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Your Teacher Said What?!: Trying to Raise a Fifth Grade Capitalist in Obama's America
Every morning on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Joe Kernen asks challenging questions. And at home he does the same with his young daughter, Blake. What are you learning in school? What TV shows do you like? What message did you get from that movie? Your teacher said what?!
When Blake was nine, her answers told Joe that she had already absorbed a distorted view of economics—from her school, pop culture, and just about everywhere else. She was learning that capitalism is unavoidably immoral . . . that business people can’t be trusted, especially if they run big companies . . . that trade is bad because it hurts American workers . . . and that no matter how bad things get, the government will always bail us out.
Joe was outraged. If he couldn’t fix our education system or Hollywood, at least he could teach Blake how capitalism really works, and why it’s worth defending. Ultimately, Joe convinced Blake that capitalism isn’t about greed; it’s about freedom. In today’s America, there’s no greater lesson to teach your children.
When Blake was nine, her answers told Joe that she had already absorbed a distorted view of economics—from her school, pop culture, and just about everywhere else. She was learning that capitalism is unavoidably immoral . . . that business people can’t be trusted, especially if they run big companies . . . that trade is bad because it hurts American workers . . . and that no matter how bad things get, the government will always bail us out.
Joe was outraged. If he couldn’t fix our education system or Hollywood, at least he could teach Blake how capitalism really works, and why it’s worth defending. Ultimately, Joe convinced Blake that capitalism isn’t about greed; it’s about freedom. In today’s America, there’s no greater lesson to teach your children.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2011
18 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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December 21, 2021
If I could rate this book a 0, I would. But I can’t, so I give it a 1.
The entirety of the book is Joe Kernen’s journey to indoctrinating his child to have the same belief system he does. The book opens with Blake, the daughter, espousing her beliefs in “Progressive” ideals, but closes with the father saying, “It’s possible to raise you kid as a capitalist. Just ask Blake.” Blake also claims to have coauthored the book, though her presence in it is limited to a page in the preface and being riddled with question by her father. These questions are how Joe moves from point to point. When he has finished with one topic, he “asks Blake a question” (though the existence of these discussions is debatable. They read like a grown man writing for a child) to move onto the next. This creates a very choppy narrative with a lack of flow.
The book is also riddled with grammatical errors and contradictions. When he says something is good at one part, he later says it’s bad and vice versa. He takes issue with corporatism, a belief we share, but also says monopolies are good. This doublethink has created a nightmare of a narrative where his points are not exactly clear.
He also is writing from the perspective of ignorance of how regular Americans live. He takes issues with unions because they raise his price of goods (which he admits he can pay), ignoring that they have the ability to raise wages for those working those jobs. The entirety of the book is the manifestation of the conservative belief “if it doesn’t benefit me, I don’t like it.”
Lastly, he complains about people speaking about things they don’t have training it, yet he himself speaks about economic issues without having a background in economics (he studied cellular biology at MIT). He also discusses problems in the education system without any background in education policy. Much of the problem he takes with education (eg teachers having unions; teachers being undertrained; etc) have solutions he doesn’t agree with (i.e. more regulation of teaching as a career to ensure untrained teachers aren’t entering the workforce; raising wages so experienced teachers don’t leave the field).
All in all, a terribly written book with no clear premises. All it is is a rant against democrats with no solutions to the problems he complains about.
The entirety of the book is Joe Kernen’s journey to indoctrinating his child to have the same belief system he does. The book opens with Blake, the daughter, espousing her beliefs in “Progressive” ideals, but closes with the father saying, “It’s possible to raise you kid as a capitalist. Just ask Blake.” Blake also claims to have coauthored the book, though her presence in it is limited to a page in the preface and being riddled with question by her father. These questions are how Joe moves from point to point. When he has finished with one topic, he “asks Blake a question” (though the existence of these discussions is debatable. They read like a grown man writing for a child) to move onto the next. This creates a very choppy narrative with a lack of flow.
The book is also riddled with grammatical errors and contradictions. When he says something is good at one part, he later says it’s bad and vice versa. He takes issue with corporatism, a belief we share, but also says monopolies are good. This doublethink has created a nightmare of a narrative where his points are not exactly clear.
He also is writing from the perspective of ignorance of how regular Americans live. He takes issues with unions because they raise his price of goods (which he admits he can pay), ignoring that they have the ability to raise wages for those working those jobs. The entirety of the book is the manifestation of the conservative belief “if it doesn’t benefit me, I don’t like it.”
Lastly, he complains about people speaking about things they don’t have training it, yet he himself speaks about economic issues without having a background in economics (he studied cellular biology at MIT). He also discusses problems in the education system without any background in education policy. Much of the problem he takes with education (eg teachers having unions; teachers being undertrained; etc) have solutions he doesn’t agree with (i.e. more regulation of teaching as a career to ensure untrained teachers aren’t entering the workforce; raising wages so experienced teachers don’t leave the field).
