Customer Reviews

Our Character, Our Future

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This book should be read by all college students. Why? Because at most universities, students get indocrinated with only the "politically correct" viewpoints. Read this book to see what the other side has to say. Well written and very thought provoking. Alan Keyes is a man of integrity, very well educated, politically experienced and he would be a great choice for a future US President. His book presents real solutions to problems and show the mistakes we have made in our culture. This book shows the truth. Also, a very simple, short and easy book to read and inexpensive. Should definately be in every conservatives library. As a Martial Arts teacher, I even make this required reading for all my students to help develop their mental and spiritual side and learn about current American culture. I can't wait for Alan Keyes next book to come out.

After reading this book, I can see why people have a hard time putting a label on Alan Keyes. He's found a way to transcend the typical conservative vs. liberal tags, by -- get this -- looking to the Declaration of Independence (and a lot of world history) for our American "Mission Statement." I especially liked chapter 3, where Dr. Keyes shows a hint of a Francis Schaeffer or Chuck Colson as he exposes our materialistic selfishness for what it is -- "adolescents with a paycheck." After reading this, I was humbled by the high ideals Dr. Keyes described, and inspired to live the kind of life that extends beyond my own little self. A short book, it can be read in a day or two. This is a great read for anyone who likes to THINK.

If you think that the Declaration of Independence is no longer relevant I dare you to read this book. If you already have a healthy respect for the Declaration and the principles therein, then you are in for a treat. I know of no one who can put today's issues in perspective against the backdrop of American history the way that Dr. Keyes does in this book. He shows how important to our continued freedom is the understanding and acceptance that our rights come from our " Creator".

Keyes makes it clear that our rights are not happenstance. They do not come from our laws, or our justices, or even our Constitution. As if he were a modern-day prophet, Keyes announces with boldness the same truth that was realized by our Founders- that freedom and liberty are authored by the Creator, and without said foundation there is neither. With undeniable logic demonstrating the fallacies of modern liberalism and uplifting the traditional values of American life, he roots these ideals firmly in the Declaration of Independence with a solid belief in the truths on which it is based. Keyes is a voice of clarity, in a wilderness of confusion, for our times- times in which we are being tempted to forget the noble passion, vision, and foundations on which our country was built. This is a book by a great emerging American statesman and is worth the read of all citizens willing to pledge their lives, their fortune, and their sacred honor to get back to the only truth that will set us free.

Mr. Keyes takes a stance on what he feels are the root causes for problems in this country in various different areas. Although you may not agree with all of his points it's refreshing that some people are actually intelligent enough to search for the underlying root causes for problems rather than just have government throw more money at them.

The interesting thought process also explores how the liberal government programs are leading this country to a socialistic society, where our very rights to earn a living and profit from it are slowly being deprived in favor of spreading the wealth to non-working recipients, without giving them any ability or desire to change their own situations. Through taxes, and higher taxes for people earning more, the government is dictating just how much of your money they can take and redistribute to people who take no responsibilities for themselves, their families, or their obligation to contribute to society rather than take from it.

"What sense is there in winning, in success, or even in prosperity if there is no truth." So opens Allen Keyes' fabulous but short compendium of essays. From this initial line it's clear he opposes the modern American fad advanced by, as Keyes notes, the covert totalitarianism of today's "tolerant" crowd who hold "the bigoted opinion that if you disagree with them you must be pretending".

As the only statesman and orator in America's last party primaries, Keyes is feared by some, not because he is black as Keyes once claimed, but because he is brilliant - a condition frightening to ignorance.

One of Keyes central refrains is that "we don't have money problems, we have moral problems". But morality is not fertile in the American mind through the expected and intended cultivation of education where respect and honor are reached through the application of Enlightenment reason with an understanding of natural rights, founding documents, their supporting material and the Founder's source and positions on such matters. Instead, for Keyes the moral alpha and omega are sourced in the Christian God, not reason, though he has a great talent for it. Where he fails is as a Creationist, wishing school boards across America could force Christianity into science class (tangentially referenced in his last preachy chapter). Keyes' respect for deep, open education is thus in doubt, mixed in the very least. And yet, on the contrary, Keyes has a respect for science, apparently as long as it does not squeeze his beliefs.

An Alan Bloom disciple, Keyes knows alternative ways of thinking, giving him a capacity to see beyond his time and place. With this tool his book is a bit of revelation every other page.

Alan Keyes makes a strong case that there is a link between the Christian heritage of the United States and God's blessings. He does so by presenting the facts and showing how the nation has strayed off course. Keyes has always been bold in articulating his convictions publicly. His approach is to let the chips fall where they will. He is courageous and straightforward.

The chapter I found particularly insightful was the one on consumerism. In it he explains that the media create "needs" for "perpetual teenagers." He contrasts this with maturity, i.e., self-control--which the media portrays negatively. He concludes that "consuming passion means self-destruction." The media feeds the consumerism impulse. It sells goods and services, but in the meantime media users' self-control grows weaker and weaker over time.

If you think that the Declaration of Independence is no longer relevant I dare you to read this book. If you already have a healthy respect for the Declaration and the principles therein, then you are in for a treat. I know of no one who can put today's issues in perspective against the backdrop of American history the way that Dr. Keyes does in this book. He shows how important to our continued freedom is the understanding and acceptance that our rights come from our " Creator".

The ideals, principles and values that are the foundation of this country are the only things that can sustain it. Alan Keyes knows this. See the light and be inspired...

Thanks for the book. It arrived on time and in the exact shape stated.