An Unlikely Conservative: The Transformation of an Ex-Liberal [Or How I Became the Most Hated Hispanic in America]

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring life story, educational political story
Review: (Full disclosure: One of Linda Chavez's friends and former colleagues, mentioned several times in this book, is a friend of my wife's and mine as well. I've never met Miss Chavez, however -- though, after reading this book, I wouldn't mind doing so someday.)

In the whole vast array of American culture, few people are as morally represensible as those who insist that a person's race or ethnicity (or sex or sexual preference) MUST inevitably define their world view and, more to the point, their politics. Linda Chavez "became the most hated Hispanic in America" by maintaining -- and, worse, passionately and effectively defending -- ideas that are out of step with what we're told Hispanics are "supposed to" believe.

But this book is a biography, not a political tract. Miss Chavez tells us her life story, focusing on her evolution from Young People's Socialist League-member in the 1960s to highly-visible neocon today. Along the way, she gives us a moving portrayal of her family's climb out of poverty, her devotion to family and friends (and theirs to her), an inside look at political activism on both the left and right, and -- no small thing -- one of the most damning portrayals of 1970s campus radicalism since David Horowitz.

In keeping with her theme of "the transformation of an ex-liberal," the pace of Miss Chavez's narrative picks up somewhat once she becomes an ex-liberal. The actively political period of her life seems rather rushed compared to the earlier sections of her book, as though the author was in a hurry to get to, and through, the story of her withdrawn nomination as Labor Secretary after the 2000 election. If Miss Chavez had chosen to flesh out this portion of her life a bit more, I'm sure it would have been just as interesting as the rest of her story turned out to be.

This book reveals a lot about the real nature of American politics, and much of it isn't very pretty. But it also reveals something about the cliché-ridden, often derided, idea of the "American dream." And that part of the story is very attractive indeed.

Rating:
Summary: A Courageous Woman
Review: From her politics to her religion, Linda Chavez writes an inspiring book about being true to yourself and sticking up for what you believe. She writes passionately about how her life experiences have shaped her views on two of the most controversial issues today, bilingual education and affirmative action. Linda Chavez has seen first hand the negative effects that bilingual education has on immigrant children by denying them the single most important skill needed to succeed in the United States, the ability to speak english. Also the negative effects of affirmative action, by giving minorities special preferences on the basis of ethnicity or skin color, instead of on merit. Many who have benefited from affirmative action are unable to complete college or are unable to meet the skillsets required in their jobs, and their accomplishments are viewed with skepticism, often by those who strongly support affirmative action. Read why her experiences have lead her to be one of the most outspoken critics of these two issues.

Rating:
Summary: A Courageous Woman
Review: From her politics to her religion, Linda Chavez writes an inspiring book about being true to yourself and sticking up for what you believe. She writes passionately about how her life experiences have shaped her views on two of the most controversial issues today, bilingual education and affirmative action. Linda Chavez has seen first hand the negative effects that bilingual education has on immigrant children by denying them the single most important skill needed to succeed in the United States, the ability to speak english. Also the negative effects of affirmative action, by giving minorities special preferences on the basis of ethnicity or skin color, instead of on merit. Many who have benefited from affirmative action are unable to complete college or are unable to meet the skillsets required in their jobs, and their accomplishments are viewed with skepticism, often by those who strongly support affirmative action. Read why her experiences have lead her to be one of the most outspoken critics of these two issues.

Rating:
Summary: Another Republican Lawn Jockey
Review: It is sad that Linda Chavez even had to write this book. Regrettably, however, the radical Left has successfully branded anyone who rejects socialist nostrums and desires to minimize the importance of race and ethnicity in American politics as a traitor to their roots. Chavez is often treated rudely and contemptuously for merely advocating the principle that all citizens should be judged on merit and not on the color of their skin. She suffered occasional prejudice as a Hispanic child growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Also, like many other children of ethnic parents--she never learned to speak the so-called native tongue. The dominant culture of the United States is a melting pot that fortunately assimilates its immigrants in a relatively short time. So much so, Linda Chavez later even marries a man of Jewish descent. She shares with the reader these assimilationist challenges that many other ethnic groups of lighter pigmentation had a much easier time to resolve. Racism does exist in our country, but Chavez is confident that America possesses the democratic institutions that are able to overcome bigotry and unjust discrimination.

