Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise [Hardcover]

Tavis Smiley (Author), Stephanie Robinson (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 17, 2009

Accountable provides real-life examples of how crucial issues -- including health care, education, the economy, unequal justice, and the environment -- manifest themselves in our communities. The book demonstrates the urgent need to hold politicians and ourselves responsible, because the stakes have never been higher. Accountable examines present-day conditions and the consequences for America. At its core, this book is a tool with which the community can evaluate the successes or failures of its political leaders and of itself. This insightful book acknowledges the mistakes of the past while offering hope and inspiration for a better future.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Bestselling author and television host Smiley picks up where he left off in his previous book to offer a critical look at the problems facing America and to grade the government (and society at large) on its efforts to substantively confront them. Ever the consummate professional, Smiley delivers his message of hope and promise with a commanding tone that demands his audience's attention. His candid and polished reading gives his political messages an arresting personal touch. An Atria paperback. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Tavis Smiley is a nationally known intellectual, activist, political commentator, entrepreneur, and radio and television personality.  He founded the ground-breaking and historic State of the Black Union series.  Mr. Smiley has authored several best-selling books, including The Covenant and The Covenant in Action.

Stephanie Robinson, Esq. is the President and CEO of the Jamestown Project a national think tank that focuses on democracy.  She is a Lecturer on Law at the Harvard Law School, and formerly served as the Chief Counsel for Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  Ms. Robinson is a nationally recognized expert on issues related to social policy, family, and electoral politics

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books (February 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1439100020
• ISBN-13: 978-1439100028
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #757,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I found this depressing, March 8, 2009

By 

LaLoren - See all my reviews

This review is from: Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

This book is apparently the third in a series. The first two, Covenant with Black America and The Covenant in Action were aimed at the African-American community (of which I am not a member). This third--and final?--in the series is aimed at a larger audience, I'm assuming because we now have an African-American president who is accountable to all of us. The book tells real-life stories in areas of concern like health care, education, the economy, etc.; sets out various possible solutions; then provides a checklist for how each player--including we individuals--can be held accountable.

I didn't take much away from this book, but to be fair, it had a lot to do with the timing of my reading. First, in the midst of this severe economic downturn, tragic tales like people losing their medical insurance elicited not my usual empathy, but a panicking fear about my own situation. Second, I didn't see any of the authors' solutions being particularly workable, and third, the list of things individuals could do were pretty much the same as they've always been--call your Congressman, vote, get involved. Nice when you are talking about saving the park down the street from development, but paltry in light of the issues we face today.

At another time I may well have appreciated this book. Reading it now I simply found it depressing.Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars This book is for the masses not those who follow politics, March 18, 2009

By 

M. Bruner ""Deltareviewer" Real Page ... (Oklahoma!) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

As a Political Science professor, I was extremely interested in the 3rd installment of the landmark 2006 work of COVENANT WITH BLACK AMERICA. Having read all three books and knowing the fundamentals of government, I recognize the importance and urgency of holding the elected officials accountable for the promises they make. The book is well organized - laying out the issues one by one while providing simple solutions. Smiley also offers ideas on how citizens can effectively hold governmental officials accountable.

Now realize that this book isn't the be all end all in solutions but it does serve as an effective starting point for the average citizen. And believe me when I say, that the "average citizen" isn't familiar with the basic history surrounding these common place issues - health care; education; justice; economy; environment, energy & infrastructure; and democracy. The last chapter confronts the promises made during the presidential election cycle - presenting the promise, possible solutions and accountability factors. The notes provided in the back of the book will assist in further investigation of the issues allowing educated citizens to come up with their conclusions. While this book doesn't supply many new ideas or solutions it does give everyday citizens something to think about. Read it and see what it inspires you to discuss - so far I believe it's working.

Deltareviewer
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars pretty basic, July 23, 2009

By 

A. Carter - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Accountable: Making America as Good as Its Promise (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

This would be a good beginner's guide to American politics, especially for younger people just getting interested in current affairs. Tavis Smiley explains the political system in a fundamental and simple manner, using the Obama administration as his inspiration/medium. However, if you are someone who follows politics and/or current affairs normally and already have a fairly good understanding of how the political system is designed to work then this reads a little obvious. If you're looking for a deeper perspective on american politics and/or the inner workings of Washington or the Obama Administration, probably better to pass.