We've Got Issues: How You Can Stand Strong for America's Soul and Sanity

by Phillip C. McGraw

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author and beloved television host comes We’ve Got How You Can Stand Strong for America’s Soul and Sanity, a new book on how to come home to our core values, fortify our families, and re-embrace self-determination and self-governance. Do you think mainstream America needs to find its voice? If so, you’re not alone. The country is under attack by extremists at the fringes who put ideology before sanity and stoke division for their own gain. They are trying to rob America of its common sense and deny empirical truths, and we’re all suffering the consequences. In We’ve Got How You Can Stand Strong for America’s Soul and Sanity, Dr. Phil employs his signature no-nonsense approach to analyze America’s cultural crisis and offers practical, empirically based, action-oriented strategies to restore and support our country’s collective mental health. This compelling work combines a brutally honest look at the sustained attack on the core values that have defined America at its best and offers prescriptive guidance on what you can do in your own life to stop the madness. With his ten working principles for a healthy society, Dr. Phil provides the tools for mainstream America to fight back against the forces of division with sensible and urgently needed advice supported by the latest social, medical, and psychological findings. Dr. Phil demystifies the “tyranny of the fringe” and deconstructs their assault on the principles that made our nation prosperous, free, and powerful. With the hard-earned wisdom of years spent working with Americans of all backgrounds, Dr. Phil charts a course from cancel culture to counsel culture, from fear to acceptance, from victimhood to community, and from the tyranny of the fringe to a more civil society where we heal our divides and every one of us decides to be who we are on purpose. Dr. Phil is here to show us how.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Politics, Psychology, Book Club, Self Help, Cultural

407 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 27, 2024

About the author

Phillip Calvin McGraw, best known as Dr. Phil, is an American television personality, psychologist and author who is the host of the psychology themed television show Dr. Phil. He gained celebrity status following appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Reviews

[Reeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hoo-Wee, he is on fire.
He told the truth. This will not be well-received by some.
Those who want to make better decisions and move toward a better life for themselves will be able to learn a lot in this book.

[Nic Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Phil's latest masterpiece, "We've Got Issues," is an enlightening exploration into the intricate web of societal challenges we face today. With profound insights and a compelling narrative, Dr. Phil delves into the core issues plaguing our communities, offering invaluable perspectives and actionable solutions.

One aspect that truly resonated with me was Dr. Phil's insightful analysis of the nuclear family. He adeptly dissects its significance in shaping individual behavior and societal norms, shedding light on the profound impact it has on our collective well-being. His nuanced examination prompts readers to reflect on the dynamics within their own families and communities, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying issues at play.

Moreover, Dr. Phil's exploration of government intervention is both thought-provoking and timely. He navigates the complexities of governmental policies and their implications on social welfare with unparalleled clarity. By scrutinizing the efficacy of various interventions, Dr. Phil challenges readers to critically evaluate the role of government in addressing societal issues, igniting meaningful discourse and potential avenues for reform.

One of the most compelling aspects of "We've Got Issues" is Dr. Phil's emphasis on self-accountability. He champions the notion that true empowerment stems from taking ownership of one's actions and choices, inspiring readers to cultivate a sense of personal responsibility in navigating life's challenges. This powerful message serves as a catalyst for positive change, empowering individuals to proactively engage in their own growth and development.

As a teacher, I found Dr. Phil's insights deeply inspiring, particularly his advocacy for a strong meritocracy. His compelling arguments have prompted me to reassess my own practices and strive towards creating a learning environment that fosters equal opportunities for all students. Dr. Phil's unwavering commitment to meritocracy serves as a guiding light, fueling my dedication to cultivating a classroom culture rooted in fairness and excellence.

In conclusion , "We've Got Issues" is a tour de force that transcends the realm of self-help literature. Dr. Phil's unparalleled expertise and unwavering passion shine through on every page, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and address the pressing issues facing our society today. I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers of all backgrounds and persuasions—it's a transformative journey you won't soon forget.

[Martish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a Dr. Phil fan and other than briefly seeing his show while flipping through channels haven’t watched it ever. However, I came across the hard copy book in a store, picked it up and leafed through. I saw enough in 2 minutes of flipping that convinced me to buy it. He does an excellent job framing where we find ourselves and I particularly like the term he uses “tyranny of the fringe” - such a apt description for those who are trying to drown out the many dissenting voices. He suggested solutions weren’t as strong but some good nuggets especially the dangerous temptation of victimhood and the fallacies of presentism, confirmation and positive bias.

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Entirely comprised of ranting from a man who just likes hearing himself talk. Nothing novel presented here, just the conservative ramblings and talking points that you always hear with the same skewed and incomplete data points given as evidence. He doesn't know how to string together a coherent argument, and it's genuinely scary that this man used to have a medical license.

[Judi · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a blow hard. Written by a privileged white male. Tried to hear him out but his male privilege -splaining was too much

[Michael Guzman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems to be geared toward independents that don't pay attention to current events or politics. Dr. Phil doesn't touch on anything new. He espouses truths that most democrats 30 years ago and current conservatives would agree on. Mostly railing against the crazy nonsense the left is peddling.

