemned Socrates to death; the Weimar Republic, which ultimately elected Adolf Hitler as Chancellor; Egypt, whose voters freely chose the Muslim Brotherhood; and the Palestinian Authority, whose citizens have more than once elected the Hamas, a known terrorist organization.)

Harsanyi's primary argument is that the more "pure" a democracy becomes - that is, the more voters who vote, and the more direct their votes are (that is, without mediating structures such as state legislatures choosing Senators for them - as was the case in Abraham Lincoln's day - or the often maligned Electoral College) the more likely it is that democratic rule will degenerate into mob rule, and thereafter, into a dictatorship.  On the other hand, Harsanyi argues that mixed forms of government - like  the United States' constitutional republic - with its combination of monarchial, aristocratic, and democratic structures, as well as its overlapping layers of checks and balances, is the safest form of self-government, because it prevents any one group of people from stampeding an entire nation into a misguided policy.

While I agree with much of Harsanyi's critique, and regard it as a much-needed contrarian voice in today's political environment, I also found this book depressing.  I found it depressing because he takes such a dour view of democracy, and because Harsanyi doesn't offer any solutions to the current problems of governance beyond pointing out that gridlock is actually a healthy exercise of democracy (he argues this is the case because gridlock protects the rights of those who might otherwise be trampled by fear-mongering politicians and a fearful electorate).

Still, I do recommend this book to those who care about democracy, as well as to those who care about the current state of politics in the United States.
3148426
Robinson has written a truly intellectual book on democracy and democracy promotion. While the world debates whether or not the US government can or cannot promote democracy, Robinson demonstrates that Washington has a history of trouncing rather than promoting democracy.  US policymakers have over the years desired pro-US regimes that hold elections rather than truly democratic governments, since truly democratic government may run counter to US interests. His book is a sober and much needed addition to the democratization literature that is mired in an unhealthy acceptance of elections and democratic values as the major characteristics of democracy.
4016187
Excellent! Learned so much about the Democratic Party, their policies, and what they stand for! Would definitely recommend for light reading !
3574275
I bought this to self-educate myself as to why a number of Americans today believe that this form of societal governance and control is superior to our democratic republican form of government and our capitalist society.

Apparently, for those who extol the virtues of communism, merely having to read about, rather than experience firsthand, the purges, the oppression, and the suffering and degradation of the many by the few, doesn't mean much as these people probably think that they would be among "the few" who control "the many."  I am amused by those within our society who live by the mantra "do as I say, not as I do".  What they mean is, communism is for the masses, not for us elitists who preach it.  Come to think of it, that mantra seems to be the guiding philosophy of most of our elected officials, regardless of political persuasion or ideology.
60036
What's particularly enlightening in reading this book is what the French and Austrians did in 2016 in order to maintain norms when the threat of the election of a possible dictatorial right-wing candidate arose. The authors of this book systematically argue that party norms and institutions are what save democracies. Many Americans believe that our institutions are strong enough to secure American democracy but through a thoughtful examination of what has happened in Venezuela in particular, the authors provide an appreciation for just how delicate the checks and balances are.  According to the authors, several extreme candidates for president were iced out of consideration by the political parties. Consider this: historically extremist candidate former governor George Wallace was supported by 40% of white Americans at the time. It was the political party apparatus that kept him off the ballet. This is an important book, not an easy read, but extremely thoughtful in analyzing the complexity of the problem facing Americans today.
3537766
This book focuses on the US government's attack on our civil liberties. I read this book about a year ago, and must admit I remember very little specifics from it (I take that as a sign of the book itself). I do however, remember it being a very quick read. If one is very well informed about Dr. Paul, this book may not provide anything new. But to beginners, this could provide a comprehensive series of arguments against supporting government power.
2626537
I don't normally read political books from republicans, but I happened to run across Chris' blog recently and enjoyed his writing, so I figured I'd give the book a try. I wasn't disappointed; the book is well-reasoned and Chris offers several insights I hadn't previously considered.