All in all, a terribly written book with no clear premises. All it is is a rant against democrats with no solutions to the problems he complains about.
October 6, 2011
(Full disclosure: I watch Squawk Box every morning.) Joe Kernen is the host of CNBC's Squawk Box, a financial news show on before Wall Street's opening bell. This book stemmed from conversations with his ten-year old daughter about what she was learning in school. Kernen was quick to realize that his daughter, Blake, was being fed unfiltered Progressive stances on everything from the economy to the environment. As a free market capitalist, Kernen wanted his daughter to understand that there were two sides to every story - the right one (free markets) and the wrong one (Progressivism).
In a free market, people make decisions. They choose where they want to work, what they want to buy, and how they want to live. Progressives believe that government action is better suited to make the daily decisions of its populace. They do this through the wonders of regulation. Wages, production, prices, etc. all are all written into laws. As a result, free markets are no longer guided by Adam Smith's invisible hand, because that hand was effectively chopped off.
Kernen's book is a primer for those that want to know more about economics and finance as delivered by a believer of free market capitalism. Throughout the book, he takes on the media, environmentalists, unions, and lawmakers that choose to micromanage every detail of life. This book is not just for parents that want to "defend kids from the liberal assault on capitalism." Rather, Kernen is demonstrating that even children can understand the arguments between capitalists and progressives when framed outside the usual governmental techno-garble.
A very worthwhile (and quick) read. Kudos, Joe.
In the future, I wonder if Blake will write a book called, "Sh#t My Teachers Say."
In a free market, people make decisions. They choose where they want to work, what they want to buy, and how they want to live. Progressives believe that government action is better suited to make the daily decisions of its populace. They do this through the wonders of regulation. Wages, production, prices, etc. all are all written into laws. As a result, free markets are no longer guided by Adam Smith's invisible hand, because that hand was effectively chopped off.
Kernen's book is a primer for those that want to know more about economics and finance as delivered by a believer of free market capitalism. Throughout the book, he takes on the media, environmentalists, unions, and lawmakers that choose to micromanage every detail of life. This book is not just for parents that want to "defend kids from the liberal assault on capitalism." Rather, Kernen is demonstrating that even children can understand the arguments between capitalists and progressives when framed outside the usual governmental techno-garble.
A very worthwhile (and quick) read. Kudos, Joe.
In the future, I wonder if Blake will write a book called, "Sh#t My Teachers Say."
May 13, 2012
The book I chose to read Your Teacher Said What?! was written by Joe Kernan with sides from his daughter, Blake Kernan. This modern, politically charged book is a fantastic insight on an influential, highly intelligent man’s perspective on the state and workings of the current economy. Joe Kernan breaks down the important ideas and concepts that area all involved in the understanding of the economy. Joe Kernan compares capitalist and progressive ideals although his bias is clear. This book was written fairly recently so it is extremely relevant to the current standing of the United States economy. The author approaches this topic with a very capitalist bias; he believes that the more open an economy is, the better it will be for the nation’s businesses and corporations. The rich people should not be punished for their wealth and success, there must be classes because if there was not our country would turn into a socialist nation with minimal freedom in the business market because nobody can be more successful than another. It is in a sense violating the very foundation that the United States of America stands for. Joe Kernan also takes a child’s perspective on the economy to exhibit and analyze our teacher’s influence on our children’s view on the economy. With Kernan being a very obviously capitalist father, he is unhappy that his daughter is being taught by a government paid teacher that relies on a government rich economy. His daughter’s views are being altered by these teachers in a way that Joe Kernan thinks is incorrect. This brings very interesting issues about economic education in modern America to the surface. The way our nation’s children are being educated about the economy is very biased. This is breeding a nation of socialist youth that will one day run the United States. His daughter’s perspective also prompts Joe Kernan to break down the fundamentals of the economic system in its most simple and basic terms. This helps the reader understand the complex workings of our economy and helps them develop their own opinion (Although his interpretation does push the reader to think a certain way). The CNN reporter explains his reasons behind his capitalist opinions very logically. The way he presents his information keeps the content interesting and easy to relate to. His approach to the book is as if he were having a conversation with his daughter; just elaborated into a greater extent. Coming into this book I had a very limited knowledge of the economy yet I was still able to keep up with the pace and complexity of the content because of Joe Kernan’s simple approach. This book proved to be extremely informative and intellectually stimulating. MY understand of the United States economy has definitely expanded as well as my opinions on the current stand of this unstable, controversial economic market that exists today. It is important to be informed but also not be too heavily influenced by the author’s bias. Overall, this book was a fantastic read because it explained a complex topic in a very easy-to-understand way that kept me interested throughout.
