Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union [Paperback]

David Swanson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Swanson has been an indefatigable commentator and activist tirelessly advocating for the dismantling of the imperial presidency and the restoration of the principles of our Constitution. Daybreak urgently reminds us that good political intentions are not sufficient to ensure the continuation of our democracy; informed vigilance is vital to that task."—Mark Karlin, Buzzflash.com

"David Swanson is the most thoughtful, determined, and energetic progressive activist in America, and one of the most important voices of his generation."—Bob Fertik, President of Democrats.com

Product Description

"[Daybreak is] a useful guide to restore the balance of powers and reclaim our constitutional system of government."—Majorie Cohn, president of the National Lawyers Guild

"Daybreak urgently reminds us that good political intentions are not sufficient to ensure the continuation of our democracy; informed vigilance is vital to that task."—Mark Karlin, editor of Buzzflash.com

"Daybreak offers a powerful and compelling picture of what real change in America could look like. The world needs more true advocates of democracy like David Swanson!"—Thom Hartmann,Syndicated Radio Show host and author of The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight

“Daybreak is an eye-opener about how our nation was hijacked by the Bush administration and how much repair work we, as citizens, must do. David Swanson, who has been a one-man wonder leading the charge for accountability, writes a compelling narrative that inspires not just outrage, but ACTION.”—Medea Benjamin, Co-Founder of CODEPINK and Global Exchange

“David Swanson is the most thoughtful, determined, and energetic progressive activist in America, and one of the most important voices of his generation. He's also a unique bridge between traditional real-world organizing and the brand new world of online activism. His combination of cheerful organizing, passionate speaking, and brilliant blogging is an inspiration to everyone who craves a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.”—Bob Fertik, President of Democrats.com

A lot more has gone wrong over the last eight years than meets the eye, and it will take more than a new president to create the kind of change that is necessary.

Daybreak is a thorough investigation of how Bush/Cheney altered the way American government works and deteriorated the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It includes clear plans for how we may reclaim democracy, declare our rights, and truly set out for a new America.

Shocking and inspirational, Daybreak provides a clear breakdown of all that we have lost,

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Seven Stories Press; First Edition, First Printing edition (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1583228888
• ISBN-13: 978-1583228883
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #316,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 93 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Daybreak ... of the Revolution, August 31, 2009

By	S. Rowan Wolf (Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union (Paperback)

This book accomplishes two critical things. One, it clearly documents the power grab and crimes of the Bush administration. Two, it provides a field manual for a social movement to put the people (us) back within the balance of powers.

The book is an excellent documentation of the theft of our democracy. Swanson presents a thoroughly documented analysis of the creation of the imperial presidency. This grounding is fundamental for citizens to have the tools to counter the blather that passed as news and neo-con talking points for eight years - and continues now as the talking heads try to block any investigation of those crimes.

David Swanson also provides suggestions and strategies for an activist citizen's movement to (1) address the undermining of the Constitution and balance of powers, and (2) to return citizen voice and power to the ruling of our nation.

One of the issues that people across the political spectrum should agree on, is the long term threat that the powers stolen by the Bush presidency will pass from President to President unless they are challenged. Swanson (and most in the impeachment movement) are aware of this as well. There is a consistent effort to paint those who want thorough investigations - with prosecution where warranted and legislative remedy where needed - as wanting "revenge," or having "political" interests, or just "Bush Bashers." However, we know and Swanson makes clear, the stakes are much higher - the future of any functioning democracy in the United States.

This book is more than a "read it" book. Swanson has created a reference manual for activists. Daybreak is chock full of organizational strategy and mechanisms. It provides a vision of what a citizen involved democracy in the United States could look like - and how to get there.

My recommendation: Get it, read it, share it. Kudos and thanks to David Swanson.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Few know the subject better., September 1, 2009

By	Brian Franklin (Davie, Florida USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union (Paperback)

In the fight for accountability, there are many whose actions have failed to live up to their rhetoric. It is one thing to believe this country is worth fighting for, and yet another to actually spend time fighting.

As someone who worked for Congressman Wexler's campaign and his push for impeachment hearings, I can attest to David's fighting spirit and breadth of knowledge. His comprehensive understanding of the supporting evidence - coupled with a singular clarity of the legislative process and players - made him an vital resource.

There are surely plenty of people who disagree with him on Impeachment and/or his approach, but few that have been witness to his dedication, or have heard him speak in defense of the rule of law, could reasonably question his commitment to basic principles of justice and our constitution.

This book not only outlines the broad effort to hold our leaders accountable for their actions (and in some cases, inaction) - but it serves as a guide to understanding how today's activists can still find their voice heard (and force movement) despite the complex political dynamics that govern today's government.

One side note - whether or not you're an impeachment advocate or simply interested in political science, the notes section alone (and its rich collection of sources and links) make this book a must-have.

51 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excerpted from BuzzFlash's Review, August 30, 2009

By	David C N Swanson (Charlottesville VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union (Paperback)

BY BUZZFLASH

David Swanson is the most prolific, indefatigable advocate and activist that BuzzFlash knows of. He is equally at home writing countless persuasive commentaries on the Internet about the urgency of upholding the Constitution and making those in power accountable under the law on his main site [...]. and with being a ubiquitous grassroots activist.

Swanson is a young father, but his personal actions echo the mobilization protests of the '60s. Unlike so many of us creatures of the Internet who make our logical arguments for principle and social justice on the net and feel that we are doing our job, Swanson doesn't miss an opportunity to hit the streets, Congressional offices, protests in front of the White House, organizing advocacy marches -- whatever it takes.

As a result many "mainstream" progressives regard him as "unruly" and violating "decorum." Meanwhile, the right wing shouts, screams, and engages in the most vile, hateful and violent behavior and the same Congressional progressives and "centrists" run scared and capitulate. All David Swanson asks for is justice and is spurned.

A lot of the new Internet left doesn't have room for the likes of a true grassroots activist and "pamphleteer" like Swanson. No, he's not a radical of any sort, just someone who would have been riding with Paul Revere or penning protest broadsides against King George, or organizing protests for American Independence.

He speaks truth to power, and for that he has irritated some progressive Capitol Hill Democrats because he has the "audacity" to hold sit ins and corner Dems who are trying to weasel out of standing up to injustice.

Unlike many progressive net advocates, Swanson is not about to be co-opted by lofty rhetoric about the Constitution by Dems who continue the status quo of letting entrenched power remain above the law. He's not someone who will appear on the media as a pundit (with rare exception), because he does more than talk in sound bites and challenges the acceptable range of being a "Democratic seat filler" on talk shows. So the corporate media knows he won't stick with the corporate news "script" of the day.

David Swanson is what we all need to be if we are to defeat the powerful and unlimited financially backed forces of corporate control over our nation; he takes his case to the streets, to the Halls of Congress, to churches, to colleges, to anyone who will hear him out. He believes that when all you get from the Democratic elected officials is rhetoric without follow through, you sit in their offices until they come out -- and sometimes get arrested.

David is a man who hits the keyboard, but never forgets that it is hitting the streets that makes the difference: that is how we achieved gains in Civil Rights, in ending the Vietnam War, in gaining the right of Women to Vote, in stopping a reactionary anti-immigration movement.

Buy and read David Swanson's 360 page book. If we are to win back the momentum of the '60s, David is one of those who will be there leading us in a protest march for justice.

David knows that the only way to counter big money is sore feet, a hoarse throat, and hundreds of thousands -- even millions -- taking the strength of their convictions directly to the sources of power in America.