These wide-ranging essays -- on many individual political, economic, cultural and legal issues -- have as a recurring, underlying theme the decline of the values and institutions that have sustained and advanced American society for more than two centuries. This decline has been more than an erosion. It has, in many cases, been a deliberate dismantling of American values and institutions by people convinced that their superior wisdom and virtue must over-ride both the traditions of the country and the will of the people. Whether these essays (originally published as syndicated newspaper columns) are individually about financial bailouts, illegal immigrants, gay marriage, national security, or the Duke University rape case, the underlying concern is about what these very different kinds of things say about the general direction of American society. This larger and longer-lasting question is whether the particular issues discussed reflect a degeneration or dismantling of the America that we once knew and expected to pass on to our children and grandchildren. There are people determined that this country's values, history, laws, traditions and role in the world are fundamentally wrong and must be changed. Such people will not stop dismantling America unless they get stopped -- and the next election may be the last time to stop them, before they take the country beyond the point of no return.
A wonderful collection of essays that clearly demonstrate why acclaimed economist Thomas Sowell is also one of the foremost philosophers of our time. Sowell writes with a clarity of thought and precision of language seldom seen or appreciated these days and his wry humor and insightful observations reveal the truth and depths of the difficult issues he covers. No hyperbole, no cant, no preconceived or superficial notions. His work, as always, gently exposes such mental laziness and the excuses that prop it up. This book is five-star dining for the brain: Sowell skillfully crafts a refreshing, stimulating, satisfying, surprising and delightful experience not soon forgotten.
Fantastic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Sowell's ability to explain things clearly and logically will cause many people to rethink their positions on many societal issues. He is a brilliant guy, this book is a must for rethinking social issues. Anything by him is a great read.....
OUTSTANDING BOOK
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I believe Thomas Sowell is the best current OP-ED writer. His columns are consistently outstanding. As a black man and one who grew up in Harlem, he can make some of the candid comments needed on race without the "racist" protests from Yo-Yos like Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton. His sage economic and political observations are excellent. I have several of his books, and am now "gifting" them to my children and grandchildren.
Excellent
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
I highly recommend anyone interested in politics pick up this nice collection of editorials, along with a few other Sowell books. "Vision of the Annointed" is classic, and a true nightmare to leftist elites. Walter Williams also has some excellent books similar to this one.
As expected for a book of columns
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
The book is a collection of columns, which barely qualifies as a book of "essays", which I normally consider lengthier and more complex. I have read many of Sowell's books and was quite familiar with his ideas, but had never seen most of these columns. Thus, I wanted to see his thoughts on various topics of recent years. No real surprises there, and he demonstrates the ability to pack a punch in a column.The columns are organized into six parts: Economic, Racial, Political, Educational, Legal, and Social. My favorites tend to be on his core subjects of economics and race, especially those positions with libertarian orientation instead of straight conservatism. Familiar topics, such as affirmative action, slavery, and heavy-handed government, are all here. The author is also ready to take on hypocrites with little prompting.I recommend the columns as an introduction to and summary of the ideas and breadth of Mr. Sowell. Personally, I actually prefer his books, where the scholarship has more opportunity to shine.
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