Straight Shooting: What's Wrong With America and How to Fix It

By John R. Silber

Book Overview

Our society is in trouble and we all know it. Most of us know the symptoms. And now it isn't ourselves we worry about so much as our country. What symptoms tell us our society is ill? There are many... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060161841
• ISBN13: 9780060161842
• Release Date: January 1989
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Some Elements Are Still Relevant

I was torn whether to give this book 4 or 3 stars because parts of it are brilliant, while other parts break down in logic. His "predictions" for the future were not exactly on target. Remember this was written in 1989. What caused me to go with 4 stars was the sections that are relevant beyond the date of original publication for the most part, although I don't always agree with him on those issues either. One of the strongest arguments he makes is in his chapter, "the litigious society," where he cites statistics that backup his case that the legal profession is hindering productivity in this nation as a whole. Lawyers have to generate business to continue to exist, resulting in myriad ridiculous lawsuits. "The proliferation of lawyers in the United States is often compared to the situation in Japan, where the total number of lawyers is smaller than the number we graduate from law school each year," he writes. He doesn't just describe the problem, but offers a realistic solution. For the most part, his chapter on the ethics of war is solid. Here again, however, I don't agree with every position he holds, however. His argument on abortion is flawed. His analysis of foreign policy has proven to be inaccurate by things that have taken place since his book was written. In spite of all these "misses," he still has some valid points to make in the book as a whole. Another policy issue that is strong in the book is in the financing of higher education. I don't see why this has never been followed up on in Congress. It sounds feasible. His discussion on tenure was an epiphany for me. In essence he says academe is not the only part of society where it's granted, i.e., that it is implicitely given in other fields. It just isn't recognized as such. Overall this book will make you think.

When philosophers are educators

John Silber's credentials speak for themselves: he is a renowned philosopher and able administration, who has transformed Boston University into an educational powerhouse. In this book, Dr. Silber tackles what he thinks is wrong with America: a preoccupation with material affluence and a degradation of moral and spiritual value. For one, Dr. Silber proposes the (re)introduction of ethical teaching in schools. More, he calls for ethical considerations in all professions. At the heart of his discontent is the general tendency to abstain from rigorous debate and critical thinking. He is thus very careful to add substance and facts to his arguments, which makes his book an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. Regardless of whether one agrees with him, Dr. Silber's criticisms and recommendations need to be taken seriously by those interested in the connection between a country's educational system and its society.The weakest parts of the book are those that deal with foreign policy. His chapter on Central America has little to do with the book's topic ("what's wrong with America") and more to do with the fact that Dr. Silber has served on President Reagan's National Bipartisan Commission on Central America. The conclusions of his chapter on foreign policy appear, with hindsight, to be largely incorrect, though no author could ever be blamed for failing to anticipate the end of the Cold War.More than a decade after its publication, many of this book's recommendations might seem outdated; but what remains is the well articulated link between the health of a county's educational system and its society.

Incisive Observations

Although parts of this book are no longer topical (published 1989), there are some enduring truths here. Dr. Silber is a knowledgeable critic of America's educational structure, and advocates revision from age 3 (educational pre-school) through college (teach substantive subject material to Ed students, not touchy feely soft subjects).Silber cites more sources, with less pedantry, than any writer I can recall. Pithy, relevant, readable.