What It Means to Be a Democrat
-
-
3.9 • 14 Ratings
-
-
- $4.99
-
- $4.99
Publisher Description
A call to arms by the former presidential candidate that combines personal anecdotes and cultural critiques to remind liberals of their ideological compass and restore confidence.
George McGovern has been a leading figure of the Democratic Party for more than fifty years. From this true liberal comes a thoughtful examination of what being a Democrat really means. McGovern admonishes current Democratic politicians for losing sight of their ideals as they subscribe to an increasingly centrist policy agenda. Applying his wide- ranging knowledge and expertise on issues ranging from military spending to same-sex marriage to educational reform, he stresses the importance of creating policies we can be proud of. Finally, with 2012 looming, McGovern's What It Means to Be a Democrat offers a vision of the Party's future in which ideological coherence and courage rule.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A former presidential nominee and Congressman, who represented South Dakota for 18 years, McGovern offers his thoughts on what the Democrat party stands for as the 2012 Presidential election approaches. While there are as many definitions of what it means to be a Democrat as there are Democrats, McGovern says the party needs to unite on critical issues: social programs, education, health care, unemployment, immigration, and defense. He addresses each of these topics with continual reminders that these solutions are only his opinions and not a master plan for the party. By cutting back the defense budget and eliminating internal security programs (he suggests dissolving the Department of Homeland Security), there will be more money to fund improvements in childcare, education, and health care. He also proposes ending all overseas military operations and, instead, launching a worldwide food program that will promote international peace. Above all, he argues unemployment should be addressed by reviving job creation programs modeled on FDR's WPA. No matter what solutions the Democrat party chooses, McGovern stresses that presenting a strong, united message will be integral in the upcoming election. Many of these solutions are unlikely to ever be put into practice but overall, this is a thoughtful book by an inspiring American elder statesman.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful reminder of who the Senator was!
As a fellow South Dakotan, born only 4 days after George and Eleanor's son in Mitchell, I completely loved seeing how our lives are so similar. my mother frequently reminded me that we were in the hospital together as I grew up! As a kid, that was so cool to know!
George McGovern has been my role model for many many years. Sharing that nursery in Mitchell, was always a reminder of my connection to the McGovern family. The book is also a clear reminder of who we need to be in the world. The deep wisdom of a true elder Statesman like George McGovern, is so needed in these times. He covers so many topics in this book and shares his deepest truths.
His passing this week is a loss for the world. Thank you Senator for your latest thoughts. For being my South Dakota role model. Your book will forever remind me of what a wonderful human being you were!