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Thomas Sowell

Dismantling America: and other controversial essays Hardcover – August 10, 2010

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These wide-ranging essays -- on many individual political, economic, cultural and legal issues -- have as a recurring, underlying theme the decline of the values and institutions that have sustained and advanced American society for more than two centuries. This decline has been more than an erosion. It has, in many cases, been a deliberate dismantling of American values and institutions by people convinced that their superior wisdom and virtue must over-ride both the traditions of the country and the will of the people.

Whether these essays (originally published as syndicated newspaper columns) are individually about financial bailouts, illegal immigrants, gay marriage, national security, or the Duke University rape case, the underlying concern is about what these very different kinds of things say about the general direction of American society.

This larger and longer-lasting question is whether the particular issues discussed reflect a degeneration or dismantling of the America that we once knew and expected to pass on to our children and grandchildren. There are people determined that this country's values, history, laws, traditions and role in the world are fundamentally wrong and must be changed. Such people will not stop dismantling America unless they get stopped -- and the next election may be the last time to stop them, before they take the country beyond the point of no return.

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Publication date

August 10, 2010
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11 and up
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ISBN-10

9780465022519
ISBN-13

978-0465022519
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is the author of dozens of books including Charter Schools and Their Enemies, winner of the 2021 Hayek Book Prize. He is the recipient of numerous other awards, including the National Humanities Medal, presented by the President of the United States in 2003.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0465022510
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Basic Books; 1st edition (August 10, 2010)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780465022519
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0465022519
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 years and up
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 11 and up
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.23 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 1.05 x 9.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #119,227 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #21 in Historical Essays (Books)
- #277 in Political Conservatism & Liberalism
- #292 in History & Theory of Politics

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4.8 709 ratings

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John Olsen

Illustrates what has been done to our once wonderful country

Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2023

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While written in response to the Obama administration, is totally applicable to today and illustrates how we got here. Thomas Sowell is a superb writer, rendering his message clear concise and a joy to read.

7 people found this helpful

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DrProactive Randy Gilbert

A Modern Day Political and Economic Genius...

Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2010

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I've become a huge Thomas Sowell fan. Yes, this book is taken from his articles, but that is okay with me, because I believe they are worth reading several times over. As a person who loves this Country and who has sworn to put my life on the line do defend its Constitution, Sowell both motivates and inspires me to do more than just complain about things.

It really does seem like there is a growing segment of our society (now about 25 to 30 percent) who have little or no respect for truth, integrity, or responsibility, because such things have been systematically removed from their vocabulary while growing up. The term law abiding is almost foreign to them. It is a sad state of affairs. Such people really do feel that the government OWES them everything without having to give anything.

Our founding fathers were great readers of history and they worked very hard to create a Constitution that would help us as a nation to have the freedom to grow and expand, and more importantly, to endure. They not only set limits and boundaries for our government, but sternly warned us as to what would happen if we ignored such boundaries. So, it should not be a very big surprise, that almost every dire consequence that they predicted (i.e. what had happened to other nations throughout history) is now happening to us.

Because the boundaries of the Constitution are so clear, and the warning of not following so stern, only a fool would try to argue that the what is happening to cause America's degradation is done by happenstance rather than the intentional dismantling of the American way of life. It would be like sticking a knife into someone's chest and then being surprised that they would bleed to death and die.

A WORD OF CAUTION: Thomas Sowell will educate you and wake you up out of your political slumber. When that happens, you might want to join the Tea Party movement and begin speaking out and taking action to defend our US Constitution. When that happens there is a very high chance that those who call themselves progressives (those dismantling our Constitution) will become offended. And because they don't have a high regard for following laws, (because they equate liberty with the freedom from moral discipline), there is a high chance that they will treat you in the same way they treat conservative politicians and they will try to accuse you falsely of wrong doing. They will lie about you and perhaps call you a racist. All of these things are meant to harm your reputation.

Therefore, I would highly recommend getting another book called, Wild West 2.0: How to Protect and Restore Your Reputation on the Untamed Social Frontier . This book tells you how to proactively manage your reputation by teaching you where to look for the problems that Liberals might cause you and then how to repair them. This is very important because when looking for a new job (or getting a new client) people will judge you by what they find online, so it is best that you control that. So get this book too, so you'll have the armor you need while fighting to protect our Constitution.

60 people found this helpful

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tabrussell

A solid collection of Thomas Sowell columns...

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2012

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I recently read Thomas Sowell's "Dismantling America." This is the first book I've read by him, but I do read his columns as I'm able. The book is a collection of some of Sowell's syndicated columns during (mostly) the early years of the Obama presidency. Each column is about three pages, which is nice because I can think of a column as a chapter and I like short chapters. Note there were some multi-columns series, which made for a good change of pace, as well.