When Joe Kernan refers to Time for Kids! He uses the quote “lower interest rates five people the comfort that government will do whatever it can to solve [this] crisis” to emphasize how big of a progressive influence our children are being exposed to. This reminded me of our many in-class discussions about how Americans have taken advantage of the low interest rate loans to such an extent that they out banks in huge debt because they were not able to pay back the money they took out. Our discussions in class and reading this book has lead me to belive that many American eat up progressive ideas because they do not do research to see the flaws in the proposed ideas that look simple and easy on the surface. Another quote that reminded me of current controversial problems was “Progressives always overvalue a career spent providing people with charity undervalue a life spent providing them with jobs”. This quote connects to me personally to my family because my father is a small business owner. In the past couple years we have encountered many financial problems because of laws and taxes being enacted on small business owners. For example, my father is losing a lot of business because of the push of government distributed debit cards that replace unemployment checks. This negatively impacts him because he cashes checks, and a very large portion are unemployment checks. With this source of revenue he is slowly losing his business just because the government failed to think of the impact it would have on people like my father who is clearly not of any importance in comparison to the government employees that are always being defended by the general public.
Kernan’s bias is clear throughout the book. He is obviously a very passionate capitalist that looks down on progressive ideas. This bias is clear in quotes such as “The more you know about economics, the less likely you are to support the Progressive belief in higher minimum wages (they actually raise unemployment)”. In this quote Kernan expresses his opinion on how the Progressives are taking the completely wrong approach on fixing the economy. He believes they are incorrect with this idea because if the minimum wages are increased, employers will be less likely to want to higher more employees. This would in turn create even less jobs and more people on the streets. Another quote that expresses Kernan’s bias is “Progressives have pretty mixed feelings about progress. While it’s true that Progressives have long supported stuff that just about everyone would call progress – like woman’s suffrage…when it comes to policies that promote material progress (you know, improving people’s wealth, choice, and living conditions), Progressives are usually the ones pulling back on the reins and yelling ‘Whoa!’”. Joe Kernan exhibits his belief that Progressives are not progressive at all; that they want to keep the nation’s market at a standstill because they are afraid to change anything too drastically in a fear of a loss of government control. Overall Joe Kernan firmly believes “that economic freedom is just as important as religious freedom or freedom of speech”. This bias is a fresh point of view for the majority of young people because they have always been told that the government had their best interest for their financial well being; while the government is really oppressing their economic development by trying to keep everyone equivalent in financial terms. This new point of view makes me want to question more of the government’s decisions and to not just accept all of the laws and tariffs that are being enforced on me. Although I believe the author’s intended audience was middle aged adults involved in a capitalist dependent job, the book is written in a way that makes capitalism appealing to a younger generation. I think this book could easily recruit more capitalist supporters from the youth because of it’s easy to understand way of expressing capitalism and strong reasoning behind the ideas presented.
When Joe Kernan refers to Time for Kids! He uses the quote “lower interest rates five people the comfort that government will do whatever it can to solve [this] crisis” to emphasize how big of a progressive influence our children are being exposed to. This reminded me of our many in-class discussions about how Americans have taken advantage of the low interest rate loans to such an extent that they out banks in huge debt because they were not able to pay back the money they took out. Our discussions in class and reading this book has lead me to belive that many American eat up progressive ideas because they do not do research to see the flaws in the proposed ideas that look simple and easy on the surface. Another quote that reminded me of current controversial problems was “Progressives always overvalue a career spent providing people with charity undervalue a life spent providing them with jobs”. This quote connects to me personally to my family because my father is a small business owner. In the past couple years we have encountered many financial problems because of laws and taxes being enacted on small business owners. For example, my father is losing a lot of business because of the push of government distributed debit cards that replace unemployment checks. This negatively impacts him because he cashes checks, and a very large portion are unemployment checks. With this source of revenue he is slowly losing his business just because the government failed to think of the impact it would have on people like my father who is clearly not of any importance in comparison to the government employees that are always being defended by the general public.
Kernan’s bias is clear throughout the book. He is obviously a very passionate capitalist that looks down on progressive ideas. This bias is clear in quotes such as “The more you know about economics, the less likely you are to support the Progressive belief in higher minimum wages (they actually raise unemployment)”. In this quote Kernan expresses his opinion on how the Progressives are taking the completely wrong approach on fixing the economy. He believes they are incorrect with this idea because if the minimum wages are increased, employers will be less likely to want to higher more employees. This would in turn create even less jobs and more people on the streets. Another quote that expresses Kernan’s bias is “Progressives have pretty mixed feelings about progress. While it’s true that Progressives have long supported stuff that just about everyone would call progress – like woman’s suffrage…when it comes to policies that promote material progress (you know, improving people’s wealth, choice, and living conditions), Progressives are usually the ones pulling back on the reins and yelling ‘Whoa!’”. Joe Kernan exhibits his belief that Progressives are not progressive at all; that they want to keep the nation’s market at a standstill because they are afraid to change anything too drastically in a fear of a loss of government control. Overall Joe Kernan firmly believes “that economic freedom is just as important as religious freedom or freedom of speech”. This bias is a fresh point of view for the majority of young people because they have always been told that the government had their best interest for their financial well being; while the government is really oppressing their economic development by trying to keep everyone equivalent in financial terms. This new point of view makes me want to question more of the government’s decisions and to not just accept all of the laws and tariffs that are being enforced on me. Although I believe the author’s intended audience was middle aged adults involved in a capitalist dependent job, the book is written in a way that makes capitalism appealing to a younger generation. I think this book could easily recruit more capitalist supporters from the youth because of it’s easy to understand way of expressing capitalism and strong reasoning behind the ideas presented.
