The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream | Barack Obama

The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream | Barack Obama | A Balanced Approach To The Issues Facing Americans

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The Audacity of Ho...

	The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream Barack Obama Three Rivers Press, 2007 - 384 pages average customer review:based on 579 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Inspiring

Boy, now that we're in the heat of the campaign season, this book is more relevant than ever. I found Barack Obama's book to be well-written, insightful, and, as the title implies, hopeful. Obama recognizes the country's strengths and weaknesses, and has a vision about how to correct the problems we have. Some of the highlights of the book for me:

* How people begin to "speak like politicians"- since elected representatives have to rely on fundraising to get re-elected, and since that fund-raising comes from special interests, they are always having to watch their step to make sure they don't bother those who helped them get into office. In addition, with the modern media, every word an elected leader says is intensely scrutinized. So inevitably, once elected, people will measure their words very carefully, and begin to "speak like politicians."

* His grasp of history. Obama correctly notes that America has some rather unpleasant traditions, including slavery and the "Native American issue" that do not fit well with the ideals set forth in the constitution. Nonetheless, he sees the constitution as something more than just one more contingency of history; rather, he rightly admires the achievements of the constitution, such as the separation of powers, checks and balances, etc. I especially liked how he notes that one of the earliest founders, Alexander Hamilton, was a proponent of an energetic central government that promoted national development. In other words, not laissez-faire at all.

* Above all, his discussion of the issues. For example, with globalization, he recognizes it as a reality, but insists that it cannot occur at the expense of environmental and economic issues. "American can't compete with China and India simply by cutting costs and shrinking government- unless we're willing to tolerate a drastic decline in American living standards, with smog-choked cities and beggars lining the streets. Nor can America compete simply by erecting trade barriers and raising the minimum wage- unless wer're willing to confiscate all the world's computers." Significantly, and related to the point about there being a tradition in America of using government to promote American interests, he writes that "The Ownership Society doesn't even try to spread the risks and rewards of the new economy among all Americans. Instead, it simply magnifies the uneven risks and rewards of today's winner-take-all economy"

It seems to me that Obama has a vision based on acknowledging rather than disregarding differences, and on the ability to see the world through other people's eyes. "No one is exempt from the call to find common ground." As of this writing, it does not look like Obama's message is going to win, but I have not (yet) given up hope. If you want to understand the campaign and the issues, involved, please take the time to read this book, especially if heretofore you have been relying on reports in certain news networks and talk shows for your information on the man.

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A Balanced Approach To The Issues Facing Americans

Unlike most other books by politicians, this one was not penned with the help of a "ghostwriter" but by Obama himself. This is especially impressive considering what a well written book it is. Barak devotes chapters to topics such as faith, race and the international community, while outlining the political objectives he would seek to achieve as president.

As a dedicated liberal, I would have preferred stronger language on issues like universal health care and the environment. But Obama demonstrates himself to have an extraordinarily balanced mind. So perhaps his approach will be the most successful in being able to end partisan bickering and enact meaningful legislation to improve the state of the nation and bring Americans together.

This is perhaps the most important presidential election in recent memory. So I would encourage everyone to get out and vote. Of course, my vote will be going for Obama.

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A Glimpse Of Good Things To Come

I admit I became interested in Barack back in 04 like most people. This is the first book of his that I have read (I'm currently reading Dreams From My Father). He lays it out, covers every topic facing America today. My only slight gripe about this book was chapter 8 "The World Beyond Our Borders" where he goes into a mini American military history lesson but to appeal to the average person I can see why he added this to connect his points on diplomacy.

barack obama the audacity of hope

Great Book, 5 stars

Why Barack Obama Won My Vote

If you liked the Audacity of Hope you will also like "Why Barack Obama Won My Vote" by Texas James.

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