What Reb says about the book

I originally entitled my book “CONSERVATIVES WHO RAISE LIBERAL CHILDREN: How the parenting of one generation shapes the politics of the next,” but after discussions with the publisher, we decided to re-title it to “BORN LIBERAL RAISED RIGHT: How to rescue America from moral decline -- one family at a time.”  The phrase “born liberal” means that we are all born morally liberal -- that is, without moral restraint.

I am not a political expert -- I am a parenting specialist.  In 1998 I took note of the disintegrating moral fiber of our nation and decided to apply my diagnostic skills to find a cure for what ails our society. I wanted to answer questions asked by people across the country. What has happened to America in the last 50 years? Where did we go wrong? Why do so many children raised in good homes grow up with values so different from their parents? Who is responsible for the downturn -- the schools, the entertainment industry, the media? Is our problem rooted in poverty, racism, and a lack of good education, or is it insensitivity, intolerance, and oppressive religion? Can our nation's problems be cured by a government program or will it require something the government cannot give?

The crime rate is up more than 300% since 1960. Sexual assault is up 318% and Illegal drug use has increased 400% in the same period. In 1950 there were 5 known venereal diseases -- now there are over 50 distinct STD’s. A recent study revealed that 1 in 4 teenage girls has a sexually transmitted infection. Our nation is in moral decline, and as a writer and speaker on family life issues, it has not been difficult to assess that the root of the problem is that children no longer grow up with the ability to say NO to their drives and passions. Societies only get out of control when the members lack self‑control.

The book discusses this concept in detail and reveals how parents accidentally fail to develop important character qualities in their children that would strengthen families and society. It also shows how the worldview we develop from our upbringing shapes the way we view politics and culture.

I realize that the title Born Liberal, Raised Right sounds like a parenting book, but it is not.  It is an analytical work that looks at social trends and political philosophies, and reveals how parents, by their style of parenting, create the worldview and character of each generation of adults.

I know it will be a fascinating read -- whether you are a parent or a politician.