Book Description
In this new edition of his national bestseller, E. J. Dionne brings up to date his influential proposals for a politics that can and must find a balance between rights and obligations, between responsibility and compassion.
From the New, Updated Introduction:
"At the heart of Why Americans Hate Politics is the view that ideas shape politics far more than most accounts of public life usually allow. I believe ideas matter not only to elites and intellectuals, but also to rank and file voters. Indeed, I often think that the rank and file see the importance of ideas more clearly than the elites, who often find themselves surprised by the rise of the movements that arise from the bottom up and shape our politics."
Customer Reviews:
An Iconic Survey of America's Political Landscape (or Lack Thereof).......2006-03-04
I came across this book about a year ago, if that, at my local public library. Dionne's piercing analysis opened my eyes to the answer, or beginnings of an answer, to a question that had been so residual in my mind.
Looking at the publication date, I was taken aback. The book is so relevant, and it was originally introduced to the market in 1992.
But that's a footnote. Dionne's thesis is simple, yet brilliantly incisive: American political "apathy" is only apparent; the hostility among most people toward 'politics' and, especially, 'politicians' can be explained, he writes, toward the "false choices" provided by our ineffective two-party system.
So, instead of energy and solidarity, we are seeing (and have been seeing for many years, as Dionne indicates) paralysis, stagnation and a 'polarized' climate that denies a third way.
Read it.
Challenge your political allegiances.......2005-04-03
I like bold books that make bold statements. "Why Americans Hate Politics" opens swinging for the fences, saying accurately that the New Left elected Reagan. And when the book isn't speaking difficult truths, its articulating things clearly that you've probably sensed before. This book traces American Politics from the 60s to 91, outlining the major shifts in ideologies and how they are represented in the political parties. The way it displays these sometimes dramatic shifts could be the books highest value. To see the words "liberal" and "Republican" next to each other feels bizarre, though it shouldn't, and people where described as such not long ago. "Why Americans..." argues essentially there was an insurgency in the Democratic Party in the 60s that split the centrist New Deal consensus. While there were inherently some contradictions in that consensus, the Vietnam War exacerbated the split. At the same time, a conservative coalition emerged, thanks in large part to William Buckley's National Review and the candidacy of Barry Goldwater, that was able to unite two former democratic flanks, namely the libertarian/internationalist neo-conservatives and the traditional/religious populists. The cause of anti-communism solidified that coalition. In turn, the Democratic Party was caught trying to balance the radicals of the sixties and the New Dealers from the past. The two sides have battled it out ever since.
Most importantly and refreshingly, Dionne takes both sides seriously and at their word. For example, he is eloquent in pointing out that and that most religious conservatives don't want to delegitimize other's faiths or force others to their own, they just don't like being mocked as dupes. Further, conservatives are foolish when they dismiss the 60s as being merely a radical frenzy. Our current attitudes of equality and opportunity, that no one serious would dissent from, were fought for in that era and those victories must be acknowledged. Both parties have had successes and mistakes, and could learn from each other.
There are a few problems with the book, however. At one point it seemed as if Dionne couldn't decide whether the South became Republican because of demographic and economic changes, or because it is simply anti-civil rights. I also think that he succumbs to impulse (like Thomas Friedman) that says everyone is mostly right and we just need to compromise toward the middle. Compromise is of value, but it's not the highest value. But overall it is a great book displaying how unnatural coalitions in our two party system make politics about symbolism rather than substance. The fight against terrorism will act like anticommunism in that it will continue to hold the conservative coalition together while it will put liberals into a bind when trying to articulate their strategies in that fight. But these schisms are on the horizon and must be dealt with. Then, hopefully, we can put the war of symbols aside. But I'm not holding my breath.
Great Reading!.......2004-07-21
Facinating reading on the evolution of political thought through the last thirty years of the 20th Century. If you have an interest in politics and economics and are the least bit curious about ideas it can't be beat. When you finish you should follow up with "They Only Look Dead" which, sort of, takes up where this book leaves off. Dionne is a great writer and a solid thinker.
Interesting.......2004-03-16
This books is any easy read, but it covers the subject well. The author explains the ways that political parties have evolved in the last 20 years and demonstrates why Americans feel less connection with the political process.
