Makers and Takers

April 21, 2008
Schweizer (Do as I Say
) expands his critique of modern American liberals to contend that “liberalism not only leads to social decay, but can also lead to personal decay.” Drawing upon polls and psychological studies, the author argues that “conservatives work harder, feel happier, have closer families, take fewer drugs, give more generously, value honesty more, are less materialistic and envious, whine less... and even hug their children more than liberals.” Schweizer is noticeably silent on current affairs; instead, he focuses on the culture wars of the 1990s, demonstrating how Clinton “lied... and did so in a fine fashion,” that Al Gore has also “told lies” and that the Clinton administration was “notable for its tolerant attitude toward drugs.” Schweizer refrains from making substantive commentary on the upcoming election; he spends more time attacking Garrison Keillor, for whom he reserves a special distaste. The readable prose and vigorous defense of Republican voters ensure that this book—despite its dated material and lack of analysis of the current campaign—will rally and rouse conservatives.