About
The Book
Summary
When We the People Lead, The Leaders Will Follow is written for the politically moderate majority of Americans who feel disconnected, demoralized, and powerless in today’s politics.
The book has a special message for younger voters (18–40), arguing that civic engagement is not only politically effective but also good for one's mental health.
The book traces three intertwined threats: the rise of an illiberal political minority, the collapse of everyday civic participation, and the growing dominance of oligarchic wealth. It makes the hopeful case that renewal lies not with elites but with ordinary people—neighbors acting as citizens rather than self-focused consumers.
We the People, as has always been true, remain the only force capable of renewing democracy, strengthening communities, and reclaiming a shared sense of agency.
How to read this ebook
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iPhone / iPad / Mac: opens in Apple Books
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Kindle: download and use Amazon’s “Send to Kindle”
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Android / others: open in any EPUB reader
Table of Contents
Endorsements
Foreword by the Ghost of Thomas Paine
Preface
Introduction: A Time That Tries Our Souls
PART I: Democracy at The Crossroads
Chapter 1
We the Exhausted Majority
Who We Are, What We Want, How And Why We’ve Been Sidelined
Chapter 2
Broken Hearts And Broken Politics
How Declining Social Capital Weakens Democracy And Enables Extremism
Chapter 3
Of the Rich, By the Rich, For the Rich
How Oligarchy Kills People and Democracy
Chapter 4
Tyranny Of The Minority
The Battle For The Soul Of America: Anger, Nationalism, And The Citizen’s Choice
PART II: Recovering Our Power
Chapter 5
The Inner and Outer Work of Citizenship
Understanding Your Bond With America—And Deciding What It Really Means To Be A Citizen
Chapter 6
The Inheritors
The Crucial Role Of The Young In Reclaiming Democracy
Chapter 7
Small Numbers, Big Change
How Small Numbers Of People Can Effect Sweeping Change
PART III: Lighting the Way Forward
Chapter 8
Where Do We Go From Here?
Three scenarios: Which Do You Choose?
Chapter 9
Effecting and Sustaining Change
The Activism We Need Now And Why
Chapter 10
Light Many Fires
Reclaiming Your Power By Getting Involved—Your Way
Epilogue
Light Your Fire
This exciting new book presents a compelling look at the state of our political divide and provides surprising insights on what ails us and how to move forward.
—Dick Watson, Consultant
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You woke up in me the need for a re-education of our core American values. These have become diluted, manipulated, ignored, and forgotten. This, I believe, is the basis of your book and most importantly your heart. You want to wake up America and it shows.
—Todd Cornwell, Executive
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The book tells stories of how democracy has won time and time again in our history because of We the People united, coordinated, and stood up. This is a must read for all Americans who feel exhausted and need a way forward.
—Barbara Guido, Democratic Committeewoman
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From facts to feelings. From the practical to the ideal. From Paine to Einstein and ultimately to all of us!! Dr. McKnight takes a comprehensive and engaging view on why and how to keep the candle of freedom and democracy burning bright in ourselves and our communities. An important read for those (like me) wanting to plug into more options and motivation.
—Mario DiCioccio, Executive Coach
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