Confirmed by the passage of time............2002-12-27
I originally purchased and read "Why Americans Hate Politics" shortly after it was published. Recently, I came across the book in my library and read it again.
Few modern-day books and in depth analyses manage to weather the test of time. Mr. Dionne's thesis, to his credit, is further affirmed in its accuracy just four days short of 2003. This achievement is only diminished by the frustration of knowing that we've sunken much deeper into this morass of "ideological polarization" vis a vis liberalism and conservatism as it affects today's political climate in the U.S.
Mr. Dionne could hardly have predicted the proliferation of cable networks with their steady diet of disciples from both sides pummeling the viewer 24 hours a day. Neither could he have imagined the depths to which politicos, think tanks, and special interest groups would plunge as this "polarization" continues to feed upon itself some 12 years later.
"Why Americans Hate Politics" should be on every required reading list in our colleges and universities as well as among engaged and concerned citizens in the United States - especially given current events.
Book Description
"The American flag stands for hatred, warmongering, and imperialism."
"Our free-market system is responsible for killing and oppressing millions of people."
"This country breeds racists and sexists."
Is America really that bad? It is if you accept the lies and propaganda from the anti-American Left in our own country. This dismal, distorted view of the greatest, freest nation in history comes from a Left who would rather idolize Ho Chi Minh and Fidel Castro than honor George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who burn down businesses and destroy property to protest free markets, and who fight alongside radical terrorists rather than against them. They trample the Constitution while hiding behind the First Amendment, and their idea of displaying the American flag is setting it on fire and parading it through the streets. Yes, this is a Left comprised of people who truly hate their country, and they will stop at nothing to tear her down—smashing our liberty in the process.
Why the Left Hates America punches a hole right through the thin veneer of political correctness that has long protected these anti-Americans—exposing their rotting, vacuous core. Author and commentator Daniel J. Flynn digs deep into the American Left and reveals why they blame every bad deed in the world on the United States, while ignoring her myriad contributions.
This book cogently points out that, of course, all Americans have the right to speak their minds. But, all too often, the actions by the anti-American Left become destructive and anarchistic. You need not look any further than the explosive 1999 World Trade Organization "protests" in Seattle, campus book burnings, or even John Walker Lindh to see that factions on the Left are the worst perpetrators of anti-Americanism. And what may be most shocking is that many of these anti-Americans are at the same time teachers, professors, journalists, news reporters, and even judges and politicians.
Probing and controversial—without devolving into jingoism—this book proves once and for all that what you see in the news and learn in school is often tainted by the anti-American Left, and it shows you what you can do to keep them at bay.
“A compelling, breezy look at the political myopia and downright kookiness that characterizes the radical Left...The book shines when Flynn catalogs the excesses of people who loathe everything the United States has ever touched...The final chapter, a catalog of what’s good about America, works even better.”—Weekly Standard
“Piece by piece, Flynn demolishes the underpinnings of the knee-jerk anti-American bias that makes so many thinking people cringe at the sight of their own nation’s flag.” —John McWhorter, author of Losing the Race
“A wonderful book documenting that with the collapse of the Soviet Union and socialism, the American Left is left alone with its one motivating idea: hatred of America.”—Grover Norquist, American Spectator
“An indispensable weapon in the battle for America’s future.”
—David Horowitz, author of Hating Whitey
“Read this book and learn how to take our country back, before it’s too late.”
—Tammy Bruce, author of The Death of Right and Wrong
“It is not so hard to understand why some foreigners hate America. Much more puzzling is why many on the American Left detest their country and work assiduously for its destruction. Dan Flynn exposes these America-haters and gives intellectual ammunition to thinking patriots.” —Dinesh D’Souza, author of What’s So Great About America
Customer Reviews:
Every ideology needs a devil.To the Left,the devil is the United States of America.......2007-08-03
This book is an excellent explanation of why there is so much Anti-Americanism and even hatred towards America and Americans.A lot of this hatred today is directed towards President Bush and any and all leaders in the Republican Party.This Anti-Americanism resides not only with the Liberals,Socialists,and those to the left of center in political thinking among the Democrats ,but also with the same types outside the United States ;particularly in Europe and right here in Canada.
The author quotes the words of Leftists themselves to show the depth of idology they have in their desire to see the downfall of America.
