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Two Tyrants
Are you sick of Republicans and Democrats? Polls show that the vast majority of Americans are tired of the two party system and its trappings. Although it seems that we are doomed to be led by one party or the other in perpetuity, Two Tyrants argues that the right reforms could alter the course of our collective political destiny.
Two Tyrants has quickly skyrocketed to become the go-to manifesto of 2016's disaffected American voter. Journalist and policy analyst A.G. Roderick has crafted a thoughtful political treatise that is fueling a new movement in American politics. Roderick's scathing criticism of the current power brokers has given a voice to the masses, unhappy with the two party system and its current political leadership.
Through all the white noise of election year bluster and opinion, Two Tyrants stands out as the singular work to lead America toward a more fair and free election system. Features by national media such as NPR's "The Takeaway" have highlighted the powerful message of Two Tyrants, and suggest that the buzz surrounding the work is no fluke. Two Tyrants is a generational phenomenon that will be remembered as a flashpoint in America's coming political sea-change.
Two Tyrants has quickly skyrocketed to become the go-to manifesto of 2016's disaffected American voter. Journalist and policy analyst A.G. Roderick has crafted a thoughtful political treatise that is fueling a new movement in American politics. Roderick's scathing criticism of the current power brokers has given a voice to the masses, unhappy with the two party system and its current political leadership.
Through all the white noise of election year bluster and opinion, Two Tyrants stands out as the singular work to lead America toward a more fair and free election system. Features by national media such as NPR's "The Takeaway" have highlighted the powerful message of Two Tyrants, and suggest that the buzz surrounding the work is no fluke. Two Tyrants is a generational phenomenon that will be remembered as a flashpoint in America's coming political sea-change.
86 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2014
17 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Roderick
1 book1 followerA.G. Roderick is a policy analyst and former staff-writer for the St. Petersburg Times. Roderick's strikingly passionate narrative style has earned him a loyal following among social activists and policy wonks alike. Having spent years cultivating his knack for problem solving in the public sector, Roderick now writes full time on pragmatic approaches to policy dilemmas.
He has worked as a legislative analyst and policy analyst in multiple state legislatures and at the municipal level. Roderick holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from Michigan State University and an undergraduate degree in International Relations from Florida International University.
He has worked as a legislative analyst and policy analyst in multiple state legislatures and at the municipal level. Roderick holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from Michigan State University and an undergraduate degree in International Relations from Florida International University.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 18, 2016
I was somewhat skeptical when I first started reading this book. Although I am not a strict partisan, I do generally fall on one side of the aisle in most elections. No more. After reading this book I felt used by the party, and everyone who promotes them. This book is not only informative, but it's easy to read, and serves as a piece of verbal art. I plan to recommend this to my entire family, and I think others who are interested in fairness, justice and freedom should do the same.
May 18, 2016
If everyone in the country read this book, we would solve a major problem. I have been reading books about the failings of the two party system for a number of years. Every time I finish one, I tell myself that I'm not doing it again, because I'm always disappointed. Maybe disillusioned is the better word. I always expect that the book I'm reading is going to tell me a concrete way that I personally can help to make things better. Two Tyrants is the FIRST book of this sort that actually gave me what I wanted.
Roderick starts out by stating the obvious: The Democrats and the Republicans are screwing us all every which way but loose. Then he goes on to describe a few of the reasons WHY the system ended up the way it is. I liked that the author goes over each reason briefly, but doesn't spend an inordinate amount of time on any of them. It reminds us that there is not one primary cause, but a bunch of little ones, as it usually is with any major problem.
Then in the final third of the book, the author moves into his thoughts on what should be changed, and how these changes could be achieved. I agree wholeheartedly with his proposals on election reform. It is basically a slightly different version of what many other reform activists and critics propose, in terms of a ranked choice voting system. However, where Roderick goes off the reservation (in a good way) is his means of achieving these reforms. I prefer not to spoil it for anyone still wanting to read the book, but needless to say it is revolutionary.
