As If We Were Grownups: A Collection of Suicidal Political Speeches That Aren't

Having just survived the presidential elections of 2008, I found As If We Were Grownups: A Collection of "Suicidal" Political Speeches That Aren't by Jeff Golden to be very provocative. As If We Were Grownups contains ten speeches that Golden claims those running for national office should make. Most candidates treat the voters as spoiled children, promising them anything and everything to get elected. His premise is that this is a cycle that needs to be broken. Some of his speech topics include public campaign financing, why the price of gas is too low, why the drug war should be abandoned and why military spending is too high. Golden's chapter on military spending is especially interesting. He states that when so much money (an easy half trillion dollars) is spent on the military, it actually makes us a less secure nation. "I suggest to you that when we have schools and clinics closing, streets and highways without police, criminals who are discovering they can do the crime without doing the time, we do not have a secure nation." Golden believes that whatever national decisions we make, we have to think three generations ahead. So instead of pushing for cheap gas, we need to take the extra money and find new means of mass transportation, alternative sources of energy and tax incentives for business to keep their employees off the road. Otherwise, we saddle our children and grandchildren with a transportation system that is terribly expensive and ineffective. Golden has some very interesting points and creative ideas. Will everyone agree with him? I doubt it. But as Golden writes, it is time for voters to stand up and act like adults, to demand honesty from their politicians, and to accept responsibility for their actions. We need to consider what is best for the majority of Americans, and not just our own self-interests. It will be fascinating to see if our new president, Barack Obama, will take any of Jeff Golden's advice.

Honesty is the best policy is what we're told as children. But how many follow this policy? "As If We Were Grownups: A Collection of 'Suicidal' Political Speeches That Aren't" looks into the harsh reality of American politics that many simply attack listeners with an array of feel good cliches and everything they simply want to hear. Inside, are an array of speeches from politicians that are frighteningly honest, and while many campaign managers fear them, have proved highly effective on their respective campaign trail. "As If We Were Grownups" is enthusiastically recommended reading, and a 'must' for those who demand more political honesty in their politicians.

Golden gets it right in his newest book, 'As If We Were Grownups'. I not only enjoyed the book immensely but also know that he walks his own talk on his daily NPR talk show in the Oregon/California area. He interviews guests from both sides of the political spectrum with a high degree of respect and civility allowing true political discourse for tens of thousands of his listeners. This book would be a perfect primer for political science classes everywhere.

By Cyrus Emerson For the Tidings Ashland resident Jeff Golden hosts The Jefferson Exchange on Jefferson Public Radio. Every day he speaks with insightful guests about the issues of our times, and the 2004 presidential race is no exception. His new book, "As If We Were Grownups: A Collection of 'Suicidal' Political Speeches That Aren't," challenges the reader with a question: What if presidential candidates spoke to the American public as adults? This is the premise behind a series of hypothetical speeches for a candidate to use on the way to the White House. Each speech - ranging from topics such as higher gas taxes to the legalization of drugs - is straightforward in its examination of domestic issues that face the American public. The candidate explores these issues in a way that takes responsibility for future generations. He wants to create policies that will improve the standard of living over the long term. Golden's mythical candidate makes the stand for renewable fuels, health care for all, and civil liberties. These values shape his policy decisions and he his not afraid to speak about the unpopular sacrifices that need to be made to accomplish such goals. His speeches are the beginning of a discussion with the American people, a discussion that aims to find truth without interference from special interests. An example of this can be found in chapter three: "No Amount is Too Much ..." In this speech Golden's candidate speaks to an audience representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He tells them military spending is too high, and points to the fact that America spends more money on its military than the rest of the world combined. The drain of this money from other social programs, the candidate reasons, has made America less secure. He says that having a strong military does not have to cripple domestic policies like health care that would give people a sense of safety in their day-to-day lives. Giving this "suicidal political speech" to an audience that would disagree illustrates Golden's effort to discuss these issues. His candidate aims to subvert the special interest of large organizations to empower the people at large. He is a progressive idealist who questions the direction of our country with depth. He does not say, "I have a plan too ..." He says I have a plan too do this, and explains in detail the motives behind his decisions. The decisions he makes are the beginning of a discussion rather than a firm commitment. This candidate seems to want people to tell him why they disagree so that a conversation into the matter can continue. To help readers have their own debates Golden has included a discussion guide at the end of his book. "As If We Were Grownups" allows readers to walk through the doors of perception. On one side there are the limits of politics driven by 30-second commercials, special interest money, and politicians that feel the need to flatter any potential voter. On the other side there is democracy,

I am a thinking person who wants to be talked to like a grownup who can handle the truth even if I don't like it. Both sides of the political spectrum treat us like children who cannot think for ourselves and must be manipulated and lied to so "they" can do what they think is best for us. While I do not necessarily agree with all the views expressed in the book, I do agree with the idea that it is time for politicians to explain, in truthful terms, what they really believe and why. Then I can decide for myself what I think is right. That is what this book is all about - the idea that you can tell people the truth and still get elected. An idea that's time has come!