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American Liberalism: An Interpretation for Our Timeby John Mcgowan
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments:Americans live in a liberal democracy. Yet, although democracy is widely touted today, liberalism is scorned by both the right and the left. The United States stands poised between its liberal democratic tradition and the illiberal alternatives of liberalism's critics. In an engaging and informative discussion, McGowan offers a ringing endorsement of American liberalism's basic principles, values, and commitments. He explains that the liberalism of the founders distributed power widely in order to limit the power any one entity could exercise over others. Their aim was to provide for all an effective freedom that combined the right to self-determination with the ability to achieve one's self-chosen goals. In tracing this history, McGowan offers a clear vision of liberalism's foundational values as America's best guarantee today of liberty and the peace in which to exercise it. Review:"'Democracy ain't worth a damn if it's not liberal. And liberalism isn't worth much if it isn't democratic.' So says author and academic McGowan, who weighs in on the contemporary political scene for a decidedly more general audience than his previous, more academic work (Postmodernism and its Critics; Democracy's Children; etc.). Contrasting the values of today's conservatives to their liberal opponents', McGowan argues convincingly that today's liberals are far more in line with the founders of the U.S. than conservatives, whose 'social and economic concentrations of power... are as threatening to liberty as political concentrations of power.' Touching base on a number of contentious (if familiar) issues-constitutional law, immigration policy, pluralism, economic regulation, widening income disparity and the role of the neo-cons in President Bush's diplomatic strategy-McGowan provides some historical and philosophical context, but most of this volume reads like an election-prep talking points memo, picking apart the weak spots in conservative thought and policy, and cheerleading liberal ideas of public protection and the general welfare. Unwavering in its sense of righteousness, this detailed primer may preach to the choir, but it will prove insightful for armchair democrats and the progressive-curious." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.) Synopsis:In an engaging and informative discussion, the author offers a ringing endorsement of American liberalisms basic principles, values, and commitments, while offering a clear vision of liberalisms foundational values as Americas best guarantee of liberty and the peace in which to exercise it. What Our Readers Are SayingBe the first to add a comment for a chance to win!Product Details
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