Customer Reviews

The Plan: Barack Obama's Promise to America and His Plan for the Economy, Iraq, Healthcare, and More

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was a big let down. I wanted something that was written by the president, but instead this book was a collection speeches that he has said about these topics. Then after every speech someone else writes a dumbed down version of what the speech was about. They even refer to the president in the third person saying things like, "President Obama says..." Or, "what the president means..."
If you want a collection of speeches that the president didn't write in a book that wasn't written by the president then this book is for you. If you want something that was actually written by the president look elsewhere.

Book Review
THE PLAN by Barack Obama

This book is for, as President Obama puts it, for "anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy"...
There are 139 pages, comprised of Four Sections--Restoring the Economy and Meeting Our National Obligations, Improving the Lives of Americans, Protecting the Nation & Restoring American Values, and Improving Our Communities.
This is a presentation which the President offered just after he was elected three years ago.
Obama reminds the reader that what matters is the public's wants - their consensus of values, expectations, and goals. He reminds the reader what paid for his campaign was primarily a collection of small dollar donations - $5, $10...even less. He purposefully ran his campaign this way to get the voters engaged. To let the voters know how powerful a democracy can be. To let everyone know they do have a voice. He reminds us of our backbone--self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. He also reminds us of our imperfections--partisanship, pettiness, immaturity. Our ideals which have endured: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope. And what is ahead is growth, changing to mature as a nation who has grasped the sophistications we have to enjoy today. He speaks of one lady, 106 years old, who has seen and experienced history in our nation: "...the heartache and the hope, the struggle and the progress, the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: YES WE CAN."...He ends this introduction, which was his Election Night Victory Speech, with:
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time--to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth--that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope; and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sum up the spirit of a people: YES WE CAN. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
RESTORING THE ECONOMY AND MEETING OUR NATIONAL OBLIGATIONS
(Taxes, Fiscal Policy,Energy and Environment, Science and Technology)
Obama straight-talks the people regarding the state of our economy and the need to restructure, as a Renaissance, a Revolution, to treat our lack of confidence with a dose of fight, a dose of discovery to find solutions, with the belief that Nature (human nature as well as the environment), in fact, is perfect ultimately - and we need to foster those perfections. He teaches us that our economic structure over the past decades has not been good building blocks and we need to apply new, workable structures which ensure confidence and trust. President Obama speaks of the "sparks" of results which his administration has supported -the 57 police officers in Minneapolis, who were able to keep their jobs rather than be cut by layoffs; tax cuts for working households, extended unemployment, tax credits for families who have college students, and more. He emphasized the need "to get it right". He assured the public that their money IS safe in the banks, to restart lending (for homeowners, for businesses, and put a stop to unreliable investments) ONCE his administration has completed the process of diagnosing - a most arduous process which he does not candy-coat. He emphasizes the cost of action to be great, yet the failure to act is undoubtedly self-destructing. President Obama includes the importance of not being angry, not wasting time and energy and money to revolts, but focusing on revolutionizing instead. He, in essence, is forming a public contract, in that both parties have to have a willingness to give up something to meet a greater cause - our futures. President Obama has given significant recognition to other countries (such as China, Japan, and Germany) which have developed higher sophistications for energy, particularly Solar Technology. Auto hybrids were successfully manufactured in Korea. He provided his tax plan which included simplifying as well as applying, more enforcement techniques which involve solutions in the collections process, and more. Fiscal Policy was addressed on reversing taxes for the wealthy, cutting pork barrel spending, ending wasteful government spending, and making spending more accountable and efficient overall. The Energy and Environment was described with not only short-term solutions, but long term solutions. I encourage you to read through this and discover for yourself what you would "grade" our President's administration in addressing those plans. Science And Technology comprised the lengthiest descriptions. The necessity to stay on top of internet, software and hardware, and communications techniques was described as not only a reality, but a must. (Where would we have been if we had not had the edge with the Navajo "code talkers" during World War II?). Many facets of science and technology are referred to in this book - including Research & Development (R&D) and employment of Science and Technology "to solve pressing problems".
IMPROVING THE LIVES OF AMERICANS
(Health Care, Education, Family, Women, Social Security and Medicare)
President Obama begins with his goal to make sure every American is insured and the cost-effectiveness our country would enjoy. He emphasized "people and business first", elaborating on the fact that a healthy country is a thriving country, using basic principles and logic to support this goal. Education is highly-emphasized. For years our country has been emphasizing "knowledge is power" yet he questioned whether we were really `walking the walk'. Several pages were invested in this book to cover the needs from preschool - to grade school - to high school - to higher education. Page 51 is the section on the importance of family - the recognition of the logistical needs with the very concept "we will always have family structures". It is simply a human need, how we are designed to be. His section on Women - their voice to be heard, their needs to be met - to include the evolving desire to be treated as equals in the workplace. Domestic violence almost always results in a woman being harmed - not the man. President Obama emphasized the enforcement of all which we do recognize already, yet tend to fail in applying. Social Security and Medicare need stabilizing and President Obama has described just exactly how he seeks to stabilize these programs, with taxing the higher-income individuals more and making other plans, to include incentives for those working families which save their money. He also stated that job discrimination by the age factor will not be tolerated - quite an interesting viewpoint to emphasize. And, lastly, in this section, he referred to Affordable Health Care and what he wanted to make happen - cheaper prescription drugs, transparency to medicare plans, and strengthen long-term care options.
