USA/From Where We Stand explained

USA/From Where We Stand
Author:	Leo Ryan, editor
Country:	United States
Language:	English
Subject:	American history
Genre:	non-fiction
Publisher:	Fearon Publishers, Lear Siegler, Inc., Education Division. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 73-116372.
Release Date:	1970
Media Type:	Paperback
Pages:	237
Preceded By:	Understanding California Government and Politics

USA/From Where We Stand: Readings in Contemporary American Problems is a non-fiction book published by Fearon Publishers in 1970.

The book's editor was then-Assemblyman for California's 27th District, Leo J. Ryan.^[1] Ryan later went on to become a United States representative from California's 11th congressional district.^[2] Ryan was assassinated by members of Peoples Temple in Guyana. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1983.^{[3] [4] [5] [6]}

Premise

The book functions as a guide to California politics and government.^[7] Topics discussed include California elections, political parties, State Government including the executive, legislative and judiciary branches, local government, and finances. Information on California's legislative districts, and budget statistics are included in the appendix. Leo Ryan's introduction is a tribute to John F. Kennedy, the man who inspired Ryan to get into politics.

Ryan stated that the book's purpose was: "..to present our system of government in such a way that you will look upon it as an exciting, challenging, rewarding occupation, worthy of understanding and, perhaps, of your own ambition. Why? Because it is. It was all of that to John F. Kennedy."

Notable contributors

Notable contributors to USA/From Where We Stand include (in order of appearance in the book) :

• Leo J. Ryan, "From Where We Stand"
• Jesse M. Unruh, "Effective Local Government"
• Robert Theobald, "A Fail-Safe Line for Dissent"
• Stewart Alsop, "Virus X and the Body Politic"
• Robert Hessen, "Campus or Battleground?"
• Margaret Mead, "We Must Learn To See What's Really New"
• James H. Billington, "The Humanistic Heartbeat Has Failed"
• Robert F. Kennedy, "Now We Must Learn to Speak to Each Other"
• Robert Sherrill, "The Jet Noise Is Getting Awful"
• Rachel Carson, "And No Birds Sing"
• Joseph Wood Krutch, "What the Year 2000 Won't Be Like"

See also

• Congressman Leo J. Ryan
• Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park

Notes and References

1. News: Simon . Mark . A Trip Into The Heart Of Darkness: Always larger than life, Leo Ryan courted danger. . . A17 . December 10, 1998 .
2. Web site: United States Congress . Biographical Directory of the United States Congress . RYAN, Leo Joseph, (1925 - 1978) . United States Congress . 2007-01-24 .
3. Statement on Signing the Bill Authorizing a Congressional Gold Medal Honoring the Late Representative Leo J. Ryan . . November 18, 1983 . 2007-01-24 .
4. News: Trescott . Jacqueline . Leo Ryan honored. (with Medal of Honor) . . v107 pC4 col 5 (10 col in) . November 30, 1984 .
5. News: Staff . Reagan to give medal for slain congressman. (Leo J. Ryan) . . pA25(L) col 2 (4 col in) . November 27, 1984 .
6. Congressman Tom Lantos' Remarks on the 25th Anniversary of the Tragedy at Jonestown and the Death of Congressman Leo Ryan . . 2003-11-17 . 2006-09-08 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070627182834/http://lantos.house.gov/HoR/CA12/Newsroom/Press+Releases/2003/11-17-03+Congressman+Tom+Lantos+Remarks+on+the+25th+Anniversary+of+the+Tragedy+at+Jonestown+and+the.htm . 2007-06-27 .
7. Book: Ryan , Leo J. . Leo Ryan . Understanding California Government and Politics . . 1966 . Palo Alto, California, United States . 152 pgs . registration .