democracy – Scott J. Pearson’s Book Review

American Struggle: Democracy, Dissent & the Pursuit of a More Perfect Union

By Scott J. Pearson | July 17, 2026July 17, 2026 by Scott J. Pearson

Jon Meacham, one of our nation’s leading historians, has chosen the texts of dozens of speeches about American progress across its history and even pre-history. Its story is not one of inevitable progress but progress amidst continual dissent. There have always been strong, powerful voices standing in the way of a more perfect union. Seeing them displayed in this way forcefully suggests that struggle is always needed to propel this nation’s aim of a “more…

A Message from Ukraine: Speeches, 2019-2022 by Volodymyr Zelensky

By Scott J. Pearson | January 26, 2023September 24, 2024 by Scott J. Pearson

Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine in 2022 sent shockwaves through the democratic world. It reminded many of how precarious open, free societies are. As time unfolded, Ukrainian resistance, led by their President Zelensky, proved more formidable than anyone could predict. Most of the free world united behind Ukraine as they fought back Russian gains kilometer by kilometer. Zelensky’s leadership has been admirable. It’ll likely be studied by generations after his time passes, much like Churchill’s…

Biography-Memoir Politics

Give Me Liberty: The True Story of Oswaldo Payá & His Daring Quest for a Free Cuba

By Scott J. Pearson | June 12, 2022June 12, 2022 by Scott J. Pearson

Though politically informed, I am not particularly interested in political books in general, nor about Cuba in particular. My initial interest in this book stemmed from the accolades of its author. At first, the details of Cuban history confused me; then, it enlightened me; then, it moved me; finally, this book ended with my heart to yearn for the Cuban people. Hoffman weaves together many streams in this biography that centrally tells of one man’s…