Lawrence Chickering, pictured at left, is a Yale Scholar who began his career in public policy working for William F. Buckley, Jr. at The National Review. Chickering, who resides in San Francisco, is co-author of Voice of the People with Washinton, DC-based consumer law counsel Jim Turner pictured above and at left.
This is the book that is starting the dynamic new conversation about how American public policy debates can move beyond the static left vs. right patterns of the post-World War II era. PLEASE CLICK HERE to see the book ordering information on Amazon.com. Several traditional progressive thinkers agree with some traditional conservative advocates that there needs to be room for a transpartisan conversation:
"Chickering and Turner want us to look at issues from a new perspective, develop new ways of talking
about differences that may be more illusory than real."
-David A. Keene, Chairman, American Conservative Union
"Voice of the People is a pragmatic invitation to all Americans, regardless
of political persuasion, to work together as citizens to solve the great challenges we face that transcend the current partisan divides."
- Bob Edgar, President, Common Cause
"LIsten to the media or our leaders and too often it will feel
as if we are a deeply divided country. Yet we have vastly more in common than that which separates us. It is time for us to recognize our deep well of common interest and work together with respect and intelligence for our common good."
-Joan Blades, Co-founder of MoveOn.org
"The transpartisan movement has begun to move America
beyond the stale partisan rhetoric and fixed bayonets of past agruments. There are ways to rephrase questions and look anew at old challenges that unite Americans more than they divide us."
- Grover G.Norquist, conservative commentator and President, Americans for Tax Reform
"If the shrill partisan rhetoric of American politics has become poisonous,
then this book is the best antidote. Read it and weep for what America has lost, then read it again and celebrate for what we can find--if only we heed this book's timely advice."
- Mark Gerzon, Author of Leading Through Conflict: How Successful Leaders Transform Differences into Oppportunities,
"Chickering and Turner turn our thinking upside down,challenging
readers to think about issues from public school reform to foreign policy in new ways. At the heart of their analysis is a profound critique of mechanistic thinking that has dominated Western thought for at least three centuries. They present a powerful case for a new humanistic and spiritual politics based on empowering citizens both inside and outside the government . At a time when most people feel only despair about American politics, this book brings a stong source of new hope."
--Michael Murphy, founder of Esalen Institute; author of The Future of the Body and Golf in the Kingdom.
"In Voice of the People, Chickering and Turner have recognized the public's disgust with partisan polarizationand winner-take-all politics and the cost to the country. For all Americans who want to get beyond the labels, work from deeply-held values and join hands to partner on solving the major social and economic issues of our day, Voice of the People is a breath of fresh air."
--Carolyn J.Lukensmeyer, President and Founder America Speaks
"Voice of the People is visionary for outlining steps to move us towards the next stage of political engagent...and it might actually work. Chickering and Turner have outlined real world solutions in the midst of a conceptual paradigm shift. As I read, I wanted to engage the authors in dialogue. More importantly, I can't wait to gather community members to begin a transpartisan dialogue about our local issues."
-- Debilyn Molineaux, pictured at right with her husband Kevin
Community Activist in Fresno, California
and Political Leadership Coach
"Voice of the People is an important, timely, often profound call for more integral politics,in theory and in action. It is the first step towards the creation of a political culture that heals rather than hurts, integrates rather than fragments, and unites rather than divides. If its recommendations were actually put into action, we would see nothing less than a transformation of humanity itself."
-- Ken Wilber, Philosopher and author The Integral Vision
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