Customer Reviews

The Journey from Here

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When Bill Bradley bowed out of the 2000 presidential campaign in March, it broke my heart for many reasons. First, because Bill is truly one of my heroes, someone whose passion and ideas I have admired for as long as I've followed politics (I was born in 1974 so I knew Bill as a Senator before I ever even knew he played in the NBA). Second, it broke my heart because I had waited for Bill to run for president for such a long time, convinced he was one of the very few with an actual heartfelt vision for this great country. When his campaign ended, I wondered WHAT NOW?

Bill answered my question with this book. "The Journey From Here" reiterates the ideas and principles that fueled Bradley's vision in a series of essays on (what should be) the most important questions facing our country today -- developing basic national health care, improving race relations, giving relief to working families, opening the democratic process through campaign finance reform, eliminating child poverty, maintaining a steady and healthy economy, and understanding our country's role on the world stage. Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, whatever... folks, we're Americans and these are the questions we all must confront together.

Critics will charge (and have charged) that Bradley's plans are too liberal, too idealistic, and too far-fetched. To me, the questions are basic and Bradley's views are decent, practical and rooted in sound financial and social common sense. For example -- People ask how can we afford to provide basic national health care? The question should be, how long can we afford not to? It's simply too important to continue to refuse to acknowledge the problem. We consider our country the greatest on earth, yet the World Health Organization ranks us thirty-seventh in the world in the quality of health care. And Bradley assures us, it's really not about money (we already spend over a trillon dollars on health care), it's about attacking the problem in an intelligent and fiscally sound manner, yet making sure that no one is overlooked. We owe that to each other. After all, a healthy country is a happy and productive country.

Bradley does recognize that the government cannot solve all of our problems. In fact, that's why he wrote the book. Now that he does not hold an elected office, he's a regular citizen, like all of us. But that doesn't make the ideas irrelevant. And Bradley reminds us that WE should set the agenda for the country and for the government, not vice versa. He writes, "In a country where legitimacy rests with the individual, only the individual can ratify a nation's path." And he's right.

If you are familiar with some of Bill Bradley's other books, like "Time Present, Time Past" or "Values of the Game," you can already guess the best part of "The Journey From Here" -- Bradley's easy-going and candid nature. Thoughtful, informed, and sincere, Bill's words are his own, not culled from polls and focus groups or paid for by special interest groups. In today's political climate, it's rare and immensely refreshing.

It is refreshing to read a book by a politician and beleive every word they are saying. Though I don't agree with all of Bradley's stances, I admire him for his frank and poignant observations of the status of America's fragile democracy. With big money interests playing a larger role in politics in the campaigns across the country it is admirable that Bradley stands up to these injustices and speaks from his heart.

First, let me make it clear. I am liberal in some areas and quite conservative in others...not really middle of the road, but pretty close to it. That being said, I must admit to having enjoyed this work. Unlike many of our leaders today, Bradley will at least commit his ideas in a frank, forward way for public scrutiny, something I find quite refreshing. You certainly do not have to agree with him point for point, but in many areas he does make a lot of sense. I suppose what I like about this work, and some of his other writings, is that he is able to articulare his position quite clearly. Ideas set aside, this guy is quite a good writer and it is a pleasure to read his work. No matter which side of the political scale your on, it is always good to gather ideas from everyone, and this is a great sorce. Recommend this one highly.

As a 17 year old, I feel that Bill Bradley is a man who I can look up to and respect. I first got heavely involved in politics in his primary campaign. He is a man that you can trust, a man who will not sell out.

This book is great for people who have not been exposed to Bill Bradley or who just want to hear more about his ideas. This book is great for anyone who feels pushed aside by the political system.

The best advice that Mr. Bradley ever gives is in this book: Do not sell out, stick to your ideals.

Bill Bradley's recent book is a good one, but only if you're unfamiliar with his perspective on politics. But it's also short and lively so it won't take much time to skim through.

Essentially, Bradley talks about his grand, unabashadly liberal and idealistic vision of the future of America. His guiding motivation is this: Right now America has achieved unparalleled economic wealth and global success. If we don't use this opportunity to help those who cannot help themselves, then when will we ever? It's a strong argument and Bradley is surprisingly fair-minded about it (for instance, he is not willing to sacrifice our economic prosperity for big spending programs even though he wants big spending programs to help the poor and uneducated. This is an admirable ideal, but it's probaly not very feasible. Then again, has anyone tried?)

The best aspects of this book are Bradley's anecdotes from the lessons he learned as a child or from his experience on the campaign trail in his unsuccessful bid for president this past year.

Other than that, if you know his proposals and his 'stump' speech (like what he gave at the DNC), then this book is not for you. If you do not, then it's worth your money and your time.