Reviews (4)

Bush
"....otherwise [the book] is two covers surrounding emptiness."
Love It
I decided to post a review because I'm responding to the one below. I actually loved this book. Bush is made to look like a fool because he is a fool and then some. If you are a big fan of George W Bush than buying this book is probably a mistake but if you are like the rest of us, it's a lot of fun and quite informative. The fact is it's funny. period. It's nice to have for the cover alone. I'm giving it for Christmas gifts this year.

Not funny
Anybody -- anybody -- can be made to look a fool if he has been recorded enough and spoken enough.Liberals don't understand that W is a superb manager and scorn him because he is not a polished speaker.I'd rather have a solid manager than an articulate pol in charge of the country.You might enjoy this book if you are a liberal wishing to confirm his or her prejudices, but otherwise it is two covers surrounding emptiness. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Humor    2. Quotations    3. Topic - Political    4. Humor / Political    5. Reference-Quotations   

Reviews (81)

Solid, mostly objective reporting
I have read several of Woodward's previous works, and found this to be a solid piece of reporting, wrapped and shaped to provide believeable characterizations of the players.I was not particularly surprised by much in the book, since a lot of it was clearly in the public domain press and television.But, Woodward has managed to fill in additional details to provide a soild context for the 10-second sound bites we get from the White House, and others.
I'm a Republican and I liked it
I have read all of Bob Woodward's books going back to the early-80's, The Brethren - which was not very good. I have consistently found him to be fact-based and fair in his reporting and analysis. I read this one twice.
What are we going to do about it?
While reading this book, which is about the fifth one I have read that basically says the same things about Bush and this war, and which I agree with and appreciate having authors tell me about, but when is someone going to write a book with advice about what we can do about it? All this talk just frustrates me. The points made in this book cannot fail to upset any reasonable taxpaying US citizen. I love the way they are presented but to be honest, I couldn't finish the book.It was just making me feel sick and helpless to do anything. What can we do besides read books about it? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 2001-    2. Government - Executive Branch    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. National security    6. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics and government    10. Politics/International Relations    11. United States    12. History / Modern / 21st Century   

Reviews (40)

Terrifying
A bleak forecast for Western Civilization's future.Scarier than any horror novel I've ever read, despite the fact that, at times, Steyn made me guffaw with his witticisms.Certainly not for the faint-hearted among us.

What will happen to Mont St. Michel and Chartres?
I don't give a d*mn for the French people or any of the European peoples any more since (as Mark Steyn clearly and forcefully points out) they are digging their own demographic graves (while happily damning America and appeasing the jihadists). But I do care for European THINGS, foremost among them great monuments to the human spirit such as Mont St. Michel and Chartres. When Europe becomes Islamic later this century, what will the Muslim rulers do to these cathedrals? Turn them into mosques, as the Ottomans did to St. Sophia when they conquered Constantinople, or turn them into museums, as the Turks later did to St. Sophia, or blow them up, as the Taliban did to the Buddhas?
You won't want to put it down. ( I mean that.)
"America Alone" is an electrifying, compelling read, and Steyn's take on the state of affairs in America and Europe is frighteningly dead on. I read the first half on the way to Thailand, and hated putting it down. Buy it, read it and give it to those you care about. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1989-    2. Civilization, Western    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. International Relations (Specific Aspects)    5. International Relations - Diplomacy    6. International Relations - General    7. Islam and politics    8. Political Freedom & Security - General    9. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    10. Political Process - Leadership    11. Political Science    12. Politics / Current Events    13. Politics/International Relations    14. World politics    15. International relations    16. Political Science / Leadership    17. Forecasts   

Reviews (17)

