Grover Norquist's recent book, Leave Us Alone, should be put on your reading list. It is packed with useful information presented with unusual clarity. It is such an easy read I went through it over a weekend.

This is a book about politics in America. Norquist—the President of Americans for Tax Reform—argues there are two great coalitions struggling for control of government. They are the "Takings Coalition" and the "Leave Us Alone Coalition". After defining these coalitions, he weaves a lucid outline of the American political scene, including history, policy, tactics, demographic trends, and possible outcomes.

The book initially appears partisan as it has a clear “Republican good"/“Democrat bad" flavor to it. This is a little bit misleading, since the conflict discussed is really between the interest groups both political parties tend to represent. Norquist criticizes Republicans who have not advanced the cause of the Leave Us Alone Coalition, either in terms of policy or in terms of poor political presentation of policy. Winning an election is a means to an end, not an end in itself.

The book presents a game plan to unseat Democratic incumbents who support big government. Privatization of Social Security accounts and establishment of medical savings accounts are part of creating the ownership society discussed earlier in the Bush Administration. These are sellable ideas that can move people away from government dependency. There is also a long and coherent addressing of Federal tax policy and helpful ideas on how to reform and reduce the tax bite.

The problem is getting those who naturally support a “leave us alone worldview” to recognize the common themes in their coalition and concentrate on bringing them to the attention of the electorate. Any one who violates basic rules such as opposition to tax hikes needs to be thrown over the side so that a clear branding of ideas exists in the minds of voters. I know Grover has worked tirelessly on trying to achieve this. I believe his game plan will work. I can only hope more people will adopt it.

-GIR-

Tracy Ryan is a past Chair of the Libertarian Party of Hawaii and was their candidate for Governor in 2002. Active in the community, she has also been involved with issues as diverse as fighting the van cams and the reform of drug and prostitution laws. She has also served on the Makiki Neighborhood Board and as president of her condo association.