It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good [Hardcover]

Rick Santorum (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 4, 2005

Among politicians of national stature today, there is perhaps none more respected as a principled conservative than Rick Santorum. In It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good, Santorum articulates the humane vision that he believes must inform public policy if it is to be effective and just. An appreciation for the civic bonds that unite a community lies at the heart of genuine conservatism. Moreover, Santorum demonstrates how such an approach to political, social, and economic problems offers the most promise for those on the margin of life: the poor, the vulnerable, and minorities who have often been excluded from opportunity in America.

Santorum argues that conservative statesmanship is animated by a sense of stewardship for an inheritance. But what do we inherit as Americans? And how can we be good stewards of that inheritance? Building on Robert Putnam’s discussion of “social capital,” the habits of association and trust that are the preconditions of any decent society, Santorum assesses how well, in the past generation, Americans have cared for the “fabric” of society. He explores in detail various dimensions of social and cultural connection that are the foundation of the common good. And he presents innovative policy proposals for the renewal of American society at all levels.

Throughout his book, Santorum emphasizes the central role of the family—in contradistinction to the metaphorical “village” of the federal government, as promoted by Hillary Clinton—in achieving the common good. With a sustained argument touching on first principles throughout, this ambitious and original book is a major contribution to contemporary political debate. It Takes a Family further establishes Santorum as the leader of reform-minded civic conservatives in America.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I am amazed at the depth and breadth of information, wisdom, and sensitivity. -- Dr. Laura C. Schlessinger Internationally Syndicated Radio Talk Host, Author of The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands

In his book, Rick Santorum combines theory, principle, and practice. . . . -- The Hon. Stephen Goldsmith, former Mayor of Indianapolis, Indiana

Senator Santorum is one of the stalwart defenders of human life and the pro-family cause. . . . -- James C. Dobson, Founder and Chairman, Focus on the Family

Senator Santorum leads the way among elected officials in understanding and appreciating the importance of the family. -- Jennifer Roback Morse, author of 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage

[A] reaffirmation of the moral, spiritual, and ethical characteristics that have blessed America since its founding. -- Jack Templeton, President, John Templeton Foundation

About the Author

Rick Santorum has served in the United States Senate since January 1995, where he has been elected to a second term as Republican Conference Chairman, the party's third ranking leadership position in the Senate. As Conference Chairman, Senator Santorum directs the communications operations of Senate Republicans and is a frequent party spokesman. He is the youngest member of the leadership and the first Pennsylvanian to hold such a prominent position since the 1970s.

While Senator Santorum is proud of his accomplishments as a lawmaker and public servant, he is most proud of his role as a husband and father. Senator Santorum and his wife, Karen Garver Santorum, are the parents of six wonderful children: Elizabeth, John, Daniel, Sarah Maria, Peter, and Patrick.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Intercollegiate Studies Institute; 1 edition (July 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932236295
• ISBN-13: 978-1932236293
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (56 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read and decide for yourself, June 6, 2011

By 

Tony (Central PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good (Paperback)

There are two truths I want to point out in regards to this book. The first, if you're conservative you'll love it, if you're liberal, you'll hate it.

If you're in between, please disregard many of the one star rating and the oversimplified reviews that believe Rick Santorum to sexist, etc. His basic premise is this: the ideal family consists of a loving mother and father, and the government should do what it can to support that.

Those who somehow read that Santorum wants all women in the home and not working have not read this book. The chapter they often misquote from actually argues that somewhere along the line our country stopped valuing the women who choose to stay home. He does not attack women who work outside of the home, only rightly glorifies those who are able, and do make the choice to be with their children.

Yes, he is well known as a social conservative. He's taken a few "arrows in the back" because of that, especially for being from the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a very purplish-blue state. If you don't like conservatism and are as hateful as many of the people who have "reviewed" the book, then either don't read it and don't comment on it, or read it and then make an intelligent and factually-based opinion. For those believing in the conservative movement, consider this a manifesto on what it means to be conservative. Read it. Reread it. See how this man has made the country better, especially through his fight to reform welfare in the nineties.

If you happen to be somewhere in the middle. Maybe economically conservative and socially liberal. Or just unsure of what you really believe is best for this country. Ignore the hateful comments made before me. Ignore what I've written. Read it yourself and decide.

20 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth a read regardless of political view - we all share some common goals, July 10, 2011

By 

R. Olson "Live for purpose." (Northern Virginia USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good (Hardcover)

I was skeptical once I decided to read this book whether a political twist would overtake everything he had to say. Often times it did, but he was pretty good in most cases with providing substantial evidence for his arguments. And I have to say that as I read on, it went from meh... to pretty good... to this is a great book that I hope everyone who wants the best for their kids and family will read! I especially agree with his perspectives on family responsibility, morals, and education. There is a noticeable degradation in society through what Senator Santorum calls "No-Fault Freedom". Anyone who refuses to notice this is kidding themselves out of selfish motives and desires.

While it does pick on Hillary Clinton quite often, he makes GREAT counter-arguments for so many fundamental concerns of society and government. He addresses purpose of humanity and purpose of government. And it makes sense. He provides great substance for those that are compassionate conservatives and those that are not to stand up for objective truth and moral goodness. I challenge any naysayers to soundoff in reply to my review on any topics you disagree with and why. What makes this great, is that fact that the book encourages this, as we all should, and also provides explanation as to how and why and in what regard we all share a common desire/goal for good in society. How we view getting to that common thread is different in many cases, however, and examination of these differences with discussion can hopefully provide a common resolve beneficial to society in the most effective and efficient manner. I for one am glad to have someone with such a drive for moral responsibility representing the people... the people who are so often collectively suppressed by the liberal movement for no. good. or substantial. reason.

Thank you Senator Santorum for summarizing all these family issues together in a context that can be relevant to all. I salute your integrity and efforts.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth reading, January 3, 2012

By 

J. Morales - See all my reviews
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This review is from: It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good (Paperback)

This is definitely a very interesting book. If you're a conservative, this book definitely helps articulate the importance of family and why gov't should support it. It's very thoughtfully written, which shows because the only quote liberals have used to attack is one about women working out of the home. Don't believe any such lies, Santorum does not attack women who work out of the home, he makes the case that if they can, it may be better to stay with children. It's a personal choice that each family has to make and he respects that. A great read on social conservatism and it's importance, I would definitely encourage anyone to read this book.