A Time for Choices: Deep Dialogues for Deep Democracy

[...]A TIME FOR CHOICES presents a remarkably clear picture of the decisions that American citizens face following the pivotal events of September 11, 2001, as well as some visions of how Americans can help create a better America. A TIME FOR CHOICES was compiled from a series of forty-two fascinating interviews that "New Dimensions" radio host and founder Michael Toms conducted after September 11, 2001 with people who are noteworthy for their worldly awareness and insightful commentary. Toms organizes these inspiring interviews into chapters that explore some of America's founding principles of democracy, freedom of the press, and national security. What makes A TIME FOR CHOICES really stand out as an exceptional book, however, is the fact that it also includes discussion of spiritual issues and hopeful visions of the future. I love the way I learned things in A TIME FOR CHOICES that I have not heard of anywhere else. For example, International Law professor Francis Boyle explains why the United States is obliged to resolve its dispute with Afghanistan in a peaceful manner according to UN Charter 2(3) and Article 33, and linguist Noam Chomsky describes the importance of retaining civil liberties in America. Author and world-traveler Mark Hertsgaard shows how different American media is from international media, when for example President George Bush's statement, "You're for us or against us" made headlines in France, but was buried deep inside American news reports.I highly recommend A TIME FOR CHOICES to everyone who wishes to see the big picture of what is really happening in America today. A TIME FOR CHOICES should be required reading for all Americans, and for anyone interested in understanding where America is headed next.

This compilation of voices presents such different views than those we have been used to hearing from our American media mainstream sources. I loved the personal stories interspersed in many of the contributions. One of my favorite chapters was "Going Deeper: The Spiritual Dimension." Dawna Markova, Sogyal Rinpoche, Thomas Moore and others closed the gap between politics and the spiritual path. Michael Toms asked clear, eloquent and pertinent questions, allowing room for the interviewee to answer with ease and heartfelt sincerity.

Once I began reading this I couldn't put it down. It gives me hope in the American Mind and Spirit. It's intelligent, wide ranging, provocative, mind-expanding--a rich banquet of a diversity of voices.

This book brings together an extraordinary group of voices and views not generally being heard in the mass media and for this reason it needs to be read. Lots of positive, practical and empowering ideas are presented as to how indiduals can effectively address these turbulent times. As the publisher states, A Time for Choices "is a modern sequel to Thomas Paine's Common Sense," and deserves a wide readership.