Lies The Government Told You

As I read Judge Andrew P Napolitano's book Lies The Government Told You, I thought I was reading one of Steven's Berry's mystery books.  Judge Napolitano does a interesting job in examining what he calls 17 lies that have been either created or perpetuated by the US Government at some level.

Ron Paul in his forward tot he book sets the tone for the book.  He identifies Judge Napolitano as "a passionate defender of liberty who understands that the United States Constitution puts strict limits on federal power."  Ron Paul also argues that Judge Napolitano "does not pull punches or excuse any constitutional violations in order to support any group or political interest."    Unfortunately, that is not completely true, and a critical reading of this fascinating book will point that out.  I believe that bias comes through loud and clear in his introduction and is fleshed out through out the book.  My biggest issue, is that he seems to believe (at times) that the Constitution was written in a vacuum and is a stagnant document.  Much like many people perceive the Bible.  I am not sure that I would agree with that starting point.

While I say that, it is a very interesting and thought provoking book.  I found some of his arguments to be very persuasive, others, well, let's just say that I didn't agree with everything that he wrote.  If you come from the same philosophical bend as Judge Napolitano, then you will be filled with great joy at his presentation.  If you come from a different world view, then you might want to find somebody to talk with this book about.

That is what I liked about it -- it provokes conversation.  I would highly recommend that this book be used for a critical group study, especially one that welcomes multiple points of view.  But just for personal reading, I think I would give it a pass.

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