Want a NOOK? Explore Now
As Americans, we face two fundamental questions:
First, are we truly prepared to fight this new war to wipe out terrorism and terrorist regimes, and win it decisively — no matter what sacrifices it requires or how long it takes?
Second, are we once again prepared to teach our children the fundamental principles and values that make this country great — the values that make this country worth fighting for, living for, and dying for?
Sean Hannity is the hottest new phenomenon in TV and talk radio today. His gutsy, take-no-prisoners interviews and commentary on the Fox News Channel's Hannity & Colmes have made him one of cable television's most popular personalities. And his ascendance to the top of the talk radio world with ABC Radio's The Sean Hannity Show has won him a huge and devoted following that includes not only conservatives but anyone else who values straight talk over pandering and excuses.
Now, in Let Freedom Ring, Sean Hannity offers a survey of the world — political, social, and cultural — as he sees it. Devoting special attention to 9/11, the war on terror, and the continuing threat we face at home and abroad, he makes clear that the greatest challenge we have to overcome may not be an attack from overseas, but the slow compromising of our national character. And he asks why, particularly in this time of war, should we entrust our future to the voices of the Left — the very people who have spent decades ravaging so many of our core values and traditions?
Our nation, as Hannity reminds us, was founded on the idea of freedom. And in order to protect our freedoms, he argues, we must stand vigilant against liberal attempts to compromise our strengths. From our military and intelligence forces, to our borders and airports, to our unified commitment to root out terrorists at home and abroad, he reveals how our strongest lines of defense have come under attack — by left-wing voices within our government, media, schools, and elsewhere. And he shows how even domestic issues like taxation, education, patriotism, and the family have been exploited by liberals with their own agendas — with potentially disastrous results.
Filled with the commonsense commentary and passionate argument that have made Sean Hannity the most compelling conservative voice since Rush Limbaugh, Let Freedom Ring is an urgent call to arms. For, as Hannity warns, "We are engaged in a war of ideas. And civilization is at stake."
| Acknowledgments | ix | |
| 1 | Civilization in the Balance | 1 |
| 2 | The Left vs. the CIA | 22 |
| 3 | Coast to Coast, Border to Border | 44 |
| 4 | Daschle, Democrats, and Defense | 68 |
| 5 | Threatcon Delta | 86 |
| 6 | The Pledge, the Declaration, and Patriotism | 113 |
| 7 | Setting Parents Free | 142 |
| 8 | I'm Pro-Choice | 170 |
| 9 | Long Live the Porcupine Caribou! | 187 |
| 10 | The Taxman Cometh, and Cometh, and Cometh | 206 |
| 11 | Winning the Political Wars | 228 |
| 12 | Winning the Media Wars | 255 |
| 13 | What Really Matters | 272 |
| Notes | 297 | |
| Index | 327 |
First things first: I'm a New Yorker.
It's not just home -- it's who I am.
I was born and raised here. I grew up on Long Island, in Franklin Square, and went to Catholic schools for twelve years here. I am a New Yorker in every way. I was born combative. I love Sabrett hotdogs. I have a thick accent, which I didn't realize until I began to travel a bit in my early twenties and started working in places like Rhode Island, California, Alabama, and Georgia. But I came back to the Big Apple because my roots are here. It's where I've chosen to settle down with my wife, Jill, raise my kids, and make my career.
I love New York. I love every cliché about this wild, wacky, wonderful city. And they're all true. Sure, it's loud. And brash. And bright. And gritty. Sure, everyone here thinks he lives at the center of the universe. So what? We do.
People don't dream all their lives of escaping the hellish countries they live in and pay their life savings to underworld types for the privilege of being locked up in a freezing, filthy, stinking container ship and hauled like cargo for weeks until they finally arrive in ... Moscow ... or Beijing ... or Baghdad ... or Kabul.
People risk their lives to come here -- to New York. The greatest city in the world, where dreams become reality.
Why shouldn't they? It's a city of immigrants and indigents. Busboys and billionaires. Big dreamers and big idiots. Every race and every religion. Every idea and every "ism." They're all here. Competing for your time, attention, and bucks. And Sinatra was right: if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. This is the place where all my dreams are coming true.
Welcome to New York, city of dreams.
As much as I love New York, though, on a deeper level I am also a proud American. I believe in the American dream, the American ideal, the unique American culture, and traditional American values. Indeed, my core political beliefs -- my conservative ideals -- are grounded in my respect for the traditions that make up America's foundation.
At the core of those traditions is the idea of freedom. Freedom was the idea that inspired our Founders, that moved them to break free of an oppressive regime and envision a better system of government. The framers of our Constitution were determined to establish a governmental structure that would ensure freedom. They understood that freedom was the exception rather than the rule in world history, and they were determined to right that wrong.
But the framers also recognized that democratic participation in government wouldn't be enough, for even a parliament could become corrupt in the absence of restraints on government. So in order to safe-guard liberties, they knew they would have to impose limitations on government -- limitations that would be etched in a permanent (though amendable) Constitution and would be bolstered by a complex scheme of checks and balances among the various levels and branches of government.
At heart, American conservatives like myself are believers in the Constitution. We believe that the principles embodied in the Constitution are enduring, and that to whatever extent we deviate from them we put our liberties at risk. Our views are consistent because we believe in absolute truths and in the essential soundness, even righteousness, of the Founders' vision of government.
In this book I'll talk about a wide array of issues -- from the perennial questions of education, government spending, and abortion to the many urgent concerns that have been raised in this uncertain time, when we face a threat from an elusive and powerful new enemy. If you've watched me on Hannity & Colmes, or listened to The Sean Hannity Show on the radio, you already know you're in for some strong opinions. But if you read carefully, you'll notice how often my beliefs come back to that basic idea: that as Americans we have a basic right to enjoy freedom in our lives -- including freedom from governmental interference. For the first time in generations, Americans are now forced to confront an immediate and genuine threat to our way of life. And for me this is the strongest reason that we must win the war on terror: to secure, in those unforgettable words, the blessings of liberty.
The conservative vision is that America return to its founding principles -- because these principles are the pillars of freedom. Without them America will not continue to be great; with them there is no limit to our future.
Monday, September 10, 2001.
That's the day my radio show became nationally syndicated.
We talked about cutting taxes, reforming education, strengthening the military, and defending the Judeo-Christian values too often being driven out of our schools. It was a great first day -- fun, fast-paced. I was doing what I love, debating the hot news and burning issues of the day. When it was over, I went to sleep happy.
John Gomez, a friend since third grade, called me at home a few minutes before nine on Tuesday morning, September 11. He told me a plane had just crashed into the side of one of the World Trade Center towers. He thought it might have been a small commuter plane. It wasn't quite clear. I couldn't believe it; at first I thought he was kidding. I turned on the Fox News Channel -- just in time to see the second jumbo jet slam into the side of the second tower and erupt into a monstrous ball of fire and thick black smoke. How could this be happening? This was clearly no mistake, but most certainly a kamikaze. Without a doubt it was an act of terrorism -- indeed, an act of war.
It was a moment of incomprehensible horror, for every American and for freedom-loving people around the globe. But as a New Yorker I was seeing more than just an attack against America. For me, it was personal. Some sick cell of psychotic suicide bombers had just attacked my world. My city, my friends. As I stared at the video replays -- at the planes and the people and the terror and the devastation -- I knew I was staring into the face of evil, glimpsing a vision born in the minds of savages. And I knew that, unlike that atrocity at Pearl Harbor sixty years before, the miracle of twenty-first-century communications would soon be bringing this same horrific vision to a billion people all over the world. The experience was as disorienting as it was surreal.
Let Freedom RingAnonymous
Posted March 2, 2006
I would like to get a few things straight: I am female, I am 20 years old, I go to college, and I am CONSERVATIVE. I picked up this book on a recommendation given to me my a marine who is a friend of mine before he left on his second tour to Iraq. I am glad I did. This book makes an excellent point that some, who do not want liberty, cannot see. I would advise anyone to read it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 2, 2005
If you ever wanted to know why liberals are bad for America then this is the book you need to read. A telling masterpiece that gives the reader all the reasons why the conservative view is the one that will take this country and society in general to a better place. Thought provoking and enlightening a truly worthwhile read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 7, 2005
I just wanted to anounce that 1) I am a female, 2) I am a teen, and 3) I am CONSERVATIVE! Plus, I love this book! Sure, there were a few small issues I could talk over with Sean, but please, all you good-hearted liberals, do not make your case that the conservatives are going to turn women into slaves - we women are too smart for you to fool (that is, we conservative women). I am also Roman Catholic and half Greek, both of which should qualify me as a minority. Oh, and it scares me that people are still reading Thomas Paine...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 10, 2004
This Book is great. This book tells the turth about how liberals are try to take our righs away. I am a huge fan of Sean Hannity beacuse he tells the turth about liberalism
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 18, 2012
This book is full of propaganda that has thomas jefferson rolling over in his grave.i would only recomend this book to mindless mouth breathers.
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.navywifeked
Posted October 4, 2009
Thanks to Sean for keeping us informed.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 11, 2008
This is an absolutly wonderful book. It tells how the conservative republicans in washington have worked hard to make this country better and how liberals have tried to stop them at every turn.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted August 9, 2006
This is not so much a book, as a soliloquoy on how Sean is right and the left wrong about...well, about Everything. Not the most factually objective work (some of his claims are supported by the facts, some are not), but of course that's not really the point. The point here is that Sean believes that he and his fellow conservatives can do no wrong. If you're like-minded, then you'll like this book. If not, there's always Sean's pal Al Franken... Three Stars for Style/ One Star For Substance
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 2, 2006
This book is ideal for the bobbing head cultist, that only wants the illusion of being informed on today's poiitics. More of Hannitys, one sided views to bash the llberal party in the 'Name of God'. This book has very large print, no footnotes as usual, and more of typical Hannity rheortic of spouting off fox news spin and hate! If you enjoy sheepal politics, and can't form your own opinions then by all means buy this book.
0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 18, 2004
Awesome! is one word to say about this book! Sean Hannity tells outstandingly about his views. I have read this book over and over again and it just keeps getting better! it's a must read, for anyone, and everyone. of both partys!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 24, 2004
I enjoyed reading this book because while I do not agree with him on everything, I do think that too many Americans hate this country more than they need to, and they maybe should think about that for a while.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 19, 2004
I thank God for Sean Hannity and his willingness to stand up for what the majority in this country believe is right but are too afraid of Liberal backlash. This is one of the best books I own, and if there's one thing I learned from it, I learned to never be afraid to stand up for America, and for my Conservative beliefs. Thank you, Sean Hannity! You are the Conservative voice of the future. Never Give Up! Any conflicting opinions, I gladly invite you to email me for discussion.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 8, 2004
Mr. Hannity has written a very thought provoking book. His opinions are supported by actual facts unlike the Michael Moore Books I've read. Hannity gives the reader a chance to make their opinions on important social and economic issues by giving detailed insight on each topic. A must read for those seeking knowledge into the conservative and liberal agendas.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 9, 2004
Thanks to Sean Hannity for reminding people of the fight that the American Idea is facing. This book is so informative, and thank God for the facts that Hannity brings to the table.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 8, 2004
This is a wonderful book but don't let it out of your sight if you are near any liberals. I attend a public high school and my book was stolen and vandalisd. Luckly I found it in the garbage and finished reading it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 1, 2003
I am reading reviews of this book, and i am astonished by its recent poor reviews. This is a great book. It is well written, and allows readers to read a little bit at a time(pooping). Conservitave bashing is lame, this book is not. It is an excelent book that will help you formulate your own ideas, Not tell you what to think like Mikey Mooron. If you are into lies, dont read this book, but if you are may i recomend Franken or Moore to you.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted November 25, 2003
Taking a close look at the last online reviews.... one can only surmize, having read Hannity's book, that these people are simply neo-Liberal left-wing nutcases. No, I am not a Conservative, I consider myself independent. I read books of both the left, and the right. Out of all the political literature that I have indulged in, Hannity's is one of the best that explicates the Right-wing ideology which advocates the Bush Administration. Hannity is not a man of political alliance purely, he is a man of principle. There are clear times in which he is in disagreeance with Bush. At the very least, one cannot even attempt to allege that Hannity does not support or explain well enough his opinions. These people who allege that Hannity is guilty of non-sense or pointless jive, are simply party-liners that cannot GRASP the concept of another's opinion - that is why they derail Hannity so. You foolish party-liners! Both sides have good points! Admit it, that and that Hannity wrote a GOOD book! Sheesh! You Clinton cool-aid drinkers!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 27, 2003
The headline says it all. Mr. Hannity obviously doesn't like history... or at least humanitarian history. What he means by 'freedom' is the license people like the unelected president and his cronies presently in Washington think they have to have to remove citizens' and others' constitutional rights, return laboring people to economic slavery to the wealthy, and African Americans and women to being second or third class citizens. Only those without a mind or an ounce of fair play would find this book delightful. I find it and his ideas to be viewpoints of the sort the Robber Barons loved. He ought to remind himself that the humane advances that removed 'freedom' to exploit their fellow human beings from industrial and other exploiters and provided some modicum of fairness and a place in the sun to workers, African Americans, Women, the poor, and the elderly have ALL come at the hands of the people he despises most: Liberals! It may have been Disraeli who said, 'Scratch a conservative and you'll discover a hypocrite' That certainly seems to apply here.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 28, 2003
I will admit to being a stong liberal, but this book mindlessly towed the bush party line on all the important social issues of our day. What freedom does this book represent. The freedom to minlessly accept the dictates of our 'elected' leader without question? I respect political conservitivism, but Hannity is just playing 'yes-man' to our 'president'. If you want a book that will tell you everything from how to treat women as incubators to how to give up your civil liberties to how to keep your children away fropm all minorities then this book is for you. However if you have an once of human compassion left, you won't be able to stomach this diatribe.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 14, 2003
This is a book that has hit the nail on the head. I started reading and reading and in no time I was through half of the book and thats unusual for me when it comes to reading Political Science books. A book that all proud Americans should read. HANNITY FOR PRESIDENT!!!! in 08 against Hillary
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview