Reviews (26)

Amazing Book
I am a liberal democrat.This book is Amazing.By using the things in this book. A rightwing person never has to tell the truth or admit mistakes. It is almost frightening.I am adapting the methods as I go along to dealing with Right Wingers, by Liberals.If one can use this book to deceive and avoid truth concerning Liberals, the same method can work to deceive and avoid Conservative rhetoric.
This Guy is Good!Dangerous!
Gregg Jackson has written an amazing book.I have seen this guy in action and I have to say, that he is impressive.His "FACCE" method of debate is an effective tool.He can win almost anyboy over to his way of thinking.I agree with other reviewers that he has compiled a lot of information in an easily accesible, well organized reference guidebook.This book has facts and figures that will effectively arm aggressive conservatives, more than eager to debate and lambast the nearest liberal.Let's face it:Americans today, do not usually go around with a lot of pertinent facts like these in their heads, ready to use in a debate.Look at the people Jay Leno interviews on the street...some don't know where Canada is, or who the U.S. Vice President is... let alone would they be able to take a stand on current events issues.That's not a conservative or a liberal phenomenon - that's non-partisan ignorance.
Requires a little imaginative thinking
The conservative mindset seems to be that 'liberals' are as monolithic in their views as conservatives and unlike conservatives who are honest and good are a pack of rotten liars.If you can buy into that basic notion, you might enjoy the book.Otherwise, watching the author knock down straw men could be a little dull.
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Subjects:  1. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    2. Political Process - Political Parties    3. Political Science    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Politics/International Relations   

Reviews (19)

Well-written book on an understudied yet important subject
In "The Shia Revival" Vali writes about this minority sect of Islam, which only predominates in 3 or 4 countries in the Middle East, yet has adherents in many other countries.This book is not a history, yet he writes about the history, traditions, culture, and unique aspects of the Shia throughout the book. The book is very well-written, being not too academic yet not dumbed down either.This sect of Islam is very poorly known and even less-well understood in even the Islamic world itself.Yet, as Nasr writes, the coming of age of core Shia countries like Iran and Iraq, and countries with large Shia minorities like Lebanon, Pakistan, India, and Syria mean that this is a substantial sect of Islam that can no longer be ignored.After the reading this book you will have a much more informed view of the Islamic world and its internal conflicts, as well as a better understanding of Islam itself.

Excellent Book on Shia / Sunni Strife
This well written book is an excellent treatise on the historical conflict between the Shia and Sunni Muslims and how it applies to the current situation in Iraq and to some extent Lebanon.The book has probably one of the best explanations of the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims.It also describes how the Shia have been suppressed by the Sunni for centuries and how the Author believes there is a Shia revival occuring in the Middle East that has intensified since the toppling of Saddam Hussein from power.
Essential reading
Years ago in a world religions course I took at a conservative, inter-denominational seminary I learned all about the conflicts in Islam that are explained here by author Vali Nasr. If we understood this when we were rushing toward the invasion of Iraq, then we would have realized that the sectarian conflict that we now have in Iraq was quite predictable.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. History    3. International Relations - General    4. Islam    5. Islam - General    6. Islam and politics    7. Middle East    8. Political Freedom & Security - General    9. Political aspects    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Relations    12. Religion    13. ShÃ¥i°ah    14. Sunnites    15. Miscellaneous Items    16. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    17. Political Science / International Relations   

Reviews (21)

Bankrupt and Disappointed
Okay, I'm conservative, but I found this book... disappointing at best, and only gave it 3 stars.The book is a rehash of the insanity of liberals in America today, and how the Democrats are making fools of themselves pandering to said libs.We all know that.If you agree with Limbaugh (and I do), the book is preaching to the choir.If Democrats would read it, have an epiphany and say, "Oh my gosh, we're being foolish and destroying America," that would be another.They won't.So this book does no good except make the conservatives feel warm and fuzzy.Besides, I felt that the only real meat of the book was in the last two chapters.Liberals are dangerous... in the long term, they are as big a threat to America as the terrroists.Democrats are foolish not to divorce themselves from the libs and move closer to the center.This book would help, but ONLY if you get a Democrat to read it.Fat chance.

