Beyond the Messy Truth

September 15, 2017
An outspoken political analyst offers concrete suggestions to revive democracy, heal culture wars, and prevent a Trump victory in 2020.CNN political contributor Jones (Rebuild the Dream, 2012, etc.), founder of the social justice organization the Dream Corps, laments the dissension and polarization blighting politics today. Both Democrats and Republicans, he asserts, "have been letting down the American people for a long time," even before "an erratic egomaniac" came to power. "Since both parties are responsible," he writes, "both parties need to look within." Searching for a way forward, Jones aims "to reach out and build some bridges" between liberals like himself and conservatives, whose views he respects. Part manifesto, part manual for activism, the book is enlivened by case histories and personal anecdotes that serve as support for the author's assertions. He believes that the progressive movement, having lost connection to mainstream Americans, "needs to reignite the fight for cross-racial unity among working people." Trump's rhetoric fomented bigotry, causing what Jones terms a "whitelash" against changing demographics and particularly against a black president. But although he recognizes racism within Trump's coalition, Jones does not believe that alone led to his election. He faults Democrats, as well, for Hillary Clinton's defeat, calling for "a pro-democracy movement that can inspire" and not merely critique. The author proposes common projects that may bring opposing sides together: fixing the justice system, ending the opioid addiction crisis, opening up the technology sector to all, and transitioning to a greener economy. In two appendices, Jones offers suggestions of books and videos that can serve as bridge-building resources and a long list of political organizations to help people get involved in change. Although most are liberal and progressive--e.g., Black Lives Matter, Center for Community Change, Planned Parenthood--Jones does include conservative groups, such as the American Enterprise Institute and Compilation: Conservative and Libertarian News Sources. "I am interested in the moral center, not the political center," he writes. Pragmatic, optimistic proposals for an informed and active electorate. Will anyone listen?

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October 1, 2017
Long before the election of 2016, the U.S. was well on its way to becoming a divided country and Jones, a CNN contributing analyst and host of The Messy Truth, had a front-row seat for the changes that were taking place in the populace and in politics. Jones' personal and professional background as a member of the Obama administration and an environmental and social-justice activist, as a Yale-educated lawyer and a child of the rural South, have placed him at every point on the broad spectrum of political discourse. He takes a long view, therefore, of the polarization that now dominates the news, expressing a thoughtful plea for unity amid the entrenched outrage and paralysis that are preventing the passing of important federal legislation and the resolution of democracy-threatening conflicts, and possible obsolescence of our two major political parties. Speaking with heartfelt conviction and clarity of purpose, Jones proffers an achievable pathway to harmony for ideologues of both conservative and liberal persuasions.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)