Extremism Triumphant: The Politics of Slavery and Abortion [Paperback]

Darin P. Wipperman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2003

Generations of Americans have witnessed the political disputes over slavery and abortion, the two most contentious issues in the nation's history. This book surveys the origins and course of this unfortunate strife, arguing that leaders on both sides of the two issues have embraced political expediency or an illogical view of the Constitution, rather than viable solutions. Focusing on key events and a diverse range of individuals, Extremism Triumphant offers fresh perspectives while lamenting missed opportunities and bitter debate. Making extensive use of Congressional debates and Supreme Court opinions, the narrative takes us on a journey from before the nation's founding to the early part of the 21st Century. Critical of each pole of the slavery impasse that brought civil war, the book shows how the nation made numerous errors as it tried to tackle the equally passionate feud over reproductive freedom. Unsurprisingly, both camps of the modern abortion debate receive criticism. With a willingness to question conventional wisdom dear to conservatives and liberals, Extremism Triumphant challenges each side to ponder its own claim to the moral high ground.

Product Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Brown Walker Press (October 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581124139
• ISBN-13: 978-1581124132
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,069,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Extremism and politics, August 21, 2007

By 

L. Cole (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extremism Triumphant: The Politics of Slavery and Abortion (Paperback)

This is a book about how extremist views shaped and controlled the political environment in America.

Wipperman takes two controversial issues, slavery and abortion, and shows how extremist views shaped and encouraged unnecessary conflict. From Chief Justice Taney's activist perpetuation of the Southern slaveocracy to Justice White's lament of Justice Blackmun's decision to be the nation's "ex officio medical board," Wipperman shows how American political institutions either overshot Constitutional limits or deliberately abrogated rights secured by the Constitution.

Wipperman does not just beat up on some Court decisions and support others; he also critiques Presidencies and legislatures and shows how extreme views also shaped presidential and Congressional debates and actions. Extremism in the slavery debates thrust the nation into civil war. Extremism in the abortion debate has subjected 300 million Americans (pro-life, pro-choice, undecided or whomever) to the mere whims of the Court.

While his political preferences become clear, Wipperman provides a balanced view of the debates. I found myself praising him on one page and cursing him on the next.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fresh View of the Social Issue of our Day, March 18, 2006

By 

President Cleveland (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extremism Triumphant: The Politics of Slavery and Abortion (Paperback)

Using political and judicial history Wipperman weaves a fresh analysis of Roe. All too often it seems as though one must be conservative, or follow a strict, textualist, or originalist approach to Constitutional interpretation to find fault with Roe. Wipperman succesfully debunks this concept. I highly recommend this work for anyone - left or right - who seriously wants to work through one of the major socials issue of our day.