Aligning with the state of the United States in modern times, Ribner's comprehensive guide utilizes impeccably researched source material with a strong, analytical breakdown of how the country went from being the beacon of the American Dream to one that is in the midst of its own turmoil. Perhaps what is most alarming, Ribner argues, is the idea of doublethink—genuinely believing a lie while knowing it's false—that is perpetuated at the highest levels of government. For a nation that typically acts as a refuge for individuals looking to escape the tyranny of their own countries, America is presented with a path of redemption to restore it to its former glory.
From the start, Ribner's voice is unquestionably strong and fearless as he delves into topics that can be debated endlessly. However, to his credit, he does a remarkable job of substantiating his points with both historical precedence and current examples to appeal to the layman. For instance, to highlight the failure of financial regulatory systems, Ribner cites both the Great Depression and the Federal Reserve's collapse in conjunction with the burgeoning student loan levels that have hamstrung millions. Even more jarring is the author's depiction of Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty, which, he argues, cost more at the time than all the foreign wars combined. Nearly a half-century later, he states that the poverty rate still hovers around fifteen percent, largely unchanged from when LBJ initiated the legislation.
Despite dealing with complex information referenced from sources like the Constitution, Ribner's use of the first-person point of view and conversational style keeps the work flowing well throughout. Moreover, he effectively integrates his anti-federal agencies' perspective sporadically throughout to ensure that the reader clearly understands the piece's angle. Structurally, a series of mostly short and succinct paragraphs prevents the reader from being lost in any particular paragraph's density as they are more apt to do in a history book. What makes Ribner's argument more compelling is his ability to examine both sides and prevent a clear counter-argument. In particular, he acknowledges that federal agencies are not perfect. However, he makes the salient point that whether federal agencies are effective or not, they are rewarded regardless. The same, of course, cannot be said about the individual citizen.
From the context of law and politics, the author dives into the exploration of its implications on financial markets as well as the production of goods by citizens, the lifeblood of a free market. Unfortunately, these businesses become collateral damage in the path of politicians determined to intervene and push their agendas forward. At its core, the philosophy expressed is simple: market power doesn't stand a chance against state power if the politician's focus is self-preservation before the constituent's welfare.
American history, particularly pertaining to the Constitution, intersects with audiences living through the current political condition of the United States. Ribner's knowledge, both about historical and modern politics, is unquestionable and is the basis of the solutions he provides to return the country its freedom. For both history aficionados and the layman looking to familiarize himself with the rights and privileges he may not even know have been taken away, this guide cuts straight to the essence of the topic, providing clear-cut solutions on how to restore them.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review