[Debra B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! Dr. Phil addresses the anxieties and frustrations I’ve been feeling about the new topsy-turvy new world order that has evolved over the last several years. This book has given me several tools to face and understand the craziness in society today.

[Elena Yohner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t stress this enough- absolutely everyone should read this book! The common sense and logic Dr. Phil uses while discussing a variety of controversial, intimidating topics is so refreshing. Everything was so wonderfully written, I truly can’t wait to reread this in the future.

[Vansh Nishchal · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've Got Issues is an excellent book that discusses the US's current political atmosphere. Dr Phil rallies against the toxic woke agenda that seems to be mainstream amongst the youth and other populations. He provides remedies to help fix the issue of Americans' lack of purpose and personal accountability. In short, Dr Phil provides his trademark common sense approach to help offer a solution towards our contemporary toxic attitudes.

[Will Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit preachy I will say, but nevertheless insightful and entertaining. Brings up some things that in my opinion are just attributed to Dr Phil’s age and traditional values but also offers very clear and compelling rationale that if nothing else made me deeply reconsider some of my convictions.

[Christine Alkire Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Dr Phil nails a lot of issues we're dealing with as a nation today, and gives noteworthy advice in how to deal with this current culture in everyday life.

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew this was going to be bad when Dr. Phil started making excuses for slave owners because it wasn't "out of the norm" at the time.

[Delaney Zook · Rating 5 out of 5]

People have their opinions about Dr. Phil, but if you listen to this book... the man has some points, OK? Like... I don't know how you could argue with him? But I'm sure you could. He is blunt and isn't joking around about the facts here. America is losing it and Dr. Phil offers a lot of great truth into how to fight the insanity that is happening right now and has happened. I'm not sorry to say that... I was impressed with the content of the book. It touches a lot of hot topics, but like... as it should! Finances, school, society, personal life, spiritual life, family, men, COVID, work- so many topics and he speaks good facts and hard truths into them.

Listening to this as an audiobook was also great because it lowkey felt like a podcast or like Dr. Phil was on the phone with me? Idk how to explain it but he was reading the book like he was breaking the fourth wall. I really enjoyed it and recommend it.

[Gina B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid 3.5 stars. A very brutally honest view, from Dr. Phil’s perspective, on the core values that have formed our thinking of America, in the past, and the constant decline of said values over the past years. The most enjoyable and interesting is how he backs up these statements with numerous facts, surveys and evidence. In conclusion and throughout the book, Dr. Phil gives tools and guidance how each of us, can change the trajectory of not only the country’s madness, but our own lives.
I strongly recommend for those who are open to hearing both sides of the political spectrum with a slight edge toward conservative views, yet no endorsement with either current candidate, but an endorsement of bringing both parties together.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book. It is written on multiple levels regarding personal introspection and interaction with others. McGraw encourages the reader to “know thyself” with clarity and purpose to give meaning and direction in one’s life. This is to build a solid internal foundation that withstands the storms in life. One of these storms regards what is happening in America today: chaos, questioning of the pillars of civilization and our republic. Dr. Phil looks at the relationship between one’s mental health and the effects of gaslighting, cancel culture, and threats to our country.

McGraw’s writing style is very evenly paced, objective, balanced, and non-judgmental. He analyzes what is separating Americans today, with the objective of finding common ground in a peaceful manner. Yet, McGraw is not bashful about calling “a spade a spade” and identifying that which is not rational or evidence based. He deconstructs arguments on both sides of various contemporary issues which are having adverse consequences for us as individuals and collectively. There is plenty of psychology involved and McGraw relies heavily on his extensive experience in counseling, negotiating, and litigation prep. The techniques employed are very much like the movie “Matrix” where the action turns to slow motion and one is able to see what is really happening and react properly. Of course these reactions are based upon one’s well thought through values and beliefs within the construct of the American experiment (which he mentions repeatedly but does use that phrase).

McGraw is honest, using multiple examples from his own life and work, when articulating his points. There are gems of wisdom sprinkled throughout the book, too numerous to mention all here. I will cite one, “power is the authority to control people.” Given the overwhelming evidence of civil groups and the government trying to take away our freedoms “for the greater good” (a communist slogan), this quote connects tyrants’ motivations with police powers. He does a good job of walking a non-partisan line without bastardizing his principles. Only in one instance, where he excoriates Congresswoman Greene for a disrespectful outburst toward Biden, I thought he should have mentioned Pelosi’s speech tearing stunt as equally bad.

The second half of the book is a prescription for action found in ten operating principles. These are spot on for living a full life and anticipating in the marketplace of ideas and social interaction. All in all I found this book most refreshing, calm, even and void of any histrionics when discussing some of the most contentious issues in America today. His fresh approach helps the individual clarify purpose and develop plans to focus upon life ahead.

This book pairs every well with others that cover more of the history and motivation behind disruptive actors and their destructive plans for America: Gad Saad’s “Parasitic Mind,” Mark Levine's "American Marxism," Victor David Hanson's "The Dying Citizen," Thomas Sowell's "Intellectuals and Society," Jonah Goldberg's "Liberal Fascism," Dennis Prager/ Adam Carolla's documentary "No Safe Spaces," and Glen Beck’s “The Great Reset” and “Dark Future.”

