America, the Owner's Manual: Making Government Work for You [Paperback]

Bob Graham (Author), Chris Hand (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 23, 2009 | ISBN-10: 1604264764 | ISBN-13: 978-1604264760 | Edition: 1

Would you teach someone to play basketball using just chalkboard diagrams? Or would you get them on the court and have them play? In basketball, the answer is easy -- you do both. So why teach politics only as a spectator sport?

Senator Bob Graham believes that US citizens should expand on their classroom learning about the political system: he spurs them to hit the court and actually play the game. If citizens work on an issue they care about, politics will become a meaningful and positive experience. This short, how-to guide takes readers out of theoretical discussions of policy and into a world where they can affect change. Graham's goal is to have readers identify a problem, and then walk them through each step from researching the issue, to getting others involved, to engaging the media. Each chapter starts with a real case, showing citizens tackling a step in the process, and ends with a summary checklist and a series of questions that help readers put Graham’s game plan in action. By offering readers concrete guidance, an array of resources, and advice for troubleshooting and overcoming barriers, this compact user's guide gets readers way beyond textbook learning.

This book is the culmination of his efforts that began after a year in the state legislature more than 30 years ago, when Senator Graham took on the challenge of civic education at one school in Jacksonville. His time as both a governor and a senator has only strengthened his resolve to pique students' curiosity about politics and teach them to get what they want from government.

Editorial Reviews

Review

If you want to be a part of the political action instead of sitting in the grandstands, then Bob Graham's America, The Owner's Manual is for you. Not only has he been one of America's most effective political leaders, along the way he became a first-rate teacher of his art. --- Senator Lamar Alexander, Former U.S. Education Secretary and Former Governor of Tennessee

Bob Graham is a true statesman who has spent a lifetime developing future leaders and encouraging the youth of our country to participate in public service we are a nation incredibly grateful for all of his gifts. This is an extremely important book and a crucial undertaking that will teach generations of Americans about our government and the very special impact of their contributions. --- Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

At a time when the United States needs an engaged citizenry more than ever, America, the Owner's Manual gives a road map on what it takes to be involved and how individuals can actually influence the political system. Calling on a long and distinguished career in public service, Senator Bob Graham illustrates each of his chapters with real-world examples of success, failure, and the stops in between. It's a must read for anyone who cares about what is going on around them and the future of our country. - --Christine Todd Whitman, Former EPA administrator and Governor of New Jersey

Bob Graham is a true statesman who has spent a lifetime developing future leaders and encouraging the youth of our country to participate in public service we are a nation incredibly grateful for all of his gifts. This is an extremely important book and a crucial undertaking that will teach generations of Americans about our government and the very special impact of their contributions. --- Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV

At a time when the United States needs an engaged citizenry more than ever, America, the Owner's Manual gives a road map on what it takes to be involved and how individuals can actually influence the political system. Calling on a long and distinguished career in public service, Senator Bob Graham illustrates each of his chapters with real-world examples of success, failure, and the stops in between. It's a must read for anyone who cares about what is going on around them and the future of our country. --- Christine Todd Whitman, Former EPA administrator and Governor of New Jersey

About the Author

Bob Graham was elected Governor of Florida in 1978 and served two successful terms. Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1986, serving three consecutive terms. One of his most important contributions came during his last term, when he was named chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. He co-sponsored the bill to create the Director of National Intelligence position and co-chaired the "Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001." Graham later authored 2004's Intelligence Matters, revealing serious faults in the U.S. national security system.

Since retiring from public office in early 2005, Graham spent the 2005-2006 academic year at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He now plans to focus his efforts on training the next generation of public leaders by mobilizing the academic resources of the University of Florida to solve public policy challenges facing Florida, the nation, and the Americas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: CQ Press; 1 edition (March 23, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604264764
• ISBN-13: 978-1604264760
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #251,163 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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