Review by lbhatters -- Boom! A Revolting Situation

lbhatters · Post by **lbhatters** » 07 Apr 2018, 08:48

[Following is a volunteer review of "Boom! A Revolting Situation" by Thomas Richard Harry.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Boom! A Revolting Situation: The Failure of Ideological Politics, the Disappointment of Ideological Government by Thomas Richard Harry, is a political and historical exposition explaining how the political climate of the 21st century compares to the way it was intended historically after the two-party electoral system of the Democratic and Republican parties became nationally recognized in American history, and had become subsequently sealed in a report by the National Political Association Committee of 1950. Since that time, the author argues, a trend has taken place which is becoming harder and harder for those claiming any party affiliation to deny: the emergence of Independent voters as a dominant force in American politics.

Boom! is a concise summary of the history of American politics, and how the political parties developed and changed over time to be what they are today. The author makes an impressive conclusion. He argues that if the current two-party system were working, then the rise of those voters who have such a difficult time choosing a candidate or political side, the Independent voters, would not be so monumental. In fact, the author shows us how the rise of Independents has risen statistically since 1950, and in many states has surpassed the numbers of Democrats and Republicans. From these figures, he proves that it is nothing short of a silent revolution. The ideals of the two-party system are crumbling, if they indeed have not already collapsed.

This book is very well written and researched. It is clear the author knows his stuff. Thomas Richard Harry’s summary of the history of American politics, as well as some European history, is exceptional. The author quotes from historically well-known political theorists and popular authors who identified with the common people and had recounted their struggles with finding resolutions on the problems of poverty and the misuse of power by the elite. The present-day climate of the two-party system has lost its power to identify with common man.

The book is filled with interesting comparisons, facts, and theories that will broaden the reader's mind on the multifaceted makings of governmental theories and political ideologies. In as much as it is a political history lesson it is also a plea for change, but how can that be done? No doubt just taking people we don't like and putting in new ones has not worked. Although he argues that government likely will never stop favoring the elite, the corrupt, and the powerful, the goal of a new government is one that truly follows the wishes of the majority, and is worthy of pursuit. Any changes he says begins with you and me, since statistically it's likely anyone at all reading his book is in this category of the politically uncommitted.

The language of the book is somewhat conversational. The sometimes very long sentences with parenthetical interferences could be very confusing to a non-native English speaker and reader. It is therefore not recommended to a new English language learner. However, for a well-educated and seasoned reader, mountains of political history have been presented in a way that will be welcoming to the intellect. For all this book has to offer for educational and personal reasons, I rate this book with 4 out of 4 stars.

******
Boom! A Revolting Situation
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like lbhatters's review? Post a comment saying so!