Whose Freedom? The Battle Over America's Most Important Idea

“Framing the political battle in America (and across the globe, really) around the idea of freedom, Lakoff focuses attention on what really is at stake in the trench-bound war of attrition we call contemporary politics: continued expansion of human freedom or a retreat to an elite-run distopia, a kind of knaves’ old world in brave new world clothing.”

Alternet site

“Illegal immigrant: A loaded political term used by beneficiaries of globalization who are caught up in the fog of “culture war.” While referring to immigrants who violate the letter of the law as “illegal” is technically correct, the terminology sheds more heat than light.”

Immigration story

“[Lakoff] makes a very persuasive argument that Democrats have allowed Republicans to hijack words such as “freedom” and “liberty” in fundamental ways that have undercut Democrats’ credibility.”

Chicago Tribune story

“On July 14 I had the honor of interviewing Dr. George Lakoff about his new book, Whose Freedom?: The Battle over America’s Most Important Idea. A follow up to his last book, Don’t Think of an Elephant, Dr. Lakoff’s new book offers insights into why progressives seem to be losing their version of America. The book also suggests ways to fight back and reclaim the notion of freedom, and the country as a whole, for traditional American values.

It was clear that Dr. Lakoff was excited to get his message out to the blogs. When I told him I was nervous he immediately rejected my claim to be “only a blogger.” We discussed the role of language and ideas in forming our ideologies, his favorite Democrat Barack Obama, and the role of blogs in our national identity. Dr. Lakoff has an important contribution to make to the progressive movement and his ideas should inform the progressive blogosphere as it struggles to protect America from the regressive conservativism of today’s Republicans.”

Brint It On! Blog

For more than two centuries, Americans demanded successive expansions of freedom — progressive freedom. Expansions of voting rights, civil rights, education, public health, scientific knowledge, and protections from fear and want: These all made us freer to follow our dreams. These were the ideals of freedom that I grew up with. They are now all under threat, not by guns or bombs, but an under-the-radar redefinition of freedom and liberty to suit right-wing ideology.

– Boston Globe

Lakoff shows how progressives can reclaim the political narrative—and, in the process, change our country and our world for the better.

–Arianna Huffington, syndicated columnist and author of Fanatics & Fools: the Game Plan For Winning Back America

If you’re a liberal who has never read Lakoff, you might find this book as revelatory as I and many others found Moral Politics years ago.

– Michael Tomasky, Washington Post Book World

Lakoff offers crucial lessons in how to counter right-wing demagoguery. Essential reading in this neo-Orwellian age of Bush-speak.

–Robert Reich

I learned a lot from Lakoff. You will too.

–George Soros

Few words evoke more emotion or debate in this country than the word, freedom. Our founding fathers intended for it to be that way. And ever since, progressive political leaders have attempted to interpret and employ the concept of freedom and its relevance to American public policy debates. Arguably, President Franklin Roosevelt described it most eloquently and succinctly in his “Four Freedoms” of speech and worship and from want and fear.

George Lakoff’s new book is as enjoyable to read as it is important to understand. It comes at a critical time for our country. Because freedom has always been a progressive concept, it is time for progressives to reclaim the word and its meaning in today’s context. Mr. Lakoff shows us how.

–Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle