Reviews (4)

Clear and compelling
This book spells out in a clear and compelling fashion the challenges that American workers face in our global economy, and what can be done to stop the American dream from disintegrating any further.
Finally!
Finally, a book that tells the truth about what is really happening to the middle class in this country -- and more importantly, gives common sense solutions that could really turn America around. That's probably because it is written -- not by someone who has spent his life in academia or in politics or talking on TV or radio -- but on the front lines actually fighting to make work pay for working families. He's looked both employers and working people in the eye, and that makes all the difference. This book is interesting, personal, and visionary.

Best of its Kind
Informative, visionary, yet personal.This book is the work of a brilliant individual who is passionate about his subject.His views cover not only the story of labor,then, now and in the future, but its interconnection with governments and economies throughout the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Industrial relations    2. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    3. Labor movement    4. Labor unions    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Reference    9. United States    10. Political Science / Labor & Industrial Relations   

Editorial Review

When Lorenzo de' Medici seized control of the Florentine Republic in 1512, he summarily fired the Secretary to the Second Chancery of the Signoria and set in motion a fundamental change in the way we think about politics. The person who held the aforementioned office with the tongue-twisting title was none other than Niccolò Machiavelli, who, suddenly finding himself out of a job after 14 years of patriotic service, followed the career trajectory of many modern politicians into punditry. Unable to become an on-air political analyst for a television network, he only wrote a book. But what a book Read more

Reviews (241)

It Takes Courage To Know One's Motives
For a book as brief as THE PRINCE, its impact on history has been at least as great as almost any other work. Over the centuries, it has gotten a bad reputation as some sort of guidebook for evil.But back when it was first written in the 16th century, Machiavelli indeed intended it as a guidebook, but neither for evil or for good.Rather he wrote it for a specific purpose. It was written expressly for the ruler princes of the Italian city-states who he believed could best benefit. Although its precepts are generalized to fit most country's ruling elite to a certain extent, the advice was tailored to fit the only government with which he was most familiar, his own. His motivation for writing has been construed as a bald grab for power, with Machiavelli as Mephistopheles and the grabber as a power hungry Dr. Faustus.The truth is more prosaic.His sole concern was the security of Italy.Concepts such as good, evil, war, peace, love, and hate were irrelevant only insofar as they productively led to this security.Those who read THE PRINCE today and try to follow his advice will find that such advice simply cannot be applied when the host country can reasonably call itself democratic.Consider an American politician who reads Chapter 17: "Of Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved or Feared." Machiavelli could not have conceived of a leftist judiciary ruled by the edicts of Political Correctness which would not inconvenience even one's enemies to protect one's friends or even oneself.In the 16th century, rulers could and often did take actions that were harmful to a few for the betterment of the many. Similarly such a politician today may read Chapter 18: "In What Ways Princes Must Keep Faith." Here Machiavelli argues that since the world is often run by unscrupulous and faithless dealers, one need not be overly concerned with keeping one's word given to those reprobate leaders.Can you imagine what some politicians would say when they realize that they are dealing with world leaders who may not always be honest but we must act nobly in any case?Despite the resurgence in interest in THE PRINCE, such interest is likely to remain in the academic arena until such time as our governmental system of checks and balances is replaced by one with which Machiavelli is more familiar.

Political Power and Political Reality vs. False Appearances
Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)wrote THE PRINCE as a "how to" book.While this book was written in Renaissance Italy, THE PRINCE is a timely classic of political thought that has been badly distorted by shallow media men and historians too cowardly to carefully examine political reality.
A great little book...
I love this little book. I only wish Mr. Machiavelli had written more - much more. One word says it all: honest. This book tells it like it is. Not for the politically correct, but for those who appreciate an honest take on politics and government. If you love books that say it like it is, no matter the politics, then you'll likely enjoy this small book. Amazingly refreshing for 1530 AD. Like I said above, I only wish Mr. Machiavelli had written more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classics    2. Early works to 1800    3. European - Italian    4. History & Theory - General    5. Literary Criticism    6. Literature - Classics / Criticism    7. Literature: Classics    8. Political ethics    9. Political science    10. Fiction / Classics   

Reviews (72)

