Cato Handbook on Policy

This book is wonderful. Everything is cited in wonderful detail. If you look at may books that other think tanks, especially the ones on the left, their work is poorly cited and they grab quotes and figures from who knows where. T Grimes has hit the nail on the head with this review, and I commend him for that. LIBERTARIANS UNITE!!!

I've been buying the "Cato Handbook" since the first edition. As a rabid libertarian and freedom fighter, I am admittedly biased in favor of logic, truth, and liberty when it comes to U.S. policy making; so, of course, I love this book. It is most fortunate for the few of us left who really love the American experiment that the Cato institute offers us the kind of solutions to the collectivist state we so desperately need. Unfortunately, the lawyers in D.C. have absolutely no motivation to change the status quo. This is the largest part of the problem, which is unfortunately, (probably just an oversight) is one of the few issues not addressed in this book. James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, and the Federalists, would join the Anti-Federalists in horror by the state of the modern state. Sure it is easy to say, and correctly so, that the U.S. is the most dominant country in the world. So what? Are we truly the freest people? Do we really enjoy the liberties desired by the framers of the Constitution? For a little hint at the answer take a look at your next paycheck, the tax code, the law books, or CSPAN's coverage of congressional proceedings before you answer. The Cato Institute, and the few of us libertarians, seem to be the only voice of reason in this land of extreme socialist policy imposition. It is really quite a lonely place sometimes. The republicrats have been destroying this country since the civil war and have been on a road to destruction with an exponential curve. The "New Deal" and the "Great Society" have all but destroyed our liberties. The only way to reclaim our America is to implement many of the policies highlighted in this book. While I can't agree with the Cato institute on every recommendation (libertarians in general have priority paralysis on foreign policy) I do strongly agree with most. This book is similar in form and substance to the other five published editions. Well thought out position recommendations on a wide spectrum of issues we face today: Entitlement Reform, Taxes & Spending, Government Reform, Threats to Civil Liberties, Domestic Policy, Regulation, Energy & Environment, Foreign & Defense Policy, International Economic Policy I have sent a copy of this book to my senators and congressmen every term with a personal note that this book reflects my desires for the direction of the U.S. If you love The United States of America, then I urge you to do the same. "W," late to the party, as usual, may actually turn out to be the greatest president since Teddy Roosevelt if he manages to privatize (even if only on a trivial level) social security. Do you think this idea came from his cabinet? Nope, the Cato Institute has been recommending this change since the first edition (see page 47 in this publication). Buy this book, turn off the television, and take your country back!