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Daniel Hannan
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The New Road to Serfdom: A Letter of Warning to America Kindle Edition

by Daniel Hannan (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 212 ratings
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A prominent British conservative warns Americans to stop President Obama from leading their country down the path to European-style socialism.

In March 2009, British conservative Daniel Hannan became a celebrity overnight when he assailed prime minister Gordon Brown on the floor of the European Parliament. The YouTube clip went viral, leading to whirlwind appearances on FOX News and other conservative media outlets. A thoughtful and articulate spokesman for conservative ideas, Hannan is better versed in America's traditions and founding documents than many Americans are. In The New Road to Serfdom, Hannan argues forcefully and passionately that Americans must not allow Barack Obama to take them down the road to European Union–style social democracy. He pleads with Americans not to abandon the founding principles that have made their country a beacon of liberty for the rest of the world.

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  1. Print length
    203 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    HarperCollins e-books
  4. Publication date
    September 28, 2010
  5. File size
    3.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Daniel Hannan...spells out the dangers, brilliantly summarizes the state of play, and showsexactly why the American Constitution both deserves and needs protection from the newruling class.

From the Back Cover

A thoughtful and articulate spokesman for conservative ideas, Daniel Hannan, a conservative British MEP, is better versed in America’s traditions and founding documents than are many Americans. In The New Road to Serfdom, Hannan argues forcefully and passionately that Americans must not allow Barack Obama to take us down the road to European Union–style social democracy. He pleads with Americans not to abandon the founding principles that have made our country a beacon of liberty for the rest of the world. In this updated edition, Hannan explores Barack Obama’s attitude toward Britain and offers an insightful analysis of what it reveals about Obama’s perception of our country, our Constitution, and our exceptionalism.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003V1WSDC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins e-books; Reprint edition (September 28, 2010)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 28, 2010
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 203 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 212 ratings

About the author

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Daniel Hannan

Daniel Hannan

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Daniel Hannan is a writer and blogger, and he has been a member of the European Parliament representing South East England for the Conservative Party since 1999. He graduated with a double first in history from Oriel College, Oxford, and worked as a speechwriter and journalist before standing for election. His previous book, The New Road to Serfdom: A Letter of Warning to America, was a New York Times bestseller. He blogs at www.hannan.co.uk.

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4.7 out of 5 stars
212 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-written and easy to understand. It provides interesting insights into the British political scene and connects history with today. Readers describe it as an uplifting, refreshing perspective and a real eye-opener. The book is accurate and well-researched.

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ReadabilityInsightUpliftingAccuracy
69 customers mention "Readability"69 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and concise. They say it's an important read for all Americans, with the author explaining how the Constitution focuses on individual rights. The book is described as insightful, persuasive, and a must-read for the current times.

"...I find them both to be essential reading to have a better understanding of how Europe reached this point, what 'socialism' means, how systems that..." Read more

"...Brilliantly written. Flows excellent. The whole book is well thought out, continuously building one point upon the next. An easy read. Inspiring...." Read more

"...The writing is eloquent, well reasoned and generally well supported. I'm not surprised that many people liked the book...." Read more

"...The use of the word "Serfdom", as part of the title is quite telling...." Read more

29 customers mention "Insight"29 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides interesting insights into the British history and facts. They appreciate its outside perspective on the political scene in Europe, current trends, and how America is exceptional. The book connects history with today and points out what makes our country great.

"...That is one of the most important and revealing books I ever read, so rich in content that forces a slow reading to make sure nothing of substance..." Read more

"...Full of awesome facts. I love how he compares the American system to the UK Parliament...." Read more

"...It addresses every contemporary issue of our society in the US, why it's evolving the way it is, and gives compelling reasons to end the relentless..." Read more

"...I found his analysis of the EU and U.S. Constitutions particularly interesting...." Read more

8 customers mention "Uplifting"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's view of the United States refreshing and illuminating. They describe it as an eye-opener, passionate but civil, with a sense of pride for the past and melancholy for the present and future.

