Does he think were stupid? tries to sound noble at heart yet supports the very oppsite of that at everyt turn (bush policies)
Interesting ideas from the former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich is one of the leading Republican public intellectuals. I hesitate to call him a conservative because I am not sure he is. Given to the typical politician's flair for bombast, Gingrich still manages to sound intelligent and realistic most of the time.
Here, Newt assisted by two co-authors makes his case for "real change". Gingrich explains in the first part what we all know: it is "a time for change". He explores why, in his opinion, Republicans failed to govern successfully (an understatement) and why Democrats can't deliver what he considers "real change". It's an excellent, fairly balanced section, especially with his concluding remarks on the perilous state of education in the United States. Meaningful change will not occur with an ignorant populace, which is what we have today - and the next generation is going to be even more lacking in knowledge, if not intelligence.
The second section, "Real Change Is Possible", is I think somewhat superfluous. It sets out the case that individuals can make a difference (which I think is doubtful). Gingrich provides what he considers examples of change, such as the replacing of the "old order" in Britain and France and Giulani's success in New York City. This section is cheerleading, in my opinion, and perhaps necessary.
Part three, entitled "Real Change Requires Real Solutions", gets down to the nitty-gritty of how our society and nation needs to change. A sensible immigration policy. Acheiving "enduring prosperity" for American workers. "Real change" for Social Security. Reining in the judiciary. And so forth. You may agree or disagree with Gingrich's politics and his philosophy, but the man is worth considering. All of his subjects represent real problems for our nation. While some of his solutions struck me as being unworkable, most make a lot of sense in broad terms.
This really isn't a outrageously partisan book. Rather it is a thoughtfully considered argument by someone who is clearly concerned for the fate of the nation.
Worth reading, whatever your political persuasion.
Jerry
NEWT For President This book is in great shape and Newt's the man to straighten out this country! I wish he would run for President or at least be chosen for the VP spot.
Solutions to considerReal Real Change offers some of the best solutions I have read so far. I agree with Newt about what would our founding farther's think of the beauacrats we have created. Where would we be today if, we had to go thru all the red tape of getting things done in the eighteen hundreds. Still in the stone age, I think. A must read for everyone, liberals and democrats. Dont't miss out on this one.
Excellent conclusions on what our national leaders need to do This is a book that provides some excellent conclusions on what our national leaders need to do to resolve the serious issues facing our nation. Moving from the world that doesn't work (i.e. government bureaucracies) to the world that does work (i.e. free enterprise and entrepreneurship) is the conclusion that Newt provides. And, he does this by backing his conclusions with facts - surveys of the American people and data that shows why the government bureaucracies have not and do not work. If you are really interested in REAL CHANGE and not platitudes, then read this book.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