Finally, I would say that you don't need to be a political junkie to understand or enjoy this book. If you're one of those people sick of politicians not representing your interests then this book is for you.
Roderick starts out by stating the obvious: The Democrats and the Republicans are screwing us all every which way but loose. Then he goes on to describe a few of the reasons WHY the system ended up the way it is. I liked that the author goes over each reason briefly, but doesn't spend an inordinate amount of time on any of them. It reminds us that there is not one primary cause, but a bunch of little ones, as it usually is with any major problem.
Then in the final third of the book, the author moves into his thoughts on what should be changed, and how these changes could be achieved. I agree wholeheartedly with his proposals on election reform. It is basically a slightly different version of what many other reform activists and critics propose, in terms of a ranked choice voting system. However, where Roderick goes off the reservation (in a good way) is his means of achieving these reforms. I prefer not to spoil it for anyone still wanting to read the book, but needless to say it is revolutionary.
Finally, I would say that you don't need to be a political junkie to understand or enjoy this book. If you're one of those people sick of politicians not representing your interests then this book is for you.
September 12, 2015
We [Americans] revel in being on the business end of a lopsided fight, which is where we find ourselves today.
If this quote gets you pumped for fixing the US, then this is the book for you. If you find yourself wondering how a fight would have a business end or prefer to be persuaded by reason rather than vitriol, you should keep looking.
This is a short 90 page call-to-arms against the two-party system in the United States. Think Common Sense or fomentors handing out hastily printed pamphlets on street corners. The book might be 30 pages shorter if you just took out the negative adjectives and adverbs. And it's a shame because Roderick makes some good points that could be backed up. As is, it's just preaching to the choir.
The last third of the book is spent on paths forward. These range from low-risk no-brainers (e.g. removing party affiliation from ballots) to the nuclear option - beginning a campaign on the local, State and Federal level to only elect candidates that are for ballot reform. And then booting them out of office for any other candidate if they fail to follow through.
April 4, 2016
Judging this book by it's cover I must say I was very excited. I love the title, I love the subject matter, I was so ready to love this book. Sadly, I found this book to be a huge disappointment.
First the good: I love the author's emphasis on the illegitimacy of the two parties in our system. Nothing in the US Constitution says that we must have only two parties - let alone the two parties that we have. This assessment is correct and bears repeating. I also like that the author is trying to get voters amped up and ready to take action.
Unfortunately the prescriptions the author comes up with are weak and will not go nearly far enough to achieve their goal. The author wants to break the two party stranglehold on American government, but tweaking ballot access and the way we run primaries and elections will not get us there.
The author mentions Duverger's Law - so we know he has at least heard of it - yet he ignores the conclusion that one must draw from it. Single seat winner-take-all elections give us the two party system. Unless you change the winner-take-all equation you're never going to upend the two party system. Two other promising fronts in this battle- the Electoral College and campaign finance reform - are similarly mentioned and discarded.
If the whole point of this book is to engage the voting public and start the conversation about electoral reform - why rally them around such weak solutions?
First the good: I love the author's emphasis on the illegitimacy of the two parties in our system. Nothing in the US Constitution says that we must have only two parties - let alone the two parties that we have. This assessment is correct and bears repeating. I also like that the author is trying to get voters amped up and ready to take action.
Unfortunately the prescriptions the author comes up with are weak and will not go nearly far enough to achieve their goal. The author wants to break the two party stranglehold on American government, but tweaking ballot access and the way we run primaries and elections will not get us there.
The author mentions Duverger's Law - so we know he has at least heard of it - yet he ignores the conclusion that one must draw from it. Single seat winner-take-all elections give us the two party system. Unless you change the winner-take-all equation you're never going to upend the two party system. Two other promising fronts in this battle- the Electoral College and campaign finance reform - are similarly mentioned and discarded.
If the whole point of this book is to engage the voting public and start the conversation about electoral reform - why rally them around such weak solutions?