PROTECTING THE NATION AND RESTORING AMERICAN VALUES
(Iraq, Nuclear Threat & Terrorism, Foreign Policy, Homeland Security, and Defense)
President Obama promised to end the Iraq War, bring the troops home, and get Osama Bin Laden. He emphasized the need for strategy, to end the war responsibly, and help Iraq take care of themselves. He emphasized the importance of preventing a humanitarian crisis. Nuclear Threat and Terrorism - the production of uranium (A known total of 50 tons exists all over the world), and the production of nuclear weaponry (15,000 to 16,000 in the former Soviet Union alone), and the estimation of the capability of making 40,000 weapons. (no doubt it very likely could be under-estimated). He promised to seek to secure all nuclear materials around the world and strengthen the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty - for one purpose, for countries to "lay down their swords" and emphasize the need to be communicative and above-board. Several pages go into depth regarding the statuses of various international concerns and the need for all to be engaged, not just placing the burden on our military. He further describes the War in Iraq in a section titled "Foreign Policy" - this war "has emboldened Iran"; showing a significant understanding of the impact and the possibility of wrong (aka "evil") forces taking opportunity to get further foothold in power and destruction. He emphasized this concerning al Qaeda and the Taliban. Several pages are invested in not only teaching but treating these circumstances. President Obama referred to Homeland Security, established by President Bush, and considered an outright necessity by President Obama, to include building and modernizing infrastructures. The use of our Defense is described as "Our country's greatest military asset is the men and woman who wear the uniform of the United States"...the emphasis of clearly-defining missions which we send our troops in harms's way, and more. Six pages are invested in describing and proposing those efforts.
IMPROVING OUR COMMUNITIES
(Veterans, Civil Rights, Poverty, Rural Policy, Urban Policy, Community Service, Disabilities, and Immigration)
You will most certainly want to thoroughly read this section. It is indepth, shows a constant theme of "keeping faith with those who serve" as being a core value, to include women veterans. His section on Civil Rights begin with looking to our leaders of the future--teenagers and college students. He emphasized the enforcement of the constitutional structure which already exists, and in a tactful way acknowledges our country's failure to live up to its promises, that we are all equal. Regarding Poverty, President Obama stipulated the expectation that all Americans want to work, and from there promised he would find solutions in creating jobs and ensuring promising careers--not touch-and-go jobs-- for those who have invested so much in education to enjoy career jobs. He set forth plans to help with financial supports to neighborhoods and individuals, doing all his administration can to keep those substantive programs existing to remain in effect. Page 121 begins with the topic of Rural Policy - defining rural America as having unrealized economic opportunities which need to be fostered and supported - through safety nets, emphasis of "made in U.S." and for those young people who care to be in that field, they should be given every educational opportunity to be able to thrive and prosper. Additionally, the War on the use of "Methamphetamine" will be combatted aggressively. Treating addicts and providing permanent solutions for them to heal and be responsible citizens. Healthcare and Education for Rural Communities are mentioned. Page 124 Describes Urban Policy, which completes the two basic types of communities in our country (country - vs - city). He began by emphasizing that Americans are still the hardest workers in the world. He emphasized his book, "The Audacity of Hope" since he had written specifically on what he has seen and experienced. Almost ten pages are invested with solutions - opportunities, for city people to embrace and be empowered with. His next section emphasizes Community Service - Americorps - helping teachers and students in undeserved schools, improving public health outreach, weatherizing homes and launching renewable energy projects, assisting vets, and helping communities plan for all types of emergencies. He emphasized the need for our country to "Show The World The Best Face of America"...what an engaged thought. Nonprofit organizations are considered to be a most valuable aspect of our society. They have the power to solve many problems encompassing health, social reform, and economic reform. His undertone of needing to work together is obvious. President Obama describes his views and plans for the Disabled in this country, beginning on Page 135. He describes disabilities as "unnecessary barriors" as quoted in 2008. Three pages are invested, targeting in on autism, which has become a great concern, particularly since Michael Jackson's death. (never was Michael Jackson given consideration that he was a very vulnerable individual, yet in my opinion, I always considered him to be autistic. He did not have a mean bone in his body and was always so loving, yet oftentimes gripped with those who took advantage of him). Lastly, the President writes two pages on his concerns with Immigration Reform - a touchy, heated subjectmatter in this country - since there are so many independent views of reform. He states illegal immigrants cannot continue living in this country. (It's similar to the idea of driving an unregistered, uninsured vehicle.) He does not pose them as criminals, yet he poses it as a problem and solutions need to be addressed through consensus.
Here is an opportunity to grade our President. He has given us many opportunities to communicate our concerns and remind the country that truly, United We Stand.

