new age

I found this book rehashed a lot of her old books which I used to highly recommend to everyone. She kept using the term "democracy". We are a republic, as anyone who recites the Pledge of Allegiance knows. She is anti-gun, using the term "gun violence" and says the gun manufacturers are in it only for the money. We used guns to extricate/defend ourselves from the British, and would probably still be under their control if we had used what, bows and arrows safe enough for you? Also used guns to "win the west". The problem is not guns but the psyche of those who use them in a bad way. The countries with gun control have the highest rate of violence - England, Australia. She sheds tears for the abortion clinic worker who has to wear a bullet-proof vest but sheds none for the unborn. Yet she says we don't take good enough care of our children in America. She can't have it both ways, baby!!

This is an absolutely wonderful book!!! It is a must-read for anyone who would like to see changes made in the world, and especially in the political system. Written at the dawn of the millenium, it is even more profound and timely today. Every page has quotes worth saving, every example has meaning, every solution resonates. Ms. Williamson is a very talented writer, and she has cut to the heart with this book, in more ways than one. She outlined very articulately EVERYTHING that has been bothering me. She not only nailed all of the problems, but she also gives solutions, and provides blueprints and resources.

This book spoke to me at first sight. However, I was expecting it to be a different kind of book, so I pushed it to the side, with good intentions. It sat on the shelf patiently whispering to me, and I would whisper back -"Yes, when the time is right, I'll pick you up." Well, THE TIME IS RIGHT!!! Wow, is it ever!!! Now I've read it, I want to trumpet it to all the world. For anyone sick at heart at the state of things in this country, and an ache in their soul to see a change in the status quo -- get this book. It is insightful, intelligent, significant, profound, and unforgettable. Pick it up, read it, and then tell at least ten friends about it who have a social conscience. Let's begin - NOW!

I bought this book (published as "The Healing of America") in 1997, and it sat on my bookshelf for five years. Picking it up recently, I felt a chill of recognition as I read its contents. America is on the verge of a renaissance or a catastrophe, she writes, and Islamic terrorists manipulate the masses with tales of our superficial values. Williamson was clearly onto something.

In spirit, this book reminds me of Michael Moore's "Downsize This!" and "Stupid White Men". Both Moore and Williamson are grass roots rabble rousers, with a tendency to over idealize the average American's civic interests. They have similar ideas about what needs to be done, and many of their ideas are good ones: increasing the minimum wage, better funding for schools, reparations for blacks and Native Americans. (I wish Williamson had delved more into one of her intriguing ideas -- a Marshall plan for America's inner cities.) Also, both have the ability to light a fire under wannabe activists. Moore's books started me on a path to voting for third party candidates, and Williamson has encouraged me to get involved in letter writing campaigns.

Their main difference -- although maybe I'm contradicting myself when I say this, since I read them both -- is that they are appealing to slightly different audiences. Moore appeals to common decency as his cause, Williamson to her belief that we are all spiritual children of the same God.

Williamson's primary focus in this book is in her belief that consciousness is the root of political action. She quotes the Dalai Lama telling her that to achieve change you must meditate AND have an action plan. She relies heavily on the ideals of Ghandi, Robert and JFK, and MLK Jr, quoting from them all regularly, before venturing into what she thinks needs to be done. First among them is a greater participation of her readers in the political process.

I would recommend this book for Book Groups, since it is thought provoking and offers concrete ideas on how to get started in the political process. Most who read it will be inspired to act -- and perhaps wish they had acted a bit sooner.