by Thom Hartmann, Robert Wolff
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| List Price: | $23.00 |
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Product Description
When the Founding Fathers were searching for the best and fairest form of government, they studied the models of Athenian democracy, the Roman republic, and the Iroquois Confederacy and created what is now called a modern liberal democracy. Today, 81 nations can be described as fully democratic. Yet in numerous countries around the world democracy has failed or is tottering, and in the United States its principles are increasingly under siege from corporate and other forces. Americans pride themselves on their democracy, but today’s legislative process often no longer reflects the vision of the Founders.
In What Would Jefferson Do?, Thom Hartmann shows why democracy is not an aberration in human history but the oldest, most resilient, and most universal form of government, with roots in nature itself. He traces in particular the history of democracy in the United States, identifies the most prevalent myths about it, and offers an inspiring yet realistic plan for transforming the political landscape and reviving Jefferson’s dream before it is too late.
"Hartmann has done it again. Passionately written and filled with original historical research, What Would Jefferson Do? offers important insights into the meaning and nature of democracy and what we must do to counter the warlords, theocrats, and corporate aristocrats who now place it at risk."--David C. Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World and The Post-Corporate World
"A riveting and absolutely essential book for anyone who wishes to reflect upon and awaken to the real meaning of America and the hope it still offers to the world."--Jacob Needleman, author of The American Soul:Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Founders
"A call to vigilance and action--to awaken the better angels of our democratic spirit and wrest our planet away from the corporate overlords. Infused with an optimistic spirit, What Would Jefferson Do? is a true 'patriot act' in the tradition of Thomas Paine."--Chuck Collins, United for Fair Economy, and coauthor of Wealth and Our Commonwealth
"Thom Hartmann looks at the big picture and asks the hard questions. He's an important voice for reclaiming our democracy."--Paul Loeb, author of Soul of a Citizen
"Thom Hartmann calls on us to take control of the helm and guide our nation back to its base of 'We the people.' Read this book for its historic grounding; heed his SOS for our future well-being."--Medea Benjamin, cofounder of Global Exchange and Codepink:Women for Peace
"Thom Hartmann offers us an eye-opening view of how democracy is threatened. America needs this book now more than ever before."--Greg Palast, author of The Best Democracy Money Can Buy
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Average Customer Review:
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 What would jefferson do?, 2008-08-16
Excellent read, anyone who loves to listen to Thom Hartman will enjoy reading this book.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
Jefferson Explained, 2008-07-23
Hartmann and Wolf provide an excellent, thoughtful and insightful exposition of Jeffersonian thought. Using the Great Man's ideas,they provide a point by point demonstration of how far the Bush Administration( sic ) has strayed from the intent of the Founding Fathers. They also demonstrate how, using Jefferson's ideas, we might restore our damaged Democracy.
This is an accessible and illuminating read.
KMK
1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
 Too far left to be associated with Jefferson, 2008-06-25
I couldn't finish this book. After about 25% of the book, the author's leftist views were too overwhelming. I had originally purchased it expecting a book about returning to the Constitution, but I was mistaken.
When the author wrote on historical events, it was very interesting. He talks about the Native Americans and truth about the Boston Tea Part, which was great, but then he goes into bashing George Bush. I stopped reading once I came across a statement that connoted that the Founding Fathers' views were not the same as the views of Libertarians.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
The ideology of Jefferson was right for then and right for now., 2007-12-18
What Would Jefferson Do?
By Thom Hartmann
This is yet another fantastic book by Thom Hartmann. This book is an exploration of the values and priorities or ideology of one of the most remarkable people in the founding of the U.S. Citing a 20 volume set of the complete writings of Thomas Jefferson printed in 1900 that Hartmann found in the carriage house attic of the last house he purchased in Vermont Hartmann explains what the values of Jefferson were, what type of democracy he envisioned in the forming of the constitution and bill of rights and that these are exactly what have been eroded so systematically that we are indeed in danger of losing our democracy. Hartmann being Hartmann has also referenced many of that books that the Founders were reading at the time which is also crucial to understanding how Jefferson's opinions were formed. He also shows that the same forces that caused Jefferson's/our democracy to rise up and form this nation in order that we the people are protected from tyranny and serfdom by and to the very wealthy are alive, stronger than ever, and threatening our liberty, democracy, and freedom to have both in a very real way. He does this by comparing current events and Jefferson's writings on these dilemmas in his day. A great read for and fans of Jefferson, Hartmann, democracy, liberty, and freedom but also if you don't know that much about those guys that founded our nation and all that stuff but you'd like to know more without like being bored to tears by dense inaccessible history tomes. The key to democracy is an informed electorate, this book is an inspiring way to inform your self.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Democracy, 2007-11-13
Hartmann argues for democracy's continuous existence in America equally as he expresses concerns that Jefferson's dream may be threated by current trends in America.
Some other great books: "Fluctuating Life" by Jamaican-Canadian, author, teacher and poet, Joshua Spencer and "Quest for a Dream - A Life Committed to Progress" by Jamaican educator, author, social worker and entrepreneur, Joyce Buchanan.
Fluctuating Life
Quest for a Dream: A Life Committed to Progress
Let's Talk Africa and More
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