Rick Newman (1) (1965–)

I will admit I started Rick Newman's Liberty For All expecting the usual one-sided, ra-ra American cheerleading coupled with clichés about "getting the country back on track" and other forlorn longings for the good ol' days. Those tired old texts are a dime a dozen it seems. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by Newman's thoughtful and balanced commentary. Sure he relates about joining up with a group of preppers—or people who believe catastrophic disaster is eminently and thus prepares by stockpiling supplies such as food and ammunition—but it's clear by the end that he identifies less and less with that group. The preppers outing is interesting to read though it functions more as a bookend for the other related topics.

The highlight for me was the section on the Liberty Trap. That idea was introduced in an early chapter and the theme was referenced throughout. This is Newman's all-encompassing description for the slow trickling loss of freedoms a citizenry inadvertently allows after having such freedoms—and subsequently taking them for granted—for generations. There are many sides to this debate, and many pros and cons as well, but it's a conversation worth having because these losses are real. How much of it is due to globalization and co-existing in a modern world? Or rather is it due to individual complacency at having enjoyed the good times for far too long? Hard to say. This is why I think the discussion is far from over.… (mehr)