"...All appointed now, impossible to remove. A real eye opener. He cites hundreds of examples of failed socialist policies...." Read more

"...develop a swelling sense of pride for the past and a deep melancholy for the present/future...." Read more

"...This is an immensely refreshing perspective, well substantiated by factual material...." Read more

"...but not elitist, Principled but not rigidly ideological, passionate but civil...." Read more

6 customers mention "Accuracy"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-researched and accurate. They appreciate the passion and veracity of the writing.

"...He writes well with passion and with veracity." Read more

"...state. As a non-US citizen I think he is bluntly accurate but not overly critical of the direction America is headed in and why it will fail...." Read more

"...This is an immensely refreshing perspective, well substantiated by factual material...." Read more

"Great book with true and meaningful paralellels..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Pablo R. Vitaver
    5.0 out of 5 stars It can't get much clearer than this
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Half way into Hayek's classic (and original) Road To Serfdom (RTS), I had to stop. RTS is not a novel or easy reading, it needs to be digested, understood and studied. That is one of the most important and revealing books I ever read, so rich in content that forces a slow reading to make sure nothing of substance (of which there is a lot) is wasted in a quick turning of pages. As an intermission, I decided to jump to this New RTS, for a (what I thought it would be) a current version of the same book. Reading TNRTS is much simpler because it is written for us by a contemporary Author that expresses his ideas in elegant, simple and direct language. He is a Brit and a Parliamentarian with full understanding of history, the reality of Europe and of USA. This makes him a particularly valuable observer of the trends that are modifying the course of history in America away from our founding principles. He is talking to us 'from' the place our liberals set as the destination for America. He is already there.... and he can see how we are fast approaching, therefore the warning. As a new American myself (25 years since talking the citizenship oath) I understand Hanna's 'motivation' in writing this book (beyond the contents) with additional ease: America needs to remain America not just for us, but for the entire world to have a real example of a people who dared to live the dream, that the individual really counts, that initiative + risk + effort is allowed, respected and rewarded, that the power does in fact reside with the People and not some king or tyrant (even if 'democratically' elected,like Hitler), that there is hope, that men can be trusted with designing, deciding and running their own lives. All this is a need for the whole world, not just for us, the luckiest people in the planet citizens of the only truly honorable and principled nation in history. You can sense the deep love and respect Hanna has for our Founding Documents and the purest American traditions and spirit. I recommend this book to everyone, no matter what your convictions, they will be better after reading it. They add the observations and historical perspective of a well educated and experienced individual who is warning America not to become like them. This book is not a replacement for Hayek's classic RTS, but a compliment. I find them both to be essential reading to have a better understanding of how Europe reached this point, what 'socialism' means, how systems that apparently oppose each other (I.e. Nazism and Communism) are basically identical, and why is so important to keep a clear mind, understand the true concept of liberty, and why excellent people with the best intentions and purest feelings, can bangle it all up.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Daryl L. Caudill
    5.0 out of 5 stars I just read this whole book in one sitting (6 hours)
    Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Wow!

    Daniel Hannan understands American politics better than our own politicians! Full of awesome facts. I love how he compares the American system to the UK Parliament. I'm shocked to learn brit's no longer able to vote for judges, sheriffs, school officials, etc. All appointed now, impossible to remove. A real eye opener. He cites hundreds of examples of failed socialist policies.

    He makes many arguments by example why we do NOT want to turn into a European style government. He brutally and candidly points out the failings of the brit's system, and then shows how Obama and the socialist progressives are going right down the same dismal path. He's clear and to the point, reminds me of Gov. Chris Christie. A bold fresh view from across the pond.

    I was surprised to hear the average brit has disdain for the American Christian Right. Liberals over there have been attacking conservatives and christians for much longer than in the states. They have taken entitlements to beyond extreme, destroying their country. Daniel will catch holy hell by his fellow brits for this book!

    I'm taking this book to work tomorrow, to find somebody else that wants to read it. This is one of the best books I've read in years, and I read them all. I put this one up there with "The Great One's" Mark Levin "Liberty and Tyranny", another book I read in one sitting.