February 9, 2012
I received this book for free via goodreads.
It wasn't horrible in terms of readability, but it wasn't well written. It was choppy, didn't really argue it's points, had arguments that were at best difficult to follow, and more typically were simply absent. (Presumably, this is because the audience is supposed to have accepted them already.) It jumped around - it could have been a much more coherent book if the editor had insisted that there be some internal structure. But this is the least of my issues with the book.
I listen to conservative talk radio sometimes, which ranges from horrifically bad to interesting and occasionally even fair and balanced. This book however, managed to have none of the wit, was overbearing in ways that come straight out of the standard anti-liberal playbook, and managed to insult my intelligence with incorrect oversimplifications of complex issues.
In the end, however, I realize that the true point of the book is as masked as the real reasoning behind its arguments. The causal tossing around of insults and dismissal of values disagreeing with the author's seems to be the real agenda; to sell controversy - and this is a goal shared by his putative opponents. The fact that their might be real disagreement about the relative merits of government intervention in commerce, or the need to protect both jobs and the economy, or how to address the existence of economic growth that leads to stagnant real wages for 95% of the population is irrelevant. Because in a place where the free market is king, artificial disagreement to sell books certainly trumps thoughtfulness or willingness to admit that there is complexity in the world.
It wasn't horrible in terms of readability, but it wasn't well written. It was choppy, didn't really argue it's points, had arguments that were at best difficult to follow, and more typically were simply absent. (Presumably, this is because the audience is supposed to have accepted them already.) It jumped around - it could have been a much more coherent book if the editor had insisted that there be some internal structure. But this is the least of my issues with the book.
I listen to conservative talk radio sometimes, which ranges from horrifically bad to interesting and occasionally even fair and balanced. This book however, managed to have none of the wit, was overbearing in ways that come straight out of the standard anti-liberal playbook, and managed to insult my intelligence with incorrect oversimplifications of complex issues.
In the end, however, I realize that the true point of the book is as masked as the real reasoning behind its arguments. The causal tossing around of insults and dismissal of values disagreeing with the author's seems to be the real agenda; to sell controversy - and this is a goal shared by his putative opponents. The fact that their might be real disagreement about the relative merits of government intervention in commerce, or the need to protect both jobs and the economy, or how to address the existence of economic growth that leads to stagnant real wages for 95% of the population is irrelevant. Because in a place where the free market is king, artificial disagreement to sell books certainly trumps thoughtfulness or willingness to admit that there is complexity in the world.
December 12, 2011
I won this through GoodReads's First Reads program.
As a parent with a child in the public school system, I found this a book a wonderful read. I've pretty much got a handle on the topics here but Joe Kernen breaks it down in a very easy to understand manner for any level. Blake's questions and ideas are very thought provoking and it really does show you just how a child's brain works. As adults, we are trapped within our own mind and seldom think on a lower level. We take for granted our knowledge and sometimes expect our children to understand without question. This book really does open your eyes as to how the school system is teaching our children.
If you are unfamiliar with the topics, this book explains it on a level anyone can understand. If you are familiar with the topics, it is a great recap of them. The book is not condescending, nor is it "just another text book". Joe makes it real by throwing in his own conversations with his daughter. Parents can certainly empathize when reading.
I highly recommend this read to anyone who is sending their children to school--pre-k to college, it matters not. These questions will eventually come up sometime in your conversations with your children. It's better to be prepared with the proper answers, not something you just guess at. Education is the key to success. It's never too late to learn. Arm yourself with knowledge and make the world a better place.
As a parent with a child in the public school system, I found this a book a wonderful read. I've pretty much got a handle on the topics here but Joe Kernen breaks it down in a very easy to understand manner for any level. Blake's questions and ideas are very thought provoking and it really does show you just how a child's brain works. As adults, we are trapped within our own mind and seldom think on a lower level. We take for granted our knowledge and sometimes expect our children to understand without question. This book really does open your eyes as to how the school system is teaching our children.
If you are unfamiliar with the topics, this book explains it on a level anyone can understand. If you are familiar with the topics, it is a great recap of them. The book is not condescending, nor is it "just another text book". Joe makes it real by throwing in his own conversations with his daughter. Parents can certainly empathize when reading.
I highly recommend this read to anyone who is sending their children to school--pre-k to college, it matters not. These questions will eventually come up sometime in your conversations with your children. It's better to be prepared with the proper answers, not something you just guess at. Education is the key to success. It's never too late to learn. Arm yourself with knowledge and make the world a better place.
