What Works by Cal Thomas

Subtitle is Common Sense Solutions for a Stronger America (Zondervan).

Have you seen the 1993 movie, Groundhog Day, in which Bill Murray's character is caught in an alternative reality? If not, you need to know that Murray is a TV weatherman who relives the same day over and over again, February 2, Groundhog Day. Nothing is new. Nothing is different---just same old same old---day after day. That's what Cal Thomas says is happening these days in our nation's capital.

Liberals want one thing. Conservatives want another. And the president is not listening to anybody. Name calling and character assassination are the order of the day. One statement the author made that struck home for me: "Imagine what might happen for America if Congress and the president awakened to the possibilities of discovering ways to repair our broken economy and culture instead of constantly competing for political advantage; of pursuing what works rather than repeating what hasn't worked and can't work" (page 292).

If you aren't familiar with author Cal Thomas, you should know that he is a conservative columnist. However, he says it's not about conservative or progressive but about common sense. Let's look at what's worked in the past and use those tried-and-true techniques to solve today's problems. It sounds simple enough, but our elected representatives seem bent on blaming the opposite side for our problems rather than working together to solve them.

The book is well-written and easy to understand. It is not a rant. It is a thoughtful, reasoned discussion of how we can restore America's strength. We don't have to be like Bill Murray, fighting the same battles over and over again. We can insist that our elected representatives do something to solve our problems, not spend all their energy on getting re-elected.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan as part of the Booklook Bloggers  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”