Reflections Of A Radical Moderate - Softcover

Richardson, Elliot

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0813397847 ISBN 13: 9780813397849

Publisher: Basic Books, 2000

Synopsis

Written by one of America's most distinguished public servants, Reflections of a Radical Moderate offers a clear-eyed and steady analysis of the state of our democracy and the growth of cynicism among American citizens toward their government. In a series of inspiring and pellucid essays, Elliot Richardson, a stalwart of the liberal wing of the Republican party, explains how American democracy may be at risk. He considers the compulsive pursuit of self-worth as a principal instigator of social conflict-not only between individuals but also among groups. He speculates on the effects of information technology on the American political process and examines the correct role of America in the enforcement of world peace. The result is a humane, optimistic view of national politics from a longtime Washington insider.

About this title

Review:

Elliot Richardson, who resigned as Attorney General rather than heed President Richard Nixon's order to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox, has issued a sobering message to Republicans in this collection of political opinions. "Since when has it been conservative for Americans to turn their backs on the poor?" he asks. Richardson terms his advocacy of moderation "radical" because there seems to be so little of it in the current political discourse and then sets about addressing moderation in a variety of issues. The book is less reflections of his experience than it is his observations from and for the present. They are observations worth noting.

From the Inside Flap:

Ultimate Washington insider Elliot Richardson (a stalwart of the liberal wing of the Republican party) offers a cool and steady examination of the growth of political cynicism and the accumulation of hostility toward our government by its citizens. Published to conicide with the Democratic and Republican national conventions, this is a bracing account of what it means to be a responsible American today.

About this edition

• Publisher: Basic Books
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0813397847
• ISBN 13: 9780813397849
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320