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America: Our Next Chapter: Tough Questions, Straight Answers Hardcover – March 25, 2008
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Senator Chuck Hagel has long been admired by his colleagues on both sides of the Senate floor for his honesty, integrity, and common-sense approach to the challenges of our times. The Los Angeles Times has praised his "bold positions on foreign policy and national security" and wondered, "What's not to like?" In America: Our Next Chapter, Nebraska-born Hagel offers a hard-hitting examination of the current state of our nation and provides substantial, meaningful proposals that can guide America back onto the right path.
In America: Our Next Chapter, Hagel speaks the truth as he sees it—in a direct and refreshingly unvarnished manner. Basing his suggestions on thorough research and careful thought, as well as on personal insight from his years as a political insider, successful businessman, and decorated war hero, he discusses domestic issues—including the health care crisis, immigration, and Social Security and Medicare reform—and global climate change. He confronts foreign policy problems that the current administration has bungled or ignored, including China's growing economy; control of U.S. debt; India's and Pakistan's nuclear capabilities; and Iran's aggressive political, ideological, and nuclear stances. He decries the pervasive disease of third world poverty, arguing convincingly that this is where the real fight against terrorism must begin. Always true to the beliefs instilled in his childhood on the prairie, he speaks passionately about service—to one's country and to one's fellow citizens—as the path toward a renewed America. And, of course, he gives a candid examination of the debacle that is the Iraq War.
A staunch Republican yet a "hero to liberals" (Time), Hagel asks the tough questions and delivers straight answers to America's most pressing problems. America: Our Next Chapter is a serious, honest, and, ultimately, optimistic look at our nation's future, from an American original.
- Print length320 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherEcco
- Publication dateMarch 25, 2008
- Dimensions6 x 1.05 x 9 inches
- ISBN-109780061436963
- ISBN-13978-0061436963
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Chuck Hagel is a leader and passionate advocate of dialogue and multilateral engagement, and his book describes in clear terms why the world needs enlightened American leadership. His vivid examination of American politics provides a rationale for future policy.” — Kofi A. Annan
“Senator Hagel is a plain spoken man from the heartland with a big vision for where America needs to go next - and how we can all help. This is a book for people who care about their country.” — Tom Brokaw
“America The Next Chapter” is a powerful combination of personal reminiscence and public policy prescription. Hagel is an authentic and courageous voice--a principled Republican moderate in the finest traditional sense. — Susan Eisenhower
“A leader and passionate advocate of dialogue and multilateral engagement, Chuck Hagel’s book describes in clear terms why the world needs enlightened American leadership. His vivid examination of American politics provides a rationale for future policy.” — Kofi A. Annan, UN Secretary-General (1997-2006)
“[Chuck Hagel’s] is a true American voice, straight forward, pragmatic, full of the values that have made this country great. His book traces a course for a... more hopeful future for the country; it sets standards for the next generation to follow. A must read.” — James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank 1995-2005
“ He writes with insight, expertise, authority and with the credentials that come from his dedicated service in war and peace. . . . . A fast, solid worthwhile read.” — Colin L. Powell
“Well-reasoned and timely . . . His approach should be required reading for anyone who cares about the diminishing ability of our elected officials to seek common ground―and people everywhere interested in an inspirational American life.” — Alan Greenspan
“This forthright and surprisingly blunt book... details his public life as a United States senator and gives him an opportunity to ask some tough questions, and to make some tough judgments. Hagel has made his mark in the U.S. Senate by being his own man, a man above partisanship.” — Journal Star Review
About the Author
Chuck Hagel served two terms in the U.S. Senate and was sworn in as the 24th Secretary of Defense on February 27, 2013, becoming the first enlisted combat veteran to lead the Department of Defense. Hagel and his brother Tom served side by side in Vietnam in 1968 as infantry squad leaders with the U.S. Army's 9th Division. He earned many military decorations and honors, including two Purple Hearts. A fourth-generation Nebraskan, Secretary Hagel is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Hagel and his wife, Lilibet, have two children.
Product details
- ASIN : 0061436968
- Publisher : Ecco; First Edition (March 25, 2008)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 320 pages
- ISBN-10 : 9780061436963
- ISBN-13 : 978-0061436963
- Item Weight : 1.26 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 1.05 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #463,306 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find the book provides relevant insights into the current world situation. They appreciate the author's intelligence and sense of American values. The book reads like a series of thoughtful political science essays, making all the points make sense to customers.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book provides relevant insights into the current world situation. They find it honest, educational, and fascinating. The book provides some insight into the author's thinking and priorities, as well as thoughtful political science essays.
"...this excellent book which reads like a serious of thoughtful, political science essays...." Read more
"I read chapters of this very interesting book twice...." Read more
"Excellent book. It is honest, educational and fascinating...." Read more
"Very relevant insight to the current world situation event though the book was written is 2008. More relevant today!" Read more
Customers find the book intelligent and well-written. They say it's a thoughtful collection of political science essays that makes sense. The author's approach is bipartisan and down-to-earth, making it a recommended read.
"...our responsibility in this excellent book which reads like a serious of thoughtful, political science essays...." Read more
"...Chuck Hagel is a great American and our national defense will be covered with him in the Secretary of Defense position...." Read more
"...His approach is bipartisan and down to earth. Too bad there aren't more Senators and Congressmen like him!..." Read more
"...He thinks and speaks as an American, not as a partisan." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2008Chuck Hagel challenges our responsibility in this excellent book which reads like a serious of thoughtful, political science essays. As a frustrated, moderate Democrat, I devoured this sensible, compelling work. Like too few of his political peers, he puts his service to the people ahead of party politics. He's a Republican, but more than that he's a committed American.
War hero, public servant, businessman, diplomat, patriot. Hagel's having an amazing life and uses his experience and exprtise to offer an honest, fair evaluation of the state of the world, without ever saying "I told you so." Why isn't this guy running for the highest office!?! A presidential candidate of any party would be wise to get him on their ticket...or at the very least, get his endorsement.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2013I read chapters of this very interesting book twice. Chuck Hagel is a great American and our national defense will be covered with him in the Secretary of Defense position. Everything he said made so much sense. I greatly recommend you read this book.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2008He has some brilliant moments about war. The Vietnam experience is very up front in his life and politics. Bush and Cheney not being war veterans seems to cause him concern. While he would go in a lot of different directions from his party, he still is a Republican. All his donations and connections to maintain his office, force him into a conflicting situations. But it is a good read. If he changed is party to independent it would be no surprise.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2016Excellent book. It is honest, educational and fascinating. I recommend the book highly for all those who care for the future of USA, and all those who deal with the USA, and those who are students of American politics. It is also a testament and example of the character of Mr. Hagel as a good politicians who cared about the common good , rather than only his own . Mr. Hagel recognized and highlight an important principle , that the World is interconnected, and for the USA to stay a super power should establish it self on this principle and fact.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2017Very relevant insight to the current world situation event though the book was written is 2008. More relevant today!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2008This is an outstanding book! Chuck Hagel is the voice of reason when it comes to the problems facing America. His approach is bipartisan and down to earth. Too bad there aren't more Senators and Congressmen like him! I am very disappointed that he is leaving the Senate. As a lifelong Democrat, I would vote for him in a heart beat!
- Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2015Good book.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2013Having been totally in the dark about Senator Hagel previously, I was very favorably impressed by his observations and advice in "America: Our Next Chapter." I now understand why he was chosen to occupy an important position in the Administration. He thinks and speaks as an American, not as a partisan.