If you actualy read it
This is a wonderfully rich book in addressing many of the most important
Debunking the Bush crowd
"Hubris", the fine new book by Michael Isikoff and David Corn, continues a parade of offerings which spell trouble for the Bush administration. Nicely paced and rich in detail, the authors delve deep into the parallel stories of the war in Iraq and the Valerie (Plame) Wilson leaks. "Hubris" is well worth the read.
well researched but there's the rest ofthe story
Reading the book makes us aware of the problem but it needs to point to a resolution of the problem.Otherwise it's too depressing.It's like someone yelled 'Fire!' in a crowded theater and that's not right.I'd rather read one of Lyndon LaRouche's books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Causes    2. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    3. Government - General    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Iraq War, 2003-    6. Military - Iraq War    7. Military Policy    8. Political Science    9. Political aspects    10. Political corruption    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics/International Relations    13. Pride and vanity    14. U.S. Federal Executive Bodies    15. United States    16. Political Science / Government / General   

Reviews (6)

Reply To Tom Markus
He said, "Let faith be your guide and never deny the Word of God that specifically calls for us to reject the San Fancisco values of Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat Party."
Well said
I felt better about the Republican party - hopeful there can be change within it, a way to get out of the current disappointing party it has become.This book was thoughtful, and personally helpful to me, in a worldly and a spiritual way. Its a great read, and I felt the better for having experienced it.

another conservative shows thatBush is not conservative
Sullivan does excellent work in showing how far from traditional conservatism George W. Bush is with his emphasis on heavy government spending without commensurate taxation, his unconscionable expansion of executive power at the expense of other branches of government and against the U.S. Constitution, as well as his putting religious ideas, themselves without rational basis, in the place of reasonable, skeptical inquiry.The only fault of the book is that it makes Reagan a more competent president than in fact he was:Reagan's fiscal profligacy in expanding defense spending while cutting taxes doubled the national debt in the eight years of his administration.
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Subjects:  1. Conservatism    2. Fundamentalism    3. General    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    6. Political Process - Political Parties    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. U.S. - Contemporary Politics    11. United States    12. Political Science / General   

Reviews (138)

Not buying this xenophobia
Name one civilization that lasted forever. Does anyone sincerely believe that we would be better off today if the mighty Roman empire had not perished? Change is inevitable.
Good Research, Poor Recommendations
I enjoy reading Pat's books for their historical and factual research.But I have found that he fails to make his point when it comes to the conclusions and recommendations to fix the problems he outlines.This book is no exception.Great research, interesting, but it need a hard punch line conclusion at the end with specific, easy to follow recommendations.A specific chapter at the end with numbered recommendations listing exactly what can/should be done to stem the flow of immigration would make this a more powerful book.

What the media & elites don't want you to know
No one argues the immigration problem better than Mr. Buchanan. Through
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Subjects:  1. Discrimination & Racism    2. Emigration & Immigration    3. Emigration And Immigration    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Government policy    6. Illegal aliens    7. International Relations - General    8. Political Ideologies - General    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Public Policy - Cultural Policy    11. Race And Ethnic Relations    12. Social Science    13. Sociology    14. United States    15. Immigration & emigration    16. Political Science / Political Ideologies / General    17. USA   

Reviews (7)

you shall love your neighbor as yourself
Danforth follows the teachings of Jesus in this moderate and sensible discussion of the extremes theocons go to in following an badly distorted religion that has little to do with NT Christianity.Danforth makes the point much less emphatically than that, always willing to give evangelicals more than the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, the gun-totin' execution-advocatin'tax-hatin' theocons bear no resemblance to the Jesus of the bible who advised against using weapons, stopped an execution, and in Lukehas only hard words for the rich and those who pursue wealth.
Where's the Democrat Doing the Same?
In terms of extreme partisanship, Danforth has nailed the problems with the modern Republican Party on the head.The greatest confusion on this issue, however, rests in the assumption that the most vociferous opponents of the Republicans are somehow different.They are fanatical too, and in a profoundly quasi-religious way. Righteousness is now at the core of both party bases.
Politics and Faithyness
In 1909, G.K. Chesterton recognized the danger of Episcopalianism ceasing to be a religion without ceasing to be a church.Mr. Danforth, who publicly dons the mantle of credibility as a former Episcopalian clergyman, seems to be a perfect example of this unfortunate decline.The kernel is gone but he clings to the shell.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    4. Political Process - Political Parties    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Religion And Politics    9. Religion, Politics & State    10. United States    11. Political Science / Political Parties   