Their ideology necessitates that everything good about America is in direct opposition to what the Left touts in theory;but is refuted in practice. Rather than revise their inept theories,the Left lashes out at the nation that disproves them.
Communism ,Socialism, Fascism,and other isms are evil in nature and have proven to be utter failures whenever they have gained control over those they purport to serve. Yet a small number of elites still hold to these dark,failed and evil ideologies for the simple reason that it is in tryanny,suffering and failure that they look for hope.
The West and United States has been ,and until something better than Democracy,Freedom and Liberty and Faith in a Supreme Being comes along;these concepts will remain the hope for Mankind in the future;not the failed isms that the Left continue to offer.
There are ancient words that are appropriately applied to the Left;
"One who deceives will always find those who allow themselve to be
deceived."
There is very little in this book that does not apply to Canada as well;and in many cases even more so.
It is a very rare thing to find anyone here who does not spew out a line of Anti- Americanism.This is particularly prominent with people associated with schools,universities and the media.The numbers of Leftists quotes in these areas in the United States do dot surprise me at all;and I suspect the numbers would be even higher here in Canada.
The author's comments about Multiculturalism hit home here as well. It has been entrenched so deeply that any discussion about its merits are virtually verbotten. Dual Citizenships,split national allegiances,Hyphenated Loyalties etc., were not what made America the shining light in the world;and these same things are causing deep-rooted divisions in Canada.
The words that define America,Life,Liberty,and the Pursuit of Happiness were not adopted here.Canada chose Peace,Order and Good Government;quite different values. One set is meant to serve the people while the other is to govern people.
If you love your country and believe in the values that the founders of America did,and by the way not all Canadians are Leftists,this book will give you the other side of the arguments you continually hear from Leftists,regardless of how much they pretend that they don't hate Aamerica;its just the things that America and people Like Bush do. Hold on to this book,Bush will be gone in a couple of years.The Anti-Americanism won't disappear,regardless of who or even what party replaces him.
If you really want to know what is wrong in the West;look no further than the ideologies of the Left.
So why does the Left hate America?
The answer is that America stands as a massive refutation of every pet
theory the Left has ever had."
Why the Left doesn't want you to read this book!.......2007-02-06
I began reading this book unsure of what I'd encounter. I knew I was tired of hearing "how awful the United States is!"...from Americans!! And I knew that the general consensus outside the States was that "we" are deserving of having our chickens come home to roost!! I was pretty much descouraged about the growing antiAmericanism I lived with daily.
Daniel Flynn is an excellent writer and thinker! He deftly describes how much of what I am feeling, what all Americans face every day...and most importantly...what our younger generations are taught from the time they enter school, is all a concerted effort on the part of American Leftists to undermine our country. IT IS NOT PARANOIA IF THEY REALLY ARE AFTER YOU!
Flynn leads us through all of the issues and lies the Left doesn't want you to know. He gives you information that you can use to "reeducate" your children & yourself, and makes you feel good about everything this wonderful country stands for!
Most importantly Daniel FLynn gives us "Chapter 6: America's True Legacy." This is the chapter in his book that blows away every Leftist accusation there is! Clearly and concisely Flynn ennumerates all of the amazing and unparelleled "gifts" America has brought to the World. I now feel great again about my country - and strong enough to fight off any Leftist threat!
This book should be required reading! Way to go Dan! I can't wait for your next book
bigeasy51
Are Conservatives the Only True Patriots?.......2006-10-17
Author Daniel Flynn is a man who feels strongly about America's place in world history, its legacy, and its contributions to world culture. He doesn't appreciate it when people attack the USA from within and in this book he explains what he feels are the root causes and the motives of those who engage in this type of behavior on a regular basis. Originally published in 2002 and then updated in 2004, this provocative book challenges the positions taken by those on the so- called "Left", with the author explaining why he feels the activism of these people is not only wrong, but also anti- American at its core.
One thing that should be explained right away is what the book means by the "Left", because I was confused by this at first. When I started to read, I thought the book was referring to today's Democratic Party when it attacked members of the Left, but this isn't quite the case. The group the book is referring to isn't your average, run of the mill Democrat. What the book is actually referring to are the more radical elements within the liberal sector: Those who feel the USA is to blame for most of the world's problems and who openly speak out against the place they call home whenever anything goes wrong in the world.
