Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise by Barack Obama
I arrived home from work today and found this book in my mailbox. I walked into my home, sat down, and read it in its entirety. It is rare that I consume a book so completely without pause.
As with any all encompassing policy proposal there will be items that you completely agree with and others that you would want to see some alterations to before being implemented. But, when read in the light (or shadows) of the last eight years under the Bush administration, Obama's vision is a breath of fresh air that allows you to once again ponder what America is truly capable of accomplishing. When read in comparison with the muddled, status quo policies being hocked by McCain, it is difficult to see how any critical thinking citizen with a social conscience could not easily prefer Obama's proposal.
Of course, some of Obama's proposals will still need to be outlined in a more comprehensive matter, but what is offered in this volume clearly shows his pragmatism and careful consideration of issues that will unify, strengthen, and move America forward into the 21st century. If you believe we, as Americans, are better as a nation when we work together to find solutions that improve the lives and secure the freedoms of ALL of our citizens, then you will find much to appreciate in this book.
I had originally planned to give this book four out of five stars for the outline of Obama's plan. But, in addition to the plan, seven of Obama's speeches are included at the back of the book. Among them is his "A More Perfect Union" speech that he gave in Philadelphia on March 18, 2008, where he confronted the issue of race in America. This speech alone is more than worthy of an additional star in my rating.