    Brilliantly written. Flows excellent. The whole book is well thought out, continuously building one point upon the next. An easy read. Inspiring. I'm still smiling. I might read this again!
    255 people found this helpful
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  • William Whipple III
    4.0 out of 5 stars Can it be this simple?
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    Hannan was elected to the European Parliament in 1999, at the age of 27, and has been re-elected twice. Given his lack of enthusiasm for the European Union, he must spend a lot of time arguing with his colleagues.

    A bit of this flavor is conveyed on page 79. "I have lost count of how many times I have had variants of the following conversation with my fellow MEPs or with Commission officials." The conversation begins with Hannan pointing out a problem, e.g., unemployment, with the response being that a resolution on point has been adopted. It matters not whether the resolution has proved effective, because the object is recognition versus a solution.

    In the UK, as elsewhere, the EU government is increasingly setting policies that the national governments then carry out. Thus, at p. 24: "My own country is now largely administered, not by MPs or local councilors, but by what we call quangos: Quasi-Autonomous Non-Governmental Organizations."

    And while the British, French, Germans, etc. lack interest in the EU government, they have lost confidence in their national governments. The situation has gone so far - with isolated exceptions, such as Switzerland, which remains happily independent - as to be irreversible. Expect declining birth rates, massive immigration, and the growth of increasingly disaffected ethnic groups that live off the welfare state while seeking to disrupt and topple it.

    Addressing America with reverence, Hannan suggests that you started out on a better path with a government of enumerated powers, federalism, etc. - but now seem to be making the same mistakes that we did. Our present is your future, unless you wake up in time. If you become just like the rest of us, the world will be the worse for it.

    And what is the driving force for what has been happening? With regard to Europe, Hannan suggests a positive rationale: the initial drive for a European Union was motivated by a vision by uniting Europe so that another general conflict such as racked the continent so many times could never happen again. (One could make a similar argument for globalization, although this point is not developed.)

    Bigger is not necessarily better, however, as captured by a quote from Aristotle at the start of Chapter 5. "To the size of the state there is a limit, as there is to plants, animals and implements, for they can none of them retain their natural facility when they are too large."

    Moreover, the preference of the "political class" for expanding the size and reach of government, while inevitably undermining private initiative, is attributed to self-interest. "After all, if the American system were better - if people and businesses could thrive without government supervision - there would be less need for politicians." Page 84.

    The writing is eloquent, well reasoned and generally well supported. I'm not surprised that many people liked the book. However, it is somewhat surprising that not one review has been written that takes issue with Hannan's points.

    Surely, many Americans hold very different views. The absence of critical reviews suggests that Hannan is preaching to the choir. That's a pity, because his book deserves a wider audience.
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Gregory Mason
    5.0 out of 5 stars The NHS is awful and this has some nice sources to prove that point
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 10, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    If only my own country of England would heed these words. Alas, I fear it will not come to pass.

    The NHS is awful and this has some nice sources to prove that point.
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  • J. Rupp
    4.0 out of 5 stars Amerika, hast Du es noch besser?
    Reviewed in Germany on March 8, 2012
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    Der britische Politiker und Publizist Daniel Hannan, der als konservativer Abgeordneter dem Europaparlament angehört, wendet sich mit diesem Buch an die Bürger der Vereinigten Staaten. Er warnt sie vor einer Einschränkung ihrer Freiheit und Unabhängigkeit, welche durch eine zunehmende "Europäisierung“ des Landes verursacht wird.
    Hierbei lässt Hannan von Anfang an keinen Zweifel daran aufkommen, dass er selbst ein großer Bewunderer der amerikanischen Demokratie ist. Sein proamerikanischer Ansatz unterscheidet sich wohltuend vom linken und rechten Antiamerikanismus, wie er in Deutschland und weiten Teilen Europas anzutreffen ist.