June 26, 2016
Roderick presents some very interesting points in his short treatise on political parties. For instance, the concept of having the general elections set up in a way where you rank your top 4 favorites (1 = highest weight, 4 = least). Then, the following election would be a runoff between the two candidates, regardless of party, regardless of philosophy, would face off. I think this idea would certainly help to bring about much stronger, competent candidates.
I am wary, however, of selecting one criterion to base ALL elections on (response to election reform) as a beneficial move for society. While I do strongly believe that election reform should occur, I feel that other issues should be given more consideration than Roderick proposes. Regardless, it does make one actually think about what voting can accomplish.
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Overall, as I mentioned above, it brings up some very powerful suggestions. Ultimately, I was turned off a bit by the tone. While definitely spirited, it came across as both serious and flippant, mixing in side comments when not needed. Further, the tone is outwardly aggressive and challenging, though I admit that this may be necessary to accomplish the goals contained in the work.
Regardless, I feel this should be read and considered when deciding in future elections.
I am wary, however, of selecting one criterion to base ALL elections on (response to election reform) as a beneficial move for society. While I do strongly believe that election reform should occur, I feel that other issues should be given more consideration than Roderick proposes. Regardless, it does make one actually think about what voting can accomplish.
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Overall, as I mentioned above, it brings up some very powerful suggestions. Ultimately, I was turned off a bit by the tone. While definitely spirited, it came across as both serious and flippant, mixing in side comments when not needed. Further, the tone is outwardly aggressive and challenging, though I admit that this may be necessary to accomplish the goals contained in the work.
Regardless, I feel this should be read and considered when deciding in future elections.
May 24, 2016
I'm a lifelong Democrat, but as of late I've been asking myself why. I no longer feel that the Democratic Party has my interests in mind. They have become a large corporation who is more concerned with money and power than fixing problems. While reading this book I found myself audibly saying "yes!" "That's right!". I don't think I've ever done that with a book today.
I enjoyed the book so much that I can't wait for Mr. Roderick's next offering. I would and will recommend this book to everyone I know. You don't have to be politically knowledgeable to understand the concepts in the book, and the author writes in an entertaining style that I've never seen in a political book. Loved it!
I enjoyed the book so much that I can't wait for Mr. Roderick's next offering. I would and will recommend this book to everyone I know. You don't have to be politically knowledgeable to understand the concepts in the book, and the author writes in an entertaining style that I've never seen in a political book. Loved it!
May 18, 2016
I loved this book. My only complaint is that I could have gone on reading for a few more chapters. As the author mentions in the introduction, the book was intended to be a short read for practical reasons. However, I was left wanting to read more because the book was so engaging. I'm not sure if I've ever been so motivated to action by a book. I never really read political books, but a friend got me this as a gift. I'm very thankful because I'm sure I would have never found it on my own. I'm more of a fiction guy. Anyway, five stars!
May 18, 2016
This is the best book I've seen on breaking down the two party system. The author is knowledgeable and passionate. That combination makes for a fascinating, although sometimes infuriating read. I haven't decided yet if I think his prescription to fix the system will work, but I'm glad that he has inspired me to think about it seriously. If you read it, I think it will do the same for you. Worth while for sure.
June 16, 2016
As a UK resident, this is a fascinating book. The language is intentionally provocative & I hope it is read widely.
December 9, 2017
Two Tyrants was not exactly what I expected, but that said, it was very interesting.
I was hoping that the text would take me in detail into the U.S. voting system in the Senate and the House of Representatives. It did not. Rather it was a critique of the two party system in the U.S. and its many shortcomings. As an Australian I found it a fascinating read. The two main parties here control about 85% of the vote, and it is almost impossible for either to control the Senate. As such the Greens and independents who get about 10% of the vote basically control the country. The author does a fine job in tearing down the U.S. two party system but I can assure him that having nutters with veto power in the Senate isn't much fun either. Bills to cut spending and the bring budget back into surplus are routinely rejected. Worse, when the government's term ends and the deficit has exploded, it's not the nutters who get it in the neck, but the government.