The author early on in her adult years took for granted that the Democrat Party best represented the hopes and aspirations of the Hispanic community. She eventually realized that this mindset left much to be desired. Thus, her journey as "the most hated Hispanic in america" begins and her life would never again be the same. We learn about her experiences with the administration of Ronald Reagan and the present one of George W. Bush. Linda Chavez sees first hand how the Liberal political establishment advocates educational policies that unintentionally cause far more harm than good. Not everything goes smoothly, and Chavez endures the pitfalls of running for political office and accepting a cabinet post. Linda Chavez is still a relatively young woman and will not be disappearing off the national stage anytime in the near future. This book will do much to help you to understand how much more she has to offer her fellow Americans. An earlier community reviewer mentioned that "An Unlikely Conservative" also serves as a profound work of history. I agree completely with this opinion.

Rating:
Summary: AN EXAMPLE OF TRUE COMPASSION
Review: Linda Chavez is indeed an "unlikely conservative." Her Hispanic roots in Albuquerque, her tumultuous family life, her chaotic married life to a Jewish husband she loves very much, her experiences as a caring mother, her accounts of affirmative action at the University of Colorado and at UCLA, her up-close-and-personal days as a teacher of troubled young people, her labor-union days, her civil rights advocacy, her religious experiences in the Catholic church, her candid account of her nomination to Sect. of Labor by Pres. George W. Bush -- all are spelled out in fascinating detail.

While reading the book, I not only felt that I had taken a peek into Ms. Chavez's personal life, but I also felt I had relived an important part of our country's history. Ms. Chavez's attention to detail, her recall of names, and her descriptions of behind-the-scenes political maneuvering brought back pieces of history that I had either forgotten or had never known.

AN UNLIKELY CONSERVATIVE is an excellent read and offers vital insights into the political world. Ms. Chavez's descriptions of her life is both unpretentious and straight-forward. Any reader would benefit from reading her book to find out how she changed from being an active supporter of the Democratic Party to becoming a leading Republican proponent of conservatism.

Rating:
Summary: Assimilation or affirmative action?
Review: Linda Chavez's autobiography in effect conveys three arguments against affirmative action. First, to affirm one group requires that group to be stereotyped. Chavez shows that she is at times stereotyped as a Mexican, as a minority, and a `gabacho' (a derogative term for whites used by some of her Chicano students). She benefits from the special attention and aid she receives when she is portrayed as a minority, and offended when she is casually dismissed as a stereotype. Does it matter, for instance, that she did not speak Spanish at home? Does she still qualify as a Latino or Chicano? With a Jewish husband does she lose her right to claim her Latin heritage?

Second, if affirmative action results in admission to college or to employment, what happens when the person is unable to do the job? Does affirmative action guarantee selection and permanent employment? Many who benefit from affirmative action are not destined. But what about those who accept the opportunity presented by affirmative action but not the responsibility? Chavez chafes at just such students in her teaching experience at the University of Colorado. She survives a classroom revolt and death threats.

Third, affirmative action leaves us with questions as to who should benefit and who should pay? As the middle-class daughter of middle-class parents should she is denied aid which apparently goes to the daughter of wealthier minority parents, simply because Chavez can't speak Spanish. She suffers and other, poor taxpayers pay. Should affirmative action be directed towards income inequity or ethnic injustices?

This book is less a story of conversion than it is a story of assimilation. Because Chavez is the product of an Anglo mother and a Latino father, she is hard to stereotype. And as the product of a rancorous home life, she is a survivor and a striver. Fair enough to pass as an Anglo, and good-looking enough to model, she receives some of the benefits of `white privilege' while also earning the disparagement of the affirmative action `purists'.

More important, Chavez shows that she is a unique, multi-faceted person, difficult to stereotype. The losses in her life, especially in her family, color and explain her story more than her ethnic heritage or political affiliations. Her `conservative' views rankle liberals promoting a social agenda based on simplified, inappropriate stereotypes. The story tends to drag out at times yet real life is not always exciting or expected to read like a novel.

