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Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream
A smart and surprising political inventory for how America can reunite and revitalize in a time of crisis.
Written by an admired leader of the Republican party, Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream looks past the 2016 election, past the finger pointing and conventional political thinking, to focus on clear, primary principles that conservatives must debate and defend to protect the future of America.
Raised in a working-class family in upstate New York, the first in his family to go to college, paid for in part by his service in the National Guard, Chris Gibson rose from Private to Colonel in the Army, including combat command in the storied 82nd Airborne Division. RALLY POINT is his story: what he's learned from the "School of Hard Knocks" and how he's applied those precious life lessons during his service in Iraq and in Congress.
Drawn from a deep appreciation of history and American exceptionalism, Gibson provides incisive and frank analysis of the current political environment, including President Trump, and provides a roadmap based on time-tested Founding principles to help unite our country and revitalize the American Dream. RALLY POINT is a thoughtful, compelling, enjoyable read - a must for serious-minded Americans looking for answers in this challenging political environment.
Written by an admired leader of the Republican party, Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite the Country and Revitalize the American Dream looks past the 2016 election, past the finger pointing and conventional political thinking, to focus on clear, primary principles that conservatives must debate and defend to protect the future of America.
Raised in a working-class family in upstate New York, the first in his family to go to college, paid for in part by his service in the National Guard, Chris Gibson rose from Private to Colonel in the Army, including combat command in the storied 82nd Airborne Division. RALLY POINT is his story: what he's learned from the "School of Hard Knocks" and how he's applied those precious life lessons during his service in Iraq and in Congress.
Drawn from a deep appreciation of history and American exceptionalism, Gibson provides incisive and frank analysis of the current political environment, including President Trump, and provides a roadmap based on time-tested Founding principles to help unite our country and revitalize the American Dream. RALLY POINT is a thoughtful, compelling, enjoyable read - a must for serious-minded Americans looking for answers in this challenging political environment.
- GenresPolitics
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2017
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287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 10, 2017
I’m not a Republican, and I have no love for the Republican party. I have no love for the Democratic party, either, but I am somewhat less disgusted with them than I am with the party of Donald Trump, Roy Moore, and Mitch McConnell. How a sleaze-bag, a pedophile, and a weasel got so far up the chain of command in a party that used to be somewhat respectable (it was long before my time, I can assure you) will remain one of those enduring mysteries.
That’s not to say that I can’t respect individual Republicans. Anymore, respectable politicians on either side of the aisle are extremely rare birds. One can almost say that they are endangered species, but they nevertheless exist. I still honestly believe that.
Former Republican Congressman Chris Gibson, I would like to believe, is one of those rare birds. A former decorated Army Colonel who served several tours of duty in places like Iraq and Kosovo, Gibson ran for the U.S. House of Representatives---New York’s 19th District in 2010 and won against a Democratic incumbent. He was then re-elected twice. A strong proponent of term limits, Gibson chose not to run for a fourth term. He is now a professor of American Foreign Policy at Williams College.
It takes a lot to impress me. Seriously. I’m not the type who gets weak-kneed when someone says that they were in the military. That alone isn’t impressive. Admirable, yes, as I understand that it takes a certain temperament and wherewithal to even join the military. What impresses me is what a person accomplishes and learns from his experience. Gibson is the recipient of a Purple Heart, an honor bestowed on those men and women who are wounded or killed in action. Still not totally impressed, although I certainly give the man his deserved respect, and I thank him for his service.
What impresses me is an anecdote he tells in the book about a situation in which he and his men solved a very hair-trigger situation in a battle-zone without resulting in any deaths. Gibson is not the type of veteran who brags about his kills. He laments them. That, to me, is impressive and truly respectable.
I’m also not impressed that he is a devout Christian. That means nothing to me, as I know plenty of so-called “Christians” who are atrocious douchebags. Likewise, I know plenty of atheists who I look up to and admire for being morally upstanding. Just saying that one is a Christian doesn’t get me all squishy in my pants crotch like it does many people I know. One has to prove that one is a Christian, mainly by doing things that are actually Christian.