Fortunately, we don't have the extremes experienced in the U.S. I'm a conservative voter here but would find it nigh on impossible to vote for the Republicans in the U.S. Churchill got it right when he said, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." I think those of us who live in the U.S. and Australia should bless our political systems will all their faults, and give a silent prayer that we weren't born in Saudi Arabia.
I was hoping that the text would take me in detail into the U.S. voting system in the Senate and the House of Representatives. It did not. Rather it was a critique of the two party system in the U.S. and its many shortcomings. As an Australian I found it a fascinating read. The two main parties here control about 85% of the vote, and it is almost impossible for either to control the Senate. As such the Greens and independents who get about 10% of the vote basically control the country. The author does a fine job in tearing down the U.S. two party system but I can assure him that having nutters with veto power in the Senate isn't much fun either. Bills to cut spending and the bring budget back into surplus are routinely rejected. Worse, when the government's term ends and the deficit has exploded, it's not the nutters who get it in the neck, but the government.
Fortunately, we don't have the extremes experienced in the U.S. I'm a conservative voter here but would find it nigh on impossible to vote for the Republicans in the U.S. Churchill got it right when he said, "Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others." I think those of us who live in the U.S. and Australia should bless our political systems will all their faults, and give a silent prayer that we weren't born in Saudi Arabia.
February 18, 2020
Revelatory for the average American voter...in particular those who say (about the presidential elections), "They always give us 2 bad choices."
Our elections are not truly "free", since they are run by exactly 2 political parties. Since the Democratic and Republican parties actually RUN THE ELECTIONS (how did we let THAT happen?), we are virtually guaranteed the next president will be either a Democrat or a Republican. (The last president who was NOT a Democrat or a Republican was elected in 1950.) What is wrong with that? THOSE TWO PARTIES ALONE have created the mess that we have in Washington.
The Constitution does not assign political parties to run our elections. In his farewell speech, George Washington (who refused to join any political party) warned the nation that political parties would become too powerful, and restrict our voting freedoms...just as they have.
"They", the Democratic and Republican parties, do give us 2 bad choices...but shame on us for voting for those choices anyway.
How do we stop 2 unbelievably powerful tyrants from locking out any candidates who won't continue Washington's mess? It won't be easy, but it must be done if we ever want to see Washington gridlock and division end.
The author offers a solution. But, until you fully understand the problem, you will likely keep voting to keep Washington the same.
Please read this book!
Our elections are not truly "free", since they are run by exactly 2 political parties. Since the Democratic and Republican parties actually RUN THE ELECTIONS (how did we let THAT happen?), we are virtually guaranteed the next president will be either a Democrat or a Republican. (The last president who was NOT a Democrat or a Republican was elected in 1950.) What is wrong with that? THOSE TWO PARTIES ALONE have created the mess that we have in Washington.
The Constitution does not assign political parties to run our elections. In his farewell speech, George Washington (who refused to join any political party) warned the nation that political parties would become too powerful, and restrict our voting freedoms...just as they have.
"They", the Democratic and Republican parties, do give us 2 bad choices...but shame on us for voting for those choices anyway.
How do we stop 2 unbelievably powerful tyrants from locking out any candidates who won't continue Washington's mess? It won't be easy, but it must be done if we ever want to see Washington gridlock and division end.
The author offers a solution. But, until you fully understand the problem, you will likely keep voting to keep Washington the same.
Please read this book!
June 6, 2016
Many good points, but tendentious
This is a screed against the two political parties, which the writer characterizes as tyrants. As such, it is a valuable contribution to the political discussion. The writer often exaggerates and repeats the basic case, but polls show that a majority of Americans agree with the basic premise: the system is broken and corrupt, and the political parties are much to blame.
The writer offers a solution that is based on state-by-state gradualism -- non-partisan primaries with the top vote-getters advancing to the general election, which Washington State voters rejected last year. The idea has merit, but in fixing on this approach as the cure-all to our current political malaise, the author comes close to ignoring the corrosive influence of big money in moving us inexorably toward a plutocracy.
