America, the Owner′s Manual: You Can Fight City Hall--And Win Contributor(s): Graham, Bob (Author), Hand, Chris (Author) |
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ISBN: 1506350585 ISBN-13: 9781506350585 Publisher: CQ Press
Binding Type: Paperback - See All Available Formats & Editions Published: August 2016 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Political Science | Political Process - Political Advocacy - Political Science | Political Process - General - Political Science | Civics & Citizenship |
Dewey: 322.409 |
LCCN: 2016008152 |
Physical Information: 0.8" H x 6" W x 8.9" L (0.95 lbs) 328 pages |
Features: Bibliography, Illustrated, Index |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: In 2016, Americans fed up with the political process vented that frustration with their votes. Republicans nominated for president a wealthy businessman and former reality show host best known on the campaign trail for his sharp rhetoric against immigration and foreign trade. Democrats nearly selected a self-described socialist who ran on a populist platform against the influence of big money in politics. While it is not surprising that Americans would channel their frustrations into votes for contenders who pledge to end business as usual, the truth is that we don't have to pin our hopes for greater participation on any one candidate. All of us have a say--if we learn, master and practice the skills of effective citizenship. One of the biggest roadblocks to participation in democracy is the perception that privileged citizens and special interests command the levers of power and that everyday Americans can't fight City Hall. That perception is undoubtedly why a 2015 Pew Charitable Trusts survey found that 74 percent of those Americans surveyed believed that most elected officials didn′t care what people like them thought. Graham and Hand intend to change that conventional wisdom by showing citizens how to flex their citizenship muscles. They describe effective citizenship skills and provide tips from civic experts. Even more importantly, they offer numerous examples of everyday Americans who have used their skills to make democracy respond. The reader will see themselves in these examples of citizens who chose to be victorious participants rather than tranquil spectators in the arena of democracy. By the end of the book, you will have new confidence that citizen participation is the lifeblood of America -- and will be ready to make governments work for you, not the other way around. |
Contributor Bio(s): Hand, Chris: - Chris Hand is an attorney with a long record of public service. He previously served as speechwriter, press secretary, and campaign press secretary for Senator Graham and as campaign manager for Florida's former statewide elected chief financial officer, Alex Sink. In 2008, Hand served as one of 27 Florida electors in the United States Electoral College. In 2010, Graham and Hand authored the original version Following 12 years of service in the Florida Legislature, Bob Graham was elected governor of Florida in 1978. During two successful terms as governor, Graham was nationally recognized for reforms in education, environmental protection, and economic diversification. Upon concluding his two terms as governor, Graham had an 83 percent approval rating from the people of Florida. |
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