June 13, 2011
This book was great! Part Econ primer, part social commentary, part Poli-Sci/History 101, this book is a must read for anyone (without an advance degree in economics) interested in the state of the world and what's going on with our society, market system, and government.
To be sure, the author has a point of view. Its anti-socialism, pro-free markets (which is fine with me because I agree with that position). But even if you don't agree with his outlook, you'll still appreciate this book. It was co-written with the author's school-aged daughter, which gives it an interesting and unique perspective and provides the author with a way to get into basic concepts without really "talking down" to the reader. It was more organic and feels like you're part of a conversation.
I'm already pretty well versed in politics, but am not as up to speed (as I should be) on the econ front. I've tried reading some more "serious" texts on the topic, but quite frankly, they put me to sleep. This book, however, made the subject palatable and....dare I say enjoyable!
Two thumbs up!
To be sure, the author has a point of view. Its anti-socialism, pro-free markets (which is fine with me because I agree with that position). But even if you don't agree with his outlook, you'll still appreciate this book. It was co-written with the author's school-aged daughter, which gives it an interesting and unique perspective and provides the author with a way to get into basic concepts without really "talking down" to the reader. It was more organic and feels like you're part of a conversation.
I'm already pretty well versed in politics, but am not as up to speed (as I should be) on the econ front. I've tried reading some more "serious" texts on the topic, but quite frankly, they put me to sleep. This book, however, made the subject palatable and....dare I say enjoyable!
Two thumbs up!
July 15, 2011
A great primer which nicely contrasts the free market and progressive approaches to macroeconomics. Kernen has some great quotes reminiscent of classical authors; including, "...competition is the engine that allocates resources to their highest-valued use". He defines lots of juicy economics terms such as the "Higgs effect", the "Gekko problem" and "externalities". There is a unique and insightful section on the worldview of popular and contemporary movies to which just about everyone can relate. He warns of the progressive's attempts to redefine national wealth away from terms such as "GDP" for more holistic terms such as GNH (Gross National Happiness) and the HPI (Happy Planet Index), which aren't particularly concerned with "people" happiness but "earth" happiness. And, naturally, the United States scores near the bottom.
I enjoyed reading Kernen. If you have a even just a passing interest in economics but would like to know more, Kernen offers a nice summer reading experience.
I enjoyed reading Kernen. If you have a even just a passing interest in economics but would like to know more, Kernen offers a nice summer reading experience.
June 26, 2011
When I received this book as an advance copy from Goodreads, I was nervous about picking it up. After all, I always skip the financial sections of the Wall Street Journal in favor of the political or human interest sections. I know the free market system is an important part of our freedom, but I couldn't articulate the reasons. I honestly dreaded trying to wade through a book on finances. However, I was hooked in the preface when Joe Kernen said, "We believe that free-market capitalism is not only the most powerful engine for human prosperity ever but also history's strongest force for freedom and human advancement. We believe - no we know - that economic freedom is as important as religious freedom or freedom of speech. We believe that productive work, freely exchanged, is a virtue, just like charity feely given." Wow. Well said! If you want to be able to understand and share these ideas with your kids and the people around you, BUY THIS BOOK.
June 27, 2011
If you like the editorials in The New York Times, don't bother with this book; it will only make you angry. As someone who disagrees with The New York Times, this was an eye-opening book.
I learned a lot about free-market economies and how they're supposed to work. I also learned a lot about how Progressives try to stop the free market economy. Progressives want government to control everything. The rest of us, well, don't.
There are plenty of clear explanations of how the American economy works - or can work, if government and Progressives get out of the way. There are plenty of examples from the Kernen home life, too, making this a personal, conversational book.
I don't watch Squawk Box, as I have very little interest in the stock market, but I'm a fan of Joe Kernen now.
I learned a lot about free-market economies and how they're supposed to work. I also learned a lot about how Progressives try to stop the free market economy. Progressives want government to control everything. The rest of us, well, don't.
There are plenty of clear explanations of how the American economy works - or can work, if government and Progressives get out of the way. There are plenty of examples from the Kernen home life, too, making this a personal, conversational book.
I don't watch Squawk Box, as I have very little interest in the stock market, but I'm a fan of Joe Kernen now.
May 28, 2011
This book is one of my favorites that I have won through the first-reads program, and I am already encouraging others to read it. Joe Kernen does an excellent job using simple illustrations and factual information to get free-market economic principles across to his fifth-grade daughter. I appreciate the fact that he does not simply spout ideas and rhetoric with no evidence or background, as many do when having political arguments, but backs everything up with concrete examples and facts that are very enlightening. Even though this is about economics, it is very interesting. If I did not already believe in the value of the free enterprise system before reading this book, I think Mr. Kernen would have convinced me.
