Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1756786 in Books
• Published on: 2001-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews

The Federalist Papers Live Again!
"Nation of Cowards" is a superb collection of essays on the American condition. This book not only addresses the gun rights issue but also makes you aware how far our country has deviated from our forefathers intent - and why. Every page is a thought-provoking masterpiece of insight. While the author sometimes resorts to long sentence structures, if read conversationally, they make imminently good old-fashioned common sense. This should be required reading in every institute of learning across the land. The writers of the Federalist Papers, Hamilton, Madison, and Jay would be proud to call Jeff Snyder one of their own. Highest recommendation!

Message from Author
Unlike most books on the subject of gun control, this book is not about whether gun control works (i.e., prevents crime and suicide, reduces the severity of injuries from violent assault, and saves more lives). Nor is it about whether the right to keep and bear arms works (i.e., prevents crime, saves more lives, etc.). Instead, the essays in this book examine the ethics of gun control, and what the gun control debate reveals about our character. Along the way it also examines the nature of modern American law and government, civil disobedience and revolution, and the relationship of freedom and responsibility. You can find copies of the published reviews of the book, as well as commentary by George Will on the title essay, at nationofcowards.net. Thanks for considering the book!

WARNING! This book could force you to think.
Jeff Snyder's "Nation of Cowards" breaks new ground in the gun control debate. While there have been several fine works exploring aspects such as the historical origins of the Second Amendment, or on the ineffectiveness of gun control laws, "Nation of Cowards" makes the case against gun control from an entirely fresh perspective - ethics.

Snyder makes a persuasive argument that self-defense is a personal responsibility, and that those who rely on the state (or its paid agents) for protection are shirking their ethical duty. Gun control laws are therefore impediments to ethical action by preventing people from utilizing the most effective means of self-defense.

"Nation of Cowards" is a must read for those who have an interest in the gun control debate. But be warned: Reading "Nation of Cowards" may force you to think, and to reconsider the way you look at yourself, government, the law, and their interrelationships.