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That's Not What They Meant!

Reclaiming the Founding Fathers From America's Right Wing
serob
Apr 13, 2016serob rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
4/15 - Response to scott_b1: The notion that America is a democracy derives form the first three words in the constitution, "We the People". The basis for forming a "republican form" of government, not a republic per se, i.e. a government with a constitution, was to ensure "certain inalienable rights " to the people, not just the ruling elites of a formal Republic. While it is true America is not a direct democracy, neither is it a true republic. In many ways our government is both a republic and a democracy, or neither. For discussion on the nature of America's unique form of government see http://www.realdemocracy.com/demorep.htm 4/13 - Book commentary: I don't agree at all with It's comments below. Austin clearly states that he uses conservative pundits inaccurate portrayals of the founding fathers merely as a platform to provide examples for the points he wants to make. He also clearly states that the far left is just as guilty of distorting the founders image for their own purposes. At the time of the writing of this book, the conservatives were more vocal and pervasive in getting their views out and, therefore, potentially more recognizable to the politically minded audience Austin targets. But the points Austin makes in the book are both valid and valuable. Well worth the reading.