Do the Right Thing - Mike Huckabee

I don't usually make it a habit to read books on politics. Personally, I'm tired of hearing about Democrats and Republicans. The only reason I picked up Do the Right Thing, by Mike Huckabee, is because I knew he had run for president, and he was a Christian. I didn't start the book with a very optimistic mind either - but my perspective soon changed.

This is not an ordinary book on politics. This is a simple, clear look at Mike Huckabee's beliefs and goals; simple things he believes need changing in the United States. The subtitle reads, "Inside the Movement that's bringing common sense back to America." The farthest thing from my mind while I was reading was that the author was trying to push his beliefs on me, or ensure that he was elected to president. Instead, he talked theoretically, about things that needed to be done to improve the political situation in America.

His emphasis rested on vertical politics. Vertical politics make the country go up and down, Huckabee claims. He writes that the United States has become too focused on horizontal politics: Democrats vs. Republicans. Instead, politicians need to work together to solve the problems of Americans. After all, in most American's eyes, a politician isn't great if he is Democrat or Republican; he's great depending on what he accomplishes while in office.

Mike Huckabee's ideas are revolutionary. One of the most prominent is rethinking the tax system; something most, if not all Americans would be in favor of. His call was to make April 15th just another sunny spring day. His idea to replace it is called the FairTax - Huckabee didn't come up with this idea, but he is one of it's most ardent supporters. The FairTax wouldn't tax income or property or business. Instead, there would be a tax on the items bought and sold. Thus, taxes would be apportioned by the amount of goods one consumes.

Huckabee also analyzes many other parts of American society and his solutions to them, throughout the course of his book. A large portion is also dedicated to talking about the Huckabee '08 campaign. It was the lowest funded of all presidential campaigns, yet it managed to be the last one standing after John McCain in the Republican arena. Listening to the stories of everyday people along the road who donated to the campaign is a great look in to average Americans, who supported Huckabee with a lot of effort.

Probably the most enjoyable part of this book wasn't the politics. Sure, all of that stuff sounds great, but ultimately I was more interested in hearing about Mike Huckabee's connections and interactions with people - the average people of America. His frugality on the campaign alone speaks volumes. Mike Huckabee is a people's person; a supporter of the people. One of his most ardent campaigners was a truck driver. Another, his daughter. Though the book is likely biased (Mike Huckabee wrote it himself), I felt that these stories, and the support by average Americans, spoke the most about Huckbaee himself.

If you read one book on politics, I recommend this one. Do the Right thing is a simple, clear, and honest volume. It tells the story of the 2008 campaign and it tells what Mike Huckabee thinks this nation needs. I highly recommend that you check this out from your local library and give it a read.