This book has a few good points to make in this book and positions on key criticisms are explained fairly well, even if the author is a little too brief and blunt at times. For example, I like the book's explanations about the tendency of feminists, minority rights activists, and others to exploit any little incident they can find, past or present, as a way to further their cause. These various groups do, indeed, make exaggerated claims on a regular basis and they are quick to blame the American system when something goes wrong. Many activists are guilty of this, and the book makes a valid complaint on this point. I also like his refutation of some of the pet theories of the "Left" and why they are so wrong, like the loathing of the system of capitalism even though it has created the world's wealthiest nation. These, and other topics like them, are defended well and what the book says makes good sense. These arguments can also be supported with facts, adding to their validity.
With the remainder of the book, the arguments are not as solid and the author tends to get carried away with his blind patriotism. The author doesn't directly admit it, but he seems to suggest that any criticism of government makes a person unpatriotic. To this, I must ask the author the obvious question: At what point does one stop accepting anything the government says or does as morally correct? Where does one draw the line? According to this book, no criticism is valid because the USA, while not perfect, has a better record than any other nation and that we, its citizens, should be grateful to live here and should sing our nation's praises on a daily basis. This blind patriotism seems very shortsighted and it makes me wonder if and when the author would consider the actions of government to be worthy of criticism.
Another thing about this book that is less than appealing is its extremist language. The book argues against liberal extremists, but the author feels so strongly about the "Left" and its anti- American sentiment that he sees no problem using some extreme talk of his own. Statements like "The Left slanders America" and "The Left despises capitalism" are made throughout this book and it starts to get a little irritating after a while. I can agree that there are some on the Left who really do feel this way, but I don't think words like "despises" and "slander" are accurate words to use when talking about the majority of the people who consider themselves members of the Left. I can agree, for example, that some members of the Left are against unequal economic status. But I don't think the majority of them would advocate eliminating capitalism to solve the problem.
The United States of America has offered much to the people of the world and to the progress of mankind. This book is correct when it points out the contributions made by Americans during the industrial age; the many inventions that were created at the hand of an American citizen; and the generosity of Americans toward others in the world during a natural disaster or other time of great need. The book takes pride with these accomplishments and there is no problem with that. But the book goes overboard when it speaks about patriotism like it is an obligation- a duty to which there are few if any exceptions. And to think differently, to criticize American government policy, makes one guilty of treason according to the line of reasoning used in this book.
The title used for this book and its blunt language are certain to get some people steaming mad and that is the way the author intended it. The book is a mixed bag as far as its content and message, so I'm going to give this book a rating of three stars and a recommendation, but not by much. It has some important points to make, yes. But I could have done without the author's self- righteousness and his tendency to generalize everyone on the Left as someone who despises his/her country.
Hate Is Indeed The Right Word.......2006-01-30
There is so much anti-American sentiment worldwide that one is not surprised to find that these strident deniers of all worthwhile things traditionally American are often of the homegrown variety. In WHY THE LEFT HATES AMERICA, Daniel J. Flynn takes the Left to task as he analyzes who they are, why they think the way they do, and what the Right can say to refute the Left's most egregious charges. Flynn places current vitriolic hatred of America within an historical context. He notes that those who shout the loudest are often the same ones who in the mid 1960s stormed the ivy citadels of Columbia University in their protest against the Vietnam War. Those bearded radicals upset far more than the placid decorum of a few harried college administrators. Over the next few decades they became the new generation of administrators and teachers. They wrote books revamping history, taught a brand of history that focused only on America's acknowledged blighted past and carefully overlooked an unacknowledged glory filled record of achievement. Flynn notes that the trend toward anti-American thought began with the early Communist converts of this country in the mid 1920s. It was not difficult for these converts to attract the leaders of a series of oppressed minorities to their cause: W. E. B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, and Lincoln Steffens. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the race toward finishing the job begun by DuBois, Robeson, and Steffens accelerated. I seem to recall that it was only then that I began to read about a new source of blame America first; the Frankfurt School of Max Horkheimer, Erich Fromm, Theodor Adorno, and Georg Lukacs revamped their then debunked Critical Theory to criticize American culture from top to bottom. Flynn does a thorough job of connecting the ideological dots between the early Communists, the later neo-Communists, and the born again Critical Theorists, all of whom made it clear that in the contest between literal truth and inflexible ideology it must be the latter that had to triumph. In fact, a central tenet of Flynn's book is that nearly all of those who shout out that the United States is to blame for all of the world's real and imagined ills share the common belief that any rumor or discredited theory that vindicates their core beliefs must be accepted as literal truth, regardless of hard evidence to the contrary. The reverse is also true; any proven fact that contradicts their core beliefs is either conveniently ignored or-what can only be seen as a colossal gall-that such evidence is admitted to be true but still does not discredit those beliefs.