    Für den Autor stellen die USA eine Ausnahmeerscheinung dar. Ihr grundlegendes Dokument ist die Verfassung, welche die Basis für das politische System und den freiheitlichen Wertekanon bildet. Die politische Philosophie und die politische Kultur, die sich in der amerikanischen Verfassung manifestieren, beruhen für Hannan im Wesentlichen auf britischen Vorbildern. In der "Neuen Welt“ wurden diese allerdings konsequenter umgesetzt als in ihrer Heimat.
    Gründungsväter wie Thomas Jefferson haben dafür gesorgt, dass sich die Demokratie in Amerika möglichst dezentralisiert und umfassend verwirklichen kann. Sie beruht auf einem breiten Fundament, welches die Bürger bereits auf der lokalen Ebene stark einbindet. Natürlich gab es in der Verfassungspraxis immer wieder Abweichungen und Mängel, die aber im Verlauf der Zeit behoben oder abgemildert werden konnten. Bis heute sind die Vereinigten Staaten ein Leuchtturm der Freiheit in der Welt geblieben. Ihre Außenpolitik wird nicht nur von realpolitischen Zwängen und Interessen bestimmt, sondern in ihr spiegeln sich auch die Werte und Ideale der amerikanischen Republik wider.

    Solche Errungenschaften sind für Hannan keine Selbstverständlichkeit. Sie müssen stets gegen Anfeindungen von innen und außen verteidigt werden. So wurden in der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts große Anstrengungen unternommen, um die Kompetenzen und Befugnisse des Bundes auszudehnen. Die einzelnen Bundesstaaten gerieten ins Visier einer von Washington dominierten Regulierungswut, die sich bewusst über lokale Verhältnisse hinwegsetzte.
    In den letzten Jahren wurde dieser Trend noch verstärkt, weil Teile der politischen Elite und der Bundesbürokratie damit begannen, sich an europäischen und internationalen Vorbildern zu orientieren. Dabei sind gerade die EU und ihre Mitgliedsstaaten alles andere als vorbildlich. In den Bereichen der Sozial-, Wirtschafts-, Außen- oder Sicherheitspolitik agieren die EU-Bürokraten und die politische Klasse der Mitgliedsstaaten höchst problematisch. Sie kümmern sich nicht um die Ansichten ihrer Bürger, sie entziehen sich ihrer Verantwortung gegenüber dem Wähler und sie begnügen sich meistens mit einer unverbindlichen Symbolpolitik und umgehen die Härten der Realpolitik. Sie verwechseln Rhetorik mit Realität und pflegen eine selbstgerechte Gesinnungsethik.

    Das amerikanische und das europäische Modell stehen sich im Grunde unvereinbar gegenüber. Deshalb ist es für Hannan wichtig, dass sich die konservativen Kräfte in den Vereinigten Staaten gemeinsam für eine schmale Regierung und eine niedrige Besteuerung einsetzen. Wie die Tea-Party-Bewegung belegt, sind derartige Forderungen in der Bevölkerung durchaus populär und mehrheitsfähig.
    Leider versäumt es Hannan, die linksliberalen Gegenkräfte näher aufzuzeigen, die sich seit der zweiten Hälfte der sechziger Jahre formiert haben. Der hieraus resultierende Kulturkampf hat große Teile der Demokratischen Partei, der Medien und der Universitäten schon europäisiert. Sozialdemokratische und grüne Vorstellungen, wie sie in Europa vorherrschend sind, beeinflussen heute in erheblichem Umfang die amerikanische Politik und Gesellschaft. Mit Barack Obama, der dem linken Flügel der Demokraten angehört, wurde diese Entwicklung bereits bis ins Weiße Haus getragen.
    Insoweit kommt die Warnung des Autors an die Amerikaner doch etwas spät. Sollte es einem Republikaner in diesem Jahr jedoch gelingen, die Präsidentschaft zu gewinnen und eine zweite Amtszeit von Präsident Obama zu verhindern, wären die Ausführungen von Daniel Hannan vielleicht doch noch nicht zu spät geschrieben worden. Es wäre den Vereinigten Staaten und der westlichen Welt zu wünschen.

    Jürgen Rupp
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  • gary killeen
    1.0 out of 5 stars One Star
    Reviewed in Canada on September 26, 2017
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    good eye opener
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2016
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    Hannan still in good form!
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  • Ian
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very good advice for the US
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Daniel Hannan is one of the only Tories left, one day hopefully he will be Prime Minister.
    An honest M.P. who tells it like it is, just what the Westminister Village Establishment certainly do not want to hear.
    His advice for the US would be very good advice here
    One person found this helpful
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