Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

It's a really easy read, simply laid out from A-Z with 26 items, marking 26 chapters in which Phil explains exactly what a conservative is and what the conservative stance is on that issue. I'm not a conservative; I'm a libertarian with conservative leanings, and I'm not a Christian, an agnostic by choice. But he makes a compelling argument for each point, whether you agree with him or not. I stand in lockstep on many of these issues with Phil, but like any thinking person I do my own research and have my own opinions on things that matter to me.

Unlike some books written by conservatives and many by liberals, if you don't agree with him you won't find that he calls you a pinhead or an idiot in his book or on his radio show. So please, read the book and then decide before you simply look at the name on the cover and set it aside along with the great deal of research that Phil has put into writing this book. It's well worth the few dollars that it cost.

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

Phil Valentine gives the average Conservative the words to best any Liberal on any point that he or she chooses to argue. Once you read this book and absorb its wealth of convincing ideology, you'll have a liberal resorting to name-calling (their fall-back option, akin to throwing a gun at you when they run out of bullets), seeing the light, or never daring to discuss politics in your presence. I loved this book so much that I bought extras to give to Conservative family members. I recommend that you do so as well.

I realize that liberals probably quake at a read like this but I love it. Phil has nailed it shut and put away the box. I highly, highly suggest this book to everyone. It's what America needs now.

Most factual. There is not a more acurate book written on these subjects.A must read for all people who want unobstructed explanations.

This book explains the general viewpoints of conservatives. Not only that, but it provides examples, including why the opposing viewpoint is not always the right one. The only reason I gave it a four is because a few (and I stress only a few) were a little too extreme for me. He also talks about the left wanting you to think a certain way, which I think is only true for a small majority of them. He makes excellent points, and I urge everyone (including liberals) to read it.

Good brush up for conservatives. Can be a bit caustic at times but at least its the truth! Conservative views are very logical, time-tested, and compassionate. I would have given it 5 stars, except on rare occasions the tone is slightly insensitive. Well worth reading for anyone. We need more conservatives like Valentine!

I say without hyperbole that this is a book that every conservative should own and read. It presents the conservative worldview in a concise yet thorough, easy-to-read presentation.

Conservative positions and values are presented in an encyclopedic format, but written in a very conversational tone. While one would expect such a work to be dry akin to a textbook, I found it to be very engaging.

The Conservative's Handbook starts with the basic tenets of conservatism such as "America is good" and "Belief in God..." and "Character..." then moves into more specific issues like "Oppression should not be fueled by American capitalism" and "Xenophobia is the root of protectionism" and treats each subject thoroughly without going so far as be boring.

I particularly like the size and binding of the book. It's much smaller than a typical hardcover but wider than a trade paperback novel which makes it much easier to keep with me for reading on the train, at lunch, or when I just have a few minutes of personal time. The binding is very high quality as well with good material and strong stitching.

About the only negative thing I can say about the book is that Valentine occasionally repeats the worn out and inaccurate characterization of Senator McCarthyism. While the rest of the book is well-researched and footnoted, it's clear that his impressions of McCarthy are not from research but rather the "if you say it long enough and loud enough people will believe it" school of though. This doesn't detract from the book or Valentine's credibility, however. He's not alone in that area. For those desiring more information, I would recommend Blacklisted by History: The Untold Story of Senator Joe McCarthy and His Fight Against America's Enemies.

This book is an easy read and is suitable for long periods of study without getting boring but can easily be picked up for 10 minutes at a time.

A good read, well researched. Every open minded American should read this and consider seriously.

Everything that you need to know on all of the most popular topics. Conservatives this is a must read!