The most fascinating part of Flynn's book is his chapter on The Five Big Lies:
Myth #1: American women live under a patriarchy
Myth #2: America is the world's leading threat to the environment
Myth #3: America is a racist nation
Myth #4: The United States is an imperial power
Myth #5: The rich get richer, the poor get poorer
Flynn examines each of these in turn since the typical anti-American sentiment most often involves one or more such charges. Flynn debunks each one not by denying America never suffered from any of them, but by noting that America now looks pretty good in comparison with the rest of the world. Ultimately, Flynn defends America not by claiming that it is some impossibly perfect utopia, but by pointing out that there must be a reason why so many third world inhabitants suffer greatly to arrive here, rather than indulge in the reverse. For those who wonder why the extreme Left fringe of the Democratic Party truly hates America in general and George Bush in particular, Flynn's book is a good place to begin.
Innoculate yourself against the hate of the left.......2005-09-15
The hate here is the hate that the Left seems to have not only for American, but the notion of Western Civilization in general. In the immortal words of a bunch of Stanford Leftists: "Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho! Western Civ has got to go!" It is interesting that the left continually rails against Western Civilivation and Christianity, yet these are the very societies that have created the unprecedented freedoms to attack them from within. Something the Left tries to skirt around at all costs.
Now, that is the left? Flynn defines it very narrowly. The left isn't all liberals, rather it is the left-wing of the liberal movement. Flynn is not making the claim that the rank and file of the Democratic party and the liberal/progressive movement is anti-America. Anyone who has actually read this book would pick up on that rather quickly. He really is after the fringe that demonstrably hates the United States and what it stands for. He very helpfully provides specific examples of the anti-America types of which he refers.
The book begins talking about specific instances of anti-American hehavior and statements following 9/11 before exposing the origins of anti-Americanism. Flynn then talks about the five big lies that liberalism claims America and Western Civilization in general is. For example,the notion that American women live under patriarchy. That is flat wrong and most people can see that is wrong without too much thought. As an American who has traveled in several countries, I have seen real patriarchal societies, and American society isn't it. Others include the idea that America is racist (if America were so racist, why are Blacks and Asians flocking to America) and the false claim of U.S. as the imperial power. I won't give it all away. Get the book. Flynn then compares Western culture to other cultures that simply can't hold a light to the freedom and tolerance present in Western cultures, including American culture. Finally, Flynn goes into a discussion of the true meaning and legacy of America.
This is a good read. There are more than thirty pages of notes (which would be more than thirty pages more than the liberal book I am currently making my way through.) The work has been meticulously research. All items in which I myself engaged in a fact check on all panned out. To me, this work has a high level of credibility, is highly readible, and will restore the pride you truly had in America, but liberal lies had stipped away.
Book Description
Tackling one of the most volatile issues in contemporary politics, Martin Gilens's work punctures myths and misconceptions about welfare policy, public opinion, and the role of the media in both. Why Americans Hate Welfare shows that the public's views on welfare are a complex mixture of cynicism and compassion; misinformed and racially charged, they nevertheless reflect both a distrust of welfare recipients and a desire to do more to help the "deserving" poor.
Customer Reviews:
Very important book........2005-07-16
This book should be required reading in every high school civic class. Gilens dispels the myths of the "deserving" and "undeserving" poor and the myths of the racial composition of welfare recipients. The text is extremely well researched and clearly written. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
More evidence and research than insight.......2000-05-23
This books holds little appeal beyond the realm of Political Scientist. As someone university educated in the field I respect the many years research placed into this book. The explainations are extremely thorough- too much so?- and coupled with extensive graphs and charts. This is a great reference source on the subject of Public Opinion about welfare.
