Book Review: The Founders' Key by Larry P. Arnn

My wonderful husband was kind enough to guest review this book for me.  I thought this book would be right up his alley when I requested it.  I knew that it would not appeal to me.  So, the following review is from him.

"The Founders' Key" is an academic argument for the United States to reverse its recent history.  The author argues that we must return to adhering to the principles of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and how these two documents are interoperable.  A government state is not included in these documents.

Initially, the book begins with rhetoric that comes across as more "Rush Limbaugh" than a well documented and thoughtful argumentative debate.  Eventually, the author  finds his stride.  Utilizing the words of the United States and Virginia's Declaration of Independence,  the U.S. Constitution, the Virginia and Massachusetts State Constitutions, and the Federalists Papers to strengthen his argument.  I truly enjoyed these moments in the book.  I also appreciated the reference sources available in the last third of the book.

Some major points that I did not enjoy include:
1.  Chapter 6 "Hypocrisy"-- This chapter dealt with the hypocrisies of our framers being defenders of equal rights and then owning other human beings.  To me, the author's content seemed to try in a small way to justify their slave holding positions.  We know some compromise was necessary, but if your true belief is that all men are created equal, you have to put your money where your moth is.  At the least, these men should have freed the slaves they owned.  You lead by example!

2.  I enjoy arguments and debates that are aimed at a broad audience, liberal and conservative alike.  I feel some of the rhetoric in the book will turn off the liberal crowd, the exact audience for which the debate should be aimed.  Most conservatives are already willing to agree with Dr. Arnn's thesis.  Despite my agreement, I feel the religious conservative slant is to evident in the prose to be effective at persuading the other side of the political aisle.

In summary, "The Founders' Key" is not light easy reading.  This is a strong academic interpretation of our country's movement (and the dangers of this movement) away from being true followers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  The reliance on the unelected, unregulated, and unintended "fourth branch" of government has created a movement toward a reliant welfare state and has changed our framers true intents that link these two documents.  The authors points and conclusions are extremely valid, and his quick touch upon a solution is, in my opinion, spot on.  But, will anyone dig deep enough to hear the message?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> 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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”