It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good (Hardcover)

by Rick Santorum (Author)

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

Review

“In these days when politicians’ pronouncements are mostly the focus-grouped bland hoping to (mis)lead the voting blind, Rick Santorum dares to try to say something that actually matters.”

—Maggie Gallagher, nationally syndicated columnist, author

“Policies that weaken families, that promote individual liberty without responsibility, in turn weaken the country’s social fabric. This is the heart of Santorum’s case against liberal government

programs. . . .”—Philadelphia Inquirer

“[A] very serious, smart work of political science. . . .”—Washington Post --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 464 pages
• Publisher: Intercollegiate Studies Institute; First Edition 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: 2.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (48 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #657,523 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Social Conservatism at its best, November 26, 2006

By	Ms. Kristin A. Reale "Krisitn" (NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

Rick does an excellent job detailing a true social conservative philosophy from many angles, and drives home the point that many of the tough economic and societal problems we face today can be alleviated by the restoration of the family/and the espousal of rational moral values. Rick's writing is articulate, intelligent, sensitive, and down to earth. I highly recommend his book---even if you don't agree with him on everything, his perspective will provide a springboard for a thoughtful, honest, discourse and debate.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It Takes a Family, Supported by the Village, April 21, 2007

By	Joseph P. Tevington - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

As per Rick Santorum, "Throughout this book, ...I will be discussing different types of 'captial' and how family breakdown - out-of-wedlock births, divorce, cohabitation, and absentee parenthood - has depleted that capital in recent decades. For it sometimes happens that the patrimony we inherit has not been well cared for by the immediately previous generation....The village elders don't seem to understand that a stable marriage is the greatest protection for children and the most powerful energizer of their success....Ten years after a marriage breaks up, research has shown that approximately two-thirds of children report that they haven't seen their father for over a year....Marriage matters because children matter....The conservative solution to the problems of low-income America, is to structure all our programs around the family, to work with the family rather than against it....In developing my understanding of social policy, I have learned a lot from the tradition of Catholic social thought. In that tradition, there is an important concept called subsidiarity, the principal that all social challenges should be addressed at the level of the smallest social unit possible, preferably the family" (pp. 9 - 68).

146 of 221 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Christian Fundamentalism is Typically Quite Entertaining, December 8, 2005

By	Freedom N. Liberty "America the Beautiful" (Encinitas, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Christian fundamentalism is typically quite entertaining, but Rick Santorum's book just doesn't quite supply the laughs I expected. Normally, when I see fascist Santorum on the television, I am laughing hard. The guy is funny!!

Unfortunately though, this book is just a dud. No laughs. I think Santorum went with the "serious angle" here. Big mistake! He should stick to the laugh-a-minute shtick that he exhibits everyday in the U.S. Senate.

Amen!