However, the book is a bore. Once you read the preface, introduction and first chapter you've basically finished the book. The rest explains each point- point by point. Interjected between points is explanations of each method used to analyze the point. Is examining the methods used to examine something overkill? Not in itself. However, Gilens drowns casual readers in analysis; and analysis of analysis. He seems to repeat himself often, as if restatement helps drive the point home. After several pages on a topic I could understand by reading a 1 page chart, I just wanted him to move on. Get to the point!
The insights are nothing new to those of use who ignored the dogmatic ramblings of both the ideological left and right for years. Gilens raises questions of racism and classism in people's opinions. That isn't anything new- to some of us
The book gets 4 stars only because of the extensiveness with which it examines the topic. Those intrested in Public Opinion, Welfare or the details of political research should check it out. Everyone else avoid.
state of the art public opinion analysis.......1999-12-10
The finding that welfare policies are not popular is not new, but Marty Gilens carefully analyzes the reasons people give for disliking welfare. By embedding experiments within surveys, he is able to gain insight into topics which would otherwise remain obscured. In effect, he is able to trick participants into revealing their true beliefs on race and welfare. The conclusions he reaches are new, convincing, and thought-provoking. In short, this is an excellent book for anyone interested in either public opinion research methodology or welfare politics.
Average customer rating:
- Why, you ask?
- all hate, no analysis
- Honest reviewing, dishonest elections
- THEY STILL DON'T GET IT!
- SHOULD BE ZERO STARS...
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Book Description
Few have the time or constitution to be able to remember the details of every horror story about how the Republican Party has repeatedly attempted to hijack the American dream for its own selfish reasons. For those who want to be sure they’re not left sputtering in an argument they know they should win hands-down, The I Hate Republicans Reader—via a wide range of lively and entertaining essays, articles, speeches, and rants—will be the place to go for the many compelling reasons to detest the GOP. From era-defining scandals such as Watergate, Iran-Contra, and Enron to coldhearted policies on health care, welfare, and race, to their outrageous theft of the 2000 election and tearing down of the liberal democratic ideals for which the Founding Fathers fought, to the isolationist arrogance of George W. Bush, this book has it all. Divided into such easy-reference sections as Greed, Corruption, Malicious Stupidity, and Big Lies, this collection includes appropriate excerpts from the likes of Eric Schlosser, Michael Moore, Joan Didion, Molly Ivins and Lou Dubose, and David Brock, as well as Ralph Nader, Paul Krugman, Hunter S. Thompson, Barbara Ehrenreich, I.F. Stone, Jimmy Carter, James Carville, Christopher Hitchens, Al Franken, and Bill Moyers.
Customer Reviews:
Why, you ask?.......2007-07-18
Why the hate? Because we hate evil. The root of modern Republican ideology is what should be hated, because it has brought so much damage to this country, caused the deaths of at least 100,000 innocents in other lands, and they do all they can to wreck the ideals of the US Constitution. Those who don't speak out against their dark agenda, are complicit in the Republican criminal tendedncies.
all hate, no analysis.......2007-07-16
Many ratings of political books seem based on liking or disliking the claims of the book.
This review is based on more substantial considerations.
I thought it was time for a political book, so I got this one and Limbaugh's "Bankrupt".
In some ways they are similar; each tries to demonize the opposition, and each attacks on
many fronts. Limbaugh's book is mediocre and this one is far worse. In my review of
"Tragedy and Farce: ..." I said there were better "I hate Republicans" books. Even with
the title, this is not such a book.
Right from the start, the book is wrong. The subtitle tells us "...the GOP is Totally Wrong
About Everything." But most of the issues that separate the parties are not mentioned. Instead,
we have personal attacks. An opinion is wrong because the speaker is bald, or is developing
a bald spot or other equally relevant reasons.
The front matter tells us this book will help you win any argument with any conservative.
There are some facts that might help you, and many claims that might help you convince a
really dumb person that does not know what a logical argument is, but there is not much
that will help you with an open minded skeptic. Partly that is because there are few well
constructed arguments. There is mostly a bunch of name calling and accusations. "You're dumb
and your mother wears combat boots and I'm not going to invite you to my birthday party,
so there." Partly it is because you can not find what you might want to use. The table of
contents lists some general areas as chapter titles and gives the names of some of the authors
whose works are reprinted in the chapter. The first page of each chapter supplies the name
of each author. There is no index. There are few references.