The first point that really grabbed me was the idea that teachers are the reason democrats are more interested in actually governing. Both major parties have a number of special interest groups that can be counted on for support, but the democrat's supporters include teachers and other government workers - groups that have a vested interest in a government that functions well. The republicans don't have equivalent groups, and many of their supporters would actually prefer that government not work well; thus, republicans have much less incentive to do a good job governing.

Much of the book is Chris' ideas for policy. As an old-style conservative, he advocates for a small, yet strong government that takes on fewer tasks but does those tasks well. While I certainly don't agree with him on everything, I found many of his points convincing. The book ends with an argument that politicians have become less accountable due to reduced participation in public (not necessarily political) groups, and a call for more community participation outside of voting - be it the PTA, a neighborhood meetup, or something explicitly political - with the goal of reducing extremism by making politicians again geek approval from community-minded interests.

Overall, a good read that I certainly recommend.

Note: this review was originally written for Vulcan Ears Book Reviews (vulcanears.com). I obtained this book through Kindle Unlimited.
4431613
I believe the negative review by M. Knight is probably one of the people who is criticized in the book.  If you're a member of an incompetent and ineffective local Democratic Party, you probably won't enjoy this book.  But if you were frustrated by your incompetent and ineffective local Democratic Party, this book will be helpful.

A problem well stated is half solved. This is an excellent case study of the 2004 election in the 1st district of Virginia.  Highlights many of the common short comings of local Democratic organizing and provides useful suggestions.  Essentially, you are the Democratic Party and if you don't show up to fix the problems; you can kiss our Democracy goodbye for good.  This book helps define those problems.  For more "How To" nuts and bolts see Politics the Wellstone Way.
2974897
Could include more information about third parties such as libertarians
2279349
This book has a few useful ideas, but beware the heavy liberal point of view. In Loeb's world problems are caused by Republicans and solved by Democrats except in the few instances when Democrats agree with their political rivals. This book is a community organizing primer intended for a future generation of liberal policy makers.
471412
This book on the life and times of Walter Mondale is, simply put, a grand tale.  Here, Walter Mondale is seen as what he is, a man whose ideological conflits tell us all too much about our political situation.
  Here we  see the ideology of traditional labor liberalism.  This is the 'hard hat'  liberalism which sought to implement labor protections, universal health  care, free public education and progressive taxation on the rich.  Yet,  this 'old liberalism' was taken by the New Left which made Mondale feel  uncomfortable.
  Yet, as the author does not note all too much, the  conflict within the Democratic party over the issues and ideology does go  much further than simply 'new' and 'old' left.  There are a variety of  Democrats within the left or left leaning spectrum.  There are Labor  Democrats and New Deal Democrats, who are culturally conservative or  moderate but economically left leaning.  There are civil libertarian  Democrats, who tend to emphasize social issues and civil liberties.  There  are "New Left" Democrats, as the book notes.  Within the center,  there are Moderate Southern Democrats, who are New Democrats, who tend to  be conservative on cultural issues than slightly progressive on economic  issues and then there are New Democrats of the North and East who are more  liberal on social issues but fiscally conservative or right of center.  Then, alas, there are truly Southern Democrats, who are conservative on  most issues, and Blue Dog Democrats as well.  This is a huge party with  many conflicts - yet, the party is united on the agenda of activist  government to the benefit of the masses.  That is Mondale's ultimate  agenda.  The author paints it quite well.
  Very recommended.
317681
Freedom House is an organization devoted to the cause of democracy.  As part of its efforts, it publishes an assessment of the status of democracy around the world each year.  This volume considers the status of democracy in 2006.  I am somewhat critical of their methods and the continually optimistic conclusions about democracy.  That said, this is indeed a terrific resource for those interested in freedom's status.

The volume begins with a brief introduction. On page 13, the authors simply note the nature of the methodology used.  Based on a variety of measures, every country is rated 1 (most free) to 7 (least free) on two dimensions--political rights and civil liberties.  Then, the two numbers are used to assign one each country one of the following three ratings: Free, Part Free, Nor Free.

