Change We Can Believe In: Barack Obama's Plan to Renew America's Promise

Haven't read the book since I don't need to. Why? Simple. I reviewed the "reviewers" comments. Some interesting things come to light.

1. Most of the "reviewers" are professionals. They say right out their "real" name and affiliation. Their reviews are predictable, and one could pretty much "cut and paste" one, then copy it 40-50 times. THEY ARE SYCOPHANTS.

2. Do you seriously expect us to believe that Senator Obama had the time to write 5-6 books in the last year? Come on, get real! This self-serving nonsense was penned by staffers or others that wish to raise capital for the Senator.

3. Don't believe me? Go look at Obama's financials that he submitted as required by law. You will see that he made over $4,000,000 in book royalties. Not bad for a sitting Senator that has been running a campaign non-stop for at least a year.

4. Do yourself a favor and understand this is how the politicians end-run campaign election laws. An individual may only contribute a certain amount to any one candidate...but why not buy thousands of their books and let them rake in the royalties.

Despite my reasonably high rating for the book (and promises therein), I have to say that I am now rather disillusioned as well as highly sceptical about a great deal of these promises. I had hoped that there would finally be some change in America - and the world, too. However, my faith in the American deomcratic system and hope for America has been disappointed.
President Obama won the elections fair and square for what he was and what he promised. There was no need for him to make Hilary Clinton (who had been in favour of the Iraq war) foreign secretary. Many of us can remember the ruthless, war-mongering Mrs. Allbright who occupied this post under her husband's term as president. Nor did President Obama have to reinstate Bush's right-hand man,Colin Powell. It seems clear that, despite our initial hopes and dreams, dark forces are operating and the president has already been forced to compromise not only key governmental positions but the future of world peace.I believe that now many voters feel betrayed as a result of these very dubious initial decisions. Hopefully, I shall be proved wrong - maybe not. We shall all have to wait and see.

Change We Can Believe In outlines Barack Obama's vision for America.

This trade sized paperback is just 288 pages, but inside the pages you will read about specific ideas about how to fix our ailing economy and strengthen the middle class, make health care affordable for all, achieve energy independence, and keep America safe in a dangerous world. They writing is clear and succinct. I especially enjoyed reading his speeches, as it has been many months since I first heard some of them. The eloquent manner in which his speeches were spoken came to life once again as I read his words.

Change We Can Believe In asks you not just to believe in Barack Obama's ability to bring change to Washington, it asks you to believe in yours as well. Yes We Can!

I was hoping this book would take the concepts Obama spoke of during his campaign and, having the leisure of a book, expand on them. I expected an in-depth treatment of his policies and goals.

Instead, this book is a tribute to redundancies and purple prose, and seems to be a protest against pronouns. It's terribly written.

It is a moot point now after the election ... I've voted and Obama's the next president. I just wish I had read this book earlier since it would have helped bolster my arguments with neighbors and friends regarding Obama's plan of action for the next four years. I finished this book in one day which, lately, is unusual for me as I am hitting a reading slump.

The first half of the book is a summary of the issues Obama would like to address once he is in office. He addresses the issues of global warming, education, women's rights, family planning, the war in Iraq, job security, health care, taxes and more (all issues that are dear to most Americans). I've followed his debates closely and tried to do all the research is necessary in making my decision on whom to vote and this book is a simplified guide to the issues and instead of lamenting what is wrong with our country, Obama is providing a course of action on what he would like to see happen. This is a non-partisanship book, which I really appreciate. There's no back-stabbing, no finger jabs at the previous adminstration and etc. It is just a straight-forward course of action ... if everyone in Congress will work together.

The second half of the book is his seven speeches and I will be the first to admit that listening to Obama speaking is a treasure ... wish I had the opportunity to hear him speak in person when he was in the area. Reading his speeches is almost just as good. He is an eloquent speaker and the compassion he holds for his fellow countrymen/women is evident in his speeches as well in the written word. If people still have doubts about Obama, this book is a good place to start reading. It may not be Pultizer Prize winning but it is a very good book and a start to get more information on what the Obama administration wants to have for the next four years.

Throughout his plan and his speeches, Obama has been consistent about one thing. He challenges Americans of all stages in life to work together. He challenges Americans to fight back and regain their lost dreams/hopes and he provides hope for the people. I will admit that he is the first politican who is inspiring. I've seen how many people turn off their TV sets and canvass the streets to provide a way for the people to vote. This is the first campaign where people are active in talking and sharing about their beliefs and how they would like to see things change. Obama has provided inspiration and hope for the people and it's evident in this book as well.

11/9/08