Are You Liberal? Conservative? Or Confused? (An Uncle Eric Book) (Paperback)

by Richard J. Maybury (Author), Jane A. Williams (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-Writing as ``Uncle Eric'' and structuring his book as a collection of explicatory letters to his nephew, Maybury tries to redefine the notion of political labels, replacing the left-right spectrum with a more inclusive scheme incorporating a scale of one's belief in the relative benefits of government. He wants to reinstate his idea of the original American philosophy, which he calls juris naturalis, or natural law. He denies that objectivity is possible in discussing political subjects, defines political power as the ability to use brute force to enforce rules, and elevates the protection of property to a religious principle. To his credit, he allows that liberals and conservatives may agree in some areas. His chapter on fascism is particularly interesting, but most interesting of all is his comparisons of juris naturalists to moderates; they both combine elements of left and right, but the former want economic and social liberty, while the latter want economic and social encroachment (taxes, rules, etc.). All of this theory is fascinating, but Maybury's system breaks down whenever he gets specific or tries to use historical examples. And he refuses to make any exceptions for his extreme views, leading to all sorts of bizarre conclusions. Frances Moore Lappe's Rediscovering America's Values (Ballantine, 1991) and E.J. Dionne's Why Americans Hate Politics (S.&S., 1992) address these issues in a more balanced manner, while Milton Meltzer's American Politics (Morrow, 1989) provides a more mainstream view.-Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds,

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review
"'Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Confused?' is an outstanding primer for political studies. Parents and children will have much food for thought in this easy-to-read volume that covers much more than just terms. Short chapters allow the student to learn the material a little at a time." --Martha Robinson, Reviewer for HomeschoolChristian.com

"Like our previous Maybury favorites ("Whatever Happened to Penny Candy?" and "Whatever Happened to Justice?") in 'Are You Liberal? Conservative? or Confused?' Uncle Eric leaps to the rescue firing off 26 thoroughly fascinating letters on political philosophies, past, present, and future. The book is recommended for readers aged 14 and up, but I'd crank it down a few years Uncle Eric is clear as a bell." --Becky Rupp, Good Stuff, Home Education Magazine

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Bluestocking Press; 2nd edition (November 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0942617541
• ISBN-13: 978-0942617542
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,848 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, January 30, 2008

By	Tck13 (Eastern PA) - See all my reviews

I really enjoyed this book. It is VERY simple and easy to read and really, everyone should read it no matter your political views. This book seems to have been directed towards children but I'm amazed at how many people I talk to really have no clue as to what Liberals, Conservatives, Libertarians, etc. are. If you have no clue or even a little bit of political education, the book is very worth the entry level education it provides. This book is a great primer for getting into more complicated political discussions and education.

Is the writer biased? Slightly, but very minimally. He is a great teacher overall.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are You Liberal? Conservative? or Confused? (An "Uncle Eric", October 27, 2004

By	Kent Dalton "Captain Kent" (Lakewood, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Are You Liberal? Conservative? or Confused? (An "Uncle Eric" Book) (Paperback)

This short book has really opened my eyes to what I thought I knew. I have a greater perspectives on the differences of the various political views, whether Republican, Libertarian, Democrat, Socialist etc.

This is a very quick read in an easy to understand format. I have passed this book on to several people who have enjoyed it as well.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book, March 9, 2000

By	piffer (prunedale, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Are You Liberal? Conservative? or Confused? (An "Uncle Eric" Book) (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book which helps you clearly define your political stance, i recommend these books for young students who need to learn about the political parties and adults who think they know all there is all to know about political parties. I myself am a juris naturalist, if you'd like to know what that is then check out this book, i'm amazed at how much knowlege i gained!

p.s i also recommend evaluating books: what would thomas jefferson think about this,and whatever happened to penny candy?