May 24, 2011
Another Goodreads ARC, this one pretty much a surprisingly competent primer on current conservative economic thought in the foil of a guy teaching his kids. It works for what it is, but is, again, one of those books that someone who might need to read it will never find and the people who want to read it won't get much new information from it. I honestly wish I had more to say about this, but that pretty much covers the details in a nutshell. Probably closer to a 3.5, all things being equal.
June 26, 2011
Very interesting, although for most of the book, I felt like quite an idiot. It definitely makes you think, and also makes you hope you are able to have this kind of experience with your own child! I found myself reading a great deal of this book out loud to my husband. Only downside, the book becomes a bit dull - for a person not readily involved in business and the capitalism of it all. I did learn quite a bit though!
December 9, 2011
Well-written, easily understood discussion about the ideology that is being taught by so many teachers, not to mention television, books and movies.
This book would make for interesting discussion with our children, even teen-agers. What he says is mostly true. Whether you think it matters or not depends on your point of view.
This book would make for interesting discussion with our children, even teen-agers. What he says is mostly true. Whether you think it matters or not depends on your point of view.
Read
August 10, 2011When Joe Kernen’s nine-year-old daughter, Blake, told him what she was learning about capitalism in school, he was compelled to give her the ammunition to present the other side.
Although I hadn’t heard him on-air, Joe Kernen is co-anchor of CNBC’s top-rated morning show, “Squawk Box.”
Frankly, I was disappointed; this book doesn’t live up to its promise. Although Joe Kernen does a good job of defending the free market system, a lot of the attacks come from other sources—the movie industry, the liberal media—not necessarily his daughter’s teachers.
From what I had heard on a radio talk show about this book, I was eager to get to the heart of the matter. I was a little disappointed that the book started out with page after page of dry definitions from A to Z of economic terms in order to lay the groundwork. It may have been necessary, but it delayed getting to the meat of the book.
Many of the statements Joe Kernen rebukes come from the television wasteland, the movie industry, or the liberal press—not from Blake’s teachers.
He also cites many examples of government regulation and the unintended consequences of legislation. (Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act indirectly contributed to the Exxon Valdez oil spill.) Again, interesting, but not rebuking something a classroom teacher had been preaching.
The chapter comparing news coverage of the same events by the New York Times versus the Wall Street Journal was especially entertaining. That chapter alone can serve as an essay on the bias in news coverage.
Joe Kernen does a decent job of defending capitalism and the free market system by breaking down the topics into simple language and giving examples that schoolchildren can relate to, He does engage his daughter in specific conversations about capitalism. I only wish Blake and her teachers had had a bigger role in the book.
Although I hadn’t heard him on-air, Joe Kernen is co-anchor of CNBC’s top-rated morning show, “Squawk Box.”
Frankly, I was disappointed; this book doesn’t live up to its promise. Although Joe Kernen does a good job of defending the free market system, a lot of the attacks come from other sources—the movie industry, the liberal media—not necessarily his daughter’s teachers.
From what I had heard on a radio talk show about this book, I was eager to get to the heart of the matter. I was a little disappointed that the book started out with page after page of dry definitions from A to Z of economic terms in order to lay the groundwork. It may have been necessary, but it delayed getting to the meat of the book.
Many of the statements Joe Kernen rebukes come from the television wasteland, the movie industry, or the liberal press—not from Blake’s teachers.
He also cites many examples of government regulation and the unintended consequences of legislation. (Passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act indirectly contributed to the Exxon Valdez oil spill.) Again, interesting, but not rebuking something a classroom teacher had been preaching.
The chapter comparing news coverage of the same events by the New York Times versus the Wall Street Journal was especially entertaining. That chapter alone can serve as an essay on the bias in news coverage.
Joe Kernen does a decent job of defending capitalism and the free market system by breaking down the topics into simple language and giving examples that schoolchildren can relate to, He does engage his daughter in specific conversations about capitalism. I only wish Blake and her teachers had had a bigger role in the book.
January 25, 2012
I was excited for this book. Having read a book by Steven Landsburg called Fair Play, this seemed like another version. Fair PLay was a book focused around the crazy things that kids learn in schools (I probably learned it too) and how he dealt with it.
This is what I assumed when I read the title and description for Your Teacher Said What?! Unfortunately this is not the case and Kernen does not have the unique contrarian mind of Landsburg. While every once in a great while teachers are brought up (especially during the chapter on unions), the focus was on the liberal influences everywhere in life. Hollywood and the media were particularly lambasted. This was all good and dandy, but really gave me very few insights into new concepts or points. If someone is unaware of the pervasiveness of liberalism in such areas, this book would be beneficial. Unfortunately, I see liberalism everywhere (even overreact at times).
Some chapters were dreadful. After a short introduction, the next chapter is basically a dictionary of terms that came up when teaching his daughter. Very few provide new information to even the basic follower of the news. The final chapter on the difference between the Wall Street Journal and New York Times is equally slow. This chapter is used to highlight some important issues (cap and trade as one example) but turns into just a long back in forth between the two newspapers. If you don't know the NYT is liberal and WSJ is conservative, you haven't read either.
