Customer Reviews:
 Good book but a little simple August 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I am a big proponent of Ron Paul's political stances. That said this is a review of his book not him.
The book is an easy read and I must say is a bit watered down for the sake being an easy read and make it more appealing to a larger audience. I myself would have liked some more detail and nit picking at specific policies but this just isn't possible in a book targeted at a large audience with the intent of winning people over to a new political viewpoint. The facts are solid but there is nothing groundbreaking; I am a news hound and independently verify Ron Paul's points by matter of course and personal research. However if you don't enjoy scouring newspapers and internet blogs for truth in news (big hint: you'll never get it all from source) this book can acquaint you with some uncomfortable facts about this nation's government/rich-boys-club.
The book primarily dwells on pointing out hypocrisy in government and the suicidal economic policies that are in place. Basically the Fed and their cronies are bleeding the country dry and will jumping ship and appoint a scapegoat when the dollar goes into permanent free fall. Another big hint: BUY AS MUCH GOLD AS YOU CAN WHILE YOU CAN!
Outlook on foreign policy is pretty simple; mind our business and maximize our trade advantage. The position of world cop/mega charity is an economic slice to the neck. Don't give fish, teach to fish and all that...
If you know whats going on in the world then chances are you already know what Ron Paul will tell you in this book, but if you feel your are being sheltered from the truth and would like to see what an honest assessment of government really looks like then buy this book and get ready to be disgusted with the Federal government on a scale you can't even imagine.
wise words from a true patriot August 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Ron Paul's "The Revolution: A Manifesto" is an entirely successful presentation of the Texas congressman's political, economic and social views. An outgrowth of his surprisingly effective presidential campaign, the book ranges over a panoply of issues, delivering a vitally important message to Americans concerned about the condition of their country, especially the negative effects ( seemingly endless chicanery at home and abroad ) wrought by an expansive and suffocating centralized government. That Dr. Paul manages his task in a calm and guileless manner, negotiating the complexities inherent in his topics without recourse to hyperbole, is just one of his authorial virtues.
The title of the first chapter ( "The False Choices of American Politics" ) sheds light on the corruption of the 2-party system and the superficiality of the official line espoused by both the mainstream Right and Left. While Dr. Paul is himself certainly socially conservative ( a pro-life Christian ), he can hardly be accused of giving the Right a pass:
"Once home to distinguished intellectuals and men of letters, it now tolerates and even encourages anti-intellectualism and jingoism that would have embarrassed earlier generations of conservative thinkers."
Likewise, he is less than impressed with the liberal Left:
"Although they posture as critical thinkers, their confidence in government is inexcusably naive, based as it is on civics-textbook platitudes that bear absolutely zero resemblance to reality"
But Congressman Paul's case is far from reliant on the simple declarative statements one expects from publicity-seeking politicians, for he proceeds from this beginning to elucidate both his criticism and his positive vision of liberty ( freedom & responsibility under the Constitution) with illuminating references: historical, economic and sociological sources are explored with an amazing amount of detail ( especially considering that this book was intended for a popular readership ). There are chapters on the foreign policy positions of the founding fathers, the U.S. Constitution, civil liberties and personal freedom, the principles of economic freedom, and the role of money ( with proper attention paid to the insidious nature of central banking ).
Dr. Paul's libertarian views, in contrast to some who hold that worldview, are refreshingly un-doctrinaire. He does not treat man in a purely atomistic fashion as "homo economicus" nor does his belief in truly free market capitalism ( as opposed to the mercantilist system under which we currently live) stem from an obsession with pecuniary gain. In fact, Paul himself states that he would favor freedom even if it didn't bring prosperity ( the fact that it does is all the better ). In his own words, set forth at the start of the book:
"My message is one of freedom and individual rights. I believe individuals have a right to life and liberty and that physical aggression should be used only defensively. We should respect each other as rational beings by trying to achieve our goals through reason and persuasion rather than threats and coercion. That, and not a desire for `economic efficiency', is the primary reason for opposing government intrusions into our lives: government is force, not reason."
It remains to be seen whether this admirably humane view will ever be embraced by a populace drawn into the entangling web of The ( welfare/warfare ) State. Perhaps the message will penetrate only to a few, a remnant which may ( despite occupying the ethical and intellectual high-ground ) never affect in their fellow citizens a change of heart. But even so, Dr. Paul will have done well, in accordance with duty to his country and to his faith.
To conclude: rarely, if ever, will one find as succinct, honest and readable an account from a politician. "The Revolution: A Manifesto" establishes what has been known for a long time; Ron Paul is a patriot in the truest sense. Americans would be wise to heed his words.
The Revolution: A Manifesto August 2, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book truly revolutionizes thinking on almost all major political debates in the United States. Ron Paul puts forth the best arguements for a truly conservative America and his writing should convince the people from all over the spectrum of the power and prosperity of limited government, the free market, and liberty on a grand scale. His expertise in writing this book shows superb mastery of all the skills that any leader must possess in politics. I recommend this book to all those looking for an eye-opening read that will add to and change their perspective on a range of social, military, and economic issues. Ron Paul is the new Barry Goldwater of our die and this is America's Conservative Conscience.
A step in the right direction, but cannot compel revolution August 2, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I am a politically-active American that agrees with pretty much everything that Ron Paul aims for, but would have trouble voting for him. A brief analysis of this book might help to explain why.
The Revolution is a brief book, as a good manifesto should be, and does accomplish what I believe to be its true goal: to awaken the average citizen to the kind of injustices and corruption that goes on in Washington as a matter of course. After completing this book, the reader's skepticism of the government might well turn to outright disgust.
But once the reader gains this new perspective, there is nothing really to do with it. He is stuck in the same place he has always been with the same needs and inability to fix the problems he now sees. Ron Paul's manifesto introduces the problems, but does so in a superficial--uncritical--way, and therefore does not present us with solutions. An example of this is Paul's stance on the war. He outlines the waste and inadequacy of the effort, but fails to recognize any valid reasons for being there. Let's assume there aren't any valid reasons for being there; we are still there, which means that in order to solve the problems, we have to figure out a viable exit strategy. Ron Paul does not have one.
Without solutions, Paul cannot compel the revolution that this book's title projects. Revolution must be based on a single, irrefutable idea, a solution that the people can use as the vehicle of their efforts.
One might argue that Paul offers a solution in his candidacy. In other words, use the system we have now to vote for people to fix the problem. But I have been doing that for a decade now and getting nowhere. I vote for people who say they will reduce the size of government, and then turn around and increase the size of government. The system has gotten so convoluted that it seems this kind of corruption is inevitable.
There is no question that ours is a troubled age of injustice and corruption. Perhaps Ron Paul's growing following will inspire solutions to the problems that we all see, and then justify the mantra of revolution.
Legendary August 1, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
There is little to say, but to read it for yourself. Those that accuse him of being racially motivated have not read the book. Brilliant!!!
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