We The People Are The Problem: How Americans Betrayed America

by Peter Magistrale

The American who shows a distaste for civic responsibility and whose great aim in life is comfort and ease is a greater threat to America than any terrorist. The American who mindlessly chants, “USA! USA! USA!” when a politician wraps themselves in the flag permits the highest of crimes. The American who votes for the politicians who steal, lie, and cheat should share a cell with the criminals they ignorantly empower. We treat politics like a high school prom, sporting event, or beauty contest, and then we wonder why we have atrocious leaders. Is the answer not yet clear? We have incompetent citizens. It is these incompetent citizens, of all political parties, that are destroying America. Until we become more enlightened citizens, our leaders will reflect our debasement, our laws will reflect our ignorance, and our future will reflect our cowardice. The battle for the hearts and minds of Americans is the battle that will determine the destruction of the United States or a rebirth of human achievement not seen since the European Renaissance. Our renaissance will need Americans just like you to commit to seeking the truth, commit to lifelong self-improvement, and take actions that reflect a sense of civic responsibility. It will require us to destroy our political allegiances and pledge loyalty only to reason, truth, and excellence. We must focus on our renaissance, our rebirth, and on becoming exceptional citizens.

Genres: Nonfiction

171 pages, Paperback

Published August 13, 2020

Reviews

[Tejasian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truth Be Told

This book further opened my eyes to what I have instinctively felt about our seemingly dissipating society. Perhaps other population cohorts have contributed to the decline of American values, but I’ve believed that the “Boomer” generation, of which I am a member, has had the great greater impact. Why? Because we were the immediate beneficiaries of a tremendous increase in prosperity and personal freedoms after the conflagration of WWII. There were tremendous gains of wealth and living conditions unimaginable to previous generations. As we gained more, our insistence to move the line of timeless truths to beyond foolishness shall be the legacy of our generation. We were the beginning of the super consumer and disposable personal relationships. This is what we passed to the rising generations.

[Mary E. Rollis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just no!

You lost me at the covid chapter, although your spewing against Trump was also not appreciated. I never got vaxed, and I never will. I also didn't get sick or spread the virus, unlike many jabbed rule followers.
You can't exort people to think for themselves, then excoriate them for doing just that. Many, many lives were ruined because of sheep following Pied Piper Fauci.
I guess I should not have expected better from the author though. After all, he did run for office. As a Democrat.

[Mandy Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not a light read. In fact, you will need to take your time to fully appreciate the author's style and point of view. The connections between current events and major historical events provides a level of correlation; however, more could have been added to bridge the gap for US Historical understanding. That said, the facts used were appropriately applied. The author is most passionate about the responsibility we hold as individuals on making informed decisions and using rounded research to apply well-formed decision making skills to matters of importance. In all, I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to view our political and social constructs through an objective lens.

[Sandra Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that all Americans would read this book and apply themselves to what the Author recommends. Everything this book says about this country is so true.
We do not teach children how to think creatively outside the box, which is so necessary in making choices all through our lives. School is so boring, any more. Is it any wonder, as to why, it doesn't hold a child's attention? It was bad enough when I went to public school, now it's even more so, and I am almost 67. I discovered a lot, about how our children are being educated, this past year, when helping my youngest daughter to home school, during the pandemic. This has to change, the rich and powerful have no business in controlling our public education.
I argue with commentors, all of the time about the information they share on the internet. I read a lot and fact check everything. It blows my mind with the amount of stupidity there is in this country. I have no college education, but did attend cosmetology school. Everything else is audiotictac(?). Lol You have to read the book for that one.
Many of my FB friends could use this book, but they do no non-fiction reading, it is so obvious. I've often said that they (and those like them) are the problem in our country. Instead of MAGA, they made it worse. What with their religious and political preferences, that are accomplishing the exact opposite of what they say they are trying to do. Their only desire is to eat and watch football. Of the latter, I have always thought was a waste of time. Don't get me wrong, I don't claim to know everything, but compared with them, I would have a PHD. LOL
I highly recommend this book!

[William M Dankiw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understanding your purpose and civic duty to democracy

Although I don't agree on Peters views on the public education system, I do agree on his view about civic duty and the pursuit of truth as the key to individual growth and independence. We as a society need to be well informed as we select those we choose to lead our democratic Republic and learn from history so that we don't repeat the mistakes of the past.

We as Americans are at times complicit and politically ignorant to the facts and do allow are personal ambitions to cloud good judgment.

We the people need to care not just for ourselves but our fellow Americans and learn to compromise with fairness for all.

[Rob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I expected

I purchased this book with the hope that it would identify problems with our political system, and also identify solutions or potential solutions to those problems. What I read was an indictment of the public school system, politicians in general, and “unenlightened” people in the United States. I also did not expect long segments on Greek and Roman history and a chapter devoted to how the author did not win a state election against a “corrupt“ opponent. An interesting book title devolved into a very rambling discourse. Not recommended unless you’re into ancient history and the identification of many “problems” without solutions offered, other than becoming a volunteer with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters program.

[Ian Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the majority of what this man talks about in his book, but there are moments where he is hypocritical, talking against his own points and bashes leftist political ideology, propping up right leaning "moral based arguments" while telling how he ran for Senate as a Democrat. I didn't care for that much, and also the conspiracy theory bit about 9/11 wasn't needed.
Those nitpicking aside, I enjoyed this searing critique of American ignorance. Give it a read

[George A Weiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

Between two and three stars.

He makes good point. The main problem is assuming the opposition is doing out of bad motivation. You can wrong for the right reasons. Education is not set to control people but the mindset that we can create good people. Good is based on their definition of good.

This is a decent book and do need to critical thinkers particularly with those we agree with.

[Benedict F. Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very comprehensive, well researched and informational. I did not agree with everything the author wrote, his take on American education was questionable for me. The book continues and ends with good thoughts and directions. I recommend this book to all who are interested and caring about the future of our country. As citizens we must be interested and involved in our government. The not my job is a very poor attitude and will result in a decline in our country.

[James Angus · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rutherford nonsense

I thought this book would deal with the need for greater voter engagement, but it instead spoke of deep conspiracies, especially claiming 9/11 was an inside job. Adolescent writing, pseudo analysis of history and philosophy, sophomoric thought processes gives a pretty appalling book. I want my reading time refunded.

[Eben B. Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incitefull of proper purpose.

Sometimes losing is a gain. I wonder if Magistrate would have written this book if he had won his election?
By this book we are all winners. Magistrate is right on with his diagnosis of the American voters.
Buy this book.

[Jack Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one disappointing thing was his response to Clvid by being

A cave dweller on the subject, as he criticized people for not going along with the con job that was the Clvid scam. He just went back into the cave himself.

[Bob Legge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite thought provoking with many excellent, and in my estimation, true points.

The three rating is due to what I see as some lurches into conspiracy theory at points.

Overall however, very much worth the read.

[Kurt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars