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

~ (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: #692,186 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

147 of 222 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!

12 of 18 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.

11 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Veritas!, January 21, 2007

By	L. Cole (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews

In, It Takes a Family, Rick Santorum successfully provides a picture of the last forty years of American history in light of the founders' vision for the republic. While the founders envisioned a national community and communities, each possessing specific functions, today, we are overcome by top-down directed society.

Santorum sets out to explain the fundamental differences in the liberal and conservative visions for America. In drawing a dichotomy, he defines the liberal vision as one of the "Bigs" and "Village Elders," and the conservative vision as one of families. Santorum defines the Bigs as the big universities and public schools, big businesses, big national labor unions, big news media, big entertainment, and the federal government. He then provides instances of how the liberal vision and its projects have failed America. For example, he argues that the liberal idea of "no-fault freedom," a freedom that celebrates the individual above the community, is key in the decline in social capital, the increases in absentee parents, divorce, out of wedlock pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, abortions, and many other ills plaguing American society today. In contrast, he argues that the conservative idea of societal engagement through families, civic and fraternal associations, clubs, churches, and small businesses, provides a common-sense and effective approach to combating the effects of the failed liberal project. Further, he contends the conservative approach provides a way to sustain the American republic.

Santorum not only points out the shortcomings of the liberal project for America, but he scornfully rebukes conservatives for dismissing Americans who are poor, disadvantaged, and less well off. He argues that the failure to practice fundamental American ideas has increased the power of the Bigs and that Americans must now, and forever, work through families to provide the commonsense and equitable alternative to the liberal project.

Unsurprisingly, in response to the failed liberal programs such as no-strings-attached welfare, no-fault divorce, and promotion of relativism in public schools, he argues for an increase in welfare to work programs, assistance to first time homebuyers, assistance to disadvantaged parents, promotion of marriage, and school choice. Also, he presents examples of these and many other programs that are either on or getting on the conservative agenda.

Santorum does a good job in highlighting the trials and tribulations of poor and low-income Americans and proposes many commonsense policies to mitigate their plight. With the exception of dividing the liberal and conservative visions for America, he does not divide Americans into an Us vs. Them dichotomy. He promotes the idea that although liberal ideas were well-intentioned and have led to serious problems, we Americans are all in this together. We are responsible for each other and we must be good stewards of ourselves, our neighbors, our community, and our country.

I think this book will be helpful for those raising families as well as those who are single.