Without knowing Gibson’s heart and mind, I know one thing that impresses me about his resume: he beat a sitting Democratic incumbent with 55% of the votes. Alone, that’s not super-impressive. The fact that he won re-election twice is telling, however. It tells me that he was a straight-shooter and someone that his constituents believed in enough to keep him around for three terms and may have kept him for a fourth if he hadn’t bowed out.
The fact that he refused to run again is impressive, given the nature of most politicians today, who will literally say and do anything to keep their positions of power.
It’s also kind of infuriating, because Gibson seems like one of those rare politicians who actually gave a shit about his constituents and didn’t seem to do things that were motivated by self-interest or lobbyists.
Gibson’s short book, “Rally Point”, details his personal five-point agenda for getting the country out of the horrendous quagmire in which it currently resides. I don’t pretend to agree with all of his points. In fact, I actively disagree, vociferously, with at least two of them.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t think he has important things to say or that his points aren’t valid.
One thing I pride myself on is an open mind. I believe in things strongly, but I am not so rigid in my beliefs that I can’t open myself up to the possibility that I may be wrong. Indeed, I may be wrong about a lot of things. That is why I read a lot, because I actually enjoy---believe it or not---having some of my world-views shaken or some of my long-held beliefs shattered. I’m pretty sure that’s how true learning happens.
It seems to me (and I could be wrong; I could be totally misreading him) that Gibson probably feels the same way. He is clearly a man who is strong in his own beliefs, but he seems to be willing to want an honest, non-judgmental, free exchange of ideas.
“Rally Point” is worth reading if only to convince yourself that sanity and decorum and ethics still exists somewhere in Washington, D.C. There is still hope. For instilling that hope---an impressive feat---I thank you, Mr. Gibson.
That’s not to say that I can’t respect individual Republicans. Anymore, respectable politicians on either side of the aisle are extremely rare birds. One can almost say that they are endangered species, but they nevertheless exist. I still honestly believe that.
Former Republican Congressman Chris Gibson, I would like to believe, is one of those rare birds. A former decorated Army Colonel who served several tours of duty in places like Iraq and Kosovo, Gibson ran for the U.S. House of Representatives---New York’s 19th District in 2010 and won against a Democratic incumbent. He was then re-elected twice. A strong proponent of term limits, Gibson chose not to run for a fourth term. He is now a professor of American Foreign Policy at Williams College.
It takes a lot to impress me. Seriously. I’m not the type who gets weak-kneed when someone says that they were in the military. That alone isn’t impressive. Admirable, yes, as I understand that it takes a certain temperament and wherewithal to even join the military. What impresses me is what a person accomplishes and learns from his experience. Gibson is the recipient of a Purple Heart, an honor bestowed on those men and women who are wounded or killed in action. Still not totally impressed, although I certainly give the man his deserved respect, and I thank him for his service.
What impresses me is an anecdote he tells in the book about a situation in which he and his men solved a very hair-trigger situation in a battle-zone without resulting in any deaths. Gibson is not the type of veteran who brags about his kills. He laments them. That, to me, is impressive and truly respectable.
I’m also not impressed that he is a devout Christian. That means nothing to me, as I know plenty of so-called “Christians” who are atrocious douchebags. Likewise, I know plenty of atheists who I look up to and admire for being morally upstanding. Just saying that one is a Christian doesn’t get me all squishy in my pants crotch like it does many people I know. One has to prove that one is a Christian, mainly by doing things that are actually Christian.
Without knowing Gibson’s heart and mind, I know one thing that impresses me about his resume: he beat a sitting Democratic incumbent with 55% of the votes. Alone, that’s not super-impressive. The fact that he won re-election twice is telling, however. It tells me that he was a straight-shooter and someone that his constituents believed in enough to keep him around for three terms and may have kept him for a fourth if he hadn’t bowed out.
