Why America Must Not Follow Europe (Encounter Broadsides) by Hannan, Daniel (2011) Paperback

by Daniel Hannan

Daniel Hannan, a British Conservative Member of the European Parliament, calls on Americans to avoid Europe's future. He traces the common roots of British and American liberty, and describes how both countries are losing their inheritance as government crowds out the private sphere. He calls for a renewed commitment to the the alliance of free, English-speaking nations which has preserved freedom in our time.

Genres: Politics, Economics, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published February 8, 2011

About the author

British politician, journalist, and author who is a Member of the European Parliament. He is also the Secretary-General of the Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists (AECR). Hannan advocates localism, and he has written several books arguing for democratic reform. He is also President of the Young Britons' Foundation and a patron of Reading University Conservative Association. He is a Eurosceptic and is strongly critical of European integration. Besides politics, Hannan is a journalist; he has written newspaper leaders, a blog for The Daily Telegraph and currently writes for the online news website and aggregator CapX, and has published several books. Born in Peru, Hannan speaks Spanish and French fluently.

Reviews

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The good news is this was a very fast read. The bad news is that this was a very fast read. Daniel Hannan is an Englishman who is also a MP (Member of Parliament) for the EU. As such, he has some very interesting perspectives and opinions on what is happening there as well as what he observes happening here in the US. He sees America following down the same path that much of Europe has already gone down with the resulting financial problems created along with more and more social programs. He wrote this book as a warning to the US to not go down that same path. I also learned a few little known but interesting facts about America. For example, I had always been told that Paul Revere road through towns shouting "The British are coming!" He rightly points out that that makes no sense because American colonists still considered themselves British citizens. What he actually said was "the regulars are out!" meaning the British regular army troops. The only negative thing for me was that the book was way too short.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

America is already like Europe. It has kings. Freedom is an emotional term to mean a license from the king. And droves of unelected officials make rules at federal level that contradict the state laws. So why this book? First, the most obvious, Hannan has no idea what he is talking about. Second, less obvious, is a desperate hope to follow many other famous Brits: when you are not content with the government handouts maybe life as an entertainer on the other side of the pond becomes so much more tempting.

[Pat Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unfortunate and avoidable end.

I would recommend this book to anyone who cares about what I see as the eventual and tragic downfall of America, and it is underway. It doesn’t have to happen, but it will unless Americans wake up and I mean right now.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

非常简短的一本书，解释了十年前欧盟社会面临的问题。当然，这本书里对奥巴马政府想要建造福利体系发出的警醒也是对Brexit的语言。

[Miles Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good short work from Lord Hannan comparing the US and the Eurozone.

[Leeann Cure · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made a lot of good observations. It is fairly simplistic in nature and compares the US and Europe in broad terms. Because the author is in the British government it focuses primarily on issues within Great Britain compared to the US. However I will say the book is not an easy read (although it is quick as it is only 49 pages), especially for those (like me) who are not terribly politically minded. It is written using a lot of political and economic language. But I did enjoy the points the author makes and would recommend it to anyone interested in other view points on the direction America is taking.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A relatively short book but well inline with warning of the dangers of a top down control based economy and also some of the secondary reasons for Europe's ability to succeed after WWII. I would recommend it to anyone who is wondering about the economic road that many of the countries around the world are traveling down.

[User · Rating 4 out of 5]

It makes a good point when talking about individual responsibility and the fragmentation of political unities. On the other hand, it exudes a little bit of british nationalism which is nothing more than another type of collectivism.

[David Hanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You deserve better, cousins. And we expect better"

Chilling.

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet, and thus unlikely to convince anyone not otherwise predisposed to agree.

[Christopher Hurtado · Rating 5 out of 5]

A conservative libertarian voice of reason.

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Loved it!