BOOK REVIEW, Courage to Stand

BOOK REVIEW (325 words)

Pawlenty, Tim.
Courage to Stand.
2010.
Tyndale Publishers.
301 pp.
ISBN 978-1-4143-4572-7
$26.99

---Joanne Conrad Reviewer

Published Midwest Book Review, May 2011, Bookwatch, Joanne's Bookshelf. Also published The Livingston County News, 5/29/11.

One of the top five most highly taxed states in the country? [9] Spending increases averaging 21% every 2 years? [135] Endless government growth a form of tyranny? [136] Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, who joins other Republicans writing books these days, and just recently announced an exploratory committee for the 2012 presidential race, chronicles his Minnesota experiences in Courage to Stand.
Much is about his growing up in South St. Paul, the Armour and Swift stockyards, his humble roots, his religious faith, and messages for individuals, states, and the nation.
During hard times in South St. Paul, the Cold War and nuclear fears piqued his interest in public policy, and, still a teenager, he subscribed to U. S. News and World Report to sate his curiosity. A poignant story portends his lifelong can-do ethic. To supplement their meager income, his father accepted a side job recycling used stockyard meat hooks. It was a sickening task yanking meathooks from bins and rehanging for powerwashing and reuse. They were covered with rotting fat and sinew, covered with flies, and the stench unbearable. He “tossed his cookies” and hoped his father would let him leave. His father, equally abhorred, just looked at him steadily and said quietly, “We have to do this,” an attitude which has guided Pawlenty through life’s challenges. [44-45]
Besides campaigning, he has grappled with a $4.6 billion deficit [6], high taxes, educational reform, health care, Minneapolis bridge collapse, sex offenders, and National Guard deployments. Accused of heartlessness and neglect, he seemed constantly embattled. Unjustly blamed for the parole of a sex offender and the bridge collapse, investigations exonerated him in both cases. His and his wife Mary’s strong religious faith is frequently cited as their strength and solace.
Overcoming undeserved attacks, his accomplishments include: improved National Guard and military support, decreased spending to sustainable levels, Minnesota out of the top 10 in taxation, education reforms that are nation-leading , market based health care reform, and even free but fair trade.[295-6] He concludes that Americans can fix things [298] and that “…the price of freedom tomorrow is the courage to stand today.” [280] Some chapter titles are confusing and there is no index, but it is an interesting autobiography that showcases his strong Christian faith and indomitable nature.
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