Customer Reviews

How We Won: Progressive Lessons from the Repeal of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'

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This is a wonderful and compelling read. I've been involved with the DADT debate and was expecting to reminisce more than learn while reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised by how much of the debate I was unaware of. Aaron Belkin did a fantastic job of illustrating the complexity of the issue and pointing out the lessons learned. Activists at all levels and areas would likely benefit greatly from this book.

"How We Won" is a remarkable story written from the perspective of an eminently successful scholar and public policy activist. Although this book (which can easily be read in a single sitting) tells the story of the author's own involvement behind the scenes in overturning the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, it's message is much broader. Anyone (scholar or activist alike) who seeks policy change will undoubtedly benefit from the lessons Professor Belkin shares from his own experience. In a profoundly intellectual, yet easily accessible manner, Belkin reflects not only on the successes of his actions, but equally on his failures. One one page you'll find him complementing his opposition when he found himself outplayed, and then on the next page, he critiques their strategy. By evaluating all the evidence of this epic policy reversal, he provides a deeply reflective perspective into a very complex and fascinating story. Yet, what stands out most is how the author models his approach to effective public policy engagement through the creation of this manuscript: present both sides of the issue and let the facts do do the heavy lifting. Starting as a no-name assistant professor in 1999, Belkin shows how the power of a single voice within a democracy can change the course of history. This book is exceedingly well-done and a bargain at twice the price.

This book was suggested to me by a fellow member of the ACT UP team and I wasn't especially interested at first. Reading it now I see what an important book it is. The title is correct. This is a book about lessons that help us fight sensibly. More importantly though, this is an intensely readable book and even though we know we got DADT repealed - we are fascinated by the process.