Hoisted On Their Own Petard - The Left In It's Own Words
David Limbaugh, with this book, has done the country a great service by detailing the desperate times the Left in this country finds themselves in and he does it by quoting them continuously as they search for a way to become relevant and to return to power.
Read and Research, Think.
I am giving this book 3 stars because I couldn't choose a "no rating" evaluation. I am the narrator for the audiobook version of David Limbaugh's book and just want to say that this book like all books should be read carefully and thought about carefully. There is much to think about and discuss regarding the ideas and opinions expressed here. The divisiveness in some of the reviews and between our two major political parties is a waste of time. Children on the playground. Read this book, read others, research, think and act. Thanks for reading this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. Democratic Party (U.S.)    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Liberalism    5. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    6. Political Process - Political Parties    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics and government    10. Politics/International Relations    11. U.S. Political Parties    12. United States    13. Current Events / General    14. Political parties    15. Political science & theory    16. USA   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (112)

Understanding the Psychology of Authoritarian Conservatism
Die-hard right wing authoritarian conservatives. We all know at least a few - those sworn idealogues that only get their information from Fox News, can't get enough of conservative talk radio, and blame America's failures and short-comings on minorities, immigrants, gays, liberals, the French and their mythical favorite - the so-called welfare state. They corner the market on Jesus, morality and patriotism, slander anyone that doesn't walk in lockstep with their extremist agenda, and when things aren't going their way, they blame the mythical "liberal media" and disregard whistleblowers as disloyal opportunists.
An Examination of the American Authoritarian
In many ways reminiscent of Kevin Phillips' recent works (American Theocracy comes to mind), John Dean writes from the viewpoint of a traditional conservative, someone whom Mr Dean proves would find no home in today's Republican Party.He comes from the time-honored libertarian type of conservative who believes in conserving resources, preserving our nation's institutions for the next generations, spending within our means and not spending trillions on tragic and needless wars, protecting personal privacy and keeping government and religion separate.
Sobering Reality
I like this book, because it provided some insight as to why some folks are bent on ruling the world and running this fabulous country into the ground. I might not agree with all of what John Dean has said, however these are many, many elements of truth in his book. How the Republican party has been seduced and lied to by the extremely far right, the religous zealots that would like to roll back the separation of church and state to the point where we become a homogenous nation. The other zealots that would like to return to a monarchy with the haves with all of the have and everyone else suffering in the dust. The United States as a country is like a fine automobile on a fine road. You drive it too far to the left, you run into on coming traffic, and you drive it too far to the right, you will wind up in the weeds. There are almost 300 million americans, more of us should read this book, and take back both parties from the forces of evil that inhabit both sides of the road. You should read this book, it is actually a very good read, and some of it is funny. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. Conservatism    3. Government - National    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Liberalism    6. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    7. Political Process - Political Parties    8. Political Science    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics and government    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )    13. United States    14. Political Science / Government / National   

Reviews (149)

Everything Wrong with the Radical Right
This is an excellent book that deeply explores the history and politics of America's oil addiction, and how it is enslaving the U.S. to foreign countries. If you care about American democracy and America's independence, you will read this book.
Pretty good, but....
I agreed with much of this book.thought by the Title it would primarily be about the dangers of religion in politics. However, it seems the author thinks "radical secularism" is almost as bad as fundamentalism. It does paint a bleak picture of the future of America. Another problem was it was a bit boring at some points. Finally, a critique I have of quite a few books I have read recently. Authors, PLEASE stop using endnotes! They are very difficult to look up! Either (perferably) use footnotes (at the bottom of the page) or put notes at the end of each chapter.

A Missed Opportunity
Kevin Phillips picked a worthy set of topics but unfortunately, his diagnosis misses the boat.He tries to suggest that oil dependence, (Christian) religious fundamentalism and what he calls the "financialization" of the American economy hold great peril for the United States.He is right that the nation faces peril, but his preference to engage in feel good populism rather than truly identify policies and attitudes that put the nation at risk weakens his message.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Conservatism    3. Government - National    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. International Relations - General    6. Petroleum    7. Petroleum industry and trade    8. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    9. Political Science    10. Political aspects    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics/International Relations    13. Religion And Politics    14. United States    15. Political Science / Government / National   

Reviews (1)

Funny and eye-opening
The lists provided in this book act as a testament to the idiocy of some people. Even those that hold top positions in our society did not get there based upon their intelligence.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Humor    3. Politics / Current Events    4. Humor / General   

Reviews (32)

We Want More!
In his adroitly served "Enough", Juan Williams meticulously defends the honor and polishes the tarnished star of Sir William Cosby.While retorting to the haters of individual responsibility, Mr. Williams offers real solutions (not just talk), to the plague that has infected multitudes of African Americans, who live on both sides of the tracks!His intricate weaving of history, politics, and culture qualifies his work as required reading for all with any trace of African ancestry. As a matter of fact, it would be good reading for anyone with any dealings with African Americans, which leaves out no one.