The fact that he refused to run again is impressive, given the nature of most politicians today, who will literally say and do anything to keep their positions of power.
It’s also kind of infuriating, because Gibson seems like one of those rare politicians who actually gave a shit about his constituents and didn’t seem to do things that were motivated by self-interest or lobbyists.
Gibson’s short book, “Rally Point”, details his personal five-point agenda for getting the country out of the horrendous quagmire in which it currently resides. I don’t pretend to agree with all of his points. In fact, I actively disagree, vociferously, with at least two of them.
But that doesn’t mean I don’t think he has important things to say or that his points aren’t valid.
One thing I pride myself on is an open mind. I believe in things strongly, but I am not so rigid in my beliefs that I can’t open myself up to the possibility that I may be wrong. Indeed, I may be wrong about a lot of things. That is why I read a lot, because I actually enjoy---believe it or not---having some of my world-views shaken or some of my long-held beliefs shattered. I’m pretty sure that’s how true learning happens.
It seems to me (and I could be wrong; I could be totally misreading him) that Gibson probably feels the same way. He is clearly a man who is strong in his own beliefs, but he seems to be willing to want an honest, non-judgmental, free exchange of ideas.
“Rally Point” is worth reading if only to convince yourself that sanity and decorum and ethics still exists somewhere in Washington, D.C. There is still hope. For instilling that hope---an impressive feat---I thank you, Mr. Gibson.
February 1, 2018
Great book from a native Upstater. I wish he was still my Representative. I guess his self-imposed term limit is part of what made him a great public servant.
February 4, 2018
A strong conservative voice that I greatly enjoyed reading. I appreciate Gibson’s principles on self imposed term limits but I hope we haven’t seen the last of him in politics.
May 26, 2021
Definitely out of date at this point. Longer than it needed to be and a sometimes odd mix of personal history/anecdotes combined with political theory & policy elsuggestions. But a fairly easy read; maybe an even split of proposals that I agree with/see the point of and those that I don't.
April 23, 2018
Pretty basic moderate Republican manifesto. Gibson represented NY-19 for six years (the term-limited himself, admirably), and to get elected there you can't be a Tea Party extremist. his "five tasks" mentioned in the subtitle are straightforward:
--peace through strength (Gibson is was in the army nigh on 20 years; he has lots of harsh things to say about "neoconservatives" but plenty of good things to say about the need to rebuild our military to a place that deters warfare instead of merely responds to it)
--restore founding principles (good things to say about restoring balance of power away from executive branch, etc.)
--promote a flourishing life (strong defense of capitalism and its far superior ability over socialism to lift people out of poverty and give them dignity and purpose)
--keep the faith (Gibson professes Christ, although the religion he describes is strictly works-based)
--unify and grow (good tips for expanding the GOP base without denying first principles; I really don't understand why this is so hard for many Republicans to grasp, although their inability to get a fair shake from media or culture doesn't help).
Gibson seems like a good man who I hope we hear more from (he's currently teaching at Williams College, a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone). If we had 269 members of Congress just like him, the world would be in a much better place.
--peace through strength (Gibson is was in the army nigh on 20 years; he has lots of harsh things to say about "neoconservatives" but plenty of good things to say about the need to rebuild our military to a place that deters warfare instead of merely responds to it)
--restore founding principles (good things to say about restoring balance of power away from executive branch, etc.)
--promote a flourishing life (strong defense of capitalism and its far superior ability over socialism to lift people out of poverty and give them dignity and purpose)
--keep the faith (Gibson professes Christ, although the religion he describes is strictly works-based)
--unify and grow (good tips for expanding the GOP base without denying first principles; I really don't understand why this is so hard for many Republicans to grasp, although their inability to get a fair shake from media or culture doesn't help).
Gibson seems like a good man who I hope we hear more from (he's currently teaching at Williams College, a fate I wouldn't wish on anyone). If we had 269 members of Congress just like him, the world would be in a much better place.
