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Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America's Slide into Socialism
The United States—the world’s great bastion of freedom—is sliding toward socialism. Recent high-profile bailouts show the walls between government and the private sector are getting thinner each day. Federal control now extends in various ways to education, healthcare, financial markets, real estate, businesses, and religion. And as out-of-control government spending and debt increase accordingly, America is drained of the economic and political strength its people fought and worked so hard to achieve. But it isn’t too late to save the land of the free.Saving Freedom is Senator Jim DeMint’s firsthand account of the unsettling socialist shift—behind-the-scenes actions in Congress that are changing the character of our nation. He illuminates key principles of freedom and how they are being compromised by big government. More important, DeMint lays out a complete action plan to reclaim America’s freedom based on legislation that would reduce debt, fix Social Security, and provide a tax credit for every family to buy health insurance. The plan also emphasizes reversing America’s cultural decline by restoring a strong spirit of God and country.Endorsements:Saving Freedom is a new Declaration of Independence, a call for the American people to reclaim America. Jim DeMint's passion for the cause of individual liberty and person"Saving Freedom is a new Declaration of Independence, a call for the American people to reclaim America. Jim DeMint's passion for the cause of individual liberty and personal responsibility is evident in this manifesto. It needs to be read—and acted upon—by every citizen of this republic."
— Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
"Jim DeMint has delivered a ‘how to’ plan for avoiding a future that we neither want nor deserve. For those of us who want to keep America the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave,’ Saving Freedom is a must read!"
— Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), author of New York Times best seller American Heroes
"Once again, as we did in 1776, Americans must choose between freedom and oppression. In Saving Freedom, Jim DeMint describes the clear and present danger posed by big government - and what we must do to preserve individual liberty and personal responsibility. Every American needs to read this book."
— Sean Hannity, host of the Sean Hannity Radio Show and Hannity's America on FOX News Channel
"It's comforting to know that someone like Jim DeMint is standing in the gap as we see so many of our nation's founding principles eroding. I view Saving Freedom as a blueprint for the effort that all concerned Americans must join to restore and protect the freedoms we depend on."
— Steve Forbes, president and chief executive officer of Forbes and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine
— Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
"Jim DeMint has delivered a ‘how to’ plan for avoiding a future that we neither want nor deserve. For those of us who want to keep America the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave,’ Saving Freedom is a must read!"
— Oliver North, USMC (Ret.), author of New York Times best seller American Heroes
"Once again, as we did in 1776, Americans must choose between freedom and oppression. In Saving Freedom, Jim DeMint describes the clear and present danger posed by big government - and what we must do to preserve individual liberty and personal responsibility. Every American needs to read this book."
— Sean Hannity, host of the Sean Hannity Radio Show and Hannity's America on FOX News Channel
"It's comforting to know that someone like Jim DeMint is standing in the gap as we see so many of our nation's founding principles eroding. I view Saving Freedom as a blueprint for the effort that all concerned Americans must join to restore and protect the freedoms we depend on."
— Steve Forbes, president and chief executive officer of Forbes and editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine
277 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
5 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Jim DeMint
21 books18 followersJames Warren "Jim" DeMint (born September 2, 1951) is an American politician who was a United States Senator from South Carolina from 2005 to 2013. He is a member of the Republican Party and a leading member in the Tea Party movement. He previously served as the United States Representative for South Carolina's 4th congressional district from 1999 to 2005. DeMint resigned from the Senate on January 1, 2013, to become president of The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank.
DeMint was born in Greenville, South Carolina, one of four children. His parents, Betty W. (née Rawlings) and Thomas Eugene DeMint,[5] divorced when he was five years old.[6] Following the divorce, Betty DeMint operated a dance studio out of the family's home.[7][8]
DeMint was educated at Christ Church Episcopal School and Wade Hampton High School in Greenville. DeMint played drums for a cover band called Salt & Pepper. He received a bachelor's degree in 1973 from the University of Tennessee, where he was a part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and received an MBA in 1981 from Clemson University. DeMint's wife Debbie is one of three children of Greenville advertising entrepreneur James Marvin Henderson, Sr.