Editorial Review

Essayist and cultural critic Barbara Ehrenreich has always specialized in turning received wisdom on its head with intelligence, clarity, and verve. With some 12 million women being pushed into the labor market by welfare reform, she decided to do some good old-fashioned journalism and find out just how they were going to survive on the wages of the unskilled--at $6 to $7 an hour, only half of what is considered a living wage. So she did what millions of Americans do, she looked for a job and a place to live, worked that job, and tried to make ends meet. Read more

Reviews (979)

Next week on The Simple Life, Barb joins Paris and Nicole for shift work at the local Wallyworld!
She Made It Even Harder To Get By
Ehrenreich is the kind of journalist I despise. One who thinks her insights are so important that it doesn't matter how much she inconveniences others to make her point.
Bring your own grain of salt.
This is not a bad book, but it's not a good one. Although I certainly gained some insight from reading this book, I was disappointed (and surprised) by Ms. Ehrenreich's (or the editor's?) lack of fact-checking/ attention to detail, and/or embellishment.
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Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. Labor    3. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    4. Labor Economics (General)    5. Minimum wage    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Poverty    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Sociology - Social Theory    11. United States    12. Unskilled labor    13. Labour economics    14. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (823)

You can't judge a book by its cover!
I saw the cover of this book and thought it must be one of the new plethora of diet and workout books.This conclusion reached due to the way Ms. Coulter is dressed.
Thank GOD, a taste of their own medicine.
Ann Coulter is witty and insightful. The liberals want to throw stone and claim separation of church and state. That's because even a Satanist would cringe at their ultra left views. The liberals are finally getting what they're giving and they just can't handle it. Anyone who has actually taken the time to read this book as opposed to simply reading the Liberal talking points would have to say it's at the very least factual. Less than can be said about the near plagiarism of the less witty, less intelligent, less factual attack on this book.
Ann Coulter
"Hackneyed, nonsensical, pablum. I am sure if her contituents were capable of intelligent thought ..."
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Subjects:  1. 1989-    2. Conservatism    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Liberalism    5. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    6. Political Process - Political Parties    7. Political Psychology    8. Political Science    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics and government    11. Politics/International Relations    12. United States    13. Political Science / Political Parties   

Reviews (156)

Fun to read, not too indepth, but Stossell entertains for sure!
John Stossel's Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity is a great book in which the 20/20 anchor tackles myths that prevail in society and are often taken as fact and refutes all of them with facts of his own.The chapters are broken down into myths about health, medicine, government, relationships, business, etc.These myths aren't just those such as you shouldn't swim after you eat (although that is in there.)Stossel tackles myths that cost money and lives and have been around so long they have been accepted as truth.For example, malaria, a desease that takes thousans of lives in Africa, could be easily combated with the Pesticide DDT.DDT was banned many years ago because fraudulent data reported it as cancerous.Food could be much healthier if it was treated with radiation, but radiation sounds bad so minority special interest groups have fought to have it banned.
Forget much of what you think is true!
John Stossel's first book, GIVE ME A BREAK,got me thinking about
Clear, excellent example of bias
I love this book.I teach a class that includes a component on critical thinking, and I've had trouble finding clear examples of authors who are able to all of the following in one argument: (a) use bias in choosing the facts they present, (b) mischaracterize the meanings of these facts, (c) mischaracterize counter arguments, AND (d) reason incorrectly about what their already selective premises.But now I've found plenty of examples here.
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Subjects:  1. Common fallacies    2. Government - State & Provincial    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Political Process - General    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Sociology (General)    9. Sociology - General    10. Political Science / General   

Reviews (16)