June 1, 2018
The book "Rally Point" by Chris Gibson is an exceptional book on our past and what we should do to improve our future. In his book Gibson lays out the steps and guidelines to help improve the countries problems. Gibson lays out his plans into Five tasks. Chris Gibson,the author, is a is a retired army colonel and former United States congressman. His book "Rally Point" is a must read for many reasons.
One reason it is a must read is Gibson call for strong leadership from Capital hill. One quote from the book is "People are starving for truth and leadership." This quote means that Washington has long been corrupted by bad leadership and the solution to the leader is qualified and competent leaders.
Another reason that the book is a must read is Gibson's constant reference to the Constitution and whether things are constitutional or unconstitutional. one quote from the text is "Beginning in the second half of the twentieth century. gradual changes to our constitutional arrangement and political culture have restricted our liberty, undermined confidence in our ability to be self governing, fomented uncertainty in our economy, and contributed to poor policy decisions that have filled fiscal and moral decay". Gibson explains that the modern political atmosphere and how it is affecting and dividing Americans which is not what the Founding Fathers wanted.
Chris Gibson's book "Rally Point" is a great book for someone who is interesting in history and the founding principles on which our great country was founded. Gibson inspires you to be hopefully and try to overcome you own views and see other views. Chris Gibson helps you remember what the American dream is.
One reason it is a must read is Gibson call for strong leadership from Capital hill. One quote from the book is "People are starving for truth and leadership." This quote means that Washington has long been corrupted by bad leadership and the solution to the leader is qualified and competent leaders.
Another reason that the book is a must read is Gibson's constant reference to the Constitution and whether things are constitutional or unconstitutional. one quote from the text is "Beginning in the second half of the twentieth century. gradual changes to our constitutional arrangement and political culture have restricted our liberty, undermined confidence in our ability to be self governing, fomented uncertainty in our economy, and contributed to poor policy decisions that have filled fiscal and moral decay". Gibson explains that the modern political atmosphere and how it is affecting and dividing Americans which is not what the Founding Fathers wanted.
Chris Gibson's book "Rally Point" is a great book for someone who is interesting in history and the founding principles on which our great country was founded. Gibson inspires you to be hopefully and try to overcome you own views and see other views. Chris Gibson helps you remember what the American dream is.
December 1, 2017
Disclaimer: I attended high school with the author so pardon some small bias on my part. Having said that this really is a wonderful book - a summary of the political situation in the country today, a view of how we got here and a roadmap to how we get back. All written by someone the National Journal called the most liberal Republican in Congress (which Chris correctly disagrees with). There is sound Mother Earth advice, funny and poignant anecdotes from his journey, insight into Washington and the military - all written in a straightforward, easy to understand and appealing style. Targeted to the conservative but will be enjoyed by anyone interested in politics or just a good old fashioned story of success.
November 5, 2017
I was hooked from the beginning and the second chapter "Restore Founding Principles" is a must read many times "!! 'Rally Point is well written and makes you do some real thinking. I appreciate Chris Gibson's service to the country and writing this book. Like I do with most all of my GoodReads wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or to a library for others to enjoy.
July 29, 2022
A humble and easy read that explains Col. (Ret.) Chris Gibson’s journey to and through his self-imposed term in Congress and what he describes as five tasks that our country needs to tackle in order to put our nation back on track with its founding principles. This book can be appreciated regardless of your political position and makes several strong points on how to “unite the country and revitalize the American dream” using personal experiences and anecdotes, as well as factual data.
