America Back on Track

Senator Edward Kennedy reveals his inspired plan to revive the lapsed ideals of our nation.

With a Senate career that has spanned more than four decades, Edward M. Kennedy has become one of the strongest voices in American politics. In America Back on Track, he argues that America is at a crossroads, having reached a point where it has departed more deeply from its fundamental ideals than at any time in its modern history. In response to the erosion of the nation?s basic values, he presents a sweeping agenda for reform and renewal, speaking to the country?s most significant needs at home and abroad. National security, the war in Iraq, terrorism, and key domestic challenges such as jobs, health care, education, civil rights, energy, and the environment all receive major attention in his proposals to counter the harmful policies of the current administration, restore America?s respect in the world, and create a better America here at home where democracy, individual opportunity, equal justice, and innovation can flourish. With his first major policy book in more than twenty years, Senator Kennedy takes an in- depth look at our modern political landscape and offers innovative policies that he genuinely believes will guide the country effectively to the future.

"As the title implies, Senator Kennedy's book of political history, criticism and advice is an effort to reawaken the belief in progress that underlay politics in the 1960s, often lauding his brother's presidency and Johnson's just after. Kennedy presents some of his most important points in bulleted lists, giving the appearance of simplicity and clarity on complex topics like ways to adjust to globalization and 'the shrinking world,' steps to achieve 'a sound energy conservation policy' and how to provide health care for all. Although Kennedy isn't often as clear as his bulleted points make it appear, his straightforward solutions — like equal federal, state and local government funding for education and an increase in the minimum wage to $7.25 — are refreshing. Not unexpectedly, Kennedy's proposals also involve sharp criticism of the Bush administration: for focusing on the military war on terror rather than taking a broader view of global security; for the 'politicization' of government agencies and departments like the FDA; for undermining civil liberties. His book will probably not start the next revolution, but Kennedy's talking points and proposed solutions offer a good basis for discussion, which, after all, is one aspect of democracy — which he fears is disappearing, or rather, being repressed." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Whether Kennedy fans or not, readers will appreciate his heartfelt concerns about the nation's direction and the ideals we all share." Booklist

"Among the challenges Kennedy identifies are restoring constitutional democracy and national security through a more balanced, bipartisan dialog between the executive and legislative branches....He often supports his proposed solutions with examples of programs that have shown results or promise." Library Journal

With his first major policy book in more than 40 years, Senator Edward Kennedy reveals a critical plan to revive the lapsed values of the nation.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy has represented Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate since he was first elected in 1962. He is currently the senior Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and is a member of the Armed Services Committee and the Judiciary Committee.