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A review by hikemogan
My Country 'Tis of Thee by Keith Ellison
2.0
Political autobiographies are tricky things; even more so when it's a politician still running for office (as opposed to someone retiring or retired). The form presents the author with one of the few chances in life to put down in extended form their ideas unabridged and uninterrupted. However, the author has to please as many people as possible and touch all the important bases representing all their constituencies, mention all the important people, and address all the peculiar pet issues that their district/ward/state finds important. What usually results is one part family history, one part stock platitudes about "This great nation...blah, blah, blah," and one part shallow discussion of the issues the author wants to address in their next term. "My Country, `Tis of Thee" follows the format.
Keith Ellison's political views line up very closely with my own, so I don't intend this criticism as a partisan cut on his position as one of the most progressive members of congress. But this book very much reads like a shallow campaign speech. There are some deeper moments, such as his visit to Somalia, or his views on America's modern interactions with the Middle East. But the bulk of the book (not including the first few chapters on his upbringing and education) reads like a "Minneapolis liberal Democrat by the numbers" text that could be lifted and applied to a lot of people. And again, I say this as a person who agrees with 99% of Ellison's views.
Keith Ellison is not a political theorist or an essayist, but I was hoping for a more in-depth look at the issues he hopes to address if (okay... "when") he's re-elected. Unfortunately, I think the form of political autobiography--especially one timed for a reelection campaign--just doesn't allow for that.
Keith Ellison's political views line up very closely with my own, so I don't intend this criticism as a partisan cut on his position as one of the most progressive members of congress. But this book very much reads like a shallow campaign speech. There are some deeper moments, such as his visit to Somalia, or his views on America's modern interactions with the Middle East. But the bulk of the book (not including the first few chapters on his upbringing and education) reads like a "Minneapolis liberal Democrat by the numbers" text that could be lifted and applied to a lot of people. And again, I say this as a person who agrees with 99% of Ellison's views.
Keith Ellison is not a political theorist or an essayist, but I was hoping for a more in-depth look at the issues he hopes to address if (okay... "when") he's re-elected. Unfortunately, I think the form of political autobiography--especially one timed for a reelection campaign--just doesn't allow for that.