May 27, 2019
I have recently graduated college on Long Island and had the pleasure of reading Rally Point. Through reading the book Rally Point I was able to learn about Congressman Gibson's life as well as his accomplishments. I am both a history major and a life long conservative and it was really refreshing to read Rally Point. The 2016 presidential election was truly a difficult election where most people, including myself, had to choose between the lesser of two evils. Although I support President Trump, I do not necessarily agree with most of the things he says or how he conducts himself. In addition to my concerns about President Trump and his policies I am constantly on the defensive trying to defend my beliefs as a young conservative on a liberal college campus. Instead of looking at information critically or objectivity most of my professors have a very liberal perspective and usually present their information as fact , whereas most of the time it is really just their opinion. Additionally I find that it is hard to defend my conservative principals because most of the time my peers automatically associate my views with President Trump and his vitriolic comments. Given this reality I believe it will be very hard for Conservative Republicans to attracts new membership and loyalty from many young Americans in the future.
After reading Rally Point I was given hope again. Rally Point presented a logical and inspiring message that I think most Americans can get behind. I really enjoyed the chapters talking about restoring founding principals and promoting a flourishing life. I believe most Americans are growing sick and tired of the corrupt and all encompassing government in Washington DC. People feel disconnected and disinterested. Additionally people feel politicians don't have their best interest at heart and do not truly represent them. That is one of the reasons why I think many young Americans are turning towards candidates espousing socialism and the complete re-organization of our system. Similarly to the way Gibson describes the founding principals and their intentions, I believe our founders purposefully designed a system that was different from the European model. Each person was endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. The government did not bestow rights to the people, rather it was the government's job to protect those rights and ensure that every American could enjoy their god given rights and live up to their potential. Through this system the United States has grown to the be the most powerful and free country on earth. That is why it is confusing why so many young people my age want to disregard this system and instead model a new system off of Europe. Despite the many problems within our political system such as the overwhelming power of special interest, money, and increased factionalism I still believe we live under the best system. If we didn't live in the best system in the world why does so many millions of people seek to live here. In addition to disregarding American founding principals many of my peers and professors have advocated for either strengthening the federal government and its bureaucracy or simply instituting socialism. I do not think either of these options are a good idea. As described by Gibson in Rally Point, when has a larger federal government actually improved on things like healthcare. We live in a federal system of government where power is delegated to the different levels of government such as the federal, state and local governments. The federal government was only meant to have about 26 delegated powers , all other powers were reserved for the state or local governments. The founders understood the value of state and local governments. They understood that these separate layers of government would ensure that every American can have influence and power over their lives. In addition they wanted to de-centralize power from the federal government to ensure that the federal government had less of a chance of promoting tyranny and abuses of its powers.
Another point Gibson brings up in Rally Point is the idea that each American has the right to a flourishing life. I think this idea is so important and must be talked about more. The founders did not intend to set up a system that promoted equality of results, rather they intended to create a system of equality of opportunity. Through this understanding every American had the right to purse their goals and potential on an equal playing field, however the results of their efforts would not be predetermined by the state, rather by the free will of the people. Although capitalism, especially unregulated capitalism, can lead to disaster it is still the best system in the world to live under. Through the promotion of capitalism and the free market the United States has grown to become the most powerful and rich country in world history. Why should we change the system that has provided so much opportunity and wealth for the world.
Another point Gibson brings up in Rally Point was his concern with the growing power of the presidency and executive branch. I remember when President Obama declared amnesty for the dreamers. Even though many people agreed with him I believe it was the wrong choice for the president to essentially legislate by the power of the pen. I was critical of this misuse of executive power and warned others that another president who you don't like could potentially use Obama's actions as precedence to establish a policy you don't like. That is exactly what happened under President Trump. The legislative branch needs to re-assert its power and claim back its authority from the executive branch. I was very happy and surprised when I read about all of Gibson's efforts to re-form the legislative branch. Gibson's actions gave me hope that one day we can make a change and put our government back on the right path again.
Gibson's life story was truly incredible and inspirational. Gibson represents the best America has to offer . His story of rising from a working class family to his exemplary service in the military and service in the congress is truly awe inspiring. After reading Rally Point I felt good to know that there were still good people in congress. I really enjoyed the sections where Gibson talked about meeting his constituents and how they were able to inspire legislation. That is the true meaning of republican government. I also was very surprised by Gibson's open criticism of the Iraq war and call for reform in congress. . Thank you for writing Rally Point and giving me hope for a better future. I hope Gibson runs for office in the future again. I believe through his steadfast and compassionate leadership our country can and will overcome its challenges.
