In Praise of Public Life

Sen. Lieberman's book was published before theVice-Presidential selection process got under way. That is why I read it. Campaign books, whether or not ghost-written, are typically boilerplate designed to wow the faithful. Looking at the earlier writings of a public figure can provide real insight into who they really are. In Lieberman's case, the work under discussion is a good read, and is as free of partisan animosity as can be hoped for - perhaps even more so. The lament of the writer is a common one - the general lack of public-spiritedness in America, especially among the young. In fixing the blame, Lieberman scored points with me by being even-handed in pointing out the scandals that have rocked both major parties. (I start books by politicians by checking the index for references to opposition politicians. If they are generally negative, and those of his own party positive, the bias is fairly obvious.) Lieberman names the usual litany - Vietnam, Watergate, Iran-Contra, the Borking of public figures, the '96 campaign finance scandal, and Monica - as having alienated the citizen from government. The book begins with a look at public life as a calling discusses how public service, like teaching, ought to be about 'making a difference,' not about making money. The author recites his own life history to demonstrate how idealism drew him into politics, with praise not just for JFK, but also for Ike and Prescott Bush, among others, as examples of public figures in his youth who inspired respect and suggested emulation. Whan discussing religion, morality and politics, Lieberman notes that his own party lurched too far to the Left in trying to disestablish religion wherever it might be found. The Democratic Leadership Council, of which he was an early supporter, formed to correct this situation. He states that the Religous Right, "seems to me in hindsight to have been more right than not in its expressed concern about the decline of community morality and the decay of our public culture (p. 150)." He criticizes the Gingrich-leg Republican Congress for having swung the pendulum as far Right as the pre-DLC Democrats had to the Left, and praises Clinton-Gore for recentering his party. While I do disagree with some of his views (I am a Republican), and while I view his criticism of Clinton over certain scandals with less admiration that would have been the case if concience had led him to vote in favor of impeachment (Lieberman voted against confirming Clarence Thomas), I likewise admire a Democrat who would be forthright enough to describe George W. Bush's 'Compassionate Conservatism' as a centerist attempt to moderate the GOP, writing as he did in the midst of the primary season. Sen. Lieberman is also virtually the only Democrat whom I am aware of who has had a good thing to say about Ronald Reagan (pp. 72-73). Lieberman calls for more civility, the relegitimization of religion and morality as points of reference in public life, and

This is an enjoyable book to read. The candid conversation on politics by an experienced politician makes IN PRAISE OF PUBLIC LIFE an excellent reference book for anyone desiring to enter the field. The book also reflects the esteem that the author wants returned to the occupation of being a politician. Will we ever be able to find another politician to live up to the high regard we hold Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln? We must always continue to hope.

Joe Lieberman is a unique politician who sets out his vision in this well-written text. The tone of the book is easy to read blending his personal story with the background to the direction and policies that he is promoting.The integrity of Joe Lieberman is unique and this book demonstrates why he is held in such high regard on both sides of the political debate.Reading this book makes me know why Joe runs and inspires me to reach for higher public service. The highest praise for "In Praise"!

What a terrific book written by a terrific human being, public servant and man of honor by practicing deeds not just words of worship. The book is a reflection of this authors life and vision for all politicians. He simply writes about what he himself embodies within his simple humanity. Joe Lieberman is ethical, self-reliant, accomplished, decent, intellectual and well-spoken. In Praise of Public Life is a clamor for all people to undertake a good cause, an appeal to end the distrust of a perceptive fear of government, not just in America but in the world. This son of a liquor store owner embraces the belief that people who want to lead must do so by being a servant to the people, not being served by people. In the book, Lieberman asserts that government can equalize individual independence against the popular easy route of irresponsibility. As an example, although he did not abandon the Democratic Party, he was not afraid to publicly scold a president who had erred in moral turpitude by perverting justice under oath. He developed such moral principles as pointed out in the Orthodox Pentateuch under Exodus XX, 7 Commentaries Page 296, edited by Dr. J. H. Hertz, C.H., "Perjury Is An Unpardonable Offense, Which Unless Repressed By Severest Of Penalties, Would Destroy Human Society." This takes great fearlessness in any man to step up and tell his friend he was wrong. This is the gentle, compassionate and forgiving man Joseph Lieberman has matured into showing America and Judaism is a blessed combination of goodwill. This is the kind of book that will inspire everyone and anyone. I not only highly recommend this superb book, but I commend the man, author and senator who took the time, gallantry and public service to write it.

In the context of the corrosive, angry political environment, with the "gotchya" media, which has bred disaffection in the body politic, Senator Joseph Lieberman's short volume is a refreshing antidote to the prevailing cynicism. "In Praise of Public Life" is an insightful, enjoyable, and at times inspiring book.