Would non-partisan elections end the influence of the Kochtopus, public employee unions, the US Chamber of Commerce, etc.? Hardly. It might even serve to further mask it.
Given all that, this is a valuable contribution to the debate, if for no other reason than helping Americans understand that the primary interest of both of the two major political parties is its own preservation.
This is a screed against the two political parties, which the writer characterizes as tyrants. As such, it is a valuable contribution to the political discussion. The writer often exaggerates and repeats the basic case, but polls show that a majority of Americans agree with the basic premise: the system is broken and corrupt, and the political parties are much to blame.
The writer offers a solution that is based on state-by-state gradualism -- non-partisan primaries with the top vote-getters advancing to the general election, which Washington State voters rejected last year. The idea has merit, but in fixing on this approach as the cure-all to our current political malaise, the author comes close to ignoring the corrosive influence of big money in moving us inexorably toward a plutocracy.
Would non-partisan elections end the influence of the Kochtopus, public employee unions, the US Chamber of Commerce, etc.? Hardly. It might even serve to further mask it.
Given all that, this is a valuable contribution to the debate, if for no other reason than helping Americans understand that the primary interest of both of the two major political parties is its own preservation.
July 9, 2016
Quite an indictment of the two party system of government. And what a good time to be reading this, when we are faced with either a poor choice or a terrible choice for president. There was even a related editorial in yesterday's paper (A Toxic Cloud of Cynicism has Poisoned Our Politics). When the percentage of voters that consider themselves independents is at 47% and growing, it won't be too long before the majority of Americans will be able to vote out the entrenched and obstructionist dominant parties. "Each party's metric for success becomes defeat of the political opposition. Rarely is the actual solution of a public problem the true measure of political aptitude." True! Yes, we have the occasional third party runner, but "The current state of affairs dictates that third party candidates only serve to gift wrap the election for whichever tyrant is most distasteful to the third party's supporters." We need some non-partisan elections where candidates are forced to compete on their own merits rather than simply their affiliation with a party. And we need to take the power to do resistor ting out of the hands of the two parties trying to protect their entrenchment
August 6, 2020
A treatise on the duopoly that is smothering the U.S.
Most of the ideas and examples in this book are ones that Americans already know, but when collected together they show all the warts in our political system. As much a pamphlet as a polemic or rant, this book does offer a solution although the suggestion is firmly grounded in voter participation which is not something I agree with. Yet, the book does have a positive energy despite all the demagoguery and bleak examples. We certainly need more books like these as the two tyrants once again trot out two unqualified dead-heads to compete for the white as Congress spends its time polishing the ivory in their lofty towers; and all this during a pandemic that is kicking our countries ass. Hopefully, people will read books like these and realize that no law was passed to ensure that a Republicrat is guaranteed the White House and finally will have had enough of Congress looking down on the multitudes wondering why we can't be happy with our cake.
Most of the ideas and examples in this book are ones that Americans already know, but when collected together they show all the warts in our political system. As much a pamphlet as a polemic or rant, this book does offer a solution although the suggestion is firmly grounded in voter participation which is not something I agree with. Yet, the book does have a positive energy despite all the demagoguery and bleak examples. We certainly need more books like these as the two tyrants once again trot out two unqualified dead-heads to compete for the white as Congress spends its time polishing the ivory in their lofty towers; and all this during a pandemic that is kicking our countries ass. Hopefully, people will read books like these and realize that no law was passed to ensure that a Republicrat is guaranteed the White House and finally will have had enough of Congress looking down on the multitudes wondering why we can't be happy with our cake.
