The Butterfly Effect

In this wise and provocative book, Emily Mathews grounds her intelligent policy philosophy in common sense, which is particularly refreshing as our political system grows increasingly dysfunctional. At a time in our nation's history when the only focus should be the shared goal of productive progress, the author shows why we are in a political standoff that stifles all desire for compromise, represses productive political conversation, and prevents our country from being the very best it can be. Ms. Mathews' innovative thought process collides with her talent for entertaining storytelling. The result is a book that you cannot put down. Born and raised in Jasper, Texas, Emily returned to her childhood home in 2004 and was a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, a highly anticipated campaign that was ultimately a casualty of the state legislature's bitter redistricting fiasco. During the campaign, she witnessed firsthand the unraveling of our political system, but also became convinced that it is possible to repair shattered hopes, restore honorable motivation, and renew the American spirit. Carefully researched and deeply affecting, The Butterfly Effect responds to America's political impasse with a resounding call for a radically transforming approach. At the heart of the book are recommendations on how to move beyond the status quo and build the foundation for a new political vision - one that looks outside the traditional corridors of power and encourages every American to take a more proactive attitude to their government. She writes, "The reason true change eludes us is that we always attempt it within the constraints of a broken system. That is simply not going to work. We can no longer expect half-measures and incremental ideas to work in systems that have collapsed; rather, we must commit to an unprecedented full and fundamental restructuring. In contrast to our current political environment, we