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The Battle
Book

The Battle

How the Fight between Free Enterprise and Big Government Will Shape America's Future

Basic Books, 2010 plus...


Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Well Structured
  • Visionary
  • Background

Recommendation

Nothing less than the future of America is at stake, says conservative public policy expert Arthur C. Brooks in his dissection of the nation’s political and economic scene. Relying on surveys, polls and statistics (some almost up-to-the-minute, some quite dated), he posits a split in the U.S. between a 70% majority that supports free enterprise, limited government and less taxes, and a 30% minority made up of the “intellectual upper class” and its followers who cheer “social democracy,” big government and soaking the rich. Brooks, head of the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the U.S.’s historical love of free enterprise. Along with the expected critiques of the liberal media and academia, he makes an accessible case that free enterprise’s supporters should focus less on money and materialism as the reasons for their advocacy, and more on the morality and values of personal achievement and success in an opportunity-driven economy. getAbstract suggests his book – an extended editorial statement – to all sides of the political spectrum whether it confirms your opinions or acts a basis for worthwhile debate.

Take-Aways

  • America faces a stark choice between free enterprise and “statism.”
  • The U.S. is statistically divided: 30% of its citizens prefer big government and European-style “social democracy.”
  • The 70% majority, however, believes that free markets and limited government provide the best future for all Americans.

About the Author

Arthur C. Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, has written eight books, including Gross National Happiness and Who Really Cares.