Worth Reading, But Incomplete
This book is well written and well organized.It provides a useful big picture sense of how the war was planned, the internal friction between different governmental and military constituencies, and the failure of Franks and the NSC to provide a useful counterweight to Rumsfeld's attempt to turn the Iraq campaign into a showcase for "transformation."
Thorough but dry
This is a thorough, but distressingly dry, blow by blow account of the execution of the Iraq war. I had difficulty finishing the book. The build up to the war is better written and of more interest than the description of battles which follow, the latter a "laundry list" of exchanges between the Americans and the inevitably hapless Iraqi forces. If you see Rumsfeld as the demon in this episode in history, then this is the book for you. Of special interest, however, and to my great astonishment, is the difficulty (and often inability)of the American forces to communicate with each other in battle situations, despite all the super-advanced technology at their disposition. Unbelievable! I understand the concept of "the fog of war", but this aspect of the conflict came as an eyeopener. Surely, lives were lost as a consequence.
Excellent
This is the most definitive military study of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It vividly records the planning and execution of the war plan, acquaints the reader with the view of military commanders on the ground, and records the battles they fought.
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Subjects:  1. History - Military / War    2. International Relations - General    3. Iraq - History    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. Middle East - General    6. Military - Iraq War    7. Military History - 1990-    8. Modern - 21st Century    9. Political Science    10. Politics/International Relations    11. Current Events / Military   

Editorial Review

The largely blue collar citizens of Kansas can be counted upon to be a "red" state in any election, voting solidly Republican and possessing a deep animosity toward the left. This, according to author Thomas Frank, is a pretty self-defeating phenomenon, given that the policies of the Republican Party benefit the wealthy and powerful at the great expense of the average worker. According to Frank, the conservative establishment has tricked Kansans, playing up the emotional touchstones of conservatism and perpetuating a sense of a vast liberal empire out to crush traditional values while barely ever discussing the Republicans' actual economic policies and what they mean to the working class. Thus the pro-life Kansas factory worker who listens to Rush Limbaugh will repeatedly vote for the party that is less likely to protect his safety, less likely to protect his job, and less likely to benefit him economically. To much of America, Kansas is an abstract, "where Dorothy wants to return. Where Superman grew up." But Frank, a native Kansan, separates reality from myth in Read more

Reviews (356)

An amazing book for understanding why "they" vote like that!
The book demonstrates with eloquence and grace how "values voters" are duped into voting for an economy they probably disagree with. The book points out how abortion, gay rights, family values, tv violence, rap lyrics and the rest are all tools that are used to "fire up the base" but they are NEVER acted upon, and they never WILL be acted upon in anything but the most lip-servicey ways....
Must read for all Americans
Gives a very interesting view on how we got into this predicament and why people in general will vote against their own interests.

A question the liberal elites can not answer
Frank as well as the liberal elites, just don't get it.That is why they are asking this question. Liberal elites are constantly mocking and discriminating against middle America.I am proud to be from middle America.There is no mystery as to why we vote Republican. We have not been tricked to vote Republican, we vote for candidates that have values, morals, love of our country and respect for each other; from life to death.There is more to life than how much money you have, the car you have or house you own.We are not impressed with wealth and power. These are the things that the elitist will never get.Kansas is beautiful, the people are relaxed, educated and extremely friendly.There is simply nothing wrong with Kansas.Instead, it should be a model for both the east and west coasts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1951-    2. Conservatism    3. General    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. History - U.S.    6. Kansas    7. Kansas - State Government    8. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    9. Political Science    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics and government    12. Politics/International Relations    13. United States - State & Local - General   

Reviews (4)

Interesting but reflects the political ambivalence of Holland
Buruma is a good writer and paces the book very well.There are several pointsof value (exile returns to native land, cross-cultural comment etc.) but for me the most insightful were the snippets from newspaper commentaries that Buruma uses as a preface to each chapter. A mixture of shock and surprise, mixed with dollops of self-criticism.
Raises some important issues
Buruma shows how in the Netherlands, genuine concerns about the behavior of Muslim immigrants often do not get expressed due to concerns about accusations of "Islamophobia."After all, slanders against the Jews in the 1930s and 1940s proved to be extremely damaging to European society.But the author shows that in this case, a few simple truths need to be aired, even if they are unflattering to some people.As Buruma explains, Pim Fortuyn did that.He wanted all Dutch to be part of the Dutch community, not as some sort of fascist exclusivists but inclusivists who asked for loyalty towards common goals.
One of the best books I have read this year....
One of the best books you will read this year. And yes the author being of Dutch birth caught my eye, since my husbands family (DeRoos) are also of Dutch background. And the author having lived here in the states since the mid 1970's is able to give the reader a view of both sides of the issue or cultural differances.
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Subjects:  1. 21st century    2. Assassination    3. Ethnic Politics    4. Ethnic Studies - General    5. Ethnic relations    6. Europe    7. Europe - General    8. History    9. Middle East - General    10. Modern - 21st Century    11. Netherlands    12. Peace    13. Politics / Current Events    14. Social Science    15. Sociology    16. Toleration    17. Violence in Society    18. Political Science / Peace   

