Independents Day: Awakening the National Spirit

by Lou Dobbs

The bestselling author of War on the Middle Class looks at the critical issues and challenges of the 2008 election

In Independents Day, Lou Dobbs examines the public policy choices over the past thirty years that have eroded individual liberties, disenfranchised the middle class, reduced worker rights and pay, and led our nation into social and political division at home as well as into conflict around the world. Dobbs lays out the folly of continuing to follow existing domestic and foreign policies that have enriched and entrenched the elites, and burdened to the breaking point the rest of America. He posits a determined course for both prosperity and the survival of the American dream in a society that is desperate for new leadership and new ideas. Most important, Dobbs explores how we must and can restore the fundamental national value of equality of rights and opportunity for all Americans.

Independents Day is an independent populist’s view of the critical issues and challenges that confront the presidential candidates and American voters as we approach the 2008 election.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 6, 2007

About the author

Lou Dobbs was an American television personality, author, and radio host. Dobbs joined the FOX Business Network in November of 2010. He is the host of Lou Dobbs Tonight, a primetime program featuring a breakdown of the day's top stories and how they impact the economy. He had previously anchored Lou Dobbs Tonight on CNN until November 2009. For his reporting, he won the Emmy, Peabody, and Cable ACE awards.

Reviews

[R.C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this super cheap (probably less than $0.50) years ago and I'm not sure I got my moneys worth. There didn't seem to be much of a point to this book, other than to point out a bunch of things that is wrong with America and then hope people to go out and fix it. No vision, no plan, just here, this is what's wrong, now go do something. It's no better than watching the news, which makes sense since this guy is a talking head.

The reading was simple and easy (I was practicing speed reading, finished this in under about 2 hours), with nothing new presented. Each chapter reads independently of the others, often repeating the same stats or vague complaints. Chapter 2 is a glorified history lesson pointing out just about everything anyone has ever done wrong in American leadership. Chapters 3-The End are about the tired plights of America (immigration, globalization, religion and politics, PACs, drugs, policing the world, border protection, etc).

It's not bad per se, but I'm not really sure what the point of this book was. To inspire action? To sell enough books to get a new book deal? The only action this book inspired me to do is sell it at the next yard sale.

[John · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hyperbole and opinion do not make for a good read; unless the author is being sardonic and it's expected. While there's some good thoughts in this book; I don't have time to read what amounts to a regurgitation of a (former) commentator's viewpoints.

Were his points backed-up by factual evidence, statements such as, "These lofty elites wield their awesome social, economic, and political powers without apparent regard for the common good, the national interest, or the traditional values that have historically informed and guided America's leaders."

This was in the introduction; so I kept reading to see if there were facts presented to support such a broad-sweeping, hyperbolic statement...none found and I'm done trying.

I did not finish this book. It's not as bad as the Ann Coulter book I tried to read, certainly, but I have too many other books to read to spend time with this one.

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just did not find this book as appealing as the other book of his I read (War on the Middle Class). He makes some good points in terms of how corporations have pretty much bought the political parties lock, stock, and barrel. That the political parties, the major two, are pretty much two sides of the same coin, is a given that he discusses as well. It's an important point to make, but then again, the book is pretty similar in tone to the other one. So, if you have read one of his books, you are pretty much set. I think this is a risk of news anchors who write books. They sound a lot like they sound on their television programs. And often the books do sound alike. Having said that, I think he makes some important points that make the book a worthy read. However, at times, he can get a bit long winded.

[Carol Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this a 5 because although I have seen all the different pieces I had not put them all together to see that illegal immigration, outsourcing, failure to deal with drug and alcohol abuse, and the rise in pharmaceutical prices are all part of the same animal over running this country. He has lots of good statistics and vocabulary which I always appreciate. The one section I felt was disappointing was on education. Interesting stats but his conclusions were superficial. He did tend to repeat his phrases at times but this could have been intentional for effect. I look forward to reading his other book - War on the Middle Class: How the Government, Big Business, and Special Interest Groups Are Waging War onthe American Dream and How to Fight Back

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listen to CNN streaming news all day long at work and have a habit of sending in comments to both Lou Dobbs Tonight and The Cafferty Files. Well, one of my comments got read on-air and I received a copy of Lou's latest book in return. A populist and socialist, and self-proclaimed "advocacy journalist", Lou believes "disregard for the will of the people" is the new status quo among the government and business elite. Independents Day is a straightforward and thoughtful read, and makes me want to pick up his last book, "War on the Middle Class", which talks about the plight of working Americans and asks the question: What's happened to the American dream?

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those familiar with his TV show and commentary, I doubt if there will be many surprises in the book. Dobbs taks both the Republican and Democratic Party to task, and for good reason in my estimation. Some of the examples he provides in his book are enlightening about the state of America, and for that reason, I think it's a worthwhile read.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written, whether the content is agreeable or not. It does exactly what the title suggests: awaken. The figures, situations, and arguments presented are meant to instill a sense of urgency, anger, and ultimately, informed political action. The book does not propose HOW to take action, but it never pretended to do so.

[Tony · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked Lou Dobbs when he hosted the financial show on TV. Now he is an old mouthy fart injecting his opinion about all the ills of the world. I do respect him bashing the Democrats and Republicans equally. His premise is that we need a new "independent" party to lead the nation.

[Sue Boros · Rating 4 out of 5]

his book isn't about Politics but about our day to day life. If you live here and want to make a better life for your family's future this is a great read to get a foundation from which to make decisions in future elections.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Another one that all Americans should read. And just like "War on the Middle Class" I didn't agree with everything that Lou said but I think he is right on with about 95% of it.

[Ivan Goenawan · Rating 5 out of 5]

CALIENTE