Having only read the first few chapters, I was somewhat hesitant to submit a review for this book. Ultimately I decided that, notwithstanding, I had some worthwhile comments to put forward which may be of use to other potential readers.
Politics is a topic to which I have devoted little energy throughout my life. If the key issues in an election are gay marriage and abortion, then the significant societal issues affecting the majority of people would appear to be under control. Accordingly I have found myself ambivalent as to the outcome of most elections in mature democracies, such as in the USA. I consider this to be the ultimate victory of democracy. However my apathy for the subject lead me to the realisation that I was grossly ignorant of the structures and systems of centralised authority, to which we are all subject, and that I should read a book on the subject to set that straight.
Politics for Dummies was my obvious first choice. I have used the Dummies series for various topics in the past, and have always appreciated their clear, well-illustrated and user friendly lay-out. Their comprehensive approach to a subject, starting with fundamentals for the novice and building therefrom, while simultaneously providing a ready reference book through their thorough indexes and tables of content, put them in a class of their own. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed with this offering for the following reasons:
1. The book is incorrectly titled. Politics is a global phenomenon , and any `dummies' primer on the topic should necessarily present its material from a global perspective. I am not a US resident, so my views and expectations may differ from those of the majority of readers and reviewers, yet I stand by my point. A comprehensive understanding of politics should encompass a historical overview from ancient times, Greek & Roman senators, the European powers of yesteryear and its evolution to the current US political system, as well as the fledgling democracies of South Africa, Afghanistan & Iraq etc. The book should be titled `US Politics for Dummies'.
2. The book launches into the subject taking numerous fundamentals for granted. Very early on it describes how many citizens are represented by each senator versus each representative, and how these numbers have evolved over time. I don't know the difference between a senator, representative or congressman. That's why I bought the book! My ignorance in these matters may construe me as a `wildcard' reader, whom the author should not realistically be expected to accommodate. Yet I would wager that a large number of Americans are similarly clueless, including plentiful naturalized citizens who lack a US education. From its flying start, the book doesn't look back, and continues to describe how you can immerse yourself in the political environment, raise funds, manage campaigns ... all the while leaving us political ignoramuses unenlightened and unable to follow the topics on account of a dire lack of grounding in the fundamentals. Perhaps the book should be titled `US Politics for Those Who Already Understand the Basics', alternatively they should initiate a `Complete Morons' series.
The other reviews were something of a revelation to me, with contributors variously claiming that the book was too simplistic, alternatively a covert piece of Democratic propaganda, and those who repudiated this stating that it was entirely non-partisan. Indeed, if taken chronologically, the reviews read like a partisan debate with critics responding vociferously to assertions made in previous reviews. Few, if any, appear to be evaluating the merits of the book as an introduction to politics, and most writers appear to be politically savvy and strongly opinionated ... not the target audience that I would assume for a `Dummies' title.
To be fair, I haven't truly considered the merits of the book in its own right. Well I couldn't! After a few pages I was completely lost. I awarded one star on account of its complete failure to meet my expectations of a `Dummies' title. If I were politically aware, and looking to embark on a political career, perhaps this book would fit the bill. I did however feel that the tone displayed an unmotivated exuberance - `You too can make a difference', `It behoves you to get involved', `Run your own campaign' (not actual quotes). This style of writing belongs more to the `Overnight Millionaire' type of literature. Furthermore if, as alleged, the book is a thinly veiled Democratic propaganda tool, then it may well be worthy of only one star, even on its own merits.
It is an irony therefore that my experience with this book (which include its reviews and my efforts to compose this assessment) have merely reinforced my complacency towards politics. I am more than happy to let egos and tempers flare in heated debate over whether to teach creationism or evolution, or how to handle Iraq or the deficit. Meanwhile I will focus my energies on the seemingly pragmatic matters of providing for my family, and hopefully making a positive difference to those whom I encounter in life. And I strive to do this in whatever environment the politicians create for us.
In conclusion, I acknowledge that I may be a lone voice in the wilderness here. While the book completely failed to meet my expectations, it seems to have generated interest and debate among the other reviewers, who presumably are the author's intended readership. Furthermore, the fact that I only read the first few chapters must surely temper the integrity of my review. However, it is a large world, and there are surely some of you out there who are looking for the same answers as I am. I recommend you keep looking.
