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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77468611
We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering Our Principles, Reclaiming Our Future (Hardcover)
byMatthew Spalding bookshelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'Writing Road to Reading 5th Rev Ed: The Spalding Method for Teaching Speech, Spelling, Writing, and Reading']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77395495
Writing Road to Reading 5th Rev Ed: The Spalding Method for Teaching Speech, Spelling, Writing, and Reading (Harperresource Book)
byRomalda Bishop Spalding bookshelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Suzanne
is on page 143 of Everything I Want to...
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http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/47842899
Suzanne
is on page 143 of 352 of
Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal
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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'Math Power: How to Help Your Child Love Math, Even if You Don't, Revised Edition']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/77213446
Math Power: How to Help Your Child Love Math, Even if You Don't, Revised Edition (Paperback)
byPatricia Clark Kenschaft bookshelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'The Underground History of American Education: An Intimate Investigation Into the Prison of Modern Schooling']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76575131
The Underground History of American Education: An Intimate Investigation Into the Prison of Modern Schooling (revised edition)
byJohn Taylor Gatto bookshelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/76488194
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (Hardcover)
byDave Ramsey bookshelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'The 5000 Year Leap: The 28 Great Ideas That Changed the World']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/49293515
to: The 5000 Year Leap: The 28 Great Ideas That Changed the World (Paperback)byW. Cleon Skousen
If you believe in the principles of freedom that America stands for than you will appreciate this book. I know that because of human nature there is no perfect society and that men are fallible. That is exactly what the founders believed also. So they did their best to set up a system of laws and government to try to put in check the evil designs of men and the weakness’s of human nature. We have faltered much along the way, not because of the weakness of the constitution but because of the weakness of men. The “Utopian dream will never be possible in view of the obvious limitations of human nature”.
This book names 28 “principles of freedom” that the founders believed and used to form America. It is non-partisan. It explains how the founders measured the political spectrum from Ruler’s Law (far left) to No Law (far right). And they believed that the key was in the balanced center of People’s Law. This book is also a powerful argument against socialism and clearly illustrates how socialism and all of its forms are unconstitutional.
The name of the book reflects the fact that these freedoms created an environment for which we have progressed greatly in technology, science, living standards, etc: more in the last 200 years than in the first 5,000 of recorded history. It makes the point that mankind can progress when the shackles of bondage are broken and an atmosphere of freedom abounds.
So what are some of those principles? Well the first five or so principles were religiously/morally based. Basically, a belief in God and of Natural Law. i.e. Our rights are God-given - "we hold these truths to be self evident...that men are endowed by their creator". That legislation in violation to God’s natural law is a scourge to humanity. Also, that a virtuous and moral people and leaders are necessary for a strong society. A quote from James Madison said, “Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks, no form of government, can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people is a chimerical idea.”
To make his points, the author quotes many of the founders and also the works that the founders studied such as Cicero and John Locke. I don’t have a naive view that these men were perfect but I do believe that they were educated and inspired at the right time in history to bring about this miracle of a nation.
Other “principles of freedom” espoused in the book include:
* “The proper role of government is to protect equal rights, not provide equal things”. (This chapter includes a lesson from communism)
* “The United States of America shall be a Republic” (Explains the misconceptions about democracy)
* “A constitution should be structured to permanently protect the people from the human frailties of their rulers”.
*“The highest level of prosperity occurs when there is a free-market economy and a minimum of government regulations”
*”Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with ALL Nations – entangling alliances with none”
*And of course the lesson so needed today: “The burden of debt is as destructive to freedom as subjugation by conquest”
*And my personal favorite! “Life and Liberty are Secure Only so Long as the Right to PROPERTY is Secure”!
All in all, I learned a lot, gained some good tidbits from history, and enjoyed the many wonderful quotes. Did you know that George Washington declined taking a salary when he was President and that public office was considered a position of honor rather than one of profit? I appreciate his honor and character. (I guess JFK also declined salaray as President!)
Now my soap box: Today, many Republicans and Democrats alike disgust me and Ron Paul is one of the few politicians I know of that is close to espousing these “principles of freedom”. But alas, instead we have narcissistic leaders (with cult-like followers) promising to solve the world’s problems and create a utopia. At the expense of our freedoms of course!! Read this book! But be forewarned that it may leave you a bit disillusioned at how far from the constitution we have strayed. Nonetheless these principles need to be taught for us to get back on the right track and I WISH every voting American would read this book.
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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'The Case of the Missing Marquess']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/75055909
The Case of the Missing Marquess (Enola Holmes Mysteries, #1)
byNancy Springer bookshelves: to-read
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<![CDATA[new comment from Suzanne]]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/19999440
Danine's review of
Twilight (Twilight, #1) byStephenie Meyer
You crack me up with the comment about Edward! I think for that aspect the teenage girl inside me found these books entertaining. Did you ever read the others?
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<![CDATA[Suzanne added 'Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child']]>
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/74048833
to: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child (Paperback)byMarc Weissbluth
This book really helped me understand my child's sleeps habits and taught me how to help him sleep better and go to sleep on his own. I read this when he was about 3 months old and I was struggling at the time with getting him to go to bed in his own crib and not just in my arms. I began to understand some of the mistakes I was making and was able to correct them. It was a good balance between the, what I found to be a bit harsh; babywise, and on the opposite extreme; attachment parenting. My child is now very happy and well rested. However, I did disagree with Dr Weissbluth in regards to what we eat. It seems he didn't think what a nursing mother ate had much of an effect. Sleep is imperative yes, but what we eat is also very important.
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