For 2006, the authors see a modest increase in freedom throughout the world, with some noteworthy positive gains in the Middle East (traditionally one of the least free parts of the world). There is also a brief expression of concern about subtle trends in the United States (some counter-terrorism actions since 9/11 as well as partisan gerrymandering of election districts that undermines the competitiveness of elections).  In some European countries, the failure to effectively integrate non-European immigrants is seen as a subtle threat to freedom.

Who are the "worst of the worst"?  The book notes the least free societies on the planet: Cuba, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Libya, Syria, and Burma.

Another favorable feature of the book is its rating of every country.  It provides basic data for each (e.g., per capita income, religious affiliations, ethnicity, population) and a rating on civil liberties and political rights.  Examples?  Afghanistan is rated 5 on political rights and 5 on civil liberties and is judged as "Part Free."  The lack of freedom in many parts of the country outside the capital is listed as one key problem.  Norway is rated 1 in each category and defined as "Free."  And so on and so on.

In an earlier work, "Darwinism, Dominance, and Democracy," Al Somit and I used six different measures of democracy (Freedom House, Tatu Vanhanen's measure, the Polity measure, and so on).  By our calculations, there were quite a few less democracies than one would expect from the Freedom House count.

Nonetheless, "Freedom in the World 2006" is an important reference and is most useful in understanding what is happening with freedom in the world, what the trends are, who the backsliders are, and so on.  Well worth examining.
807300
This is a well-researched book that does give some more insight into the infighting and dysfunction of the Clinton campaign, and validated a lot of what I had read in the postmortem of the 2016 presidential election.  While a lot of it wasn't new to what I had previously read, it did provide a nice chronological look at the behind the scenes of the campaign.

A couple of things were confusing to me, primarily all of the names associated with the campaign  there wasn't much backstory of who exactly they are and, I imagine if you are not intimately familiar with all of the players in the Democratic political machine youll be just as confused as I was.

Regardless of the nit above, I thought it was interesting.  I imagine Democrats can read this one for closure and Republicans can read this and gloat.  For someone like me, I thought it was a nice account.
1229336
This book explores the past and current states of democracy, and examines the current threats to free-market capitalism and democracy.
The future of the planet, and what it will be like for humans to live on it, obviously is of concern to any aware person, and that's really what Mr. Robert Lee is talking about here.  The political and social environment goes a long way toward determining the capacity for individuals to find happiness.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is the historical insight.  In this sense and many others, I think reading "Saving Democracy from Suicide" would be really beneficial for teenagers and other young readers. It's edifying to see a broad topic defined so clearly, and to learn new elements of history that I wasn't familiar with.  In many ways his discussion of the early attempts at democracy was similar to recent findings about the "discovery" of the Americas--lots more cultures may have visited the continent and democracy than was commonly believed.  While the author obviously is coming from a defined perspective and trying to make points that support his argument, I found that he was fair in presenting other historic case studies that did not necessarily support his premise.

The descriptions of the threats to democracy from inhospitable and sometimes even hostile religions and nations are chilling.  Robert Lee has a lot of interesting proposals to reverse the slide of Western civilization, particularly Western democracies.  I think people who read this book will end up having more thoughtful discussions of the current state of the world.  The book is clearly written, and fascinating.
4108613
This book was not what I expected, it did not bash Hilary Clinton. What it does do is explain the state of the Democratic Party in 2016.
Also goes into much detail about the Russian hacking that took place. A piece of the puzzle for the Democratic loss. I did see that Debbie Wasserman spent lavishly on her office and trips and was not suited to be in that position. A good read for anyone interested in politics.
3986351
This is a well written book, but it does not share a great deal of new information. As a previous reviewer said, it presents known facts in an accessible way that does not present much that is new. It is an enjoyable read, but is a read that is more restatement than anything else. It recounts the fact that welfare reform has lead to many unexpected consequences, and how these consequences may reshape politics and society. The people working these jobs are largely women and minorities, and the jobs are not meeting the bills. Result? A larger of economically marginalized individuals who cannot help but demand change from government.