Monday, February 15, 2010

Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis, by Jimmy Carter

I originally picked up this book on a whim at the library, but it was actually pretty good. While I don't really agree with Jimmy Carter on a few things politically, I think it is important to understand other people's opinions. He tackles a lot of hot-button issues, such as women's rights, gay marriage, abortion, the death penalty, the environment, and foreign policy. While I don't like how Carter blames Republicans far too much (and doesn't blame Democrats for really anything), I think he has a lot of good points and ideas, and approaches problems with a realistic point of view. Now, it should be noted that Carter talks quite a bit about his faith - both about his past as a Southern Baptist and his separation from the sect as they became more radical. So if you're offended by those sorts of things, don't read this book. He also talks quite a bit about the Carter Center's humanitarian efforts in Africa. This was very interesting to me to learn about the different challenges faced in Africa - from AIDS, hunger, poverty, sanitation and disease. It inspired my African History term paper, which I guess is another bonus!

Details:

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Simon & Schuster (September 26, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743285018
ISBN-13: 978-0743285018