Reviews (4)

5 stars does not do this book justice
All the stories are very short 2 to 3 page stories that really touch the heart of animal lovers. Makes a great read.
Mrs. Bauer's efforts come to wonderful fruition for all to share
This book is a major tribute to all K9 Search/Recovery Teams throughout the world and to the many long, long hours of training and hard work preparing for such a grueling service.The content brings forward the various personalities; human and K9 which make a dedicated team who give 120 percent to the community; "bringingthose lost home to their loved ones".It's through the eyes and ears of great authors that the public becomes increasingly aware of the many facets in the lives of K9 search teams. Thank you... Michael, Annie & K9 Boomer

Awesome
Each story gives you a small insight of what it was like to work the mountain of ruble that was once The World Trade Center.There has never been a book like this one to give such honor to Search and Rescue teams. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Disaster Relief & Rescue Operations    2. Dogs - General    3. Essays    4. Pets    5. Photography    6. Rescue dogs    7. Search dogs    8. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    9. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals    10. United States    11. Dogs   

Editorial Review

Few political memoirs have made such a dramatic entrance as that by Richard A. Clarke. During the week of the initial publication of Read more

Reviews (475)

Read this book, learn the truth behind the administration.
After hearing Bill Clinton's superb retort against Fox's hatchet man and kept hearing him tell the dude to read Clarke's book I said to myself, why not read it and see what he's talking about.Wow...it's an incredible insider's look at the fight against terrorism past and almost to the present.The conservative sound machine can try and spin Clarke's words however they want, but the man served 4 administrations while trying to secure our country so he's not a partisan clown.Basic upshot, Clinton tried tons of things to stop terrorism and it was a top priority in his administration, and when the chimp in chief got in to office, he was more concerned about a failed anti-missile program than terrorism and down-graded terrorism priorities; failed to properly respond to the attack by al-Quaeda by not doing enough in Afghanistan, and then started this war in Iraq that was basically a recruiting poster to even moderate islamic people to take up arms against an invading nation.I don't recommend many books, but this was a real eye-opener by a man who seriously knows his stuff, and who sinecerly cared about the security of his nation.His conclusion, be afraid people because we don't have the terrorists on the ropes and many things needed to be done to secure our nation haven't been done, and there doesn't seem to be any plans.
Continuity is Key.........
Either fight or scuttle.
Fightingthe Enemy; Fighting Ourselves
Clarke's first-hand account of the circumstances leading to his exclusion from the discussions of the counterterrorism "experts"--Wolfowitz, Rumsfeld, and Cheney--followed by this terrible triumvirate's acting on the foregone conclusion that nothing but an invasion of Iraq would slake America's thirst for revenge and restore America's pride and power is, if not the only book you need to read about the post 9/11 fiasco, certainly among the more lucid, level-headed, and edifying accounts about the arrogantly myopic thinking that got us into Iraq.
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Subjects:  1. General    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Government policy    4. History    5. History: World    6. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Politics / Current Events    9. September 11 Terrorist Attacks    10. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    11. Terrorism    12. United States    13. War on Terrorism, 2001-    14. Current Events / General   

Reviews (13)

The Power Of Love
This book is a testament to Our Lord Jesus Christ and how His love frees people from Satan's grasp.Mr. Shoebat was brought up learning to hate.In this book he stated, 'My lullibies and many of the poems we memorized were about flying body parts and rolling heads'.Sweet.This is the influence of Islam in Arab lands.He now preaches a different gospel.The Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Good information
There is a lot of excellent information - quotes from various sources, excerpts from the Koran, etc. - but I had expected a somewhat different book.I thought it would be about his experiences as a terrorist, what the terrorist organization was like from the inside, and his effort to remove himself from it.It really is a book about what Islam really is and then a long part at the end is an interpretation of End Time references in the Bible.There is nothing personal in the book.

