Ben Barnes: Experiences of the Past are the Building Blocks of the Future
Ben Barnes. The name brings to mind a man of many facets: Texas Statesman, consultant, lobbyist, Democratic Fundraiser, and now author. Barnes’ book, Barn Burning Barn Building, is part memoir, part call to action, offering a narrative history and political analysis of the period in Texas history when the Democratic Party ruled supreme, and its fall from grace.
Barnes’ analysis offers the unique perspective from his experiences garnered during his tenure in the Texas State House. By the ripe old age of 26, Barnes was elected the youngest speaker of the Texas House, where he had served as a statesman during his undergraduate studies, prevailing against all odds and naysayers by winning his seat. Three short years later, Barnes won the office of lieutenant governor with more votes than any other candidate to date, attesting to his passion for public service and the confidence in him by Texas voters. In addition to the confidence of the voters, Barnes also had the complete confidence of President Lyndon Johnson, who predicted that he would become the next US president from the great state of Texas. Since leaving elective office, Barnes has become a business leader, and is active in civic affairs. He has founded the lobbying firm, Entrecorp, as well as Ben Barnes Group, another lobbying firm with a consulting arm. His involvement also encompasses sitting on a number of corporate boards, and serving in nonprofit organizations, including: the People’s Community Clinic, the Boys and Girls Club, the LBJ Library and School of Public Affairs, the Huntington Art Gallery, and the Longhorn Foundation.
Barnes’ leadership in the public, private, and non profit sectors have garnered him several accolades, including the Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Texas. With this award, Barnes joins the distinguished company of those including Lady Bird Johnson and Walter Cronkite.
Given his background, Barnes is uniquely poised to analyze and dissect the totality of information from an insightful viewpoint. With these first hand accounts of events over the course of Barnes’ political career, he reflects on different events over the duration of his public life. Several events played a key role in shaping Barnes’ political savvy. From the phone call Barnes made to secure George W. Bush a position in the Texas Air National Guard to witnessing the power of a phone call from John Connally and its ability to save the political career of George H. W. Bush, Barnes’ reflection shows great growth and maturity throughout his illustrious political career. Barnes also offers valuable political commentary on and analysis of several political events, including the Nixon White House’s campaign to discredit Texas Democrats during the early 1970’s. Barnes insights provide a greater understanding of political development.
Barnes does not stop at simply telling his story – he offers a multitude of strategies for rebuilding the Democratic Party. Barnes thinks that the way to go is to use the strategies which made the Democratic party so successful in the 1960’s, such as developing new party leaders using the “farm team” system, removing the social stigma from being a Democrat by re-engaging the business community, shifting the focus away from a political discourse dominated by single issue politics, advocating for a moderate viewpoint, reframing the public service profession as a good and honorable one, promoting a culture of bipartisanship, volunteerism, and service, ideals which flourished back when the Democratic Party in Texas flourished, in the 1960’s. The final suggestion from Barnes is a call to lead, not follow. Barnes challenges people to make decisions regarding what values are of importance and the alternatives that are available to the status quo, instead of simply offering hollow criticism of the present situation.
The amalgamation of the stories, themes, and suggestions that Barnes presents has garnered all sorts of advance praise for his tome. From various Texas papers, including The Houston Chronicle, Austin American-Statesman, and Dallas Morning News to notable personalities like Lady Bird Johnson, Senator Bob Kerrey (D-NE), Walter Cronkite, and Governor Ann Richards, Ben Barnes has shown incredible depth, insight, and reflection characteristic of an individual who has come from humble roots in small town Texas to become an important political figure in one of the nation’s most significant states. The book, Barn Burning Barn Building by Ben Barnes, is of interest in places other than Texas as well. Barnes’ story holds lessons for those all over the US, from the East Coast to the West Coast. The universal appeal Barnes holds comes from a man who places his loyalty to America first and foremost. Because Barnes has his priorities in order, he engages not only those with a sense of civic responsibility, but also those who need to hear the call to action. The crisp, clear language Barnes utilizes renders the concepts and ideas accessible to many.
The message Barnes hopes will resonate is that as important as party politics is, the good of the state of America is more important. Ben Barnes hopes to bridge the disconnect between party goals and national goals by drawing the attention away from partisanship and refocusing on shoring up the strength and respect of the United States. Because of this, Barnes has the respect of Republicans in addition to the respect of his party, the Democratic Party. His universal appeal places him in the unique position of being able to influence a broad spectrum of individuals.
This is not to say, or even imply, that Barnes shies away from criticizing practices that he disagrees with. From this plain spoken Texan comes frank, honest commentary and criticism regarding several salient issues, including George W. Bush’s service in the National Guard, Tom DeLay’s leadership in the Texas government, the administration of George H.W. Bush, the current Bush Administration, Vice President Dick Cheney, and the implications of the synergy of each of these for the future of this nation that Barnes loves and works hard for, devoting his entire career to public service.
Attending college is an enormous step in anyone's life. Freshmen at the University of Washington should be aware of the many great activities they can participate in when they go to school. Education is a very important part of people's lives and they should be aware of all available experiences.
Ben Barnes. Throughout his career, Barnes has consistently shown his motivation to be service to others, in every possible capacity. With his new book, Barn Burning Barn Building, Barnes enables others to benefit from his wisdom and experiences.