The Butterfly Effect

In this wise and provocative book, Emily Mathews grounds her intelligent policy philosophy in common sense, which is particularly refreshing as our political structure grows increasingly dysfunctional. At a time in our nation's history when the only focus should be the shared goal of productive progress, the author shows why we are in a political standoff that stifles all desire for compromise, represses productive political conversation and prevents our country from being the very...
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In this wise and provocative book, Emily Mathews grounds her intelligent policy philosophy in common sense, which is particularly refreshing as our political structure grows increasingly dysfunctional. At a time in our nation's history when the only focus should be the shared goal of productive progress, the author shows why we are in a political standoff that stifles all desire for compromise, represses productive political conversation and prevents our country from being the very best it can be. Ms. Mathews' innovative thought process collides with her talent for entertaining storytelling. The result is a book you cannot put down. Born and raised in Jasper, Texas, Emily returned to her childhood home in 2004 and was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, a highly anticipated campaign that was ultimately a casualty of the state legislature's bitter redistricting fiasco. During the campaign, she witnessed firsthand the unraveling of our political system, but also became convinced that it is possible to repair shattered hopes, restore honorable motivation and renew the American spirit. Carefully researched and deeply affecting, The Butterfly Effect responds to America's political impasse with a resounding call for a radically transforming approach. At the heart of the book are recommendations on how to move beyond the status quo and build the foundation for a new political vision - one that looks outside the traditional corridors of power and encourages every American to take a more proactive attitude to their government. She writes, The reason true change eludes us is that we always attempt it within a glaringly broken system. The focus is always on changing elements of the system instead of changing the entire system itself. The most beautiful thing about living in America is that we have the freedom and power to create a better future for ourselves without waiting for a piece of elusive legislation to pass. We don't need anyone's permission to define our destiny. The time has come for each of us to honestly question our commitment to the future of this nation. Deep down, do we really want to make the necessary changes or are we satisfied with accepting our current political circus as some sort of perverse entertainment? Will our legacy be something we are proud of or will we forever be known as the former superpower that recklessly relinquished our prominence because we lacked the will to protect it? The greatest privilege of being American is the inherent responsibility we all feel to continually assess our government, our leaders, and our political and moral direction. Without that privilege America would be lost. With it, anything is possible."