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thomcat's review against another edition
5.0
Fairly short book, quite timely. Reviews the recent challenges to democracy in this country, with a good historical basis. Found myself reading a chapter and then putting the book down to contemplate, and occasionally seethe. While this contains comprehensive notes on research, I wonder if some liberal abuses were missed - e.g. how the Primary process failed Bernie Sanders.
Quick topic summary: Voting (who should have the right?), Spending (does money equal importance of speech?), Local Democracy (how local should laws be?), Gerrymandering (is the popular vote more important than a state-rigged vote?), Judicial Activism (how far should courts interpret the constitution?) and Government (Democracy or a Constitutional Republic?).
Very thought provoking in such a short time, though perhaps not intended for quite that purpose. Definitely recommended for anyone who wants to really think about our form of government instead of just voting their particular party line. 4½ stars.
Quick topic summary: Voting (who should have the right?), Spending (does money equal importance of speech?), Local Democracy (how local should laws be?), Gerrymandering (is the popular vote more important than a state-rigged vote?), Judicial Activism (how far should courts interpret the constitution?) and Government (Democracy or a Constitutional Republic?).
Very thought provoking in such a short time, though perhaps not intended for quite that purpose. Definitely recommended for anyone who wants to really think about our form of government instead of just voting their particular party line. 4½ stars.
becksri29's review against another edition
4.0
There are some really great points in here, but the author (a journalist for MSNBC) might be so far to the left that he can't see the middle. The middle is where it's at man. It's true that the Republicans run a lot of obstructionist tactics, partly because they benefit from a government that doesn't appear to be working (people turn to the party that continuously says government should be smaller and less involved). But on the other hand, the Democrats can't seem to find a way to get their policies around the obstruction. I know that sounds lame, but we really need a government that focuses on the people and not on keeping control for one party or the other. Everyone should be able to vote, for better or for worse. Yes, that means a lot of uninformed people will be involved, but that's why they're only involved at the end - we vote on candidates selected for is - and why we have the electoral college (also for better or worse). The two-party system, the way it works today, is hurting more than it's helping. I'm exhausted and realize I'm not really reviewing this book or possibly making a ton of sense, but this is what's on my mind after reading it.
hedonismbookbot's review against another edition
5.0
Checked out before the election and read now. Even more depressing and prescient.
woowottreads's review against another edition
3.0
Probably my first actual political read ever that wasn't a civics class in high school. I'm sure there are many nuances to law and politics that I'm missing in this book, but it was still a worthwhile read simply to further educate myself. It is basically the GOP is evil and will not stop being evil until they have ruined everything and only rich white men get to vote again, and they will keep conniving and lying to their constituents until this happens. A few Republicans are horrified by this, but the bad ones win the day again and again.
averyking's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting. Make no mistake, this book clearly favors one side over the other. That's rather obvious just from the title of the book. I think that the book does a decent job in describing the various ways that the right employs tactics that are...democratically questionable to say the least. However, I think this book could have benefited from being longer, giving itself space to dive deeper into tactics from the elite on not just the conservative side but the liberal side too that seek to undermine the will and desires of the mass public. (With that being said, I find it necessary to personally note that this book did into my own biases. If you were to ask me, I would say that I definitely agree with the author in his argument that the right actively seeks to undermine the democratic process or at the very least, radically redefine what is considered the democratic process. Just throwing that out there).
This book is quite short. Although the book is listed as 288 pages, it's actually around 180 pages if you disregard the 100~ pages of notes.
This book is quite short. Although the book is listed as 288 pages, it's actually around 180 pages if you disregard the 100~ pages of notes.
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