Moyers on Democracy (Hardcover)

~ Bill Moyers (Author)
Key Phrases: lady bird, journalism matters, plantation mentality, White House, United States, Peace Corps (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Veteran journalist and author Moyers (Moyers on America, The Power of Myth) staunchly attacks conservative government as one of "millions of Americans who are restless to get on with their revolution." In this volume-a collection of speeches, addresses, talks and lectures from as far back as the '80s-Moyers argues that participatory citizenship breathes life into American democracy, and whatever undermines active citizenship threatens to destroy the system. Moyers reminds readers that the U.S. stands "on the shoulders of brave ghosts," and challenges them to treat, with courage, the country's socio-political ills. The author provides illustrative portraits of dear friends like Fred Friendly and Hubert Humphrey, positioning himself among passionate journalists and left-leaning politicians. Some may recoil from his lobbyist outrage (they "hide... behind the flag while ripping off a country in crisis"), but his long-lived devotion to the American ideal of self-governance, on the whole, guides him well. His insight, sweeping political and historical expertise, and unflinching defense of his ideals should captivate both scholars and concerned citizens, though it's more likely to appeal to those already on Moyers's wavelength.
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From Booklist

*Starred Review* Moyers, best known for his show on PBS, is also a skilled orator who has for decades been sharing his thoughts on democracy with diverse audiences. This collection of speeches offers a conscientious, passionate examination of those principles and ideals that rightly provoke pride in America and the shortcomings that should evoke shame, as Moyers points to assaults on the U.S. Constitution, a growing divide between the rich and the poor, and weakening of press independence. This collection reflects Moyers’ understanding of the importance of getting things right—not just the facts but the tone and tenor of the time and the sensibilities of the people. The collection also reflects his understanding of the importance of setting things right. He recalls a boyhood spent in a loving and religious small Texas town, where he was oblivious to the mistreatment of black citizens. He offers moving tributes to giants who upheld the highest ideals of democracy and simple human decency, including William Sloane Coffin, Hubert H. Humphrey, Lady Bird Johnson, and Barbara Jordan. He begins each essay with the context of time then and now in the continuum of an examination of American ideals in separate sections devoted to public service, history, politics, the media, and religion. Fans of his television show will hear Moyers’ well-modulated voice in these thoughtful and thought-provoking speeches and lectures. --Vanessa Bush

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1 edition (May 6, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385523807
• ISBN-13: 978-0385523806
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #369,535 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Take Bill Moyers Stirred and Chilled, May 6, 2008

By	Robert Kall "Rob Kall of Opednews.com" (Newtown, PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been lucky to hear Bill Moyers give three speeches live and every time, he reliably stirs my emotions and gives me the chills. The amazing thing is he's talking about democracy, freedom, and justice, while weaving in history and discussion of the way the media should work.

Whenever a new Bill Moyers speech transcript becomes available, it's required reading. So this book is a real gem, pulling them together.

What you will discover is Bill Moyers is brilliant at weaving together stories of real people with history, occasionally mythology and the most important issues of our time.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A reminder of the best qualities of America, May 15, 2008

By	Theodore A. Rushton (PHOENIX, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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One of the great qualities of America is its conscience, sometimes known as that quiet but reasoned internal voice which arises when one is otherwise having a great time.

Moyers is an eloquent voice of that conscience, a clear and positive contrast to narcissist negative nagging typified by Rush Limbaugh. Nags are always pessimistic; conscience encourges one to be better. In the best of times, as in the worst of times, Americans share an optimism they can improve themselves and their society.

Nags have a purpose, if you like "boss others around" attitudes.

Conscience is a small quiet voice of personal responsibility, challenge and constructive incentives. America is a land of boundless excess; after the ruin of the Civil War, it took only 40 years to become the world's richest and most powerful nation. Andrew Carnegie typified the success of excess; he created a dynamic modern steel industry, then the world's finest public library system.

Moyers made his early contributions in politics. Instead of acquiring a personal fortune, he became a founder of the Peace Corps, one of the lasting elements of American compassion. He then turned to "the library function", providing people with information.

Unlike the compulsive nature of moral nags, no one is forced to read a book and no one is forced to listen to Moyers. Instead, the strength of both is intelligent acceptance by the community. Don't be put off by the cover photo of Moyers; he looks like a nag, but he reads like an inspiration.

This book offers some of the best of Moyers over the past 20 years. It is a collection of gems to remind us the best qualities of America are not the politics of bitterness, the greed of selfishness or the pessimism of dismal doom.

Would America be better without Limbaugh? Perhaps not.

It is better because of Moyers. The greatness of America is its diversity of ideas. Moyers offers some of the best, and this book is a reminder of the success of decency in a world that sometimes seems to be utterly mad, selfish and foolish.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Genius, May 13, 2008

By	P. Orosco (Santa Monica, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have had the opportunity to listen to some of these speeches on the Democracy Now telecast/radio show (best news there is IMHO). Bill Moyers is the most genuine patriot of our time. His speeches challenge America to fight off the 'Great Simplifiers' and take a deeper look not only at our current situation, but also at our past and future. Simply brilliant in its inspiration.