Liberalism and American Identity

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Liberalism and American Identity by Patrick M. Garry, The Kent State University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Patrick M. Garry ISBN: 9781612770581
Publisher: The Kent State University Press Publication: January 28, 2011
Imprint: The Kent State University Press Language: English
Author: Patrick M. Garry
ISBN: 9781612770581
Publisher: The Kent State University Press
Publication: January 28, 2011
Imprint: The Kent State University Press
Language: English

Since, 1968, liberalism as a viable political ideology has been under attack, with the most aggressive assault occurring in the 1988 presidential campaign.  While conservatives denounced the “L-word” and proclaimed its death as a political ideology, liberals and Democrats failed to defend America’s proud liberal tradition.  Liberals have yet to take the ideological offensive.  Indeed, without a clear ideological identity, it is not surprising that the Democratic party appears uncertain as to its future political message, particularly as it prepares for the 1992 election.

In Liberalism and American Identity, Patrick Garry presents a coherent and well-argued thesis of the meaning and importance of liberalism in American politics.  His is the first work that attempts to rejuvenate political liberalism since the devastating attack on it during the 1980s.  Presenting a workable definition of liberalism, Garry demonstrates the vital role it has played, and can continue to play, in American history.  His examination of the liberal ideology and tradition in American politics reveals not only the nation’s liberal identity, but also the conservative tendency to label liberalism “un-American” as a means to circumvent discussion of social problems.

Garry defines liberalism through historical examples and the beliefs and leadership of prominent Americans, namely Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John Kennedy.  He then applies these principles to a discussion of current politics and the problems of crime, poverty, and national defense.  Although arguing that the conservative attack during the 1980s greatly misrepresented the American liberal tradition, Garry also acknowledges that changes within accepted liberal doctrines during the 1960s and 1970s led to a deviation of contemporary liberalism from its roots.  This betrayal of liberalism and its degeneration into special interest politics, he asserts, caused an identity crisis among liberals and alienated large segments of the American electorate previously supportive of the politics of Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy.

In an effort to resolve the recent problems of liberals, Garry outlines a future direction for liberalism in America.  For a public uncertain of its political course, and for liberals seeking a reinvigoration of their creed, this is an important and timely book.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Since, 1968, liberalism as a viable political ideology has been under attack, with the most aggressive assault occurring in the 1988 presidential campaign.  While conservatives denounced the “L-word” and proclaimed its death as a political ideology, liberals and Democrats failed to defend America’s proud liberal tradition.  Liberals have yet to take the ideological offensive.  Indeed, without a clear ideological identity, it is not surprising that the Democratic party appears uncertain as to its future political message, particularly as it prepares for the 1992 election.

In Liberalism and American Identity, Patrick Garry presents a coherent and well-argued thesis of the meaning and importance of liberalism in American politics.  His is the first work that attempts to rejuvenate political liberalism since the devastating attack on it during the 1980s.  Presenting a workable definition of liberalism, Garry demonstrates the vital role it has played, and can continue to play, in American history.  His examination of the liberal ideology and tradition in American politics reveals not only the nation’s liberal identity, but also the conservative tendency to label liberalism “un-American” as a means to circumvent discussion of social problems.

Garry defines liberalism through historical examples and the beliefs and leadership of prominent Americans, namely Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and John Kennedy.  He then applies these principles to a discussion of current politics and the problems of crime, poverty, and national defense.  Although arguing that the conservative attack during the 1980s greatly misrepresented the American liberal tradition, Garry also acknowledges that changes within accepted liberal doctrines during the 1960s and 1970s led to a deviation of contemporary liberalism from its roots.  This betrayal of liberalism and its degeneration into special interest politics, he asserts, caused an identity crisis among liberals and alienated large segments of the American electorate previously supportive of the politics of Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy.

In an effort to resolve the recent problems of liberals, Garry outlines a future direction for liberalism in America.  For a public uncertain of its political course, and for liberals seeking a reinvigoration of their creed, this is an important and timely book.

More books from The Kent State University Press

Cover of the book Sword of the Border by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book The Philadelphia Phillies by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Ernest Hemingway and the Geography of Memory by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book My Greatest Quarrel with Fortune by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book The Country Doctor Revisited by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Intended Place by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Lynch Street by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book An Artist of the American Renaissance by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Vanishings From that Neighborhood by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book There Would Always Be a Fairy Tale by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Greek-American Relations from Monroe to Truman by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Kenyon Cox, 1856-1919 by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Keeping Reflection Fresh by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book Sundays in the Pound by Patrick M. Garry
Cover of the book The Boy General by Patrick M. Garry
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy