Reclaiming Conservatism: How a Great American Political Movement Got Lost--And How It Can Find Its Way Back

by Mickey Edwards

A leading figure in the American conservative movement for over 40 years, Mickey Edwards was a prominent Republican congressman, a former national chairman of the American Conservative Union, and a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195335589
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 230 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 1.0" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Great Accessible Insights

This book is terrific and rare, offering accessible insight into the reasons why what passes for conservative politics and policies today is bad for the country, let alone conservatives. Reclaiming Conservatism is not merely a primer for conservatives to remember their principles and their roots, although Edwards would no doubt welcome such an outcome. It sheds light on how far off the ranch Newt Gingrich and Bush II have taken the conservative movement - you have to read what Edwards has to say about them! - but it also shows liberals the kind of conservative opponents they should welcome battling and, most importantly, getting down to work with again and ironing out compromises. But Edwards's points go deeper. He draws meaning and relevance from the Constitution and demonstrates how Congress as an institution needs to reassert itself and stop doing the Executive's bidding. His illustrations of how the president may be the head of state but not the head of government are refreshingly clear, and he reminds us again of the beauty of the constitutional system of checks and balances that has been sullied by leading Republicans in this administration and recent Congresses. Even political veterans will be sure to learn something, but you don't need to be an insider to benefit from Edwards's insights. Now we have to find someone to so well write "Reclaiming Liberalism" and urge politicians and citizens alike to read them both!

Getting back on track

At first thought, one might think the author is out to disclaim any connection to the Bush fiasco in order to advance the electoral hopes of the Republican Party this year. But this view is quickly dispelled. The author is after something else, clearing the name of conservatism from the tarnish it has received in recent years by being smeared over policies that defy our basic beliefs. The surprising result is the many similarities between true conservatism and liberalism, including a respect for the person and his rights. It documents are out-of-control presidency and a weak legislative "balance."

Important book for the future of this country

The first key point is to recognize that Edwards is referring to American conservatism, by which he means being faithful to the constitution. Accordingly, he finds it conservative to champion individual rights, equal opportunity, separation of church and state, and separation of powers. As a former Congressional leader, Edwards is particularly strong on the last point, unleashing his disdain, indeed fury, at the way the Congressional Republicans have capitulated to the monarchial Bush Administration. Having been inspired by Barry Goldwater's conservative philosophy in the 1960s, and a Congressional partner to Reagan's reign in the 1980s, this Oklahoma Republican congressman shows how the Republican Party got out of whack under Newt Gingrich's reign in the House. In the book, Edwards also sets forth "conservative" values, which it turns out most liberals would support in principle, and the steps that conservatives need to take to regain their proper place in American politics. One telling step is for conservatives to declare independence from party discipline when it does not serve their principles. The book is an easy read with a powerful message for liberals as well as conservatives, Democrats as well as Republicans. Highly recommended.

A passionate argument...

Reclaiming Conservatism's strongest message is that America has been led astray in recent years by so-called conservatives to the precarious point at which our system of government neither promotes individual liberty nor protects it citizens from government intrusion. Reclaiming Conservatism doesn't rant -- rather, it informs with a detailed and interesting history of how we got to this point, it carefully and clearly defines what conservative values are, and it concludes with tangible steps Americans can take to get true conservatism back on track. This book proves that Mickey Edwards, who spent sixteen years in Congress (and many since) defining and strengthening the conservative movement, is wholly committed to restoring conservative values. His book might be considered one small step for a conservative man, but it is definitely one giant leap for conservative mankind.

Reclaiming Conservatism

This book should be re-titled "Reclaiming AMERICA"! It is a clear portrayal of how our Constitutional government is meant to function and appropriately lambasts the Republicans & Bush administration on their neglect of duty & (in my mind) illegal acts. This book is more about what it means to be an American than a conservative so don't be put off by the title. . .read it to the end & you will have educated yourself ( & hopefully others). Be a responsible citizen & read this book!!!