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The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country Audiobook
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(3.07) - 248 listener ratings
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Howard Fineman, one of our most trusted political journalists, shows that every debate, from our nation’s founding to the present day, is rooted in one of thirteen arguments that–thankfully–defy resolution. It is the very process of never-ending argument, Fineman explains, that defines us, inspires us, and keeps us free. At a time when most public disagreement seems shrill and meaningless, Fineman makes a cogent case for nurturing the real American dialogue. The Thirteen American Arguments runs the gamut, including • Who Is a Person? The Declaration of Independence says “everyone,” but it took a Civil War, the Civil Rights Act, and other movements to make that a reality. Now, what about human embryos and prisoners in Guantanamo? • The Role of Faith No country is more legally secular yet more avowedly prayerful. From Thomas Jefferson to James Dobson, the issue persists: Where does God fit in government? • America in the World In Iraq and everywhere else, we ask ourselves whether we must change the world in order to survive and honor our values–or whether the best way to do both is to deal with the world as it is. Whether it’s the nomination of judges or the limits of free speech, presidential power or public debt, the issues that galvanized the Founding Fathers should still inspire our leaders, thinkers, and fellow citizens. If we cease to argue about these things, we cease to be. “Argument is strength, not weakness,” says Fineman. “As long as we argue, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, we will argue.”
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"This book is nothing crazy over the top, but Fineman does a nice job of defining and laying out the arguments and counterarguments to thirteen key topics we face as a country. On some of these topics there might be an answer, but the answer is the need for debate versus actually finding any defined "answer"; to Fineman's point of "if we cease to argue, we cease to be". He does a nice job of giving the reader a topical history, as well as current concerns. Great refresher in a huge election year."
— TJ (4 out of 5 stars)
The Thirteen American Arguments Listener Reviews
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" An excellent premise; faulty execution... My major beef is that the dude never seems to get around to saying anything! In discussing "Who is a person?", for example, we get a paragraph on Ann Richards introducing Ferraro in '84, the standard tip of the hat to Abigail Adams, and then a paragraph on Roe v. Wade followed by some references to Nancy Pelosi. What is your point, holmes? "Like the universe, the meaning of personhood is expanding." Oh. Thanks. "
— Andrew, 2/15/2014 -
" I picked this book up because I got to meet him. And I really enjoyed it. It is an exercise in the questions that cannot be settled in a clear way. A great read. "
— Adrienne, 2/11/2014 -
" EXCELLENT read. Fineman discusses why we SHOULD argue and debate over issues. Not argue in the angry sense, but rather stay strong to your belief but be willing to discuss, debate and defend your opinion while stil being able to hear other opinions. It's what our country was founded on. "
— Sandy, 2/1/2014 -
" An interesting take on politics in America. Fineman views politics as discussions about continuing issues and not just Republicans v. Democrats or liberals v. conservatives. Fineman provides a different lens for viewing today's political fights in which the parties may have switched sides on basic issues (sometimes more than once) but where the basic issues remain. A good book! "
— Karl, 1/31/2014 -
" Fineman does a good job of isolating key issues that have preoccupied Americans throughout their history. He brings his own experience to bear on many of these issues. "
— Gary, 1/18/2014 -
" Fine writing on why deep and reasoned arguments keep us free, keep us moving forward, keep us American-qua-American. 13 Arguments = 13 Articles of Confederation. "
— AJ, 1/7/2014 -
" Agree with some of the other reviews... good concept, interesting topics, but the author never really takes a position or says anything. Makes for a much less interesting read than it could be. "
— Brian, 5/21/2013 -
" Very interesting analysis of the history of American rhetoric. I'll update this review later once I've graduated (May 7) "
— Rachel, 3/24/2013 -
" This book was very enlightening in the history of the key arguments that have shaped and are still shaping the direction of America. Much of this information I did not know. A very good read. "
— Pauline, 12/12/2012 -
" Amazing insight on the motivations of this country. If you have any interest in politics or history you should read this book "
— Darrell, 7/18/2012 -
" An interesting book that provides a very good summary of the key arguments surrounding issues that America continues to struggle with. A very middle of the road discussion - in my view. "
— Joe, 4/27/2012 -
" The author writes essays about (what he feels) are the central questions about American democracy -- "What is a person?," "Who Judges the Law?," etc. Good, but it would have been more fun to read this book with someone else in order to discuss the various conclusions. "
— Chuck, 3/18/2012 -
" the introduction is a little wordy and confusing... we'll see. "
— Reynaldo, 11/11/2011 -
" What I already thought: arguing is good for democracy. A history of and reasons for debate. "
— Karen, 7/1/2011 -
" I loved the premise of this book, but was disappointed in the execution. It was more historical/contemporary, illustrating these 13 arguments. I was hoping for more philosophy... Oh well... "
— Charles, 5/11/2011 -
" Very interesting analysis of the history of American rhetoric. I'll update this review later once I've graduated (May 7) "
— Rachel, 4/6/2011 -
" A book that scurries along the fence tops of our country's most polarized arguments, never falling to one side or the other.<br/> "
— Joe, 3/23/2011 -
" Fine writing on why deep and reasoned arguments keep us free, keep us moving forward, keep us American-qua-American. 13 Arguments = 13 Articles of Confederation. "
— AJ, 11/5/2010 -
" the introduction is a little wordy and confusing... we'll see. "
— Reynaldo, 8/26/2010 -
" Amazing insight on the motivations of this country. If you have any interest in politics or history you should read this book "
— Darrell, 2/20/2010 -
" Agree with some of the other reviews... good concept, interesting topics, but the author never really takes a position or says anything. Makes for a much less interesting read than it could be. "
— Brian, 8/26/2009 -
" The author writes essays about (what he feels) are the central questions about American democracy -- "What is a person?," "Who Judges the Law?," etc. Good, but it would have been more fun to read this book with someone else in order to discuss the various conclusions. "
— Chuck, 5/9/2009 -
" I picked this book up because I got to meet him. And I really enjoyed it. It is an exercise in the questions that cannot be settled in a clear way. A great read. "
— Adrienne, 3/23/2009 -
" So far its okay, and I think if you're new to the issues this would be a good overview source, but in my case I feel like I'm not gaining too much. <br/> <br/>In short, so far its a nice overview of American issues. "
— Jeff, 11/23/2008 -
" EXCELLENT read. Fineman discusses why we SHOULD argue and debate over issues. Not argue in the angry sense, but rather stay strong to your belief but be willing to discuss, debate and defend your opinion while stil being able to <em>hear</em> other opinions. It's what our country was founded on. "
— Sandy, 10/22/2008
About Scott Sowers
Scott Sowers is an actor and audiobook narrator. AudioFile magazine named him the 2008 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense. He is the winner of seven Earphones Awards.