Trust: Reaching the 100 Million Missing Voters and Other Selected Essays

by Farai Chideya

Where are the 100 million people who failed to vote in 2000 and are unlikely to vote in 2004? Political analyst Farai Chideya looks beyond day-to-day political struggles to the heart of a nation at war with itself. The 2000 election highlighted the rift between liberal/conservative and "Red State"/ "Blue State." But that superficial crack in our society actually is evidence of much more serious, indeed foundational, damage in our society. The United...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932360263
• ISBN13: 9781932360264
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Soft Skull
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.68 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A Wake Up Call

America is often called the home of the free and the land of the brave. Free - what is this really? Does our political democratic structure provide these freedoms which we've come to recognize and seemingly take for granted? As Americans, there seems to be a prevailing sense of cynicism clouding our thoughts of the whole democratic process. In her book, TRUST, political analyst Farai Chideya delves into engaging discussions regarding the prevailing political climate that is blanketing America. The United States of America is a dominating powerhouse in the world arena when it comes to international policy; yet, within our own borders less than half of the qualifying electorate does not vote. This equates to approximately 100 million Americans. That is 100 million people who are unwilling, whatever the reason, to stand up and be heard during the upcoming Presidential election. In her essays, Chideya digs into the historical past of America's political structure, prevailing sentiments and offers candid, flowing commentary based on her observations. With the 2000 presidential election, recent history is a prime example that each and every vote counts. Chideya states, "American democracy is highly overrated, not necessarily in concept, but in its execution." Chideya is urging for a dynamic change to take place within our current political structure and within the Black community - the commonly disenfranchised voters require a confident resurgence in exercising their own basic rights. In Chideya's opinion, this reinvigoration will take place only by "rebuilding people's trust in government and their trust to shape it." All in all, Ms. Chideya offers very timely, easy-to-understand commentary regarding mostly the political structure of the United States. This type of book does not hail from my usually preferred genre, yet the essays captured my attention and provided me with a deeper understanding of some very relevant current day situations within our political structure. Anyone seeking greater knowledge and sound opinion, should definitely check out TRUST. Reviewed by Nedine of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers