Rand Paul

An excellent primer on socialism that splits the difference between the accessible and scholarly on one hand and the contemporary and timeless on the other hand. For instance, the Pauls write about modern events and the historical past, reference modern pundits and classic thinkers (like Hayek or Friedman), and move from Alexandria Ocasio and Bernie Sanders to Mao and Stalin. The book is split into six parts. The parts I found most interesting were Parts I and II: I talked about how capitalism is a better system than socialism in the United States and II talks about how Scandinavia, the current example de jour for "democratic" socialists, is not a good example because capitalism made Scandinavia great. Part III talks about historical faults of socialism, i.e., how it always turns to dictatorial authoritarianism. Part IV and V talk about problems in socialism, like the tyranny, planning, dissent, etc. Part VI moves back to more modern ideals of socialism, including attempts to use green to create red, i.e., use the Green New Deal to restructure society away from capitalism to communism. Anyway, I liked this book and learned from it. (Besides Rand's appeal to his namesake, who had a horrid philosophy: selfishness is not conservative... capitalism must be tempered by Christianity to create a good society.) A decent introduction for the lay reader to socialism's evils and problems and capitalism's goods and benefits.… (meer)

Senator Rand Paul has a vision which he calls Moving Beyond Partisan Politics to Unite America. That's the subtitle of his book, Taking a Stand. While preparing his recent short-lived presidential run the junior U.S. senator representing Kentucky outlined his views concerning America's future. Ideas that formed the basis of his candidacy seemed to be catching fire for awhile. Unfortunately the effort fizzled and died while Donald Trump was name-calling his way to the 2016 Republican presidential nomination.

It seems nearly everyone who makes it to prominence in politics these days writes a book. Some of those politico authors don't have much to say. Senator Paul is an exception, a man with plenty to say. It's a shame not enough people seem to be listening. A wide range of truly inciteful ideas are presented with enthusiasm and true conviction. In reading his book you won't feel you are just being fed standard rhetorical political talking points. This is a man with a different way of looking at the many problems and challenges facing the Untied States.

Paul has a big heart and a dedication to serve humanity. Requirements of the office he holds prevent him him from making money in his private opthamology practice. Yet, while not being able to do such work for profit until reentering private life, he continues to make trips to Guatamala to provide pro bono eye operations for the needy. He forsees resumption of medical practice following his political career. Admiration is due this man who says that when he resumes his vocation, he will continue working as long as possible.

Paul likely will be back in the private sector soon if his presidential ambitions do not soon resurface. He is committed to the principle of term limits, believing it's healthy to often see fresh faces in federal office. When he is no longer a part of government, he'll be missed. Not often does someone in government with such fresh ideas come upon the national scene. People in Kentucky know him pretty well. This book introduces those in other parts of the country to a modern day Bluegrass State patriot.… (meer)

Title: Our President & Their Prayers (Proclamations of Faith by America’s Leaders)
Author: Rand Paul & James Robsin
Pages: 160
Year: 2015
Publisher: Center Street
My rating is 5 stars.
When looking at the title, one might tend to think it contains pages upon pages of prayers with little else to offer and that would be a wrong conclusion. Inside the covers are pages that grant us a glimpse in the hearts and minds of various Presidents. Included with portions of prayers are explanations into who the man was, what he thought or experienced in life and how he felt. These Presidents felt deeply about America and how blessed she truly is in how she was conceived and more.
Readers are reminded of history some of which I wonder has ever been taught or made available to Americans as a whole. One reads this book and quickly captures the heart of solid belief that without God or a hand of Providence America would cease to be. There may be ideas expressed or history understood with a particular viewpoint, but isn’t that what makes our nation great? We can express our hearts, minds, souls and be humbled by being reminded that “God governs in the affairs of men.” (Benjamin Franklin)
Here is a book that should grace the shelf of homes across the land so that for generations to come a resource is nearby from which to remember our history and the exhortation to stand fast in our day! We need to have books and other media to share with others who don’t know or understand America. We must remain vigilant lest we make the price many have paid null and void.
God Bless America!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”… (meer)