Must read which will help one think Biblically
What an excellent book with many things I had never heard before!Be prepared to rethink many of your assumptions concerning the end times.Gives good reasons to support why I am a Christian Zionist.God has spoken, and His Word is clear.The book ties together Israel's prophets and the book of Revelation. If I had to recommend one book on prophecy, this would be it!As Walid Shoebat says, "To all who seek Israel's destructiion, I say, 'Think Again.'" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Islam    2. Islamic fundamentalism    3. Jihad    4. Meditations    5. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    6. Religion    7. Religious aspects    8. Terrorism   

Reviews (3)

A RealisticApproach To Solving Problem
Once again George McGovern makes a logical and realistic view on an important world issue. I would suggest all read this volume and give serious consideration to the plan suggested. Thank you to both authors!

A decent,sound way to make Americans and Iraqis safer.
This book is so much more than a lot ofextremely important information about Iraq.It proposes an American withdrawal based on our highest American ideals -- treating the Iraqis as we would want to be treated in similar circumstances.
Best Book on Iraq Yet
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Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. Foreign relations    3. History - U.S.    4. International Relations - General    5. Iraq War, 2003    6. Military - Iraq War    7. Military Policy    8. Military Science    9. Modern - 21st Century    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics and government    12. Science/Mathematics    13. Technology    14. U.S. Foreign Relations    15. United States    16. United States - 21st Century    17. History / United States / 21st Century   

Reviews (4)

A great lesson practical diplomacy
Brady is an old college friend of mine, and I was eager to buy his book when the security-clearance guys let it out.I was not disappointed.Brady tells a good story, and has some good stories to tell. Through his many examples of diplomatic life and diplomatic problems, he provides an insightful analysis how foreign policy is really implemented on the ground--and how it can easily fail.
Any who would understand modern world issues and interactions must have DIPLOMACY LESSONS.
Author John Brady Kiesling was a political counselor of the U.S. embassy in Athens, but resigned in 2003 to protect the Bush administration's forthcoming invasion of Iraq. DIPLOMACY LESSONS: REALISM FOR AN UNLOVED SUPERPOWER surveys the methods and processes of American diplomacy overseas, providing background history, surveys of changing strategies, and ideas on how it works and sometimes - especially lately - fails. Any who would understand modern world issues and interactions must have DIPLOMACY LESSONS.
Diplomacy Lessons by John Brady Kiesling
John Brady Kiesling's Diplomacy Lessons are exactly what they say they are, and nowhere have I seen a clearer explanation of how America has gone wrong in its dealings with the rest of the world. The latter, it appears, is far more intricate and in need of care than the current administration would have us believe. On the contrary, the skill and wisdom with which our career diplomats interact with foreigners is a primary factor optimizing our place in the world and in all that serves the best interests of America. Playing fast and loose these past five years with so essential and hard-won a system of good will and reciprocity has been an incalculable blunder. Kiesling carefully explains, often by citing examples from his own long experience in Greece and elsewhere, the principles of effective diplomacy and how we might regain our footing through smarter behavior. His book should be required reading for anyone concerned with foreign policy and, indeed, it promises to be a fine gift for that favorite smirking blowhard who thinks he understands the world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Diplomacy    2. International Relations - Diplomacy    3. Philosophy    4. Political Science    5. Political aspects    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Realism    9. United States    10. War on Terrorism, 2001-    11. International relations    12. Political Science / General   

Reviews (68)