The sad truth
This book is about the destruction of our country by elected officials and Big Business "Interests."
Thom hits the nail on the head in all but this: education
Education in this country is big business and is so hopelessly institutionalized (that is, it has become an institution) Institutions are self-perpetuating.It is extremely difficult--if not impossible--to change anything about an institution, let alone eliminate it, because the individuals currently occupying places in the institution no longer have much to do with it. The institution sustains itself despite any particular complement of workers within it. Yes, individuals in positions to direct policy and command the workforce can fiddle with some things, but the institution itself will go on. (Note that major legislation affecting schools comes several layers above a district superintendent or even the schools board.)Thus, what Thom is saying about "fixing the schools" or "change the way we are teaching" is way off the mark. Teachers are drones within that institution of public education. The best of teachers can sometimes "make a difference" for one or two kids a year. But because of the context of schooling--one teacher, 35 kids, classes rotating in and out every 45 minutes--the young minds are dumbed down and rigidified such that critical/creating thinking is not only impossible, it is prohibited.
Must reading
This book by Thom Hartmann should be required reading in every school in the United States.He lays out concisely what our country has done and needs to do to have a Democracy and a middle class and clearly demonstrates how the so called conservatives now and all the way back to the founding of the nation haave tried to destroy democracy and the middle class in favor of corporatocracy and an elite ruling class.Simple to follow and understand.The book really puts everything into a clear perspective.
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Subjects:  1. Civics & Citizenship    2. Economic Conditions    3. Economic Policy    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Political Freedom & Security - General    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Public Policy    10. Public Policy - Economic Policy    11. Social Classes    12. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    13. Political Science / Civics    14. USA   

Reviews (66)

Highly recommended.
Failed States: The Abuse Of Power And The Assault On Democracy is a stinging criticism of American arrogance and its failures to live up to the spirit of democracy by esteemed linguistics and philosophy president Noam Chomsky. In an era where the United States repeatedly asserts its right to use military might against 'failed states' around the globe, Noam Chomsky reveals the dangerous features that the United States shares with other failed states - nations that are unable or unwilling 'to protect their citizens from violence and perhaps even destruction' and 'regard themselves as beyond the reach of domestic or international law.' Failed states, Chomsky observes, are characterized by a 'democratic deficit' that leeches any real democratic substance from their governmental institutions.
Seven Excellent Suggestions!
The United States is not the foremost example in the world of a failed state. However, in the process of trying to make such a ridiculous claim, Noam Chomsky has set forth an excellent critique of the U.S. for not living up to its own exalted ideals. In addition, Chomsky has set forth an excellent critique of some recent actions of the U.S. government. From his critique Chomsky makes seven excellent suggestions, which are worth quoting here in full:
Nonsense On Stilts
As the saying goes, you're entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts.
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Subjects:  1. Government - U.S. Government    2. History & Theory - General    3. International Relations - General    4. Iraq War, 2003    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Security, International    9. Unilateral acts (International law)    10. United States - 21st Century    11. Political Science / General   

Reviews (20)

Great, Succinct Expose of anti-American Corporate Actions (4.5*s)
Many predicted that so-called free trade agreements, which ignore social, economic, and legal imbalances between First World and Third World countries, would be disastrous for American workers. Senator Dorgan was one of the critics of handing corporations a ticket for a ride on cheap labor, and he and others were right. The book is an easy to read expose of the consequences of free-trade. Wow, what an eye-opener...
The Senator takes some pretty complex subjects and boils them down so that average folks like me can digest them.I always had the impression that outsourcing was bad and that corporations did some shady things to maximize their profits.Now I'm convinced.This book shows me the money and names names.The truly surprising thing was exactly how much of an accomplice our own government has been.Read it--and vote accordingly.

EXPORT GOODS, NOT JOBS!
Senator Dorgan is not one of your wishy-washy politicians. He takes a stand on NAFTA and CAFTA: He's against them.He makes it clear that we're not just sending low-paid work to other countries, but we're rapidly losing our manufacturing jobs. Those are jobs that paid well and provided thousands of Americans with middle-class life-styles.
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Subjects:  1. Contracting out    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. International Relations - Trade & Tariffs    4. Labor & Industrial Relations - General    5. Labor supply    6. Political Science    7. Politics / Current Events    8. Politics/International Relations    9. United States    10. Political Science / International Relations / Trade & Tariffs   

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.