If you're raising a kid with worries about the liberal bias in certain parts of life, read it. If you want to learn basic conservative ideology, it might help but there are better books such as Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto. If neither of these apply, try something else.
This is what I assumed when I read the title and description for Your Teacher Said What?! Unfortunately this is not the case and Kernen does not have the unique contrarian mind of Landsburg. While every once in a great while teachers are brought up (especially during the chapter on unions), the focus was on the liberal influences everywhere in life. Hollywood and the media were particularly lambasted. This was all good and dandy, but really gave me very few insights into new concepts or points. If someone is unaware of the pervasiveness of liberalism in such areas, this book would be beneficial. Unfortunately, I see liberalism everywhere (even overreact at times).
Some chapters were dreadful. After a short introduction, the next chapter is basically a dictionary of terms that came up when teaching his daughter. Very few provide new information to even the basic follower of the news. The final chapter on the difference between the Wall Street Journal and New York Times is equally slow. This chapter is used to highlight some important issues (cap and trade as one example) but turns into just a long back in forth between the two newspapers. If you don't know the NYT is liberal and WSJ is conservative, you haven't read either.
If you're raising a kid with worries about the liberal bias in certain parts of life, read it. If you want to learn basic conservative ideology, it might help but there are better books such as Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto. If neither of these apply, try something else.
November 7, 2012
Kernen offers a perspective of how to approach our children on items we may or may not agree with win it comes to what the teachers may say or do, keeping strictly a conservative approach to much of it. In just the subtitle use alone, he has probably experienced a 50% drop in readership alone which would be tough to gain back before discussing any aspect in the book. I loved his perspective on Davis-Bacon wages, which has always created controversy no matter what project we work on, with the wage documentation requirement or not. (I kind of wish he pointed out that many do pay above these required wages, but when required, the paperwork necessary to prove it everyday, week, and month has to be paid for by reducing the workers wages to nearly minimum D-B wages to cover the extra man hours). Overall, an interesting way to teach kids the differences between what teachers may teach our kids and how we can use it to show more than the one perspective taught to them on everyday things.
November 15, 2011
Interesting point of view. Kernen wanted his dughter, Blake, to learn about capitalism and a free-market economic system, not what he views as Progressive, or today's presidential push. This book would be a good read for students in economics or government classes. It offers a point of view that could easily lead to excellent discussion. At times I felt myself agreeing with Kernen, and other times I wasn't exactly sure where my loyalities went. Fortunately, as a teacher, I don't offer my opinion. I want my students to be able to form their own opinions on matters such as these. The book offered some additional insite as to how and what I can teach in my classroom while teaching US History.
A goodreads giveaway
A goodreads giveaway
June 27, 2011
I got this book as a free giveaway. I was a little skeptical in the beginning. Mr. Kernan seemed to be gunning for the present administration. As the book progressed and he presented his view and the reasons for his beliefs, I found myself not only understanding his position and point of view, but agreeing to some degree with his arguments.
I'm glad that I read this book and got a look at the other side's point of view.
I'm glad that I read this book and got a look at the other side's point of view.
May 4, 2012
More informative about capitalism and current economic states and policies than I expected. I actually learned quite a lot (I understand extremely little of economics, politics and such things). If you feel like I do and didn't really actually get what TARP was and why, etc, it's a good way to find out.
May 30, 2012
Great premise...a bit unbelievable in terms of "actual father-daughter dialogue" but the economic lessons are solid AND SADLY LACKING IN OUR SCHOOLS!!!
August 21, 2012
Great book for an economics beginner like me! Couldn't wait to pick it up again all 54893 times I had to put it down. ;)
Very anti-progressive / pro-capitalism.
Very anti-progressive / pro-capitalism.
August 23, 2012
This is a fun book by the MSNBC person about the decline of economic understanding in schools. It is a good read - fun and informative.
September 18, 2012
Great content and research on various subjects, financial, politics, fair trade, unions, government, federal reserve, and corporate America. I enjoyed the book.
April 17, 2018
Public School Confusions & Economics
"My teacher says the recession is the banks' fault."
"And my teacher says it's `cause we care too much about buying stuff, and it might not be so bad if we stopped."
This book warns that liberal Progressive confusions are frequently fostered by the public education system - counter to basic, useful education - counter to American constitutional principles - counter to common sense economics.
Instead of developing thinking skills, teachers often provide opinions. Education should prepare children for self-responsibility, not dependency.
Explains common economic terms and issues. References historical figures and current personalities influencing economic-political issues. Explores the difficulties of explaining capitalism to kids and preparing them for the defense of political rights.
Illustrates the fallacy of environmentalism's theme "that we are always running out of stuff," by noting that the "Stone Age didn't end because we ran out of stones."