DeMint joined his father-in-law’s advertising firm in Greenville in 1981, working in the field of market research. In 1983, he founded The DeMint Group, a research firm with businesses, schools, colleges, and hospitals as clients. DeMint’s first involvement in politics began in 1992, when he was hired by Republican Representative Bob Inglis in his campaign for South Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District. Inglis defeated three-term incumbent Democrat Liz J. Patterson, and DeMint performed message-testing and marketing for Inglis through two more successful elections. In 1998, Inglis ran for the U.S. Senate, and DeMint left his firm to run for Inglis’ old seat.
DeMint was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999 and served South Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District until 2005, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His peers elected him to be president of his GOP freshman class. DeMint pledged to serve only three terms in the House, and in 2003 he announced his run for the Senate seat of outgoing Democrat Ernest Hollings in the 2004 election cycle.
In November 2004, DeMint defeated Inez Tenenbaum, South Carolina's education superintendent, to fill Ernest Hollings' vacated seat in the 109th United States Congress. For his first term, he was appointed to the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, the Joint Economic Committee, and the Special Committee on Aging. In 2006, DeMint began leading the Senate Steering Committee. DeMint also served as a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. In 2008, DeMint formed the Senate Conservatives Fund, a political action committee with the intention of supporting conservative candidates that may have otherwise been overlooked by the national party.
As a member of the 111th United States Congress, DeMint joined the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. In 2009, DeMint was one of two Senators who voted against Hillary Clinton's appointment to Secretary of State, and the next year he introduced legislation to completely repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. Later in 2010, he introduced another piece of legislation titled the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny, which aimed to require congressional approval of any major regulation change made by a federal agency. At the end of his first term, DeMint was appointed to the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee regarding the impeachment of federal judge Thomas Porteous.
DeMint was reelected in 2010, at which time he became the highest-ranking elected official associated with the Tea Party. During the first year of his
DeMint was born in Greenville, South Carolina, one of four children. His parents, Betty W. (née Rawlings) and Thomas Eugene DeMint,[5] divorced when he was five years old.[6] Following the divorce, Betty DeMint operated a dance studio out of the family's home.[7][8]
DeMint was educated at Christ Church Episcopal School and Wade Hampton High School in Greenville. DeMint played drums for a cover band called Salt & Pepper. He received a bachelor's degree in 1973 from the University of Tennessee, where he was a part of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and received an MBA in 1981 from Clemson University. DeMint's wife Debbie is one of three children of Greenville advertising entrepreneur James Marvin Henderson, Sr.
DeMint joined his father-in-law’s advertising firm in Greenville in 1981, working in the field of market research. In 1983, he founded The DeMint Group, a research firm with businesses, schools, colleges, and hospitals as clients. DeMint’s first involvement in politics began in 1992, when he was hired by Republican Representative Bob Inglis in his campaign for South Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District. Inglis defeated three-term incumbent Democrat Liz J. Patterson, and DeMint performed message-testing and marketing for Inglis through two more successful elections. In 1998, Inglis ran for the U.S. Senate, and DeMint left his firm to run for Inglis’ old seat.
DeMint was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999 and served South Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District until 2005, when he was elected to the U.S. Senate. His peers elected him to be president of his GOP freshman class. DeMint pledged to serve only three terms in the House, and in 2003 he announced his run for the Senate seat of outgoing Democrat Ernest Hollings in the 2004 election cycle.
In November 2004, DeMint defeated Inez Tenenbaum, South Carolina's education superintendent, to fill Ernest Hollings' vacated seat in the 109th United States Congress. For his first term, he was appointed to the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Environment and Public Works Committee, the Joint Economic Committee, and the Special Committee on Aging. In 2006, DeMint began leading the Senate Steering Committee. DeMint also served as a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. In 2008, DeMint formed the Senate Conservatives Fund, a political action committee with the intention of supporting conservative candidates that may have otherwise been overlooked by the national party.
As a member of the 111th United States Congress, DeMint joined the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. In 2009, DeMint was one of two Senators who voted against Hillary Clinton's appointment to Secretary of State, and the next year he introduced legislation to completely repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, commonly referred to as Obamacare. Later in 2010, he introduced another piece of legislation titled the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny, which aimed to require congressional approval of any major regulation change made by a federal agency. At the end of his first term, DeMint was appointed to the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee regarding the impeachment of federal judge Thomas Porteous.
DeMint was reelected in 2010, at which time he became the highest-ranking elected official associated with the Tea Party. During the first year of his
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 24, 2022
We need more people like Jim to stand up for the "rules" our county was Founded on. The current state of the United States is bleek and heading to dystopia.
