Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Confused?
by Richard Maybury
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Confused? by Richard Maybury. 2004 edition, paperback, $10.95. A Bluestocking Guide, Political Philosophies by Jane A. Williams. Paperback, $15.95. Published by Bluestocking Press. Please support HomeschoolChristian.com by buying this book from our Amazon affiliate link.
In Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Confused?, Richard Maybury, also known as "Uncle Eric," explains politics and political terms in the United States. Presenting his bias from the start, he calls himself a "juris naturalist," someone who believes in the supremacy of Higher Law, and believes that government should be as small as possible. Mr. Maybury asserts that the Founding Fathers held the same position, and then moves on to discuss the opposite position, statism, which is currently in vogue in our country.
The author creates a diagram to illustrate the political spectrum. Left, center, and right positions are explained through the amount of government encroachment into personal and economic affairs. Example countries are shown on the spectrum, and terms such as communist, socialist, Democrat, Republican, and Fascist are also plotted there. After a discussion of the terms, the failures of communism, and the dangers of fascism, Mr. Maybury adds "juris naturalist" to the spectrum.
"Uncle Eric" then moves on to economics. He contrasts Keynesianism, monetarism, fascism, and Austrian economics. Next, he relates these theories back to liberals and conservatives. He brings in historic information and quotes from the Founding Fathers at many points.
A discussion of law and other terms follows. The author cautions readers to define terms before getting into political discussions, and he raises the issue of bigotry and racism in our country. The text ends with a summary and encouragement to spread the word about reclaiming liberty in the United States. A bibliography, glossary, and index complete the book.
A Bluestocking Guide, Political Philosophies
This sixty-four page guide has several sections per chapter: definitions, short answer questions, essay questions, and books to read for further study. The essay questions invite discussion and disagreement while encouraging the student to back up his opinion with facts. A final exam of fifty questions provides an indication of mastery of the material and documentation for a homeschooling portfolio. A detailed answer section is in the back.
Recommendation: Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Confused? is an outstanding primer for political studies. Parents and children will have much food for thought in this easy-to-read volume that covers much more than just terms. Short chapters allow the student to learn the material a little at a time.
Christian families will find this book an agreeable starting place for discussion. While Richard Maybury does not endorse a particular religion in it, he is straightforward in his presentation that government and everyone else should obey "Higher Law."
The study guide will prove very helpful for families. The questions, of course, provide the student with the opportunity to learn the material, but the real value of the study guide is in starting discussions between the student and his parents and peers. Are You Liberal, Conservative, or Confused? will give all readers a new perspective on the Founding Fathers' goals and how far our country has strayed from their vision.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
HomeschoolChristian.com's Civics and Government Resources Section
Interview with Richard Maybury, author of the Uncle Eric books
Review of Economics, A Free Market Reader by Richard Maybury
Review of Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? by Richard Maybury
Review of Uncle Eric Talks About Personal, Career, and Financial Security by Richard Maybury
Review of The Money Mystery by Richard Maybury
Review of Evaluating Books, What Would Thomas Jefferson Think About This? by Richard Maybury
Review of Ancient Rome, How It Affects You Today
Review of Uncle Eric History books by Richard Maybury
Review of Economics, A Free Market Reader
Review of Whatever Happened to Justice? by Richard Maybury
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