Demonstrates that ten-year-olds are "natural Progressives" - not responsible for producing or earning their food, shelter, etc., and accepting lives controlled by authorities.
Progressivism "depends on treating adults like kids. Because kids love regulation." Rules according to subjective opinions - with no thought of unintended consequences.
The "hallmark of Progressivism . . . defining true efficiency not as the most goods and services at the lowest cost but as a socially desirable amount." Produced and redistributed "somehow" according to elite understanding of what is good for society and the environment.
Illustrates how progressives tend to substitute emotionalism for reasoning in political issues, fostering force over cooperation and individual rights.
Even mentions Willie Wonka and Ayn Rand characters as exemplifying the "virtues of free-market capitalism."
Kernen falls short at times in defending individual rights, having some common Christian-Conservative views, rather than being a full defender of individualism. However, a very useful, often insightful book.
"My teacher says the recession is the banks' fault."
"And my teacher says it's `cause we care too much about buying stuff, and it might not be so bad if we stopped."
This book warns that liberal Progressive confusions are frequently fostered by the public education system - counter to basic, useful education - counter to American constitutional principles - counter to common sense economics.
Instead of developing thinking skills, teachers often provide opinions. Education should prepare children for self-responsibility, not dependency.
Explains common economic terms and issues. References historical figures and current personalities influencing economic-political issues. Explores the difficulties of explaining capitalism to kids and preparing them for the defense of political rights.
Illustrates the fallacy of environmentalism's theme "that we are always running out of stuff," by noting that the "Stone Age didn't end because we ran out of stones."
Demonstrates that ten-year-olds are "natural Progressives" - not responsible for producing or earning their food, shelter, etc., and accepting lives controlled by authorities.
Progressivism "depends on treating adults like kids. Because kids love regulation." Rules according to subjective opinions - with no thought of unintended consequences.
The "hallmark of Progressivism . . . defining true efficiency not as the most goods and services at the lowest cost but as a socially desirable amount." Produced and redistributed "somehow" according to elite understanding of what is good for society and the environment.
Illustrates how progressives tend to substitute emotionalism for reasoning in political issues, fostering force over cooperation and individual rights.
Even mentions Willie Wonka and Ayn Rand characters as exemplifying the "virtues of free-market capitalism."
Kernen falls short at times in defending individual rights, having some common Christian-Conservative views, rather than being a full defender of individualism. However, a very useful, often insightful book.
August 15, 2018
While I generally liked the book, I was expecting it to be more on the education system and increasing bias present in university professors and k-12 teachers. That was barely mentioned, so the title of the book seems quite misleading. Some of the examples of the demonization of capitalism he gives are much stronger from the movie industry (especially those aimed at children) than from the classroom.
He does explain some of the more obvious bias that exists. In newspapers for example he mentions how the New York times and Wall Street Journal are generally have very different interpretations of the same events. This reminds me of something I heard recently that said if you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed and if you do read the paper your are misinformed. The question increasingly seems to be which bias do you want to hear. He gives a number of examples of the 2006-2010 political culture and shows how those two newspapers react very differently to the exact same issues.
He is very critical of unions in this book (although if it really does take 26 different people and $100,000 to install a TV screen in a theater the criticism seems justified). He is clearly a supporter of capitalism, which will either make people very much like, or dislike, this book.
He does explain some of the more obvious bias that exists. In newspapers for example he mentions how the New York times and Wall Street Journal are generally have very different interpretations of the same events. This reminds me of something I heard recently that said if you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed and if you do read the paper your are misinformed. The question increasingly seems to be which bias do you want to hear. He gives a number of examples of the 2006-2010 political culture and shows how those two newspapers react very differently to the exact same issues.
He is very critical of unions in this book (although if it really does take 26 different people and $100,000 to install a TV screen in a theater the criticism seems justified). He is clearly a supporter of capitalism, which will either make people very much like, or dislike, this book.
June 28, 2018
I'm a free market advocate, so there's always danger of a confirmation bias, but I think that Joe Kernen is dead on in his assessment of the problems of governmental interference with capitalist markets. The diagnosis of a fear of not having "somebody" in control seems to be spot on--and the root of it seeming to come out of the need for rules as though we were children does not seem to be too far off. The book does take a bit to get going and is fairly short, but Kernen offers some--though admittedly, not enough--evidences for his conclusions. This, however, has led me to attempt to find more books of this nature that will allow me to dig a bit deeper. For this reason, I recommend taking a bit of time to read it.
August 25, 2021
This isn't a bad book. It's a free-market capitalist explaining various concepts to his 5th grade daughter. As such, it works well. The narrator isn't bad either. However, I feel this just works better as a print book or ebook instead of audio. At least that way, you can kinda skim through. Too bad, as it was interesting in concept.
August 16, 2017
Interesting read
July 15, 2019
An enlightening description of capitalism and progressivism.
September 8, 2020
If you read this with an open mind, you will be surprised by what their daughter was told in the classroom.
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