It's a tough book to review because what you think of the book depends almost entirely on what you think of his columns. If you like his columns, you'll like the book. If you hate his columns, you'll hate the book. It's really that simple.

Personally, I like his content and style. I don't always agree with the content and I do spot logical flaws from time to time, but on the whole, I think Sowell is one of the best mainstream, right-leaning columnists out there.

The book explores economic, social, cultural, historical, and legal matters. It also explores politics from both tactical and strategic perspectives, as well as taking a look at the reality behind the rhetoric. There are a lot of great columns here. The economic section is particularly strong, which makes sense given Sowell's background as an economist.

Beyond the "typical" right-wing line of thinking, there are some key takeaways. Whether I/you agree/disagree with them is out of scope here. I'm just highlighting them.

1. There is no free lunch. Said another way, the transfer of cost from one party to another is not the same as the elimination of cost. Transferring cost from party A to party B does eliminate it from A's expenses, but it does not eliminate it from the overall system.
2. America has the best medical care system in the world. This is not to be confused with healthcare. Medical care starts upon arrival at the doctor/hospital, but healthcare includes lifestyle considerations. Thus, the medical care system has very limited control over our overall healthcare.
3. There is a difference between attempting to "level the playing field" and equalize results.
4. The notion of "fairness" sounds easy and concrete at first glance, but it entails far more than meets the eye.

I think this book would be a better read for left-leaning people, to be honest. It's a relatively quick read that forces them to actually sit down and take in the arguments of the right versus ignoring and/or reflexively denying them based on source. Similarly, people of a more neutral political orientation would benefit by reading this book because they would see the right-wing argument presented by a right-winger. Right-leaning folks would gain out of it, as well, even if only to sharpen their positions. I don't know of an equivalent book by a left-leaning columnist on Sowell's level, but if I did, I'd pick it up.

Note that this doesn't automatically mean that someone on the left/right is always correct/wrong on an issue because sometimes both can be correct and sometimes both can be wrong, so don't fall into that logical trap.

So, the bottom line is it's a worthwhile read.

13 people found this helpful

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Robert Waters

Absolutely awesome

Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2023

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I like all of the books of Thomas Sowell .I remove the noise and BS and leaves the core topic ... A MUST READ

2 people found this helpful

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brian

This is twitter, not a book

Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2023

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I guess I got what it says on the tin, a collection of newspaper columns. I was looking for something more in depth and philosophical, something that could underpin conservatism. I've considered myself a centrist, then a center rightist, but that's as far as I can go without understanding positions further to the right. What I see know is extreme opposition to anything liberal, but nothing resembling a platform. In the absence of that, I went searching for something that could support an eventual platform. Again, this is not that.

It covers almost every issue you could think of, but only in a few paragraphs. If you agree with his positions, you might get some satisfaction in finding someone you agree with. But nobody will be convinced to change any opinions by reading such a scattershot invective. If you want to think seriously about conservatism, there are plenty of options, eg Oakeshott or Buckley. If you just want to get angry at the other side, head to twitter. This book just doesn't serve either purpose.

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D Burnett

Thomas Sowell is amazing

Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2023

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If more people knew about his writings, our culture - and our country - would not be in the place it is. God bless you, Mr. Sowell.

6 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

common sense reading, brilliant assessment

Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2023

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Very few people have the courage to write the truth, Dr. Thomas Sowell have never held back to call every ethnicity’s lies and corruption

2 people found this helpful

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Rubycat

Witty and relevant

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 10, 2023

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Being English, I’m astounded by how much of what Dr Sowell writes can be applied to Britain. His genius is in the simplicity of the truths he presents. I agree with another review that there are unsubstantiated remarks and absent data, but this is a collection of newspaper columns, not a heavily-researched academic tome.

And that is why there is room for all the humour. He is so funny. The little quips throughout are thoroughly entertaining and make this so readable. There are plenty of other books he has written that go into depth on the subjects they address, but this is light, easy reading. ‘Since this is an era when many people are concerned about “fairness”, what is your “fair share” of what someone else has worked for?’. His book A Personal Odyssey clarifies where Dr Sowell is coming from - and where he has come from.

J. Rupp

Ein perfekter Sturm?

Reviewed in Germany on October 23, 2011

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In dieser Sammlung von Zeitungskolumnen, die der amerikanische Ökonom und Publizist Thomas Sowell in den letzten Jahren vorgelegt hat, geht es primär um den internen Niedergang der Vereinigten Staaten. Die Institutionen und Werte, welche einst für den Aufstieg der USA zur Weltmacht verantwortlich waren, sind für den Autor heute nur noch ein Schatten ihrer selbst. Sie wurden seit den sechziger Jahren systematisch unterhöhlt und von einer linksliberalen Ideologie zweckentfremdet.
Das Resultat dieser Entwicklung ist aus der Sicht von Sowell verheerend. In sämtlichen Bereichen der amerikanischen Gesellschaft ist es zu dekadenten Verhältnissen gekommen, die in ihrer Summe einen "perfekten Sturm“ bilden. Den Amerikanern droht ein unaufhaltsamer Abstieg, der sogar die gesamte westliche Zivilisation gefährden kann.

