Radical Middle: The Politics We Need Now

By Mark Satin

Book Overview

Today, in growing numbers, from kitchen tables to nonprofit organizations to corporate boards, Americans are turning away from the bickering and division of politics as usual and turning toward a new politics-what activist-turned-attorney Mark Satin christens here as "radical middle" politics.Instead of the usual blame games, the radical middle appreciates the genuine and often very reasonable concerns of the left and right, which many of those disillusioned with political partisanship will find refreshing. As the nation heads into the 2004 presidential election, the radical middle dares to propose bold and innovative solutions to problems that affect us all, from health care reform to corporate accountability to the fight against terrorism. Radical Middle offers an innovative yet practical handbook that addresses many of the most vexing social problems of our time. A whole new movement is on the march-the radical middle movement-and this is its manifesto. It shows how to understand politics, how to quiet the din of overheated rhetoric, and how to make modern politics reflect the true expression of rational and creative people everywhere.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0813341906
• ISBN13: 9780813341903
• Release Date: March 2004
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 220 Pages
• Weight: 0.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Readable, Hopeful, Inclusive Future is Possible

One of Mark Satin's most engaging charactistics is his honesty about himself. I have followed him from his first newsletter to his first book "New Age Politics" to his current newsletter and the book by the same title ("The Radical Middle"). He clearly has morphed into something new, which comes through well to me in this book. His writing style is engaging and energetic; he has good documentation; he earnestly believes we need to create something new in our society to replace the extreme polarization we are currently experiencing. He is inclusive and optimistic, believing in each citizen to think independently. His writing is not "academic," but well-researched and well-cited. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for even one glimmer of hope for us as a society with a positive and constructive future! Edryce Reynolds Tacoma, Washington

Highly impressed, greatly needed

"Radical Middle" is several things: The title of Mark Satin's new book being reviewed here, the title of his newsletter, the title of his web site and the name of an exciting new political concept. I have followed Mark Satin for a long time, having been a charter subscriber to his previous newsletter, "New Options" and to his current "Radical Middle" newsletter. And I have read two of his previous books in addition to "Radical Middle." Because of occasional disagreements with some specific content from the current newsletter, I was ready to be skeptical of Mark's new book. But instead, I must admit that I am highly impressed. I believe the book does a thorough job of explaining the Radical Middle concept to readers, regardless of their background, political leanings, or even newsletter subscriber status. In each book chapter, Mark expanded upon past "Radical Middle" newsletter articles and included more nuances and detail, which help to flesh out and explain his positions better. While there were still a few points where I winced, there were many more knowing smiles and nods. In fact, in some cases I found that my position was not that far away from Mark's after all, once I finally understood his position more fully. And even where there remain points of disagreement, I commend Mark for creating, thoroughly explaining and maintaining his voice and his ground. I should also state that I had my wife read the education chapter. She is a former full-time teacher, and currently does some substitute teaching. She had not read any of Mark's past books, newsletters, web site, etc., so had a fresh perspective. And she loved the chapter, agreeing with Mark's central thesis that quality teachers are what great education is all about. The resource lists at each chapter end are also very useful, and I recommend readers to pursue some them to follow up with your own investigations of issues. I am doing so. Overall, I deeply respect how Mark has utilized all his varied life experiences in coming to a mature, organized synthesis of ideas. And in our polarized times, the Radical Middle political concept is exactly what we need to grow from concept to full-fledged reality.

A message of hope...

Ostensibly about politics, Radical Middle is more than that. I appreciate that Mark Satin dares to go beyond the labels and finger pointing to offer us a framework from which we might evolve a new way of managing issues in the public arena. He cuts to the chase of those problems that currently daunt us, problems like declining energy supplies, disengaged youth, random terrorism, and more. He helps us by introducing us to the best ideas of the current thinkers and policy makers in these different arenas, synthesizing and reporting on these ideas in clear, easy-to-read prose. What makes his discourse particularly engaging (and courageous) is the way Satin relates his personal experiences and evolution of thought to the issues. I like the message of hope he weaves into the description of challenges we face as a society, national and global, and the encouragment we can be involved in meeting them. I recommend this book to any activist, public official, business leader, parent, teacher, student or person who truly desires a safer, kinder, more humane world.

Politics for caring human beings

If you're interested in politics, but turned off by polemics; If you worry about public policy, but frustrated by the solutions you hear; If you want to make a difference in the world, but don't know how -- then you have to buy this book. Mark Satin, a recovered sixties counter-culture radical, is giving voice to the previously 'excluded middle' of American politics. He incorporates cutting-edge research from some of the most innovative thinkers in America, while speaking from the heart to "caring persons" from every background. I honestly believe his "radical centrist" approach is the only hope for politics, and it can't come too soon for me. Buy the book, talk about it with your friends, apply it to your life -- help make the future happen sooner.

You've got to be good to make it look easy

I am both smarter and kinder for having read it. This book is written by an intense, strong willed, hard at work, very smart person with a sense of humor (irony, humbleness) and a good heart. Most important, he communicates with small words and clarity the process that he uses to get to his proposals. He teaches his hard-won skills of compassionate yet sharp analysis without ever saying so. As a reader, I can't help but pick up a little of his skill and am doubly grateful for his work product- i.e. the specific proposals on political and social issues which I often but not always agree with- and for his honest teaching of how to seek truth in the political and social realms. Together, these qualities make the book so valuable.