We Can Do Better: How to Save America's Future - An Open Letter to President Clinton

Senator Paul Simon, Foreword by Senator Paul Tsongas

ISBN 10: 1882605144 / ISBN 13: 9781882605149

Published by National Press Books, Bethesda, MD, 1994

About this Item

Slight wear along the DJ edges. Slight rubbing wear to DJ.

Seller Inventory # 106713

Bibliographic Details

• Title: We Can Do Better: How to Save America's Future - An Open Letter to President Clinton
• Publisher: National Press Books, Bethesda, MD
• Publication Date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1882605144
• ISBN 13: 9781882605149
• Binding: Hardcover
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Weight: 2 pounds

About this title

Synopsis

A former presidential candidate advocates congressional reform and suggests common-sense solutions for crime, welfare, education, the environment, and the deficit

Reviews

In a series of letters to President Clinton, Illinois senator Simon outlines his plans for the restoration of the U.S. government. Issues discussed are familiar ones: poverty, the deficit, industry, health care, the environment, foreign policy, campaign financing. The book could be easily misinterpreted as a campaign platform rather than a kudo and directional guiding star to Bill Clinton. Most advisory of all, and amusing, is the chapter on how to ignore Rush Limbaugh--a skillfully crafted deflation of Limbaugh's buffoonery. Simon is a talented writer and experienced politician whose views many will want to read. Denise Perry Donavin

The Democratic senator from Illinois here presents 13 open letters to the president, advising Clinton on issues of great concern-crime, welfare, the deficit, declining education standards, etc. Unfortunately, his advice underrates the public cynicism, declining presidential prestige, and vitriolic media attacks that plague the Clinton administration. Simon tells Clinton to be a leader by asking Americans to sacrifice and demand more of themselves. However, when a similar tactic was taken by Jimmy Carter in the notorious "malaise speech," Carter's shaky popularity plummeted. Simon presents a reasoned case for a balanced budget amendment, but much of his other advice digresses into the obvious; for example, Clinton is enjoined to be a leader in foreign policy rather than being led by events. These letters are illustrated by good examples of what is wrong but offer little help where it is needed most-in transforming concerns into viable policies supported by Congress and the public. A marginal purchase.
Karl Helicher, Upper Merion Twp. Lib., King of Prussia, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.