of Independence. He describes it as a "world where people are free and government is minimalized, and as a result we live in prosperity according to our own hard work". In order to attain this world, Perry lists five goals: "Repeal Obamacare" "Stand Up and Lead" "Sustain a National Dialogue About Limited, Constitutional Government" "Elect Leaders Who Respect the Constitution and Hold Them Accountable" "Adopt Certain Important Structural Reforms" The book concludes with an author's note from Perry, who states that the Texas Public Policy Foundation will lead a national discussion on the issue of federalism and will receive the net proceeds of Perry from the sale of the book. Reception Before the book's release and ahead of the gubernatorial election, excerpts were placed on the website of Little, Brown and Company publishing. Democratic candidate Bill White used the excerpts to criticize Perry, particularly a passage where Perry compared Social Security to a Ponzi scheme. After the book's release and Perry's victory in the election, he embarked on a nationwide tour to promote the book, appearing on such shows as The Today Show, Fox and Friends, NPR, Glenn Beck's radio show and The Daily Show. The New York Times described the book as "a Tea Party manifesto", and remarked that its content and Perry's promotional tour suggested that he had presidential ambitions for 2012. Perry stated in an interview with the Associated Press that the book's anti-Washington sentiment was evidence that he was not running for president; however, he later declared his candidacy for the 2012 Republican nomination. Since declaring his candidacy for the 2012 Republican nomination, Perry has distanced himself from some of the claims made in Fed Up!. In particular, Perry attacked social security in the book, suggesting it was unconstitutional and should be privatized. However, since joining the Presidential race, the communications director for the Perry camp, Ray Sullivan, has claimed that the book "is not meant to reflect the governor's current views" on social security reform and that Sullivan has "never heard" Perry "suggest the program was unconstitutional". External links Amazon.com's book reviews and description Barnes & Noble's editorial reviews and overview OnTheIssues.org's book review and excerpts References 2010 non-fiction books Books about politics of the United States Rick Perry Campaign books by 2012 Republican presidential candidates