American Liberalism: An Interpretation for Our Time

""Democracy ain't worth a damn if it's not liberal. And liberalism isn't worth much if it isn't democratic."" So says author and academic McGowan, who weighs in on the contemporary political scene for a decidedly more general audience than his previous, more academic work (Postmodernism and its Critics; Democracy's Children; etc.). Contrasting the values of today's conservatives to their liberal opponents', McGowan argues convincingly that today's liberals are far more in line with the founders of the U.S. than conservatives, whose ""social and economic concentrations of power... are as threatening to liberty as political concentrations of power."" Touching base on a number of contentious (if familiar) issues-constitutional law, immigration policy, pluralism, economic regulation, widening income disparity and the role of the neo-cons in President Bush's diplomatic strategy-McGowan provides some historical and philosophical context, but most of this volume reads like an election-prep talking points memo, picking apart the weak spots in conservative thought and policy, and cheerleading liberal ideas of public protection and the general welfare. Unwavering in its sense of righteousness, this detailed primer may preach to the choir, but it will prove insightful for armchair democrats and the progressive-curious.