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Title: In Praise of Public Life by Joseph I. Lieberman, Michael D'Orso ISBN: 0-684-86774-5 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books Pub. Date: 01 February, 2000 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $21.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.33 (15 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: A Different Spin on Politics
Comment: In the opening prologue of Senator Lieberman and co-author Michael D'Orso's book "In Praise of Public Life," Lieberman tells about a lunch that he had with his interns and how his interns described how disenchanted many of their classmates and cohorts are with public officials and public life. Lieberman further describes how this conversation motivated him to write this book, in defense of politics and public life. From this opening prologue I expected to read about the "success" stories of Lieberman and others in passing legislation, helping a constituent, or making sweeping changes that would motivate people into running for office.
Yet, this book is much more realistic, it provides the 'real' spin on public life. Lieberman's style of writing draws upon many of his own experiences to aid in the understanding of what it takes to be a public official. From these examples Lieberman hopes that the reader will understand the sacrifices, long hours, partisanship, sacrifices of family and personal freedom required to live a life in public office. Lieberman further hopes that this book will motivate people to take a part in public life in varying degrees- from voting, contacting elected officers, or perhaps running for office. In all, this slim book is a decent read and very interesting in understanding a different side of politics.
Rating: 5
Summary: Bringing positive Jewish values to politics
Comment: This book was written before Senator Lieberman's nomination for Vice President, and it remains a valuable read now that Election 2000 is over. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, third party member, independent or undecided, this book has a great deal to recommend it. It should be required reading for anyone considering a career in politics, and for citizens who want an accessible account of what the life of a modern politican is like.
Senator Lieberman begins by explaining that "career politician" -- a term so often seen as negative -- does not have to mean someone who is entrenched in graft and dishonesty. Just as professionals in other fields have a responsibility to uphold the very best standards of their professions, so do politicians. Lieberman considers politics to be his chosen career, the same as a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or other professional. He strives to do his job with a strong sense of moral responsibility, fully aware that public life is, well, public. He writes: "I assume that everything I do in my life -- EVERYTHING -- could possibly become public and therefore I should not do anything privately that I could not justify publicly." (p. 51)
The Senator's arguments in favor of politics as a bona fide career also changed my own stance on term limits. Before reading this book, I thought term limits were a good idea, as a way to prevent bad politicians from becoming entrenched. But, as Senator Lieberman eloquently points out, running a country is a big responsibility that takes years of experience. Having a large portion of the Senate turn over every few years would be inefficent, because everybody would be relatively new to the job. Besides, Lieberman points out, we already have ways to remove bad politicians. They're called elections.
As a religious Jew, I also appreciated the Senator's openness about the role that religion plays in his life. There have been other Jewish politicians in high offices, but none, so far as I know, have been as open as Lieberman about their beliefs. All too often, American Jews are reluctant to discuss religion in public, giving the false impression that we don't believe in anything. Senator Lieberman brings some balance to this issue, while educating the public about Judaism in the process. When, for example, he was asked by the press, "How do you relax?" his answer was, "The Sabbath." This book he gives a good picture of how he balances Sabbath observance with carrying out his public duties. During national emergencies such as the Persian Gulf War, he votes on the Sabbath, under the principle of temporarily setting aside the Sabbath prohibitions in order to save lives. (For the benefit of Lieberman critics who ask "How can he be revere life and support abortion rights," let me point out that Jewish law permits and even requires abortion under certain circumstances, and these differ from the Roman Catholic stance. Those who are interested in further details should read David M. Feldman's book, "Marital Relations, Birth Control, and Abortion in Jewish Law," which I have reviewed here on Amazon.)
In conclusion: I heard Senator Lieberman speak at a rally in Duluth during the Presidential campaign, and was very impressed with him, both as an eloquent speaker and a mentsch -- that wonderful Yiddish word that his campaign added to our national vocabulary, meaning "a fine human being". Our government could use a lot more politicians like him -- whatever their party affiliations. This book really deserves ten stars!
Rating: 4
Summary: Must-read book for anyone thinking about political office
Comment: Senator Joe Lieberman's IN PRAISE OF PUBLIC LIFE is a must-read for anyone considering a run for political office. Lieberman laments the lack of interest among young people considering public life and offers reasons why such a life should be one good people pursue.
Written before he was considered for the 2000 ticket, the book became his "campaign book," but is much more than the typical tome in that cheesy genre. Lieberman's IN PRAISE OF PUBLIC LIFE is one portion autobiography, one part civics lesson, a lot of motivational inspiration to seek political office, and just a dash of theology. It is all woven together in a volume that is fast paced and easy to read.
This a great book for those giving even slight thought to a run for public office. Political junkies will love the Senator's detailed description of his political campaigns and his insider look at the U.S. senate. It is what it says - a book in praise of public life, and whether you agree or disagree with Senator Lieberman's positions on the issues, you will most likely end up admiring this man who has given so much to the public square.
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Title: An Amazing Adventure: Joe and Hadassah's Personal Notes on the 2000 Campaign by Joseph I. Lieberman, Hadassah Lieberman ISBN: 074322938X Publisher: Simon & Schuster Pub. Date: 07 January, 2003 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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Title: An Even Better Place: America in the 21st Century by Richard Gephardt, Michael Wessel ISBN: 1891620169 Publisher: PublicAffairs Pub. Date: 01 June, 1999 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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Title: A Prayer for America by Dennis J. Kucinich, Studs Terkel ISBN: 1560255102 Publisher: Nation Books Pub. Date: 01 November, 2003 List Price(USD): $11.95 |
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Title: A Call to Service: My Vision for a Better America by John Kerry ISBN: 0670032603 Publisher: Viking Books Pub. Date: 09 October, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Waging Modern War: Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Future of Combat by Wesley K. Clark ISBN: 1586481398 Publisher: Public Affairs Press (NY) Pub. Date: 06 August, 2002 List Price(USD): $18.00 |
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