Rating:
Summary: A Very Pleasant Journey
Review: Ms. Chavez is a wonderful writer. She's been through alot and describes her journey in very realistic terms. For those of you who would like to form your own opinion, please read the book. It's great!

Rating:
Summary: The American Dream
Review: My wife read the book and told me I should do so. It was impressive to see this woman use the experiences of her past..good and bad..to grow into someone who is successful, respected, and most of all Brave and Courageous.

I admire the way she learned to think for herself, use her talents and ideas and find a path that often eludes many. I doubt I would be so clear thinking as she and I doubt I would be brave enough to write about the adventures along the way.

She represents all that is truly good about our Great Country and all that is available to those who really want to achieve a better life. She took her experiences, both happy and sad, and built upon them. Despite serious disadvantages in her early life, she worked hard to advance and used her intelligence to think cleary and create her own set of beliefs and ideals.

She has certainly shown us that by working hard, overcoming barriers, and by facing challenges one can still grow and bravely face those who are lining up against you. When in the end you have the respect of your friends and the public..and you can look around at those who were not brave enough to strike out and think on their own and do for themselves, the very ones who attack her daily..those who are still stuck in their own quagmires, it makes one truly think. This amazing Lady is an example of What ONE COULD BE if one has only the Courage to ignore those who say your time has not come. More people need to read this inspiring book ...maybe those very people who are still in the same old place despite years of phony promises..perhaps it is time for them to strike out and stop thinking they cannot achieve what this Brave and Courageous Lady has!

Rating:
Summary: The American Dream
Review: My wife read the book and told me I should do so. It was impressive to see this woman use the experiences of her past..good and bad..to grow into someone who is successful, respected, and most of all Brave and Courageous.

I admire the way she learned to think for herself, use her talents and ideas and find a path that often eludes many. I doubt I would be so clear thinking as she and I doubt I would be brave enough to write about the adventures along the way.

She represents all that is truly good about our Great Country and all that is available to those who really want to achieve a better life. She took her experiences, both happy and sad, and built upon them. Despite serious disadvantages in her early life, she worked hard to advance and used her intelligence to think cleary and create her own set of beliefs and ideals.

She has certainly shown us that by working hard, overcoming barriers, and by facing challenges one can still grow and bravely face those who are lining up against you. When in the end you have the respect of your friends and the public..and you can look around at those who were not brave enough to strike out and think on their own and do for themselves, the very ones who attack her daily..those who are still stuck in their own quagmires, it makes one truly think. This amazing Lady is an example of What ONE COULD BE if one has only the Courage to ignore those who say your time has not come. More people need to read this inspiring book ...maybe those very people who are still in the same old place despite years of phony promises..perhaps it is time for them to strike out and stop thinking they cannot achieve what this Brave and Courageous Lady has!

Rating:
Summary: The best book on California education
Review: This is an awesome book that covers many issues, but as an author of a book on California politics, I would not have been able to write about English language issues in K-12 without this incredible resource.

Linda Chavez has written "the" book for all parents and all voters who want to understand, first-hand, how the Left tricks the rules in the battle over English-only instruction in schools, and those who use race-over-reason to defend bilingual classroom instruction.

The state of California had gone from award-winning public education status 30 years ago, to a dreadful 48th out of 50 in scholastic aptitude today. Much of this condition can be attributed to leftist Democrats, and teacher's unions, who savor power over what is best for children.

California in 1998 overwhelmingly passed Proposition 227 (English-only) into law. Funny how this works. A millionaire businessman, Ron Unz, saw a need and responded to the FACT that poor working-class Latino parents were appalled by the lack of opportunity for their children who speak only Spanish in the world's richest English-speaking country.

Linda brilliantly lays out how the Left worked to demonize Unz, and anyone else who opposed bilingual education. Linda also demonstrates in this book, how California Democrats, instead of looking out for parents, millions of immigrant children who want to learn English (the "keys to the kingdom), and frustrated educators - ignored the will of the people.

The book is timeless as the battle over English literacy in schools continues.

I highly recommend this book as well as the articulate and well-researched content brought forth by a dedicated soldier who, for all the false criticism, continues to place her passion for fact over fiction in her writing.

The truth doesn't make the loudmouths on the Left happy. Nothing new there.

Nice job Linda! Keep up the good work.

Patrick Mallon
Political columnist and author