I'm a political junky, so I loved the book. If you like to follow politics, this book is a must have. I'm not sure there has ever been a book like this, where a president is willing to let the whole nation be reminded of his campaign promises. This is the kind of transparency I've been waiting 8 years for. Thanks. Five Stars.

I read a previous review that implied Obama was "willing" to put this info out there. The truth is, he may have wanted it "out there" during the campaign, but now that he's president, he may not. Maybe the release of this book will finally help keep a politician honest.

This book is the perfect combination of Barack Obama's actual words and his written agenda for the United States. Each chapter covers starts out with a quote or excerpt from a speech relevant to the topic. Then it really gets into the meat of it. As I first read through the book, I thought, "wow, these campaign promises are huge". But I realized that he is already following through on many of them.

If you get this book, you'll have his plan right in your hands. You can flip to any topic: the war, veterans, urban planning, etc, and look at what his goals are for the country. As bills and legislation are passed, you will know if he got all that he wanted and where he had to make compromises. It's a very interesting concept for a book.

We actually got him elected, and now we get to read about what Obama plans and hopes to do as president - even more than what we heard during the election. It's well organized, well thought-out, and contains a lot of great information. The book is like having a sneak peek inside Obama's head into what he's really thinking, what he believes. It's much, much more than I realized based on listening to his speeches. The man is a real visionary. I knew he was going for "change", but now I know exactly what that meant in detailed explanations. It's surprising, after following the campaign so closely, at how much I didn't know about his vision. He has some very lofty goals detailed in this book, and I really hope we can see many of them come to life.

"The Plan" is an outstanding detail of Barack Obama's policy proposals. The information is presented in a very straightforward way that is easy to understand and not bogged down with rhetoric. Each section describes his plans a goals for a particular issue, then the specifics are presented with bullet points and short paragraphs that make it easy to read and glance through.

It's really nice to have a book that lays out the policies of the sitting presidents, and it's interesting to note some of the areas where he is already making head-way and delivering on those promises. For example, the healthcare fund that he has already secured money for and the green car initiative for government owned vehicles.

If there was a way to put this book on the coffee tables of homes throughout the country, we would have a better chance of holding him and the congress to these commitments.

Now that the campaign is over, the conventions are done, the speeches that brought us to tears and rallied our country are fewer, Barack Obama must begin to meet the challenges our country faces in real way that involves so much more than inspiration alone.

For anyone who thought Obama was all talk and no substance, this book will set them straight. It discloses all of the plans and the agenda Obama wants to put forth for the country. Instead of a book of speeches, this is a book of well thought-out plans and policies. It's a quick and easy read of what we can look forward to in this president.

It's broken down into four sections:
Section 1- Restoring the Economy and Meeting Our National Obligations
a. Detailed outline of the Economic plan
b. Taxes and Tax Cuts
c. Fiscal Policy and the Deficit
d. Energy and the Environment
e. Science and Technology

Section 2- Improving the Lives of Americans
a. Healthcare
b. Education
c. Family and Women
d. Social Security and Medicare

Section 3- Protecting the Nation and Restoring American Values
a. Iraq
b. Nuclear Threats and Terrorism
c. Foreign Policy
d. Homeland Security
e. Defense

Section 4- Improving Our Communities
a. Veterans
b. Civil Rights
c. Poverty
d. Rural and Urban Planning
e. Community Service
f. Disabilities
g. Immigration

This small book gives a good picture of where President Obama formed his political ideas. He has been down in the trenches working in non-profits with the neediest in our nation. His jargon and planning style are typically that of non-profits. This book shows that he is the first president of our country to really understand what is going on where the majority live. It proves he is not from the minority upper class that is so out of touch with what the rest of us are going through. This is where his hope comes from; the place where changes can be made.

The details included in this book surpassed my expectations. When you think about a published agenda for a president, it's easy to envision a bunch of rhetoric. I like to hear Obama speak as much as anyone (well, maybe more than anyone), so I was expecting a book of speeches. Instead, the book is his actual plan as president, so it wasn't quite what I thought it would be, but it's a great book, and I'm glad I have it.

The book doesn't just say he wants to address clean energy. It tells you exactly how he plans to do it, and the specifics of what he wants to address. The book uses real dollar amounts, goals that include dates by which he wants to have things accomplished, and the specifics of the plan itself.

For example, the section on fuel efficiency states that he wants to:
Increase fuel economy standards by 4% each year
Put 1 million plug-in electric vehicles on the road by 2015 that get up to 150 miles per gallon
Provide a $7000 tax credit for the purchase of a clean vehicle
Convert the White House fleet to plug-ins
By 2012 half the cars purchased by the federal government will be plug-ins

That should give a decent example of what to expect. The book uses that level of detail for every topic you can think of. It's a great book to have handy.