Book Reviews

The underlying fictional story of the “American Common Man” becoming President harkens back to Mr. Smith goes to Washington. With little doubt that our politically-split society, from any point of view, has lost touch with critical-thinking, President YOU, lays out an extraordinary (and well researched) outline of issues well suited for any high school history/civics, or college political science class. Augustus Treatise is an unlikely candidate for U.S. President, but he wins – now what? Each chapter focuses on a political issue that President Treatise must deal with against the cabal of Washington D. C. insiders trying to maintain “business as usual” from the pressures of big-money, lobbyists, and special interests where Congress has operated as their mouthpieces for policy and monetary enrichment while the interests and voice of the “citizen” remains buried under a rock in the desert. The book does not tell the reader how to think. Rather, it inherently calls upon the reader to discern how (and more importantly) why an issue has or should move in a particular direction. Anyone who has had a passing thought of, “well, if I were President,” should consider President YOU a must read.

An interesting read from someone who has great knowledge of how the US Government is supposed to function and, more specifically, the President’s role in it.

Highly recommend. In President You, Tom Williams challenges each of us to participate in our nation’s political process and thereby influence both the intricate culture of Washington DC and, ultimately, America’s role in the world. Not trying to push any particular agenda but rather to stimulate individual, creative thinking into of policy issues, Mr. Williams systematically discusses almost 30 traditional Washington practices, customs, and policies that affect every US citizen encouraging our involvement and action. In his own words, “each of us has a voice and in our own way is a President YOU.” Mr. Williams presents a well-researched work that is not only worth one’s time to read and contemplate but also a superb stimulus for an in-depth discussion of our political process and culture.

In my opinion, it would be required reading for every high school Advanced Placement Civics or Government course in the country. Also, it should be included in the curriculum for Undergraduate Political Science, American Government and History at the college level.

The book was a great common-sense approach on ideas to improve our government. The themes and ideas throughout the book could make quick and positive changes to our country. The crazy thing is that some of them would cost very little to implement. I particularly liked the chapter on Political Correctness. The book is a quick and easy read. It would be great for students and people wanting to know how they could make a difference with our government.

Too bad Mr. Williams does not have a string of degrees after his name. That would certainly help in getting this book included as required reading and discussion at both the high school AP Government and Undergraduate Political Science levels. Wonder what would happen if all voters read President You BEFORE the next election – results would be very interesting. Would not hurt for a few so-called journalists and political commentators to read it too, they might actually learn something about what they are reporting/commenting on.