The Conservative's Handbook: Defining the Right Position on Issues from A to Z (Hardcover)

~ Phil Valentine (Author)
Key Phrases: hyphenated labels, ideology doomed, banning guns, United States, Soviet Union, Supreme Court (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

If, as some have said, conservatives are ruled by facts and liberals by emotions, one would be hard-put to find a better illustration of the aphorism than popular radio talk-show host Phil Valentine's The Conservative's Handbook: Defining the Right Positions on Issues from A to Z. Initially his A-to-Z issues were developed as a primer to be posted on his Web site to bring his audience up to speed with today's events. When they proved so popular and informative with his audience, he realized he had struck a responsive chord, that the realities he had outlined spoke to a great number of people.

The Conservative's Handbook provides a conservative viewpoint on a wide range of ideas. Among them are guns, global warming, drugs, partial birth abortion, education, political correctness, entrepreneurs, and the wisdom of Ronald Reagan. In doing so, it covers the hot issues of today as well as perennial topics of interest. The knowledge he imparts is more than just information. It's ammunition for conservatives when they are caught up in discussions with friends and arguments with those on the Left.

Many arguments between liberals and conservatives degenerate into name-calling and unsubstantiated claims. The Conservative's Handbook distills those raw emotions and extraneous thoughts into a cohesive argument for conservative principles and values, covering the full array of today's fiscal and social issues in a manner that is comprehensive without being overwhelming.

This book may inform you, humor you, or enrage you. But if you approach it with an open mind, it will make you think and may cause you to change some of your opinions.

About the Author

Phil Valentine is the popular talk radio host of The Phil Valentine Show on WTN Radio (and heard in more than 40 markets through syndication with Westwood One) in Nashville, Tennessee, the top-rated show in the Mid-South. He also has worked in the greater Philadelphia market for eight years, hosting one of the most popular talk shows there. He lives in Nashville.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 480 pages
• Publisher: Cumberland House Publishing (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581826621
• ISBN-13: 978-1581826623
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #126,562 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to a range of standard conservative views, October 14, 2008

By	Craig Matteson (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

Even though everything in this book is pretty standard conservative thought, calling this book "THE Conservative's Handbook" caused me to pause just a bit. I actually liked the title the author was going to give it better: "The ABCs of Reality". The reason for the ABC stuff is that the 26 articles in the book each start with a different letter of the alphabet, in sequence.

Phil Valentine has his own talk radio show, author of two previous books, his father was a six term Congressman from North Carolina, and is related to the general who was the inspiration for Twelve O'clock High. But he is no arbiter of Conservatism. However, this book is not meant to be that. Don't think he is trying to lay down the true doctrine of what is Conservative and what is not. He is trying to provide you with information you can use when set upon by your liberal friends or if you get a bit confused by the liberally dominated media. If you are tired of liberalism and are new to conservative thought, you can get a handle on some basic information here.

Sean Hannity provides the foreword and you may or may not find that reassuring, but I think most conservatives would feel somewhat reassured that he approves of Phil valentine and the book simply because we know him more than we do Mr. Valentine.

You will find articles that emphasize the goodness of America, the importance of religious faith, a rejection of drug legalization (you see, conservative authorities such as Buckley and Milton Friedman would disagree with Valentine, but I don't), support for 2nd Amendment rights, strong military, support for life from conception, support for immigration control, a negative view of the Clintons (however, his article on the importance of character tees off on Republicans as much as it does Democrats), skepticism about global warming, a love for Ronald Reagan, the need for a strong military, and so on. As I say, it is pretty standard fare, but helpful if you are looking to get up to speed on this wing of political thought.

A useful handbook, but don't mistake it for a catechism.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson, Ann Arbor, MI

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Conservative's Handbook Defining the Right Position on Issues from A to Z, August 30, 2008

By	Frank Davis (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Uncle Phil has outdone himself. This is an essential book for conservatives, liberals, independents, or anyone that wants to know anything and everything about the conservative viewpoint. Phil gets straight to the point on the issues, but provides an outstanding comprehensive detailed analysis. Entertaining, thought provoking, and meticulous with every page proves that Phil Valentine is an outstanding author. Thank you Uncle Phil for this exemplary work.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you SO MUCH!, September 8, 2008

By	Mind Doc (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews

I only wish I had this book years ago! This is the best and most comprehensive book about every pressing issue in America today! It is concise and easy to read. This book is helpful for folks in any party to learn the FACTS about our nation's concerns while providing an opportunity for the reader to make an informed decision about his/her own options. Thank you Mr. Valentine for laying these issues out on the table in such a simplified manner! This has helped me tremendously! I have purchased 5 copies as gifts for others!