I really really wanted to write a good review...
I first heard of this book on a radio show and was very impressed with Williams' take on black leadership in America.I was shocked to hear these words coming from Juan Williams, who is the token liberal (whoever thought that "token" and "liberal" would ever go together?) on FOX News.I began reading the book thinking that I would be as impressed with the ideas expressed by Williams as much as I was will Bill Cosby's 2004 speech.I was disappointed for two major reasons:
Only Half the Job is Done
Juan Williams gets an "A" for effort, but this book does not go far enough. It is part of the dishonest black circular firing squad started by Cosby, where blame is readily meted out when the cause is black men, but the punches are carefully pulled when the cause seems attributable elsewhere, perhaps, god forbid, even to irresponsible black women.
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Subjects:  1. 1975-    2. African American leadership    3. African Americans    4. Black American Sociology    5. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. Leadership    8. Minority Studies - Race Relations    9. Political Process - Leadership    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics and government    12. Social Science    13. Social conditions    14. Sociology    15. United States - 20th Century    16. Current Events / General   

Reviews (7)

BUY THIS BOOK!! It might save your life.
This is a slightly edited copy of mail I sent to Andy Borowitz. I seriously needed and loved this book. Please take a chance and buy it. As I said, above, it might save your life. Or at least your mental health!
It's not really a play ...
but it is a tragicomedy. The manipulation and betrayal of American voters may not seem hilarious, but Borowitz shows us humor galore there.
Sharp Satire Shocker!
Andy Borowitz is a genius of political satire! I ordered "The Republican Playbook" and Frank Rich's "The Greatest Story Ever Sold" at the same time. One is fiction, one is non-fiction. One makes me laugh, one makes me cry.
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Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. American wit and humor    3. Form - Parodies    4. Humor    5. Political Process - Political Parties    6. Political satire, American    7. Republican Party (U.S. : 1854- )    8. Topic - Political    9. United States - 21st Century    10. Humor / Parodies   

Reviews (8)

The Broken Branch
Excellent analysis by the authors - one from AEI & one from Brookings -- gives a good analysis from right and left.

Wake Up Call on a Dysfunctional Congress
Mann and Ornstein have written a nice treatise on the frighteningly dysfunctional modern Congress.It is clear that Congress has abdicated it's responsibly to the American people and that personal agendas (including the almighty dollar) take precedence to good governance.
Power Corrupts; Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely
Thomas Mann and Norman Ornstein bring to light what many Americans don't know, or don't care to know. The legislative branch of government, the House of Representatives and the Senate have long ago stopped serving the constituents they were elected to serve.
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Subjects:  1. Congress    2. Government - Legislative Branch    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Reform    8. United States.    9. Central government    10. Political Science / Congress    11. Politics | American Politics | Legislative Studies    12. USA   

Reviews (14)

Not as good as he says or as bad as his worse enemies make him out to be
One can accept the Soros version of Soros , or one can search elsewhere and find far more critical versions. Soros is to himself someone dedicated to making the world a better place, someone strongly committed to the idea of the open- society for mankind as a whole. He believes his own rare combination of great wealth, an original set of principles of life,a strong desire to help humanity,make him uniquely suited to understand what the world needs now, and how to give it to it.
It's a Worthwhile Education
Soros probably writes too many books and doesn't spend enough time crafting them. Certainly he stuffs each book with too many ideas and topics, some of them decidedly under-developed. For all that, the insights are well worth the slog.
yet another hopeless philosopher
After reading Mr. Soros's book, which is not an easy task, I believe he had to deal with his conscience. It must be extremely difficult for a forteen year old Jewish boy escaping Hitler's racial vilification and death sentence, by false identity-papers.
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Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Civilization, Modern    3. Democracy    4. Essays    5. National characteristics, American    6. Political Advocacy    7. Political Freedom & Security - General    8. Political Ideologies - Democracy    9. Political Science    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Sociology    13. U.S. - Contemporary Politics    14. War on Terrorism, 2001-    15. Human rights    16. USA   

Reviews (18)

