Like with so many other things, "Progessives," the subject of Mr. Ostrowski's book, have spun their philosophy from what is a bad idea into one that is seemingly good by using the word progressive, a word with generally positive connotations. It is an outgrowth of "liberalism," for which they did the same thing by perverting the original intent and philosophy behind that movement.
So says the author, and he presents his case of how the tenets of Progessivism are destroying this country. My own two cents, I agree with him. He argues that the best use of human resources and true progress is striving for the values of liberalism within the original intent of that word and movement: Everyone has a natural right to self-ownership, the right to own property, and the right to revolt and overthrow any government that infringes upon these natural rights. The current day meaning of liberalism, aka progressivism has been perverted and now is a movement that favors government being charged with solving all problems (which ironically a goodly number they themselves create) and having ultimate power over the people. The author presents excellent arguments and examples to support his case. He also presents a case for why modern day conservatism is no better than liberalism because it, too, relies on big government in charge of everything and he cites the example of how even with the GOP in charge, government just grows and grows.
What I find lacking in the material is a scenario of how the original liberalism (which is now called the libertarian approach) would be practically applied to our society today. The simple answer is having a government whose main power is upholding the basic tenets I mentioned above, about rights of ownership of property and oneself, and having a "free market." What I feel interferes with that is human nature.
Any philosophy of living and of government has to take human nature into account. While I think people in general desire to be "free' and would agree about the right to ownership of oneself and of property, there is also the element of greed and corruption that is embedded in human nature as well. I believe people are not inherently good. A legitimate function of government is to product people from harm, which includes crimes against themselves and property but as society gets larger and larger, people will call for more and more regulation as abuses and offenses increase in frequency and magnitude. Where is that regulation going to come from? People will call on the government to do it. Lots of people are sheep, too - take a look at how many take the initiative for any given task. Most of the time they will just stand back and look around, waiting for the other person to volunteer. Many want a large government so that they don't have to deal with "problems." Let the government do it. I agree with the author, a bloated government is a hindrance, not a help, but human nature keeps calling for more and more; and the more government supplies, the more they expect.
Perhaps in a simple, smaller society then rights to ownership of self and property is something that can be realistically achieved. But as society grows and becomes more complex, the "need" for government to step in and provide answers grows, too. I believe there is far more government than there is need, but human nature being what it is, there will always be those who are corrupt and become more sophisticated at it, which leads to a call for more government to fight it.
Anyway, enough editorializing. It's a good book, easy to read and very sensible as it lays out arguments against the progressive philosophy. I fear, however, that the reason this has become so popular is because it takes advantage of the lower side of human nature. I also wish that the author had laid out more concrete examples of how the libertarian (new term for old liberalism) would work in practical terms.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Discover delightful children's books with Amazon Book Box, a subscription that delivers new books every 1, 2, or 3 months — new Amazon Book Box Prime customers receive 15% off your first box. Sign up now
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Paperback$34.49FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Thursday, Sep 16Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2017
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2020
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Peter Twigg
I highly recommend reading this book to find the reasons why our ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 13, 2014Verified Purchase
flashman
The beginning of a slow revolution
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2016Verified Purchase
Alessandro Fusillo
A must read to understand contemporary politics
Reviewed in Italy on January 18, 2015Verified Purchase
Angelo Barbato
required reading for those who think progressives are harmless kooks.
Reviewed in Australia on April 4, 2015Verified Purchase
Deals related to this item
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
