Beto O'Rourke

Beto O’Rourke’s, We’ve Got to Try, presents a challenge when assessing its literary quality. The most important question centers on genre. How is it characterized? On one level, the book is a history of both efforts to suppress voters as well as preserve voting rights in Texas. On another, and perhaps the most uncomfortable aspect of the book, is that while it is packaged as a call to arms in defense of voter rights, it could also be interpreted as a political speech. A long speech for sure but a speech nevertheless. He does not obviously ask for votes but it feels that way. What is challenging to me personally is that I agree with everything he posits.

As a history, this book is extremely interesting. O’Rourke begins with the Texas Election Outrage of 1886 and discusses the history of Texas voter suppression efforts up to Voting Rights Act of 1965. References to contemporary efforts at voter suppression and disenfranchisement are also discussed. His primary historical subject is Lawrence Dixon, a Black physician from El Paso who became an extraordinary model of determination to assert his right to vote. O’Rourke clearly views Dixon as a model for and inspiration for those engaged in preserving democratic participation. In fact, he claims that “If history confirms that the right to vote was always under threat, sometimes violently so, it might also offer a guide for how we could overcome these threats and make the exception of free and fair elections the new rule.” (6)

The citations provided make it clear that O’Rourke has done his research and can validate his views. He provides additional historical models from the obscure to very well known. For example, he describes how President Lyndon Johnson’s experiences as a teacher in Cotulla, Texas could be directly connected to the implementation of the Voting Rights Act. O’Rourke explains that the “Voting Rights Act, the cornerstone of modern American democracy, was born in Cotulla, Texas – when Johnson [LBJ] has the chance to learn from the children he was teaching in the kind of community politicians too often ignore.” (106)

Perhaps the most overt weakness as a history is the length of the book. With less than 200 pages of content, it definitely could be more thorough. Contrary views are considered little, it at all. This is exacerbated by the political nature of the work.

This politicking impression is not always apparent. There is a clear warning about the threats to voting rights as well as a clarion call to their defense. It is malevolent and growing at a national level. In Texas, it is most obvious. O’Rourke claims that “Now that we find ourselves facing the greatest threat to democracy since the crucial battles of the civil rights era, and nowhere more so than in Texas, we must look to the heroes of our past to guide us toward the victories that our country needs.” (43) These heroes can provide both inspiration and a model for success. He further claims that “If we accept that democracy is foundational to our mutual and individual success, then it’s on all of us to save it, restore it, and expand it until every eligible citizen is fully included.” (18) His message for the present time is clear.

It is when discussing local and state (Texas)-wide experiences that the impression emerges. Very early in the book, he states that “it should remind us that we can’t rely on federal action – from distant and insulated US senators and presidential administrations consumed by the calculations leading up to the next midterm election – to guarantee our rights.” (9) While it is reasonable to assume Texas as a microcosm for a national threat (I think so!), this leaves the impression of a more localized effort. He further explains that “In order for this country’s democracy to really start working for us, it needs to learn from local governments, where elected officials are far more closely connected and responsive to the people they purport to represent.” (84) It seems clear that he is focusing his energies on vitalizing local dynamics.
Submitted by S. West 6/6/23… (més)

A campaign book that provides a service with the reminder of the historical record how across the United States, but especially in Texas, people of color have had to fight long battles to be allowed to participate in democracy, to have quality schools and health care, and to live in freedom.

The mantra of "We've Got to Try" is well-illustrated with examples of people at the local level making things better for their communities.

Definitely recommended for secondary school and public libraries.… (més)