Taking America Back, by Joseph Farah

In clear, concise prose and convincing style Mr. Farah sets about defining the problems besetting the nation. Conservative and Libertarian commentators have bemoaned various aspects of our government and society for years, but til now no one has put all the factors together so succinctly, pinpointing even their root causes. High taxes and a school system that indoctrinates rather than teaches are at the top of Mr. Farah's list.

The essence of Mr. Farah's approach is that he views the nation's problems in the macro-environment - the big picture, and he sees the solutions in a context that calls for individual action, now, today. For those of us wanting to know what we can do, he is not shy about telling us. And his prescriptions are intelligent, practical and doable.

His approach to our nation's schools is a good example. As a collective group schools operate to dumb down the electorate and indoctrinate students in a manner that stifles individual initiative and encourages a collectivist, environmentalist extremism. Even the term "our nation's schools" shows how far down the wrong road we already have come. School control should be brought down to the lowest level in order to better tailor education for the student. The lowest possible level is, without doubt, home school. A daunting task for an individual, but doable, and revolutionary.

Home schooling performs several functions at the same time. First it puts pressure on the public schools to improve. Second, it ensures a decent education to the current generation. Third, it circumvents the usual indoctrination imposed by the system. As the father of a seven-year-old, I can vouch for the approach advocated here. My daughter, in the second grade attended the local elementary school. The school had a good conservative principal and her teacher was an ex-marine. I expected great things because these people told me all the right things. Though their intentions were good, there was no way when operating within the confines of the current school system, that they could give my daughter more than a barely adequate education. I was compelled to remove her in the middle of the year. Now her little desk sits next to my big one, and I lecture her and grade her papers between book reviews and articles. There is no question in my mind that she is receiving a vastly superior education. Currently she is working two grades above the norm for her age. This act had a profound effect on the teacher and the principal, prompting considerable introspection. It also reduced funding for the school - saving the taxpayers some $6,900.00.

Mr. Farah exhibits great insight when expounding on his theme that America's problems can be solved by us as individuals if only we have the strength and the courage of our convictions.

There are plenty of books out there that tell us what is wrong with the country. "Taking Back America" gives us the solution to the problems. Interestingly and ironically, Joseph Farah puts his solutions into a twelve step program rather reminiscent of AA (since our problems might be attributed to addictions and binges). The solutions are spelled out in an intelligent and concise format. There is little doubt that if even a fraction of the populace were to take up his suggestions, we would have real change for the better in this country.

If any criticism can be levelled at Joseph Farah's approach it is that it propounds a leaderless movement. It calls for individual action, which is good, but like most grass roots movements it needs reinforcement to sustain it. It requires a spokesperson to focus energy and to enunciate its goals. Yet Mr. Farah has already stepped up to the plate in this regard. He is founder and chief editor of WorldNetDaily.com. He is a long time newspaper reporter and editor. He is author of more than a dozen books. In "Taking Back America" he defines the problems, outlines the solutions, and sets a positive agenda for the future of our great nation.

This book is available at Amazon.com