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It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good

It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good
By Rick Santorum

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Among politicians of national stature today, there is perhaps none more respected as a principled conservative than Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA). In It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good, his first book, Santorum articulates the humane vision that he believes must inform public policy if it is to be effective and just. An appreciation for the civic bonds that unite a community lies at the heart of genuine conservatism. Moreover, Senator Santorum demonstrates how such an approach to political, social, and economic problems offers the most promise for those on the margin of life: the poor, the vulnerable, and minorities who have often been excluded from opportunity in America.
 
Santorum argues that conservative statesmanship is animated by a sense of stewardship for an inheritance. But what do we inherit as Americans? And how can we be good stewards of that inheritance? Building on Robert Putnam’s discussion of “social capital,” the habits of association and trust that are the preconditions of any decent society, Santorum assesses how well, in the past generation, Americans have cared for the “fabric” of society. He explores in detail various dimensions of social and cultural connection that are the foundation of the common good. And he presents innovative policy proposals for the renewal of American society at all levels.
 
Throughout his book, Santorum emphasizes the central role of the family—in contradistinction to the metaphorical “village” of the federal government, as promoted by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton—in achieving the common good. With a sustained argument touching on first principles throughout, this ambitious and original book is a major contribution to contemporary political debate. It Takes a Family will further establish Senator Santorum as the leader of reform-minded civic conservatives in America.

Product Details

  • Amazon Sales Rank: #593997 in Books
  • Published on: 2006-04-30
  • Original language: English
  • Number of items: 1
  • Binding: Paperback
  • 475 pages

Editorial Reviews

Review
I am amazed at the depth and breadth of information, wisdom, and sensitivity. -- Dr. Laura C. Schlessinger Internationally Syndicated Radio Talk Host, Author of The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands

In his book, Rick Santorum combines theory, principle, and practice. . . . -- The Hon. Stephen Goldsmith, former Mayor of Indianapolis, Indiana

Senator Santorum is one of the stalwart defenders of human life and the pro-family cause. . . . -- James C. Dobson, Founder and Chairman, Focus on the Family

Senator Santorum leads the way among elected officials in understanding and appreciating the importance of the family. -- Jennifer Roback Morse, author of 101 Tips for a Happier Marriage

[A] reaffirmation of the moral, spiritual, and ethical characteristics that have blessed America since its founding. -- Jack Templeton, President, John Templeton Foundation

Review

“In these days when politicians’ pronouncements are mostly the focus-grouped bland hoping to (mis)lead the voting blind, Rick Santorum dares to try to say something that actually matters.”
—Maggie Gallagher, nationally syndicated columnist, author


“Policies that weaken families, that promote individual liberty without responsibility, in turn weaken the country’s social fabric. This is the heart of Santorum’s case against liberal government
programs. . . .”—Philadelphia Inquirer


“[A] very serious, smart work of political science. . . .”—Washington Post

About the Author
Rick Santorum has served in the United States Senate since January 1995, where he has been elected to a second term as Republican Conference Chairman, the party’s third ranking leadership position in the Senate. As Conference Chairman, Senator Santorum directs the communications operations of Senate Republicans and is a frequent party spokesman. He is the youngest member of the leadership and the first Pennsylvanian to hold such a prominent position since the 1970s.

While Senator Santorum is proud of his accomplishments as a lawmaker and public servant, he is most proud of his role as a husband and father. Senator Santorum and his wife, Karen Garver Santorum, are the parents of six wonderful children: Elizabeth, John, Daniel, Sarah Maria, Peter, and Patrick.

Customer Reviews

Christian Fundamentalism is Typically Quite Entertaining1
Christian fundamentalism is typically quite entertaining, but Rick Santorum's book just doesn't quite supply the laughs I expected. Normally, when I see fascist Santorum on the television, I am laughing hard. The guy is funny!!

Unfortunately though, this book is just a dud. No laughs. I think Santorum went with the "serious angle" here. Big mistake! He should stick to the laugh-a-minute shtick that he exhibits everyday in the U.S. Senate.

Amen!

I looked and I looked1
I was really excited to read Senator Santorum's book. I knew he was going to explain how I didn't need to work, we could raise our family with only one income - and I found where he said that.

But I thought he would give concrete, how-to examples, like how he bought a house in a low income district that he never lived in with his family so his kids could get an education in a great school district and he could avoid paying property taxes. That a budget tip I could use!

My husband and I would also like to avoid paying taxes we owe but we can't aford two houses to do it.

So, I was disappointed.

You will like this book if you already agree with him.2
This book does not seem to have a target audience. You will like this book if you already agree with Rick Santorum. However, if you already agree with him, his book is not really accomplishing anything. If you are moderate, you will probably be too put off by some of his statements to be able to sift through the book and find the reasonable ideas. If you are liberal, you will probably throw the book across the room. Santorum basically insults and demeans people who do not agree with him, so if you are going into this book trying to get the other perspective, you will probably just be insulted.