Radio's 'Power' broker

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Broadcaster and political personality Laura Ingraham has written a new book with populist idealism at its core: "Power to the People," published by Regnery Publishing Inc. In it, Miss Ingraham shares deeply personal stories from her life and career: her difficult tenure at CBS amid the network's political correctness; her triumph over cancer and being grateful to God for the experience; and her successful on-air campaign earlier this year that saw telecommunications giant Verizon drop its tour sponsorship of rap artist Akon, whose on-stage antics she decries as assisting the "pornification" of America.

graham shares deeply personal stories from her life and career: her difficult tenure at CBS amid the network's political correctness; her triumph over cancer and being grateful to God for the experience; and her successful on-air campaign earlier this year that saw telecommunications giant Verizon drop its tour sponsorship of rap artist Akon, whose on-stage antics she decries as assisting the "pornification" of America.

From immigration to education to judicial activism and family life, Miss Ingraham weaves humor with a huge dose of hope — using anecdotes that decry the dismantling of the culture. Throughout the pages, she also shows people how they can find their own voice and use their energy to bring about real societal change. We spoke with her about her vision for taking back the nation.

Question: Why did you write this book and why now?

Answer: I think it's important that we recognize what has happened to our country, politically and culturally. Once we recognize the damage that has been done to the public confidence and trust, and our political leadership, and we talk a look at what used to be done in pride of the American culture, we can figure out what are we going to do about it.

This book sets us off on a pathway to change the dynamic. I think it's a critical time for us. So much is happening with new technology that gets images and information to us 24-7. A lot of it is good, but a lot is dangerous and damaging. I think parents need some guardrails and are trying to figure out which way to turn.

This book gives them a series of practical steps that they can take. What is a country except the people in it? If people sit on the sidelines and complain about how "pornified" it is or out how the politics are so corrupt, and they don't get in the game ... if we don't suit up and do battle ourselves, we can't really be surprised when we don't recognize this country any more. From liberals to conservatives or moderates, I don't think anyone likes it the way this country is going. I think the average workaday people in this country are fed up. They want to put their righteous anger into a position of action for change.

Q: Who do you hope will read it?

A: I think it's a rallying cry for common sense and good old-fashioned American ideals of patriotism, family, faith and country ... for all of us who want to restore any sense of civic pride that can really make this country great — anyone and everyone. I think people who are not political are really at sea.

They are busy, they work two jobs, and they can't buy their 12-year-old a decent outfit that doesn't make them look like a stripper. They are going to Abercrombie & Fitch, and they can't walk around the mall without seeing sexually provocative posters hanging in the mall, women in bras and panties at Victoria's Secret. This book is just as much for those who aren't political junkies who are looking for a lifeline in this culture of sewage. I don't know how much lower we can go in this country.