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Call to Action: Historic Speech and Democratic Manifesto
503 pages, Hardcover
Published April 27, 2025
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June 12, 2025
"Call to Action: Historic Speech and Democratic Manifesto," edited with a preface by Michael LaFond, is a crucial document that captures Senator Cory Booker's record-breaking, twenty-five-hour and five-minute speech against what he describes as the "lawless authoritarianism" of the Trump administration. Far more than just a transcript, this book serves as a powerful call to awareness and engagement, aiming to awaken Americans to critical threats facing their democracy and essential social programs.
Michael LaFond's preface sets the stage, providing context for Senator Booker's monumental address on March 31, 2025. He highlights the performative yet deeply meaningful nature of the speech, which, though not a filibuster in the technical sense, held the Senate floor in a historic manner. The purpose, as LaFond explains, was to shine a light on the dangers to democracy and the country posed by the administration's actions.
The heart of this book is Senator Booker's impassioned oration, a masterful work of political artistry. He meticulously details issues ranging from the threats to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to concerns about education, national security, and foreign policy. A significant and moving aspect of the speech is his amplification of constituent voices—reading numerous letters and messages from everyday Americans expressing their fear, anger, and worry about the direction of the country. This inclusion of personal stories adds a profound layer of emotional resonance, making the abstract political arguments deeply personal and relatable.
Senator Booker's address is characterized by its energy, passion, and a surprising touch of humor, even while addressing the most serious dangers. He critiques the administration's actions, particularly its attempts to undermine crucial government agencies and programs, and its rhetoric, which he argues sows chaos and fear. The speech is a fervent defense of democratic ideals, a plea for national unity, and a bold invitation for citizens to protest and resist what he perceives as a profound moral crisis.
Reading this speech, as opposed to merely watching it, offers a different, more analytical engagement with the substance of the arguments. It allows for a deeper absorption of the detailed critiques and the numerous examples presented by Senator Booker and his colleagues. It stands as a testament to the power of a sustained, principled stand in a challenging political climate.
"Call to Action" is an essential read for anyone concerned about the state of American democracy, the future of social welfare programs, and the role of active citizenship. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of vigilance, moral courage, and collective action in safeguarding the nation's foundational values.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Michael LaFond's preface sets the stage, providing context for Senator Booker's monumental address on March 31, 2025. He highlights the performative yet deeply meaningful nature of the speech, which, though not a filibuster in the technical sense, held the Senate floor in a historic manner. The purpose, as LaFond explains, was to shine a light on the dangers to democracy and the country posed by the administration's actions.
The heart of this book is Senator Booker's impassioned oration, a masterful work of political artistry. He meticulously details issues ranging from the threats to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to concerns about education, national security, and foreign policy. A significant and moving aspect of the speech is his amplification of constituent voices—reading numerous letters and messages from everyday Americans expressing their fear, anger, and worry about the direction of the country. This inclusion of personal stories adds a profound layer of emotional resonance, making the abstract political arguments deeply personal and relatable.
Senator Booker's address is characterized by its energy, passion, and a surprising touch of humor, even while addressing the most serious dangers. He critiques the administration's actions, particularly its attempts to undermine crucial government agencies and programs, and its rhetoric, which he argues sows chaos and fear. The speech is a fervent defense of democratic ideals, a plea for national unity, and a bold invitation for citizens to protest and resist what he perceives as a profound moral crisis.
Reading this speech, as opposed to merely watching it, offers a different, more analytical engagement with the substance of the arguments. It allows for a deeper absorption of the detailed critiques and the numerous examples presented by Senator Booker and his colleagues. It stands as a testament to the power of a sustained, principled stand in a challenging political climate.
"Call to Action" is an essential read for anyone concerned about the state of American democracy, the future of social welfare programs, and the role of active citizenship. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of vigilance, moral courage, and collective action in safeguarding the nation's foundational values.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 of 1 review