The over-reaching push of the federal Goverment under the guise of social justice is unconstitutional.
The over-reaching push of the federal Goverment under the guise of social justice is unconstitutional.
September 6, 2011
I read Jim DeMint's current book, The Great American Awakening, and thought it was pretty good, so I decided to go back and read his previous book Saving Freedom. Overall, I thought this book was kind of uneven. In places, the writing is not very compelling or engaging and is kind of pedestrian. Elsewhere, he is more focused and he draws me in more. Here and there, he gives capsule histories that relate to the topic of the chapter. Many of these summaries are somewhat at odds with my own understanding of the events he covers and are necessarily over-simplified. However, his main points stand even if some of his history might be a little skewed.
I really liked several things about the book. First, he reprints the Declaration of Independence. I can't remember the last time I read the entire Declaration. In view of the current political situation and knowing more than a little bit about the events that led to the Declaration, I have to say I get a little emotional reading through it again. Thanks in part to Glenn Beck for rekindling my interest in the founding of our country and helping me to understand what a truly magnificent document this is.
Second, DeMint sprinkles quotes throughout the book by Winston Churchill, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Sowell, Milton Friedman, Friedrich Hayek and others, that alone make this book well worth reading. Third, DeMint begins each chapter with a well-known fable, parable, or other story, and then goes on to apply the lessons of the story to our current situation. That's an appealing device that makes the discussion more memorable.
In summary, good book and pretty much right on target. However, as I noted above, if you read only one Jim DeMint book, I'd pick up his newer one instead.
I really liked several things about the book. First, he reprints the Declaration of Independence. I can't remember the last time I read the entire Declaration. In view of the current political situation and knowing more than a little bit about the events that led to the Declaration, I have to say I get a little emotional reading through it again. Thanks in part to Glenn Beck for rekindling my interest in the founding of our country and helping me to understand what a truly magnificent document this is.
Second, DeMint sprinkles quotes throughout the book by Winston Churchill, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Sowell, Milton Friedman, Friedrich Hayek and others, that alone make this book well worth reading. Third, DeMint begins each chapter with a well-known fable, parable, or other story, and then goes on to apply the lessons of the story to our current situation. That's an appealing device that makes the discussion more memorable.
In summary, good book and pretty much right on target. However, as I noted above, if you read only one Jim DeMint book, I'd pick up his newer one instead.
October 15, 2018
Jim DeMint fails to mention 250 years of American Slavery that was practiced by many Christians (i.e. Jonathan Edwards) during both the Declaration of Independence and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. Also missing is the American Civil War. After American slaves became free, former U.S. Senator DeMint also fails to mention the nearly 100 years of American "rule of law" that denied millions of Americans basic civil rights based on the "law of the land", namely racial segregation. As a Christian, did Mr. DeMint ever read Dr. Martin Luther King's Letter from Birmingham Jail? Has he ever wondered how American Christian values influence unjust laws? For me, Mr. DeMint's Christian credibility would be improved if he addressed these historical events.
November 19, 2009
If De Mint is all he purports to be in print, HE's the man I want as my next president. Though I fear he has too much integrity for that job.
September 14, 2010
Excellent Book. I cannot say enough about this book.
October 20, 2017
This book provided a really good look at why freedom works, why socialism never will, how our country and transitioned to a fair more socialist environment, and what we can do about it. Although it was published several years ago and some of the exact details aren't the same any more, the general concepts he talks about a timeless and are something every American should be familiar with. The only way we will be able to maintain the freedoms we enjoy is if we understand and value the principals of freedom that made our country what it is. Highly recommended.
Favorite Quote: "Freedom is now riding on the back of big-hearted, well-inteneded socialists who cannot see the destruction caused by their own philosophies and policies. Socialists are now marching under the banner of a new secular-progressive style of freedom: the freedom from responsibility, the freedom to behave destructively without moral judgement, the freedom from risk and failure, the freedom from want, the freedom from religion, and the freedom to have material equality with those who work harder and accomplish more."
Favorite Quote: "Freedom is now riding on the back of big-hearted, well-inteneded socialists who cannot see the destruction caused by their own philosophies and policies. Socialists are now marching under the banner of a new secular-progressive style of freedom: the freedom from responsibility, the freedom to behave destructively without moral judgement, the freedom from risk and failure, the freedom from want, the freedom from religion, and the freedom to have material equality with those who work harder and accomplish more."