May 30, 2016
Vote 'em all out
This book/essay is so simple and makes so much sense. Everyone who is frustrated with Congress should read and heed this strategy. I've tried to vote independently for years, and to convince my family and friends to do the same, but without seeing any progress by non-party candidates (Ross Perot, Ralph Nader, Rand Paul) against the two tyrants. Bernie Sanders isn't the answer either; he finally joined the Democratic party, so how can we trust him. We can't do this as individual voters. This should be required reading and discussion for every high school civics class in America. Maybe if we can get each new generation of voters to see the light, collectively, they can be the catalysts we need to overthrow the tyrants! Parents: "teach your children well..."
This book/essay is so simple and makes so much sense. Everyone who is frustrated with Congress should read and heed this strategy. I've tried to vote independently for years, and to convince my family and friends to do the same, but without seeing any progress by non-party candidates (Ross Perot, Ralph Nader, Rand Paul) against the two tyrants. Bernie Sanders isn't the answer either; he finally joined the Democratic party, so how can we trust him. We can't do this as individual voters. This should be required reading and discussion for every high school civics class in America. Maybe if we can get each new generation of voters to see the light, collectively, they can be the catalysts we need to overthrow the tyrants! Parents: "teach your children well..."
June 5, 2016
Decent Overview, Easy Read
If you're looking for an in depth, comprehensive dive into United States "government", keep looking. If you're like me - frustrated and no longer willing to maintain the status quo but woefully unprepared and under informed about options, this might be a good place for you to start. Does a pretty good job of explaining why the current system doesn't work and ultimately will fail. There are also some pretty clear first steps outlined at the end that while they only scratch the surface of fixing this situation, they certainly provide an uncomplicated jumping off point. If you're a political scientist, a highly informed activist, etc. Then I doubt you would enjoy this simplified perspective, but I think it's the perfect length and complexity to get these conversations happening more frequently and perhaps more intelligently.
If you're looking for an in depth, comprehensive dive into United States "government", keep looking. If you're like me - frustrated and no longer willing to maintain the status quo but woefully unprepared and under informed about options, this might be a good place for you to start. Does a pretty good job of explaining why the current system doesn't work and ultimately will fail. There are also some pretty clear first steps outlined at the end that while they only scratch the surface of fixing this situation, they certainly provide an uncomplicated jumping off point. If you're a political scientist, a highly informed activist, etc. Then I doubt you would enjoy this simplified perspective, but I think it's the perfect length and complexity to get these conversations happening more frequently and perhaps more intelligently.
December 29, 2019
This Is Frank Castle Speaking. To know the tone of this book, you really only need to know about two other things within the pop culture psyche, if a bit obscure: The 80 page Galt Speech in the back part of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged gives you an idea of the overall length, and Frank Castle's letter over the final scenes of the 2004 Punisher movie show you the overall style. This is a dogmatic polemic against Democrats and Republicans that is generally roughly as problematic as the problems it (mostly correctly) points out. It could absolutely use more documentation and a far more extensive bibliography, and even its general points and recommendations need quite a bit more thought. But it does espouse a bit of thinking that more people need to be exposed to, and therefore even with its issues it is recommended.
August 16, 2016
This was preaching to the choir for me as a lifelong independent voter who distrusts both major parties, but the book was done in first by the author's excessive use of hyperbole, and even more so by his ignorance of the American governmental system. Anyone who proposes fixes for our problems, yet states twice in a very brief book that amendments to the Constitution must pass the congress and be signed by the president, should be required to take a basic US government course before ever being allowed to even contemplate the topic again. This never should have escaped the ebook press with an error like that. One star.
http://www.lexisnexis.com/constitutio...
http://www.lexisnexis.com/constitutio...
August 10, 2016
required reading
Should be required reading for every citizen. The critique of the system of voting in the USA and the possibility of reform and reduction of corruption in this slim book is energizing.
Should be required reading for every citizen. The critique of the system of voting in the USA and the possibility of reform and reduction of corruption in this slim book is energizing.
March 3, 2018
Ranked voting would help create something where politicians, elected and un-, wouldn't be able to buy elections. Multiple points of view would be taken by parties seeking the Peoples' favor, and the true majority of votes would win.
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