An Even Better Place: America in the 21st Century

My heart has been captured by this mans ideas and will-power to fight for what he believes is right. I was going to pass up reading this book when Mr Gephardt dropped out of the 2004 race, and I'm glad I decided to pick it up. This book was published in 1999, so it doesn't even pertain to the current race for the White House. I wish he was still in the race, especially after reading his book. I loved reading about his run-in with the Christian Coalition and his views of politics on television. I would read many of these parts over again for inspiration. Inspiration in my party.

Congressman Gephardt was brave enough to put his principles ahead of his party when he supported President Bush war on terror in Iraq. This is the muster of what makes great leaders.Congressman Richard Gephardt has been in Congress for over 20 years rising from an Alderman to Congressman. He has been a major factor in improving America as the Majority and Minority Leader of the Democrats in the House of Representatives. Although he recently removed his quest to lead from the Oval Office, his heart and mind are in good steed today. I found his book to be a summation of his works, agenda and goals for the nation.He outlines in great detail why NAFTA and the WTO must reform to maintain America's middle class and build a middle class in other nations with good labor and environmental common sense to raise all family economic boats, feed all hungry bellies and promote good ideas to serve humanity.I respect this man on what he does, where he wants to lead and why even in defeat he is the kind of American that is not afraid to cry or fight for his family, dreams and nation. Where do we find such men and women? Cynics say politicians are worthless, I say men and women seeking to lead do worthy effects that help the many more often than themselves or the few.The author is a great congressman, leader and writer whose vision may not come from the Oval Office right now, but whose guidance can be trusted to guide us with principles and pride in his work as seen in this book.

As a policy analyst people often ask where my views lie politically. I often answer that they lie somewhere between Pat Buchanan and Dick Gephardt, and I emphasize that I am passionate about the issues where both Gephardt and Buchanan agree: A love of Country, American trade, and integrity in government. Although Gephardt declares himself a liberal, he stands apart from the "New Democrats", and resembles "Old Democrats" like FDR who saw the need to use government to rebalance the relationship between business, government, and The People. Gephardt outlines how American Democracy is in decline today as a result of the "politics of destruction," lack of citizen "participation" and "ownership", as well as the focus on divisive issues. He offers a personal account of the life events that have shaped his worldview and the major problems he sees facing America today, particularly healthcare, education, and maintaining a living age in our new economy. He offers some strategies to get people involved in the political process and create a better country for everyone.Although this book was written in 1999, it is a very timely account of Dick Gephardt's policy views as he challenges other candidates in the 2004 Democratic primary. I found the book very pleasant to read, and was left wondering why the National Democratic party has moved away from his traditional views toward the shrill intolerance of today's liberalism. Gephardt may be the last hope for the middle-class working family.

An excellent book regarding the political/social issues facing the U.S. now and in the future. Mr. Gephardt's views might even qualify as almost Progressive (views which should be self-evident an any remotely democratic society). Unfortunately, Mr. Gephart dances around the issues of Pentagon over/mis-spending and the the abuses and manipulations of elements within Corporate America. Despite these concessions to political correctness, "An Even Better Place" is a wonderful book and should be read by every Amercian who cares about how our country is run.

This is the type of thought provoking book that people interested in politics and public policy must read. Even if you don't agree with everything said in the book, Gephardt strikes me as a leader with a real vision and plan for America. This is also a real insightful look into how a politicans personal experience relates to his political life and policy. All and all, one of the best political books by someone in the ring I have read in a long time.