After reading Rally Point I was given hope again. Rally Point presented a logical and inspiring message that I think most Americans can get behind. I really enjoyed the chapters talking about restoring founding principals and promoting a flourishing life. I believe most Americans are growing sick and tired of the corrupt and all encompassing government in Washington DC. People feel disconnected and disinterested. Additionally people feel politicians don't have their best interest at heart and do not truly represent them. That is one of the reasons why I think many young Americans are turning towards candidates espousing socialism and the complete re-organization of our system. Similarly to the way Gibson describes the founding principals and their intentions, I believe our founders purposefully designed a system that was different from the European model. Each person was endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. The government did not bestow rights to the people, rather it was the government's job to protect those rights and ensure that every American could enjoy their god given rights and live up to their potential. Through this system the United States has grown to the be the most powerful and free country on earth. That is why it is confusing why so many young people my age want to disregard this system and instead model a new system off of Europe. Despite the many problems within our political system such as the overwhelming power of special interest, money, and increased factionalism I still believe we live under the best system. If we didn't live in the best system in the world why does so many millions of people seek to live here. In addition to disregarding American founding principals many of my peers and professors have advocated for either strengthening the federal government and its bureaucracy or simply instituting socialism. I do not think either of these options are a good idea. As described by Gibson in Rally Point, when has a larger federal government actually improved on things like healthcare. We live in a federal system of government where power is delegated to the different levels of government such as the federal, state and local governments. The federal government was only meant to have about 26 delegated powers , all other powers were reserved for the state or local governments. The founders understood the value of state and local governments. They understood that these separate layers of government would ensure that every American can have influence and power over their lives. In addition they wanted to de-centralize power from the federal government to ensure that the federal government had less of a chance of promoting tyranny and abuses of its powers.
Another point Gibson brings up in Rally Point is the idea that each American has the right to a flourishing life. I think this idea is so important and must be talked about more. The founders did not intend to set up a system that promoted equality of results, rather they intended to create a system of equality of opportunity. Through this understanding every American had the right to purse their goals and potential on an equal playing field, however the results of their efforts would not be predetermined by the state, rather by the free will of the people. Although capitalism, especially unregulated capitalism, can lead to disaster it is still the best system in the world to live under. Through the promotion of capitalism and the free market the United States has grown to become the most powerful and rich country in world history. Why should we change the system that has provided so much opportunity and wealth for the world.
Another point Gibson brings up in Rally Point was his concern with the growing power of the presidency and executive branch. I remember when President Obama declared amnesty for the dreamers. Even though many people agreed with him I believe it was the wrong choice for the president to essentially legislate by the power of the pen. I was critical of this misuse of executive power and warned others that another president who you don't like could potentially use Obama's actions as precedence to establish a policy you don't like. That is exactly what happened under President Trump. The legislative branch needs to re-assert its power and claim back its authority from the executive branch. I was very happy and surprised when I read about all of Gibson's efforts to re-form the legislative branch. Gibson's actions gave me hope that one day we can make a change and put our government back on the right path again.
Gibson's life story was truly incredible and inspirational. Gibson represents the best America has to offer . His story of rising from a working class family to his exemplary service in the military and service in the congress is truly awe inspiring. After reading Rally Point I felt good to know that there were still good people in congress. I really enjoyed the sections where Gibson talked about meeting his constituents and how they were able to inspire legislation. That is the true meaning of republican government. I also was very surprised by Gibson's open criticism of the Iraq war and call for reform in congress. . Thank you for writing Rally Point and giving me hope for a better future. I hope Gibson runs for office in the future again. I believe through his steadfast and compassionate leadership our country can and will overcome its challenges.
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