Sowell behandelt in seinen Beiträgen ein breites Themenspektrum. Es umfasst politische, wirtschaftliche, kulturelle und rechtliche Aspekte. Bei aller inhaltlichen Vielfalt zeichnet sich doch ein roter Faden ab, der die verschiedenen Kolumnen zusammenhält. Er besteht aus der Trias der mangelhaften Eigenverantwortung, des Politikversagens und der Erosion moralischer und rechtlicher Normen.
Die Finanzkrise, welche 2008 die Märkte erschütterte, war beispielsweise kein Marktversagen. Erst die amerikanischen Politiker, welche gerne die "Gier“ der Wirtschaftsbosse geißeln, haben mit ihren unverantwortlichen Forderungen nach möglichst viel Wohneigentum für unterprivilegierte Bevölkerungsgruppen den Zusammenbruch der Märkte verursacht. Unter normalen Marktbedingungen wären Kredite nie an solche Personen vergeben worden, die ökonomisch gar nicht im Stande waren, sie jemals zurückzuzahlen.

Anhand der Verstaatlichung des Gesundheitssystems, die von den Demokraten vorangetrieben wurde, verdeutlicht der Autor die zunehmende Abkehr vom Prinzip der Eigenverantwortung. Anstatt es den Bürgern selbst zu überlassen, ob und in welchem Umfang sie krankenversichert sein wollen, soll ihnen dies nun vom Staat vorgeschrieben werden. Dabei ist die Leistungsfähigkeit und die Kosteneffizienz eines staatlichen Gesundheitswesens mehr als fragwürdig.
Auch im Rechtssystem hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten ein negativer Trend verfestigt, der sich vor allem darin manifestiert, dass sich Richter als eine Art von "Ersatzgesetzgeber“ verstehen. In ihren Urteilen orientieren sie sich häufig nicht am vorgegebenen positiven Recht. Sie versuchen stattdessen, ihre politischen und ideologischen Wunschvorstellungen zur Grundlage der Entscheidungsfindung zu machen. Das Recht verkümmert letztlich zu einem Erfüllungsgehilfen der linksliberalen Gesinnung.

Die inneren Probleme der USA werden zudem noch durch außenpolitische Schwächen verschärft. Reale Gefahren werden hier geleugnet oder durch bloße Rhetorik verdeckt. So wird etwa die Bedrohung durch einen nuklear aufgerüsteten Iran heruntergespielt und durch eine diplomatische Scheinaktivität vernebelt.
Insgesamt gesehen fühlt man sich beim Lesen der Ausführungen von Sowell des Öfteren an Edward Gibbon und den Untergang des Römischen Reiches erinnert. Der Autor, der selbst auf Gibbon und sein Werk verweist, geht leider nicht näher auf Entwicklungen ein, die seiner düsteren Diagnose entgegenwirken könnten. Gerade in den Vereinigten Staaten gibt es aber noch eine vitale konservative Bewegung, welche unter günstigen Umständen in der Lage ist, den beschriebenen Verfall der Institutionen und Werte zu stoppen. Die Hoffnung, die bekanntlich zuletzt stirbt, darf deshalb nicht aufgegeben werden. Thomas Sowell und seine Leser würden gut daran tun, dies zu beherzigen.

Jürgen Rupp

2 people found this helpful

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David Finn

Dismantling America

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 18, 2011

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This book contains a collection of essays/articles by Thomas Sowell on his views on the current state of the USA. If you are familiar with or a fan of Sowell's work then you will enjoy this. Thomas Sowell would be regarded as " right wing ", so depending on your politics it will either appeal to you or you will run away from it. As a non-american I cannot testify to the veracity of his arguments or opinions. This book is easy on the eyes like most of Sowell's works. There is no attempt to impress people by using ten words when five will do. Sowell is a Libertarian & is very concerned about the increasing intrusion of government into everyday life & especially the increase of this under the Obama administration. He wonders whether Americans have lost their thirst for liberty and if they are too hooked on the welfare state that is cradle to care entitlements to be concerned about their increasing loss of liberty. This book contains essays on his political, social & economic views. Hope this has been helpful

10 people found this helpful

I. P. H.

excellent collection of writing

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2011

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A collection of short articles or essays by Thomas Sowell. Most of the articles are incisive, clever and undisputable.
Thomas Sowell is considered conservative, but his articles are mostly objective analysis of problems and issues of contemporary politics, culture, economics, without a particular bias.
A very good read as well.

7 people found this helpful

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