From Hope to Higher Ground
12 STOPs to Restoring America's Greatness, by Mike Huckabee, Jan. 2007


(Click for Amazon book review)

BOOK REVIEW by OnTheIssues.org:

This is the sort of book that OnTheIssues dreams of every politician writing. Huckabee includes details of his issue stances on dozens of issues, including his underlying philosophy and a prescription for individual action. Please read the excerpts below and appreciate that Huckabee is the real thing when it comes to talking about the issues -- unlike most politicians, who hedge and hem and haw, even in their own books.

Huckabee's other two books are interesting reading for voters, but they're not issue-oriented books. Those two books deal with character issues and with personal legacy.

The subtitle of this book is "12 STOPS to Restoring America's Greatness." That central metaphor defines the chapter structure of this book (and plays on the "12 steps" of Alcoholics Anonymous and other self-help programs). Being a pastor, Huckabee advises self-restraint and discipline in 12 realms:

1. STOP being cynical
2. STOP thinking horizontally
3. STOP cheating our children
4. STOP the culture of chronic disease
5. STOP abusing our planet
6. STOP the revenge-based criminal justice system
7. STOP robbing the taxpayers
8. STOP the heat and turn on the light for hot issues
9. STOP the loss of America's prestige at home and abroad
10. STOP moving the landmarks of liberty
11. STOP the loss of good jobs and the erosion of agriculture
12. STOP being a selfish citizen

The main title of the book, "From Hope to Higher Ground", is a play on the title of Bill Clinton's book, "Between Hope and History." Both men were born and raised in the small town of Hope, Arkansas.

-- Jesse Gordon, jesse@OnTheIssues.org, May 2007

OnTheIssues.org excerpts:  (click on issues for details)

Abortion     Pro-life and pro-death penalty, & sees them as far different.     Even Americans who are pro-choice are pro-life.

Corporations     Wal-Mart is case study in genius of American marketplace.

Crime     Commuted death penalty sentence due to problems at trial.     Supports death penalty, but only reluctantly.     Three Strikes based more on revenge than restoration.     Eliminating parole gives no incentive for rehabilitation.

Drugs     Supports drug courts for non-violent drug offendors.

Education     Sends his kids to public school; says other officials should.     Reformed AR education with Smart Start & Next Step.     Incorporate character education into school curriculum.     Authorize & advance more charter schools.     Replace entire school board for failing schools.

Energy & Oil     Kyoto was a mistake, but “Earth in the Balance” is not.     Shouldn’t limit oil production while increasing consumption.     Explore ways to harness nuclear power.

Environment     Conservatives believe in conservation.     The earth is the Lord’s; we are merely its caretakers.     Supported conserving Buffalo River in north AR against dams.

Foreign Policy     Support Israel as strategic ally, but respect Palestine.

Free Trade     Marketplace pushes innovation to top & prices to bottom.     Farm subsidies ok because Europe & Asia do same.

Gun Control     Owns firearms; enjoys hunting; supports 2nd amendment.

Health Care     Focus on health & prevention, not just disease treatment.     STOP the culture of chronic disease via self-discipline.

Homeland Security     Strength is more effective deterrent to war than weakness.

Immigration     Path to citizenship if illegals admit guilt & pay fine.

Principles & Values     Finished Little Rock marathon in 4:38 after 3 years training.     Thermometer leaders just read room; thermostats adjusts room.

Tax Reform     Eliminated AR marriage penalty & capital gains on home sales.     Illustrated hypocrisy with “Tax Me More Fund”.     Supports national flat tax to keep up with globalization.

Technology     More bible; less blogs; more music; less network TV.

War & Peace     Strength is more effective deterrent to war than weakness.     Make sure we finish the job in Iraq and finish it right.

Welfare & Poverty     First Amendment never intended to shut out voices of faith.

Click for quotations from other sources by: Mike Huckabee