Book Review 1

Paul, Ron. The Revolution: A Manifesto. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 2008.

Marsceau Book Score: 99%

The Revolution, by Ron Paul, is an excellent primer on the current United States political situation, a manifesto for those of us who want to change this situation, and a handy reference for future generations of Americans. Dr. Paul points out the fundamental questions that should be asked about the present way of government in the United States. These questions concern the interventionist foreign policy of today, the very existence of the Federal Reserve Bank, the use of bills of credit (paper money) versus real money (gold or silver), the invasion of our personal privacy, and more.

Dr. Paul is a true statesman. He sidesteps the current smokescreen issues we generally hear debated, and looks at the men who control the federal government and their methods of governing. This perspective lends common sense yet refreshing thought to the possibilities available to all Americans. Consider these gems from the book:

Law reflects the morality of the people…Let us therefore adopt the constitutional position, one that is achievable and can yield good results but that shuns the utopian idea that all evil can be eradicated. The Founding Fathers’ approach will not solve all problems, and it will not be perfect. But anyone expecting perfection in this world is going to be consistently disappointed. (p. 61)

What is more, the law cannot make a wicked person virtuous. According to Aquinas, God’s grace alone can accomplish such a thing. The law is simply incompetent here. What the law can do is provide the peace and order within which men can conduct their affairs. But so much of what is important in human life takes place far removed from law, and in the domain of civil society, families, and communities. These salutary influences, apart from the state, have a responsibility to improve the moral conduct of individuals. We ought not to shirk our own responsibility by looking to politicians—who are not exactly known for living beyond moral reproach themselves—to carry out so important a function. (pp. 126 -127)

Our Constitution was written to restrain government, not the people. Government is always tempted to turn that maxim upside down. Little wonder that George Washington, the father of our country, once said, “Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” (p. 135)

For more directive, dive in and read this book. Each American who wants a part in reforming constitutional government in his country will find no better instructions or more encouraging marching orders than those of Dr. Paul.

Ron Paul for President in 2012!