IS VOTE FRAUD JUST A HARMLESS PRANK ?
NO CONSENSUS EXISTS ABOUT THE PERVASIVENESS OF CONTEMPORARY VOTE FRAUD or the frequency with which elections are stolen.A recent bipartisan report (U.S. Election Assistance Commission, May 17, 2006)tends to minimize the phenomenon ofvote tampering as insignificant or unsubstantiated.Consequently, the message seems to be that we should forget about it and roll our eyes when cranky complainers continue to harp about vote theft.
Socialism has never worked...
This book was at my local library so I decided to read it because it has received such great reviews that say like yeah that is right Bush lied, people died. First off this book was highly entertaining. Mr. Palast writes in a sarcastic tone that the reader must adjust to. The beginning of the book was really easy to read. He does not blame Bush so much as he does the Saudis. The Saudis really run our country with Bush as their puppet. Palast never accounts for the poor intelligence that the U.S had in Iraq before the war. Palast does not understand that part. I did not agree with Palast blasting Thomas Friedman as the worst thing since Bush. I respect Friedman and the work that he has done.
A Must Have Title
A great well exposed piece of research. The abuse and lies of the US Gov't under George W. Bush andhis cronies is beyond comprehension. This book clearly identifies what a inside out, upside down world we suffer under today. This is a must have investigation that should be in every library- personal and public. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 2000    2. 2004    3. Election    4. Government - General    5. Government - State & Provincial    6. Government - U.S. Government    7. Political Advocacy    8. Political Corruption    9. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    10. Political Process - Elections    11. Political Science    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Politics/International Relations    14. Presidents    15. U.S. - Contemporary Politics    16. United States    17. Political Science / Political Ideologies / General   

Editorial Review

The angry ranting of an obscure, small-party politician, the first volume of Read more

Reviews (138)

hitlers book
the reason ichose to recomend this book is because i belive it is the only one which tells the truth about nazi germany.its really not "racist propaganda" as the school systems would have you belive but an account of a man who loved his country so much,he tried to perfect it.its basicly just a philosophy book.remember ,hitlers allies in ww2 were a half black man ,mussolini and the japanese leader.so,if you want truth,read this book.if you want a bunch of tree huggin hippie bs,read any other book on the matter.this book was the most widely owned book in the world in its day.if you cant handle the truth,steer clear.if you want the german equivelant ofthomas paines's"common sense",then read it.

A Terrible Beginning Indeed
This is a very difficult book to read, not only because it is the product of the hateful and ignorant mind of a man that seized control of Germany and plunged the world into one of history's most devastating wars, resulting in the ethnic genocide of millions of Jews, Slavs, gypsies, homosexuals and others.
Putrid, but Important to Take a Look at
During the Nazi Era, this book was the most un-read bestseller in Europe.Lots of people purchased the volume, but very few took the time to read it.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Dictators    4. Europe - Germany    5. Fascism    6. Germany    7. Germany - History - Third Reich (1933-1945)    8. Historical - General    9. History    10. History & Theory - General    11. History: World    12. National socialism    13. Nationalsozialistische deutsch    14. Political    15. Politics and government    16. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Editorial Review

Celebrated economist Jeffrey Sachs has a plan to eliminate extreme poverty around the world by 2025. If you think that is too ambitious or wildly unrealistic, you need to read this book. His focus is on the one billion poorest individuals around the world who are caught in a poverty trap of disease, physical isolation, environmental stress, political instability, and lack of access to capital, technology, medicine, and education. The goal is to help these people reach the first rung on the "ladder of economic development" so they can rise above mere subsistence level and achieve some control over their economic futures and their lives. To do this, Sachs proposes nine specific steps, which he explains in great detail in Read more

Reviews (14)

At least it got people talking about global economics...
I really wanted to love this book. It came strongly recommended by a good friend who is very interested in development work.Whenever I read a review I always try and figure out what angle the reviewer is coming from, so for the record I'm deeply interested in development work and I have a background in economics and environmental science, but mostly I'm just really well read.
why we lost the poor
The End of Poverty is an excellent book. It shows how economic thinking can provide a better wealth situation in the underdeveloped world. Jeffrey Sachs describes his last twenty years on development economics. He is the driving force behind the mayor developments in Bolivia and Poland. The book contains his experiences in Bolivia, Poland and Russia. If you introduce economic measures in these countries you can take a big step to let the people help themselves. But if you go to Africa, it seams that these measures are really not the first aid you can give them.
Historic Opportunity for Our Generation
Through clear illustrations and calculations, Jeffrey Sachs lays out a very optimistic and compelling argument that extreme poverty can be ended within our generation. Two major requirements of this plan are the rich nation's commitment to debt relief and their honoring of their promises to dedicate a meager 0.7% of GNP to Official Development Assistance (ODA). If properly invested in infrastructure, health, and education (a topic well covered in the book), these funds could put the extremely poor back on the economic ladder towards growth and development. Sachs sites numerous success stories such as the Marshall Plan and the eradication of African River Blindness and Smallpox where sufficient funding and dedication successfully accomplished development objectives.