Customer Reviews

An Even Better Place: America in the 21st Century

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

 

 

To me, Gephardt has been a representative of everything I care for in the Democratic party - a belief in the rights of labor, civil rights and opportunity for all, as well as special privilege for none. In this book, he does not disapoint. He paints a great picture of what Democrats want for America. He potrays well the party's compassion and traditional call to reach out and include more and more Americans into the middle class while making the rich pay their fair share in building a good society.

An excellent book regarding the political/social issues facing the U.S. now and in the future. Mr. Gephardt's views might even qualify as almost Progressive (views which should be self-evident an any remotely democratic society). Unfortunately, Mr. Gephart dances around the issues of Pentagon over/mis-spending and the the abuses and manipulations of elements within Corporate America. Despite these concessions to political correctness, "An Even Better Place" is a wonderful book and should be read by every Amercian who cares about how our country is run.

The previous reviewer either read a different book than I read or didn't actually pay any attention to what s/he was reading.

Gephardt certainly does NOT advocate attacking his opponents. In fact, one of the main themes of his book is moving beyond political attacks.

I found Gephardt's book inspiring and true. He provides a helpful overview of some of the core problems in our country and, unlike so many others, he offers creative and well-reasoned solutions to those problems.

If Representative Gephardt's commitment to going to the source to learn the real story about problems in the U.S. and around the world were shared by others, our world would be much better off.

My heart has been captured by this mans ideas and will-power to fight for what he believes is right. I was going to pass up reading this book when Mr Gephardt dropped out of the 2004 race, and I'm glad I decided to pick it up. This book was published in 1999, so it doesn't even pertain to the current race for the White House. I wish he was still in the race, especially after reading his book.
I loved reading about his run-in with the Christian Coalition and his views of politics on television. I would read many of these parts over again for inspiration. Inspiration in my party.

As a policy analyst people often ask where my views lie politically. I often answer that they lie somewhere between Pat Buchanan and Dick Gephardt, and I emphasize that I am passionate about the issues where both Gephardt and Buchanan agree: A love of Country, American trade, and integrity in government. Although Gephardt declares himself a liberal, he stands apart from the "New Democrats", and resembles "Old Democrats" like FDR who saw the need to use government to rebalance the relationship between business, government, and The People.

Gephardt outlines how American Democracy is in decline today as a result of the "politics of destruction," lack of citizen "participation" and "ownership", as well as the focus on divisive issues. He offers a personal account of the life events that have shaped his worldview and the major problems he sees facing America today, particularly healthcare, education, and maintaining a living age in our new economy. He offers some strategies to get people involved in the political process and create a better country for everyone.

Although this book was written in 1999, it is a very timely account of Dick Gephardt's policy views as he challenges other candidates in the 2004 Democratic primary. I found the book very pleasant to read, and was left wondering why the National Democratic party has moved away from his traditional views toward the shrill intolerance of today's liberalism. Gephardt may be the last hope for the middle-class working family.

Congressman Gephardt was brave enough to put his principles ahead of his party when he supported President Bush war on terror in Iraq. This is the muster of what makes great leaders.

Congressman Richard Gephardt has been in Congress for over 20 years rising from an Alderman to Congressman. He has been a major factor in improving America as the Majority and Minority Leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives.

Although he recently removed his quest to lead from the Oval Office, his heart and mind are in good steed today. I found his book to be a summation of his works, agenda and goals for the nation.

He outlines in great detail why NAFTA and the WTO must reform to maintain America's middle class and build a middle class in other nations with good labor and environmental common sense to raise all family economic boats, feed all hungry bellies and promote good ideas to serve humanity.

I respect this man on what he does, where he wants to lead and why even in defeat he is the kind of American that is not afraid to cry or fight for his family, dreams and nation. Where do we find such men and women? Cynics say politicians are worthless, I say men and women seeking to lead do worthy effects that help the many more often than themselves or the few.

The author is a great congressman, leader and writer whose vision may not come from the Oval Office right now, but whose guidance can be trusted to guide us with principles and pride in his work as seen in this book.

This is the type of thought provoking book that people interested in politics and public policy must read. Even if you don't agree with everything said in the book, Gephardt strikes me as a leader with a real vision and plan for America. This is also a real insightful look into how a politicans personal experience relates to his political life and policy. All and all, one of the best political books by someone in the ring I have read in a long time.

From a low point of partisan bickering over impeachment to "thinking like owners" in every phase of our lives, Dick Gephardt provides a blueprint for active citizen involvement in our nation's democracy.

When Bill Clinton said, "the era of big government is over," it came at a price. No longer could people stand by and hope their problems get solved. Instead, we have moved into an era where success will come when everyone takes responsibility -- businesses, workers, communities, families, politicians -- and works together.

From trade to Social Security to education to civic involvement, Dick Gephardt offers his vision of a better America -- thinking like oweners in every phase of our lives. It is one where business and labor work together to provide a better work environment; parents get involved in their children's education and communities come together to help provide opportunities for everyone; and our society feels a responsibility to participate in our democracy and take part in the decisions that affect their lives.

While all of these ideas sound nice in a perfect world, Gephardt uses a lifetime of experiences, meetings and conversations to provide a common sense, attainable agenda.

What struck me most about this book, though, is the genuine anguish and hurt Gephardt feels about the state of American politics. He talks about the politics of personal destruction that threaten to turn away every qualified candidate from office. He details the increased partisanship in Congress, where members of the opposite party used to have a beer after a contentious debate and now won't look one another in the eye when passing in the hall. And he discusses the abysmal level of voter participation by the American public.

Instead of just analyzing and identifying the problems, Gephardt offers a call to action. For anyone who truly wants a better America in the 21st century, this book is a must read. It is an easily digestable roadmap that each of us can use to make our communities and our country a better place.

I guess you can't expect a fair review of a political book--you are either for or against the author's viewpoint, literary merits notwithstanding.

I read most of this book in the bookstore as I waited for my wife to finish shopping. His politics notwithstanding, Gebhardt has to be one of the most uninspiring candidate-in-waiting writers with a book out. The prose is preachy and drags in many places...And his political viewpoint is tired and obsolete.

It is quite transparent to me that the first two reviews below were either written by Gebhardt's wife, his aide, or perhaps himself. Readers from Washington DC, huh? The reviews looked like they were passed through committee before being posted here. Let's get real, Dick. How about some FRESH ideas?

Sorry, but I cannot swallow this nonsense.

In this book Gephardt brags about using guerilla techniques to win races. His idea is that if a candidate can't find anything good to say about what he is doing, invent some dirt about the other guy and spend your campaign dollars lying about the other person. Gephardt has recently hired a video photographer to harass Bill Federer. This creep goes around cramming his camera into Federer's face and trying to provoke altercations (or anything that looks like one).

We need leaders with guts and wisdom, not 3-year-olds acting like babies running this country.

This book is ideologically suited for those who wish to follow in the footsteps of Mussolini, not America. It gets an "F".