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BOOK REVIEW:

If The Gods Had Meant Us To Vote They Would Have Given Us Candidates

by Jim Hightower

Publisher: Harper Collins

Reviewed by bobby jennings   

Jim Hightower's new book is a further indictment of a political system that is broken. What makes "If The Gods Had Meant Us To Vote..." different is that it is not an angry book, as so many of these books are, but is laced with humor -- that makes it an enjoyable read regardless of your predisposed perspective. Mr. Hightower also brings his experience as a former Texas Agriculture Commissioner to explain why the political system is in need of repair. He makes an excellent case for his viewpoint without many endless boring statistics and other ad nauseam.

I learned a lot from reading "If The Gods..." Of special interest is the chapter "Beelzebub's Buzzwords". This chapter is a glossary of common buzzwords in use around our Nation's Capital by lobbyists and political leaders.  As I read, I realized the low regards these people have for our cherished political process.

Hightower's knowledge of Texas politics is particularly relevant for us, as we must judge the qualifications and candidacy of George W. Bush in the upcoming elections. I, for one, have been very suspicious of Bush's candidacy and I have read much and listened to many opinions. With Hightower's portrait,  I have made up my mind.

"If The gods.." has an impressive endorsement list, with praise from Warren Beatty, Norman Lear, Studs Terkel, and Ralph Nader. One such praise, given by William Greider, I found best summarized the book:

"Forget all the political insider books about America's elections -- here's the outsider book that tells you what's  really going on in the 2000 election, why, and what we have to do to make politics work for us again. Jim Hightower is the rarest of creatures: a serious political thinker with a sense of humor."

Mr. Hightower also explains why he thinks that real progress will come on a local level and also includes many resources that will help both the budding and seasoned activist. 

As a book reviewer, I often skim books looking for relevance or the elusive point. I read "If The Gods..." word for word, cover to cover, in one sitting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who intends to vote intelligently.

"If the Gods..." is a positive book that will give hope even to most apathetic among us.
 

Click here for more info or to order this book. 

About the Author

Jim Hightower, America's most popular populist, is a bestselling author, radio commentator, and  public speaker. He publishes a monthly political newsletter, The Hightower Lowdown. His previous book was "There's Nothing In The Middle Of The Road But Yellow Stripes and Dead Armadillos" He also can be found online at http://www.jimhightower.com

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