A New Birth of Freedom: A Vision for America

Mr. Forbes nails almost everything in this book. From foreign policy to the morals of our youth, we are in need of total reform. We are on the wrong course and this book can act like the compass we need to guide us back.

The book does read a little like a political rally speech but Mr. Forbes speaks the truth. Read it as a handbook to a new America, the old America that we once new.

I agree with most of Forbes' platform. In fact, initially I was dead set against a flat tax but Forbes' presentation actually got me thinking about the possibility. He is very good at explaining the simplicity of the tax, and it is quite compelling in that regard. Of course, multi-millionaires like Forbes would be the ones getting the biggest cuts.

In any event, this book is totally unnecessary. Forbes should have typed up a little brochure and spent his money on publicizing that instead of the book. The format of each chapter is quite consistent -- Forbes presents pages upon pages of background information to an issue, and then outlines his opinion/ideas. This makes for a slow (and often dull) read, as the introductory material is generic and most readers are probably aware of what Forbes outlines. This 200-page platform could definitely be edited down to a 20-page brochure.

I only recommend this book to the biggest Forbes' enthusiasts. My favorite part of the book did not even come from Steve Forbes, rather in a quote on success from his grandfather B.C. Forbes.

"Business was originated to produce happiness, not to pile up millions. Are we in danger of forgetting this? Too often in talking with so-called "successful" men I cannot but feel that they are making business an end and an aim in itself, that they regard the multiplying of their millions and the extension of their works as the be-all and end-all of life, life itself. ...They are so obsessed with the material that they cannot enjoy the immaterial, the intangible, the ideal, the spiritual -- quiet thought, self-communion, reflection, poise, inward happiness, domestic felicity..."

If you want a refreshing dose of Reagan Republicanism you should read this book. Steve is an optimist and he has good reason to be optimistic about our country for the simple reason that being an American means great expectations. But those great expectations are based on a foundation. And that foundation is not in our economic, military, or political strength, but in our moral character. Forbes does an excellent job in reminding us of just where the moral basis of our society comes from. He calls us back to the central understanding that is the backbone of this nation- the same understanding that the Founders had- that a self-governing nation must consist of self-governing people who understand and appreciate the relationship between their actions, both as individuals and as a nation, and their Creator. "We hold these truths to be self-evident..." Isn't that our mantle? He further demonstrates that America is a unique manifestation in human governance- one that can change and uplift the destiny of the entire human race. And he challenges us by asking how we can continue to influence the world that has looked to us for leadership while simultaneously withdrawing from the principles that have made us who we are. A country such as ours is made only for a disciplined and gallant people. We cannot hold onto what we are if we look away from these truths and instead replace them with a Hobbesian world view that disrespects and cheapens life- and that includes the life in the womb.

Forbes continues with the need to reform education, social security, to develop strong defense and environmental stewardship policies, and his personal favorite, the need to abolish this bloated federal tax code. And this new freedom revolution starts with the understanding that we exist to fulfill our God-given potential. It continues with the need to put an end to the idea that the American people exist for the government. He asks us to think about parents having the ability to control their children's education instead of faceless bureaucrats in Washington; for all Americans to participate in the new electronic and information age and its potential for ever increasing our prosperity; for abolishing the federal tax code and ridding America of the fear of the IRS once and for all. He envisions medical savings accounts and social security taxes invested in individual retirement accounts. He asks us to think on putting faith and trust in our elected officials again, knowing that they understand their role in public life as examples- especially to the most impressionable among us, the children. And he invites us to be inspired by that positive hope in the future that characterizes us as Americans, and which also draws us together.

Although I personally disagree with the idea of the flat tax, and instead believe that the complete abolition of the IRS, and a repeal of the 16th Amendment is necessary, I can join Steve Forbes in his optimistic outlook on our future. We can believe, receive, and see, great expectations for America, and so we should. But we can do so only if we remember that truth that was so clearly seen by our Founders- our rights (and duties) are given from God and thus must be respected because they are so given. That is why they are inalienable and I'm glad Steve has come aboard.