Written by one of America's most distinguished public servants, Reflections of a Radical Moderate offers a clear-eyed and steady analysis of the state of our democracy and the growth of cynicism among American citizens toward their government. In a series of inspiring and pellucid essays, Elliot Richardson, a stalwart of the liberal wing of the Republican party, explains how American democracy may be at risk. He considers the compulsive pursuit of self-worth as a principal instigator of social conflict-not only between individuals but also among groups. He speculates on the effects of information technology on the American political process and examines the correct role of America in the enforcement of world peace. The result is a humane, optimistic view of national politics from a longtime Washington insider. "Elliot Richardson is one of our most experienced and thoughtful public servants, and Reflections of a Radical Moderate is a refreshing book that will carry the voter beyond the sound-bites and bumper-stickers of political campaigns." -- Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. "If there is any book that runs against the currents of the age, it surely must be one written by someone who has lived a public life but who also belives in reflection. . . .At a time when the Republican right has made public service a dirty word, Richardson maintains it is a high calling and the responsibility of all citizens." -- Harry Blaney, Foreign Service Journal "It is refreshing to read of Mr. Richardson's commitment to civil rights, his deep concern for the environment and his unabashed internationalism.... If a new generation of voters accepted the approach he proffers, they could transform the Republican Party and the nation." -- New York Times Book Review "The author draws on a lifetime of distinguished public service in writing htis series of inspiring essays. . . .Richardson, a stalwart of the GOP's liberal wing, offers a cool and steady examination of the growth of political cynicism and hostility citizens display toward our government." -- Larry Lawrence, Abilene Reporter-News "Turn first to page 199 and review the attributes for a true 'public servant.' Two in particular should jump out at you--'unflinchingly accepts responsibility' and 'does not try to shift blame to others.' Hold those thoughts for November." -- Fred Grandy, The Washington Monthly "While Richardson has much to say about the duties and responsibilities of government leaders, he lays strong emphasis on the responsibilities of the citizens who confer these positions of leadership. Thus, his book becomes a manual of citizenship also." -- Robert P. Ellis, Magill Book Reviews "[I]nstead of titillating scandals and banal one-liners, Richardson has given us a timely, thoughtful analysis of the naiton's current political malaise. . . .Ultimately what the country needs is a more systematic, thoughtful, and realistic approach to our problems--'moderate' reform, in other words. . . .His 'reflections' hark back to the best in the American pragmatic tradition, and his ideas, if adopted, would go a long way toward restoring faith in the system." -- Matthew Dallek, San Fransisco Sunday Examiner "[T]his is a book that will live because of the intelligence, profundity, and ability to express himself of the extraordinary author." -- Eileen Brennan Elliot Richardson is best known for resigning as U.S. Attorney General rather than heeding President Richard Nixon's order to fire special Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox. He is the only person to have headed four Cabinet departments. Richardson died in January 2000. "Elliot Richardson's book may be the least sensationalistic, least back biting political memoir of all time. . . . The book seeks to refute that reigning cynicism and anti-government animus of our age. . .Richardson believes strongly that government is the only possible arbiter of an increasingly complex world. . . .In Richardson's view even our worst political scandals present evidence of a system that works, reflecting uniquely American attitudes that guard democracy: pragmatism,the demand for accountability, and insistence on openness." Used Book in Good Condition