June 30, 2024
Saving Freedom – completed 11/0/2022.
To my children, B.J.M.; A.N.C.; T.L.L.
I met Senator Jim Demint one time, the picture is on the screen saver. As you know, Pop-Pop was involved in politics and served on the county Board of Supervisors in Virginia. I attended one of his meetings where he held up a very large notebook full of pages of the rules and regulations and made the statement it was too much BS. I was never interested in politics but after working for a couple of different administrations, I saw and felt the BS firsthand. As I got interested in politics, Senator Demint came on the scene. I watched his political career mostly because he was from South Carolina but more importantly, I liked what he said. He wanted less government allowing schools, medical, drug, and insurance companies to thrive rather than be overwhelmed by the bureaucratic red tape. I gave a copy of this book to the kids at Christmas 2022 and encouraged them to read it.
Love Dad, T.R.M.
To my children, B.J.M.; A.N.C.; T.L.L.
I met Senator Jim Demint one time, the picture is on the screen saver. As you know, Pop-Pop was involved in politics and served on the county Board of Supervisors in Virginia. I attended one of his meetings where he held up a very large notebook full of pages of the rules and regulations and made the statement it was too much BS. I was never interested in politics but after working for a couple of different administrations, I saw and felt the BS firsthand. As I got interested in politics, Senator Demint came on the scene. I watched his political career mostly because he was from South Carolina but more importantly, I liked what he said. He wanted less government allowing schools, medical, drug, and insurance companies to thrive rather than be overwhelmed by the bureaucratic red tape. I gave a copy of this book to the kids at Christmas 2022 and encouraged them to read it.
Love Dad, T.R.M.
February 6, 2025
My Review:
In "Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America's Slide into Socialism", Jim DeMint delivers a powerful and urgent call to action for every American who values liberty and freedom. With sharp insight and unwavering conviction, DeMint paints a stark picture of America’s current political and economic challenges, warning of the dangerous rise of socialism and its impact on the nation’s future. But this is not just a cautionary tale—it’s a blueprint for reclaiming the principles that have made America great. Through compelling arguments and a deep understanding of history, DeMint argues that the fight for freedom is far from over, urging readers to take an active role in preserving the country’s founding values. A must-read for anyone concerned about the future of democracy, "Saving Freedom" is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for action, making a case that hope lies in the hands of a united, informed citizenry determined to protect their freedom.
In "Saving Freedom: We Can Stop America's Slide into Socialism", Jim DeMint delivers a powerful and urgent call to action for every American who values liberty and freedom. With sharp insight and unwavering conviction, DeMint paints a stark picture of America’s current political and economic challenges, warning of the dangerous rise of socialism and its impact on the nation’s future. But this is not just a cautionary tale—it’s a blueprint for reclaiming the principles that have made America great. Through compelling arguments and a deep understanding of history, DeMint argues that the fight for freedom is far from over, urging readers to take an active role in preserving the country’s founding values. A must-read for anyone concerned about the future of democracy, "Saving Freedom" is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for action, making a case that hope lies in the hands of a united, informed citizenry determined to protect their freedom.
October 13, 2012
This book addresses current political issues/trends that the author feels are indicative of a loss of personal freedom in America in exchange for governmental promises of security. It fleshed out some conservative concepts that I had been aware of but never took the time to understand. The content is a fair summary of the thoughts of many notable (conservative) thinkers and politicians.
Would recommend only for those who believe in the principle of limited government and are comfortable with biblical views about the nature of man. It is definitely targeted towards today's political environment (and is a rallying cry for freedom fighters) so it will become a bit dated as time passes.
Quotes in the book:
- "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries" - Winston Churchill
- "Man is corrupt; and therefore his best chance to attain justice and freedom lies in keeping the hands of ambitious men from that power which invites corruption." - Russell Kirk
- "Everyone must have an equal opportunity to pursue success, but everyone does not have an equal right to success." - Jim Demint
- "Freedom is not something that anybody can be given; freedom is something people take and people are as free as they want to be." - James Baldwin
Would recommend only for those who believe in the principle of limited government and are comfortable with biblical views about the nature of man. It is definitely targeted towards today's political environment (and is a rallying cry for freedom fighters) so it will become a bit dated as time passes.
