Overview

"Contrary to those who believe that liberalism has descended into the dustbins of history, renowned political activist and social critic Marcus G. Raskin argues that there is no escape from liberalism. Against the empty-headed and mean-spirited conservative onslaught of recent times, Raskin asserts and ably demonstrates how the liberal purpose is tied to human liberation and inclusivity for all people. For liberalism to succeed in a new century, it must reckon with its past mistakes—especially its reluctance to be bold. It must also embrace the inextricably interwoven character of morality and politics. To this end, Raskin seeks no less than a new intellectual and spiritual covenant in the university, the political economy, and foreign policy. He shows how this is possible through a radical rethinking of America's role in the world including war avoidance and economic restructuring. He probes the tensions and limits as well as the promise of community, family, and technology. His text helps us recognize the potential of a new multiculturalism within American society and the important role that knowledge workers and specialists will play as change agents in a changed world. Liberalism: The Genius of American Ideals traces Raskin's remarkable journey of the last fifty years through social and political action as well as thought. It is a book for people ""in motion"" who realize the importance of humane ideas in relation to action, aware not only that peace should be given a chance but that our best instincts must also be engaged through the reconstruction of our institutions. In the face of a new, distinctly uncompassionate brand of conservatism that has shuttered the doors to the very real world of struggle, alienation, and pain, Liberalism is intended to hold a candle in the window of this dark time."

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9780742515918

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Reviews

Rich in critique and optimism... This book will be particularly welcomed by readers who embrace liberalism as Raskin does but fear that it has been supplanted by neoconservative ways of thinking that subvert liberal ideals as well as an active, questioning citizen body. Highly recommended. CHOICE Martin Luther King said, 'The curve of history bends towards justice.' In Liberalism Marcus Raskin gives us a long glance down that road. He too has a dream, for which he offers a hopeful, yet realistic roadmap. Raskin lucidly shows how modern militarism and multinational corporations have detoured us from true liberalism, and how we can regain the path to peace and justice. Liberalism is a rare combination of deep insight, apt anecdote, and genuine concern for others-a wonderful book. -- Congressman John Conyers, Jr., (D-Mich.) Goethe declared: 'In order to possess what we have inherited, we have to earn it again.' We are the heirs of liberalism, but our earning capacity is evidently diminished. That, perhaps, is why liberalism today is so weak. Marcus Raskin, after a lifetime of intellectual and political devotion to citizenship and freedom, has come to our help with a major attempt to rethink both our situation and our tradition. Young and old (and those in between) are greatly in his debt. -- Norman Birnbaum, Georgetown University Law Center When you read this book, you join a wide ranging discussion with the dean of the American Left on the antecedents and future of the current movement for peace and justice. -- Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich, (D-Ohio) Marcus Raskin is unquestionably our foremost theoretician and practitioner of liberalism, and in this invaluable book he gives a spirited and comprehensive account of why liberalism remains our best hope for a humane social and political future for America. [The] blend of sophistication and commitment that Raskin brings to his account of liberalism gives his argument an extra level of authenticity. I urge everyone to read this fine book as a matter of civic duty. -- Richard Falk, Princeton University and University of California, Santa Barbara

Rich in critique and optimism... This book will be particularly welcomed by readers who embrace liberalism as Raskin does but fear that it has been supplanted by neoconservative ways of thinking that subvert liberal ideals as well as an active, questioning citizen body. Highly recommended. CHOICE Martin Luther King said, 'The curve of history bends towards justice.' In Liberalism Marcus Raskin gives us a long glance down that road. He too has a dream, for which he offers a hopeful, yet realistic roadmap. Raskin lucidly shows how modern militarism and multinational corporations have detoured us from true liberalism, and how we can regain the path to peace and justice. Liberalism is a rare combination of deep insight, apt anecdote, and genuine concern for others-a wonderful book. -- Congressman John Conyers, Jr., (D-Mich.) Goethe declared: 'In order to possess what we have inherited, we have to earn it again.' We are the heirs of liberalism, but our earning capacity is evidently diminished. That, perhaps, is why liberalism today is so weak. Marcus Raskin, after a lifetime of intellectual and political devotion to citizenship and freedom, has come to our help with a major attempt to rethink both our situation and our tradition. Young and old (and those in between) are greatly in his debt. -- Norman Birnbaum, Georgetown University Law Center When you read this book, you join a wide ranging discussion with the dean of the American Left on the antecedents and future of the current movement for peace and justice. -- Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich, (D-Ohio) Marcus Raskin is unquestionably our foremost theoretician and practitioner of liberalism, and in this invaluable book he gives a spirited and comprehensive account of why liberalism remains our best hope for a humane social and political future for America. [The] blend of sophistication and commitment that Raskin brings to his account of liberalism gives his argument an extra level of authenticity. I urge everyone to read this fine book as a matter of civic duty. -- Richard Falk, Princeton University

Author Information

"Marcus G. Raskin is distinguished fellow and co-founder of the Institute for Policy Studies. He is also professor of policy studies and adjunct professor of political science at George Washington University. Marcus G. Raskin, the highly acclaimed political theorist and activist, is cofounder of the influential Institute for Policy Studies. He is professor at George Washington University and a member of the editorial board of The Nation magazine. He is author of numerous well-reviewed books including Being and Doing, The Common Good, The Politics of National Security, Visions and Revisions, Essays of a Citizen, New Ways of Knowing (with Herbert J. Bernstein), and The Vietnam Reader with Bernard B. Fall. He is the editor of a ten-volume series on Reconstruction and Paths for the 21st Century with three books slated for publication in 2004. Raskin's numerous scholarly articles have appeared in major journals concerning philosophy, history, and education. His op-eds and popular articles have appeared in newspapers including the New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Chicago Tribune. He has appeared in all major media including CNN, NBC, C-Span, NPR, and other radio and TV outlets. Raskin was a former member of the National Security Council Staff under President John F. Kennedy and chair of Peace Action, a major peace organization. He was an acquitted member of the Boston 5 draft conspiracy case, on Nixon's Enemies List, and a Fulbright Lecturer. Raskin is credited with coining the phrase, ""the National Security State,"" currently enjoying a resurgence of interest and concern in the midst of Bush Administration policies. Marcus G. Raskin is a graduate of the University of Chicago College and Law School. He is married to Lynn Raskin, has four children and eight grandchildren, and is an accomplished pianist. He is a resident of Washington, DC."

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