But We Were Born Free:

by Elmer Holmes Davis

Book by Davis, Elmer Holmes

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy, History

229 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Elmer Holmes Davis was a news reporter, author, the Director of the United States Office of War Information during World War II and a Peabody Award recipient.

Reviews

[Gary Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not heard of this book. It is number 10 on Carl Sagan's reading list. I am so glad he introduced me to this book. Though this book was published in 1952, this being February 2, 2015, it speaks to the lack of 'social gospel' today. Just the opposite during the birth of 'McCarthy Reaganomics' which the regressive 'all or nothing' non free thinkers pray to today. Does 'I am not a scientist' ring any bells? I feel this is a must read. I could go on and on, but please, just read this book. Let me know your take.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first chapter and last few pages are a withering indictment of McCarthyism. I found some of Davis's observations uncannily relevant to U.S. politics in 2020. He writes, "One of [McCarthy’s] great assets is that his supporters have the true mark of the fanatic--they are not interested in facts. The endless exposures of [his] endless untruths do not affect them. He has also got the support of a great deal of money...I was reminded of another rabble-rousing broadcaster in another republic, who was taken up by the rich men and conservative politicians because they thought they could use his talent for publicity against a middle-of-the-road government and then throw him over when he had served their purpose. But when he once got to the eminence to which he had been climbing, he threw them over when they had served his purpose." Davis also notes that people were convinced McCarthy was only an "inflated balloon ogre," which he characterizes as "the sort of underestimate that has enabled him to get where he is."

If I were rating the first chapter and the last 3-4 pages, I'd give 5 stars. But the middle was lacking.

[Bobby Grogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting era in history. Many people consider now to be divisive, it's good to hear that people thought their political climate was also rough. Good honest writing

[Kamran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous, witty with lucid interpretations of American system with bit logical solutions. Yet, i think, it doesn't justify its title.

[Dave Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I only found this book by entering "Carl Sagan's Reading List" on a whim. Turns out he had one during his undergraduate years which was recently found in the last few years. Divided into six sections the bulk is the first which is an examination, critique and warning against the McCarthyism of the early 50's. The others deal in turn with weaknesses in the Constitution which the founding fathers could not have foreseen, issues with accuracy in media, the "doublethink" common in the politics of the day, reflections regarding old age, finishing with the value of what, as America, we have to save and pass on. Interestingly it is a strong critique against Communism and McCarthyism simultaneously and how often the latter began to look like the former with its guilt by innuendo during congressional kangaroo courts. Although dated now, in many ways, much of it has become newly relevant in the age of Trumpism.

[Hannah Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

a series of essays that are witty and intelligent, including scathing critiques on McCarthy and attacks on freedom of the mind. as relevant now as in the 50s (re: Donald Trump)

[Sylvia]

So far, great book!