Quotes in the book:
- "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries" - Winston Churchill
- "Man is corrupt; and therefore his best chance to attain justice and freedom lies in keeping the hands of ambitious men from that power which invites corruption." - Russell Kirk
- "Everyone must have an equal opportunity to pursue success, but everyone does not have an equal right to success." - Jim Demint
- "Freedom is not something that anybody can be given; freedom is something people take and people are as free as they want to be." - James Baldwin
July 13, 2009
This is a must read for anyone who understands that we are in danger of losing the freedoms upon which our Republic was founded. DeMint gives answers to the question of "What can I do in defense of our freedom against the current Marxist regime in Washington?" Hopefully, enough of the slumbering masses will either read this, or at least hear it discussed in a news program, to awaken to the erosions of our freedoms if the socialist programs of the current administration are implemented.
I also sincerely hope that Jim DeMint is the man of character that he appears to be. If he remains above the scandals which have recently tarnished the reputations of several other leaders in the Republican party, I for one will do all I can to secure his Presidential election in 2012.
I also sincerely hope that Jim DeMint is the man of character that he appears to be. If he remains above the scandals which have recently tarnished the reputations of several other leaders in the Republican party, I for one will do all I can to secure his Presidential election in 2012.
December 5, 2010
Sen. DeMint does a great job explaining our current political climate, how we got here and where we need to be headed. Our founders were clear about the limited role of the central government. We however have gone so far down the road to socialism that if we don't take a drastic turn soon all that has been built in the country will go the way of every other socialistic society--into tyranny.
I'm not sure that I agree, however, with his proposed solutions--"The Action Plan". Parts of it I have advocated for a long time. Other parts I need to study some more and some of it is contradictory to what I have come to believe. Over all it is a great work and it's good to see that ideas for limited government are still on the table.
I'm not sure that I agree, however, with his proposed solutions--"The Action Plan". Parts of it I have advocated for a long time. Other parts I need to study some more and some of it is contradictory to what I have come to believe. Over all it is a great work and it's good to see that ideas for limited government are still on the table.
March 31, 2010
There are things any regular American can do to help change the direction in which this country is moving.
Writing letters, faxing, phone calls and email do apply pressure to our elected officials.
I wish Mr DeMint got the story of Robinhood right. It is important! Robinhood didn't rob from the rich to give to the poor. He robbed the taxes back from the government to give back to the people. If one is going to tell this story, or use it as an antidote, they need to get it right.
Having said that, this is a great book to help the regular "Joe" American know what "HE" can do, vs, what can "we" or "they" do, to affect real, positive change.
Writing letters, faxing, phone calls and email do apply pressure to our elected officials.
I wish Mr DeMint got the story of Robinhood right. It is important! Robinhood didn't rob from the rich to give to the poor. He robbed the taxes back from the government to give back to the people. If one is going to tell this story, or use it as an antidote, they need to get it right.
Having said that, this is a great book to help the regular "Joe" American know what "HE" can do, vs, what can "we" or "they" do, to affect real, positive change.
September 16, 2009
I recommend this book mainly because Senator Jim DeMint is telling us that we, as individuals, have a decision to make whether the country chooses freedom or socialism. He points out that America is sliding toward socialism, and through a plan can bring back freedom into our lives. Let's hope more people read this book!
November 5, 2009
This was a great book to help one understand how America is being led into socialism. We must be aware of what is happening in our country and the world today. Call to return to values that this country was founded in.
January 8, 2010
Very informational. I don't know anything about politics so I thought I'd read some books and learn about how our government is run. Didn't get to finish this one though because it was due and on hold.
Read
December 25, 2010Excellent depth and highly readable from someone who is "on the inside." This is a "must read" book for every American.
May 13, 2010
Excellent book on Socialism and what we as Americans can do to stop it in its tracks.
July 18, 2010
Great Senator - great book
Read
November 29, 2010Excellent and easy-to-understand. EVERYONE should take notice!
February 26, 2011
An interesting read. I read it 2 years ago so I can't remember much of the information in it, but do remember liking the book.
December 8, 2013
This book could have been written better but the message is spot on. Demint doesn't pull any punches. He calls a spade a spade, whether it's Republican or Democrat, Demint tells it like it is.
July 30, 2010
Great book, great ideas.
November 19, 2010
Please read this book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews