250 Ways to Make America Better

This book came out in 1999, shortly before John F. Kennedy, Jr.'s death. George magazine, now defunct, was launched by JFK, Jr. and examined the life of political figures. What I love about this book, is that these are essays, quotes, platforms, positions, cartoons, and vision statements from 250 leaders (actors, many elected officials, playwrights, poets, musicians, athletes, cookbook authors, journalists, etc). And while I've owned this book since it came out, most all of the ideals aspired to are still applicable today, nearly 10 years later. Some are random and saracastic, prodding the reader to challenge current institutionalized absurdities; some are truly evil (Phyllis Schlafly) but most are inspiring (Chuck D, Ben Cohen, John McLaughlin, Bella Abzug, Barbara Mikulski, Jay Rockefeller, Howard Zinn, Sister Mary Rose McGeady, Stephen Covey, and SARK). The only downside is that because the lengths vary, there isn't a table of contents so as to find the one in particular you're the most curious about. You just have to flip through the pages. As a leader in any capacity, vision is critical to motivate others to become invested. I find these readings to do just that, excite the reader to do something to create change for the better.

George magazine asked 250 Americans from a cross section of America's elite (comedians, activist, politicians, actors and actresses, rappers, entrepreneurs) to write about how they would make America a better place. The writings are sometimes comical, insightful, sarcastic, and often eye opening. The suggestions range from improving education to becoming a vegetarian. Other ideas are taking mass transit because driving causes pollution and requiring men to wear lipstick. In all, I enjoyed this book. It made me think about my daily actions and how I impact America, as well as how America impacts me.