"Lack of feedback is one of the most critical flaws in existing aid." (Worthy of 4 stars if not for author's quirks--see below.)
JFK declared in 1961 that "existing foreign aid programs and concepts are largely unsatisfactory." He then stated his intention "during this coming decade of development to achieve a decisive turnaround in the fate of the less-developed world, looking toward the ultimate day...when foreign aid will no longer be needed."45 years on innumerable people all over the globe are wondering what went wrong. The author of this book, an economist formerly with the World Bank, thinks he has an answer.In his view, "the legend that inspired foreign aid in the 1950s is the same legend that inspires foreign aid today"---"that the poorest countries are in a poverty trap...from which they cannot emerge without an aid-financed Big Push."Western elitist balderdash, William Easterly, calls this notion; arguing that the economical and political complexity of any society "dooms any attempt to achieve the end of poverty through a plan," adding that "no rich society has ended poverty in this way."How then is the West supposed to wipe out hunger, malaria, AIDS, TB, illiteracy, etc. within upwards of a 3,4, or 5 dozen countries around the world, all within a ten or fifteen years, or within any specific time frame.Utopian social engineering has not, to say the least, been particularly successful in living up to its rhetoric.It ought not be a revelation, thus, that "a big problem with foreign aid has been its aspiration to a utopian blue-print to fix the world's complex problems."How many cycles of "idealism, high expectations, disappointing results, cynical backbash" ought it take for us to conclude that some things just cannot be accomplished by planning fiat.It doesn't help matters, either, that "in the typical utopian program, everything is done at once and it is impossible to learn what works and what doesn't."
Masterful combination of rigorous analysis and real-life experience
In The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good, William Easterly does a masterful job of taking the complex topics of international development and aid and making them understandable and accessible to the uninitiated.He does this not through dumbing-down the subject, patronizing his reader, or oversimplification, but through effectively lifting the shrouds of jargon, pretentiousness and mystification that drape most academic and international organization publications.Easterly seems to take delight at poking fun at the reams of incomprehensible babble and acronyms that spew out of most official documents.
This should be required reading, along with Collision and Collusion, the Strange Case of Western Aid for Eastern Europe
I spent 5 years doing a private development project. What I learned is exactly what Easterly says and more.
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Subjects:  1. Developing countries    2. Economic assistance    3. International Relations - General    4. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Poverty    7. Prevention    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Third World Development    11. Social Science / Poverty   

Subjects:  1. Environmental Science    2. General    3. Geography    4. Globalization    5. Political Science    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Travel - General    8. Regional geography    9. Science / Geography   

Reviews (38)

The horrible effects of cancer
I used to admire this woman.She was smart.She inspired me when I was young.It is a shame, however, to see her intellectual decline in her last years.Was this the effect cancer had on her brain?First, I can't understand how a book written with more heart and passion than brain and analysis can be called "The Force of Reason." She appeals to our feelings and fears more to our rationality.Second, she conviniently chooses historical events that only prove her point sometimes ignoring undeniable facts.For instance, she quietly forgot the role of Christianity in the Conquest of the Americas and the slaughter of the Indian races.Or the role religion played to justify the worst atrocities of the European powers.And what about the survival of Catholicism in Spain in spite of eight centuriesof Muslim domination?Yes, there were churches andsynagogues in Muslim Spain.This manifesto doesn't look very different from those fascists wrote about Jews in Europe in the 1930s. Poor woman.

God Bless the Christian Atheist, Oriana Fallaci
Oriana Fallaci is no longer among the living. We will have to do without her unrelenting opposition to Islamic nihilism.She died in the United States.Her fellow Europeans essentially expelled her from the continent.They made Fallaci's final years a living hell.As an ex-Catholic, I am more then a little irritated by the Roman Church's capitulation to the radical Muslims.Fallaci described herself as a Christian atheist and was more of a defender of the "true faith" than its own hierarchy!"This Catholic Church without which the Islamization of Europe, the degeneration of Europe into Eurabia, could have never have developed. This Catholic Church that remains silent even when the crucifix gets insulted," added the author.
A hero of our time
Oriana Fallaci, a famous journalist and former antifascist partisan, offers her fascinating views on Islam, its history, and the threats facing the Western civilization as well as her personal story that has become even more striking after the 9/11 attacks. For security reasons, Fallaci had to move to America, a country she views as the main hope of the Western civilization, and so do I, a citizen of the Czech Republic.
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Subjects:  1. International Journalism    2. International Relations - General    3. Philosophy    4. Political    5. Political Freedom & Security - General    6. Political Ideologies - General    7. Political Philosophy    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Sociology    10. Current Events / General    11. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (12)

Must-have resource on PMCs for the casual reader, the academic, and the policy wonk
Licensed to Kill is Robert Young Pelton's broad survey of the modern world of mercenaries. Strike that, of contractors. Mercenaries, after all, as Doug Brooks of IPOA (International Peace Operations Association) said in the movie Shadow Company: anyone convicted as being a mercenary should be shot along with his lawyer (Doug, pardon my paraphrasing). Regardless, Pelton's subtitle captures what these guys are: hired guns. Or as one of the contractors in the book put it: "guns with legs".
Excellent overview
This is the kind of book you read cover to cover and want more. Always running the fine line between fly-on-the-wall and sarcastic-historian RYP's latest post-fact diary of life in gun infested environments doesn't disappoint. I made a documentary about this subject and still found plenty of nuggets of humour and information that were totally new and set this apart from the usual media nonsense on the subject.