Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder (Louann Atkins Temple Women & Culture

Louann Atkins Temple Women & Culture Series

by Max Sherman (Editor)

Revered by Americans across the political spectrum, Barbara Jordan was "the most outspoken moral voice of the American political system," in the words of former President Bill Clinton, who awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994. Throughout her career as a Texas senator, U.S. congresswoman, and distinguished professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, Barbara Jordan lived by a simple "Ethical behavior means being honest, telling the truth, and doing what you said you were going to do." Her strong stand for ethics in government, civil liberties, and democratic values still provides a standard around which the nation can unite in the twenty-first century. This volume brings together several major political speeches that articulate Barbara Jordan's most deeply held values. They Accompanying the speeches, some of which readers can also watch on an enclosed DVD, are context-setting introductions by volume editor Max Sherman. The book concludes with the eloquent eulogy that Bill Moyers delivered at Barbara Jordan's memorial service in 1996, in which he summed up Jordan's remarkable life and career by saying, "Just when we despaired of finding a hero, she showed up, to give the sign of democracy.... This is no small thing. This, my friends, this is grace. And for it we are thankful."

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

128 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sharon Beers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Barbara Jordan was a fantastic orator.

[Douglas Graney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew a little about Barbara Jordan and this book made me want to read more. I can hear her voice coming through the speeches in this book. I need to get a full biography of her.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short book containing some speeches by Barbara Jordan along with editorial commentary from peers. Her speeches are incredible, and make me wish we had her with us today. Principled, brilliant, fair-minded, and wise. I read the speech she gave at the Watergate hearing while watching the video, and felt the impact of it.
It was painful and helpful to be reminded of the persistent nature of some of the issues we're facing today. Her speeches still ring true at this moment, as things spiral out.
The book does include a speech she gave as a member of a commission on immigration in 1995 that is different from what I expected, in that it accommodates a more conservative view, which I believe she was criticized for at the time. I'm glad that it was included though.
I definitely recommend this quick read.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is about perseverance, integrity and having what it takes to be damn good at what you do. Barbara Jordan was (she is deceased) an exceptional public servant that surpassed all of the odds staked against African American politicians during the 1960's. The book tells her story - but mostly recaps her most inspiring speeches in chronological order with relevant historical context. If you are a democrat...you will love this book :-) - sorry for the lack of PC...