Customer Reviews

Grassroots Tyranny: The Limits of Federalism

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This is a concise, well-written contemporary statement of classical liberal (libertarian) political philosophy. The ease with which it can be read makes it an excellent primer and gift for those unfamiliar with libertarianism. Bolick has a real knack for explaining the hazards of government and the benefits of freedom that attract people who would otherwise be uninterested. Most libertarians direct their writings to intellectuals, and they often seem arrogant and indifferent to the hoi polloi as they churn out books from the comfort of well-heeled think tanks. But Bolick obviously cares about the "have lesses," and, despite his uncompromising libertarianism, he connects with them.

Grassroots Tyranny also makes some telling points that confirmed libertarians should consider carefully. He does a fine job of debunking the idea that the individual states will defend freedom more ardently than the federal government. Bolick saw the coming of local tyranny more clearly than the libertarian elite.

Highly recommended for libertarians and those who are not.

I have read and re-read this book many times over the past 10 years. It perfectly explains Federalism and concepts revolving around maximizing individual liberty and how local governments infringe on those liberties far more and more grievously than state or the federal government do (although all governments do). I am an attorney working in the area of municipal litigation (zoning, police brutality, and violations of a medly of individual rights), and I see first-hand "tyranny" in all its various degrees being enacted by municipalities--most of which are run by yokels and non-lawyers with little understanding, or at least respect for, the Bill of Rights, and individual rights that SHOULD be respected and inviolate by local governments and not just state and federal governments. (Ironically, I work on the defense side--defending governments--so you can imagine the unease I feel in doing my job while daily being exposed to and seeing examples of injustice perpetrated by these petty fiefdoms).

This is the worst political book I've ever read. Clint Bolick is a mad man! Has he ever even seen grass? Much less grassroots? I think not (since he lives in Arizona... I've been keeping an eye on you, Clint ;). Will there be no end to Bolick's ramblings? I suggest you steer clear of this book and this avowed and blatantly obvious mouthpiece for the Democratic party! Harry Brown in 2004!