Introduction
“What You Should Know About Politics… But Don’t” by Jessamyn Conrad is an unbiased guide to the subjects that matter. Her book is an excellent resource for anybody interested in learning more about politics. In this review, I will examine the key issues the book addresses and share my thoughts. Additionally, I will critique Conrad’s writing and analyze how the events of January 6, 2021, and other related events impacted her message.
Important Issues Examined
Healthcare
In my opinion, the most crucial policy subject explored in the book is healthcare. Healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be available to everybody. Unfortunately, the existing healthcare system is faulty, and many individuals are unable to receive care. Conrad does a fantastic job in her book of describing the complexity of the healthcare system and the policy options that may address the challenges.
While the concept of universal healthcare is an essential lesson from the book, it is not the only one. Conrad also explores specific legislative options to achieve universal healthcare access. She addresses, for example, the need for additional support for community health clinics, which are sometimes the only source of care for low-income people (Conrad). She also proposes that politicians consider expanding Medicaid to cover more individuals.
Health Inequalities
Another powerful message from the book is the need to address the underlying causes of health inequalities. Conrad argues that, when it comes to improving health outcomes, healthcare is only one component of the problem. She proposes that governments pay attention to socioeconomic factors that influence health, such as access to nutritious food and secure housing (Conrad). Americans can develop a fairer healthcare system that benefits everyone by addressing these challenges.
Overall, Conrad’s book offers a thorough examination of the medical sector and the policy options that could address its flaws. While universal healthcare is an important concept, it is only one of several policy measures that might contribute to a fairer healthcare system. People can ensure that everyone has access to the care they need by implementing several legislative measures and addressing the root causes of health inequalities.
Less Important Issues
Education
While all the policy issues mentioned in the book are vital, education is the least important to me. The point is not to imply that education is unimportant; rather, it is not as urgent as some other policy areas. Conrad does an excellent job of outlining the challenges confronting the American school system. She emphasizes the attainment gap between socioeconomic groups and the need for additional public school funding. While they are essential topics, they are not as critical as others mentioned in the book, such as healthcare and the effects of climate change.
Book Strengths
Furthermore, I found Conrad’s work to be well-researched and instructive in general. The book provides a decent introduction to the policy topics, but I felt its analysis lacked depth. Conrad briefly examines the many opinions on immigration in the chapter on homeland security.
Book Limitations
Still, she does not give a detailed examination of immigration’s economic and social implications. A more extensive discussion of how immigration affects the labor market across sectors or influences the social adjustment of immigrants and their families, for example, would have made the book more instructive and valuable.
Conrad may also have investigated the historical background of immigration legislation and its evolution over time. Readers would have gained a deeper understanding of the current policy environment and its development. Overall, while Conrad’s work is a good starting point for anyone interested in policy topics, I believe that a more in-depth investigation of the issues would have significantly enhanced its value.
Recommendations for Improvement
Political Context
Next, on January 6, 2021, events marked a watershed moment in the country’s history. The Capitol insurgency not only showed our society’s fundamental differences but also revealed the frailty of our democracy. This tragedy has brought the United States to a crossroads in its history, and it is evident that political change is now more critical than ever.
Conrad could not have predicted the dramatic political changes that have reshaped the political landscape since the book’s most recent update in 2019. For many years, the growth of populism and authoritarianism in the United States has been a source of concern, and it has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Conrad may alter her rhetoric in the fifth edition of the book to reflect the current political atmosphere and emphasize how these hazardous trends undermine American democracy.
Healthcare Crisis Context
She could also investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the political landscape. The epidemic has exposed the flaws in the American social safety net and underscored the critical need for a more robust system to support those in greatest need. Conrad might investigate how the epidemic has exposed the flaws in the political system and how people can use this tragedy to construct a more resilient and egalitarian society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jessamyn Conrad’s book, “What You Should Know About Politics… But Don’t,” is an excellent resource for anyone who enjoys learning more about politics. In this review, I examined the book’s essential themes and offered my thoughts. While the book might need a more in-depth examination of the topics, it remains an instructive and helpful resource. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in becoming more politically aware.
Work Cited
Conrad, Jessamyn. What You Should Know About Politics… But Don’t: A Non-Partisan Guide to the Issues That Matter. Skyhorse Publishing Inc., 2012.