[Scott Wallis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book! I found what Dr. Phil placed in the content of this book so good. Not just on the narrow topic of him seeking to touch America, but in his overall thought processes in developing this book. We written. Short chapters. Readable. Useable. Thought provoking. Helpful. More than anything else, relatable. Dr. Phil shares his own personal thoughts, feelings, battles, emotions, and more. In this book, he pulls back certain pieces of himself, opens up about his own personal struggles (and victories), and shares those things by becoming vulnerable to the reader. Yes, it’s that good. Excellent.

Further, I found it so helpful in defining those things we face today and providing the necessary language to be able to understand and communicate about what is taking place. This is so needed in the back and forth regurgitation that often disguises itself as conversation. We regurgitate points we’ve heard rather than communicate about what we believe in civil ways. Yes, regurgitation is bad. And conversation is good. Knowing the difference can help us to relate with others, those we disagree with, without demonizing them. If we can enter into conversations again, it would be helpful in reconstructing our society. That’s what Dr. Phil does by sharing with us the language we need to define the issues and communicate about them.

I highly recommend this book (beyond five stars, way beyond).

[Alexandre McGovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important read in 2024. Dr. Phil describes perfectly the relentless assault on American culture by left leaning extremists. While a balanced description of both extreme political positions would have been appreciated, everything he outlines in this book is a realistic observation of what is and has been going wrong in the United States, and I would argue more so here in Canada. Dr. Phil appears to be a right leaning centrist with this one, describing the destruction of the family unit and traditional values by a vocal minority that are pushing their own weird type of fascist political agendas. Progressivity for the sake of being progressive, without any consideration of the clear negative impact it has been having on all of us, is irresponsible and downright destructive. What happened to good old fashioned values, that have served the western society to withstand the brunt of two world wars and the economic hardships that came with them? Let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater.

[Linda Drawbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thus is a book that everyone in America should read. Teaches people how to become a better person, which this country needs that. There is way to much violence in America today and people get away with it. Some people are coddled early in life and grow up to be selfish, self centered, and think they are entitled to everything without paying in to society first. This book will tell you what you don't know what's really going on in this country and teach you how you can step up and help do your part and try to fix it before it's gone....

[Brian Katz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed. Have a great deal of respect for Dr. Phil. I guess the issues in the book are issues that I’ve been passionate about and have landed on much of the same conclusions he reached in the book. So there was not much to learn from this book. Which I guess, serves as a good validation for where I am at on these issues. There were are a few good points to take away for me. One is: solve the problem don’t worry about being right.

[Jamie Azevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, brave, and good medicine. After reading this book, I feel more optimistic about being an American than I have in a long time. Dr. Phil reminds us about the power of civility, dignity, and respect. I didn't agree with everything in this book, but I so appreciate his high-minded prose. In a time where social media, cable news, and politicians look to divide us, this book serves as a powerful antecdote and is certainly calling forth our better angels.

[Brianna T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Phil never fails to be a voice of reason amidst chaos. He hits you with that old man in his rocker knowledge. I’m so glad he wrote this book to invite us all to analyze and challenge societal events and issues. I like that he’s big on numbers and facts. Honestly, this book should be up for a peace prize of some sort.

[Shel E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an important read for America! Learn the shocking truth regarding the education system, freedom of speech, eroding faith, victimhood, and more. Dr. Phil finishes the book with the 10 principles that could greatly,positively impact of our nation. Give it a read and see how Dr. Phil applies common sense to our world.

[Deb Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read it, my husband is reading it and I've recommended it to a number of family and friends. My suggestion to you is READ IT, READ IT, READ IT. If you feel you are one of the 70% of Americans who feel our country is on the wrong track, read it. If you are tired of the Tyranny of the Fringe, read it. If you want to know how to deal with the cancel culture, read it.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always enjoyed watching his show, and I’m enjoying his Primetime version on Merit Street Media even more because it’s dealing with societal issues. I appreciate when a person who has a powerful voice uses it when it would be so much easier/comfortable not to.

I’m also really into psychology and how things work in general, so of course this book was right up my alley.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of amazing insight and specific stats about Americans. Addresses what we can do to help positive change. He even has some confidence boosters and real talk near the end of the book. Loved it and want it on mybookshelf! Thanks Dr Phil for risking your career to speak up about this and defend our traditional American Values!

[Shannon Polen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for every American. Such absolute common sense in a time of lacking common sense in even the most basic things. Dr. Phil, again, tells it like it is and gives practical and necessary advice where it is most needed. Bravo Dr. Phil, America needs more of you!

[Haileynicolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOWOWOW. We all need this book in our lives. A look at becoming a more united country by improving the culture in America by improving one's self. The things I have learned and new ways of looking at things will change the way I parent and approach situations in my daily life!

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right on!

[Kim Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book America needs to read!

[Gina Hormann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book that I think EVERYONE needs to read!