“I’m the only person in the history of Virginia elected to statewide office with a Union card, two Purple Hearts, and three tattoos....
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Jun 29, 2008
Ron
rated it: 
It is rare and satisfying to read a book by a member of the U.S. Senate that bespeaks an enormous intelligence, diplomacy and directness, befitting a gentleman with no ax to grind, and which teaches so profoundly subject matter based on long experience and no long windedness.
I speak of this book by Senator Jim Webb, who took a quite unusual path into politics: he was a writer for 30 years. This is his ninth book. He was Secretary of the Navy under Reagan, has worked all over the world More...
I speak of this book by Senator Jim Webb, who took a quite unusual path into politics: he was a writer for 30 years. This is his ninth book. He was Secretary of the Navy under Reagan, has worked all over the world More...
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Oct 03, 2008
James
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A carefully thought-through manifesto from a wise, brave, and unselfish patriot. Senator Webb has long been one of my heroes, and my regard for him has deepened as I've read this book.
Like this author, when I was training as a young Marine officer, one of the many things I learned by heart is that whenever possible, if you're pointing out a problem you should offer at least one possible solution. In this book Senator Webb points out deep-rooted problems in several areas in our coun More...
Like this author, when I was training as a young Marine officer, one of the many things I learned by heart is that whenever possible, if you're pointing out a problem you should offer at least one possible solution. In this book Senator Webb points out deep-rooted problems in several areas in our coun More...
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Jun 17, 2008
David
rated it: 
Heard him on NPR and was interested. It’s really well done. I didn’t realize that he was a novelist (the movie Rules of Engagment was based on one of his books) as well as the Secretary of Navy during the Reagan administration. Makes for some interesting perspectives. It is inspiring in the same way that Obama can energize, but he also gives voice to a few more pragmatic hard-core progressive concerns. Some of those rust-belt issues that seem to be dogging Obama. I particularly like his comp
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Jun 23, 2009
ProgressiveBookClub
rated it:
A smart, tough-minded election-year manifesto for change.
“I’m the only person in the history of Virginia elected to statewide office with a Union card, two Purple Hearts and three tattoos."
Jim Webb—the best-selling author and now the celebrated, outspoken U.S. Senator from Virginia—presents a clear-eyed, hard-hitting plan of attack for putting government to work for the people, rather than for special interests, and for restoring the country's standing around the wor More...
“I’m the only person in the history of Virginia elected to statewide office with a Union card, two Purple Hearts and three tattoos."
Jim Webb—the best-selling author and now the celebrated, outspoken U.S. Senator from Virginia—presents a clear-eyed, hard-hitting plan of attack for putting government to work for the people, rather than for special interests, and for restoring the country's standing around the wor More...
Nov 05, 2008
Neil
rated it:
As a Virginian waking up happily to a newly blue state on November 5th, I had mixed feelings about Senator Webb's book.
In the chapter where he directly addresses his subtitle "reclaiming a fair and just America," Webb is very good. He makes an excellent case for why the rich/poor gap in America has become untenable and how the Republicans have used power not just to defend business interests but actively to make the wealthiest Americans even wealthier. Everyone ought to rea More...
In the chapter where he directly addresses his subtitle "reclaiming a fair and just America," Webb is very good. He makes an excellent case for why the rich/poor gap in America has become untenable and how the Republicans have used power not just to defend business interests but actively to make the wealthiest Americans even wealthier. Everyone ought to rea More...
Oct 23, 2008
Kent
rated it:
If you love this country for its promise, for what it should be, for what it CAN be, Senator James Webb's book will make you cry at the loss of direction and focus, and fear for our future. This book is not the typical liberal jeremiad about America's sins and shortcomings, but the deeply-considered thoughts of a highly intelligent man with a strong sense of duty and love of country, about how the United States is betraying its promises to itself. He is a patriot of the best sort and he writes
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Feb 26, 2009
Robert
rated it: 
I have much respect for Senator Webb. He went to the same college as me, and was also a Marine. There were pockets of useful information from this rebellious democrat. However I never quite got the whole point of the book. I did enjoy his explanation of the entire military industrial complex. His explanation of why the predominance of the military is republican was exemplary.
May 29, 2010
Karl
rated it:
Not the best book in the world, but an interesting look at the life and views of an interesting political figure.
Jul 23, 2008
Kateparis12
rated it:
Some of the most sense I have read from a politician in a long time. Webb does a great job of laying his strategy for Iraq, improving the prison system and working towards economic equality. However, his ideas don't come off as preachy because he has the experience to back up most everything he says. Makes you proud to be a Virginian and hopeful that Congress might get something done if there were more Jim Webbs in Washington.
Oct 26, 2008
Ray
rated it:
Webb describes his background as a decorated Marine officer serving in Vietman, a novelist, and a former member of the Reagan Administration and U.S. Senate. He's an interesting guy with good political insights. While not a current candidate for higher office, his ideas and the solutions he offers for many of the difficult areas facing our Country might make him a viable candidate for a position in an Obama administration.
Jul 15, 2009
Brad
rated it:
Its refreshing to know that the senator of your state is probably the smartest man when he walks in a room. This book is not your typical policy book by a politician, but a smart and thoughtful call to action to approach subjects from a new perspective and an idea of how to accomplish change as opposed to just speaking about it.
Sep 13, 2010
Scott
rated it:
This book is a little dated like most "here's the way forward" political texts tend to be. But Webb's personality and skill as a writer ground the events of the last several years in a historical context that's missing from similar books.
Webb in 2016!
Webb in 2016!
Oct 16, 2008
Jeff
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This is a great mixture of personal stories and thoughtful analysis of America and its role in the world. Webb has lived an incredible life and both is wisdom and political views are worth exploring.
Sep 22, 2008
Jessica
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This is a very good synopsis of Capital Hill operations and pieces of American history. It makes clear a need for reclaiming the American system.
Aug 06, 2010
Karl
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Jim Webb is a man's man. He's a thinker and a fighter. While I may not agree with all his views, I have to respect his values. Worth reading.
Aug 26, 2011
Sharron
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Great read. This book had made me really hope he'd run or at least try to position himself for vp back then.
Jul 13, 2008
This book is a 'must read' for anyone interested in the future political direction of the U.S.
Oct 16, 2008
June
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A great insite on America today. Especially after the market crash. He gets it.
Sep 07, 2009
Tom
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interesting read, wonder why he has disappeared from the political spotlight
Jan 31, 2009
Terry
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An interesting, unorthodox politician. He'd win alot of votes in Ohio ...
Jan 31, 2012
Jan 17, 2012