There are many anagrams, convincing proof to some readers, I suppose. This book might appeal to
the left wing equivalents of Russ Limbaugh's dittoheads.
The best section is a reprint from The Onion, a spoof of a Bush speech just before the swearing in.
It was funny. The next best was an article from Greg Palast, claiming he had two CDs showing
the evil party had purged the voter rolls of likely Democrats months before the election. It had
charges I had not heard before. It also had some references, but most of them were just to where
he had managed to get the same accusations published previously. I asked for the CDs he said came
from the Florida Secretary of State and proved the evil deed. I got a reply almost immediately,
asking for clarification. I then provided all the details that were in the article. There has been
silence for over two weeks, so I suspect the charge can not be substantiated. I'll try to remember
to post an update if I ever get the "evidence".
Some of the claims are true. Bush had some dealings that reminded me of Hillary's cattle futures
trading. Some are likely to be true, but unprovable. How Bush and Dan Quayle got into the
National Guard smells like string pulling, for example.
The book is an anthology. The editor selected previously published material that the owner was
willing to have included. Many of the articles are opinion pieces from newspapers or magazines.
Those typically select some facts to stress and ignore others. Consider the Bush tax cuts. Democrats
say the rich saved millions and the poor got nothing. Republicans say everyone that paid income
taxes saved ( the really poor pay no income tax) and the top few percent paid a bigger share of
the total after the cut. Both are correct. Different people attach different values to the facts.
But this book is not about different opinions about the significance of certain facts. It is about
hate. Those with the wrong opinions are not just wrong, but evil. Some times they are simultaneously
stupid and evil, criminal geniuses.
Those that want a daily fix of hate can read this book or visit some blogs. Those hoping for
information about issues should look elsewhere.
Honest reviewing, dishonest elections.......2006-10-14
Giving a book one star because you are upset with its title is a waste of time. I don't like rodents but I don't complain about "Of Mice and Men."
Now, for a review of the book. I believe the talking points on the "I Hate Republicans Reader" are fantastic. They are well researched, many of the facts are documented (some are individual accounts, which obviously cannot be readily verified) and each has a running theme of disappointment with the GOP which I always approve of. It displays the horrors of the Reagan Administration to the "A-Okay with racism" style of Bush. I'd like to note that it differentiates between republicans (everyday GOP members) and Republicans (republicans in office). This is an attack against the capital "R" and it should be read as such.
However, what it has in information it lacks in style and use. Clearly its title scares away any curious moderate who wants to see what liberal leaders have to say and why (not to mention all the republicans - small "r" - who at least should read it so they know what to discuss with us). But that is not all - it is written in a style that is defeatist. It tells of great horrors but not action, when this is obviously a book that is attempting to promote political action. Therefore, it falls short of its goals. I also think it was a poor choice to put Michael Moore as the first essay, because he is barely respected among democrats (for all those curious why I said that, his facts ARE facts, but his inferences are unprovable which makes him lose credibility).
I encourage republicans to read it, even if you disagree, so you at least know how to discuss it in a civilized fashion. Really, I recommend this book, but it receives three stars because it falls short of its purpose.
THEY STILL DON'T GET IT!.......2006-02-23
The party of hate just don't get it. Their obligation to preserve, protect, and defend this nation takes a backseat to their personal and political pursuits.... they foolishly and relentlessly attack and undermine the very policies and institutions that have made our country a beacon of liberty and prosperity. They've wasted decades vehemently slandering conservatives as "extreme" and "dangerous"-conservatives who make it their life-long mission to stand up for the rule of law, a growing economy, small government, and a strong "@$$ whipping" military... This author still dosn't see (because he's blinded by HATE,) the true danger-or what we need to do about them... I already know what needs to be done to protect the future of this country, for my children, my children's children, and yes, you libs'... You may not want to admit it but since September 11, 2001, it was clear to the world: AMERICA IS AT WAR... so get out of the way and AT LEAST let the military protect us from your stupid interferences and terrorist who want to harm us... you are doing more harm than good and it is clear (crystal) that we have not been attacked since 9/11 thanks to our troops... (Do you think you can go about your days if the war was here, right now? Think about that one.) Quit trying to tie the President's hands with pointless, pathetic, political arguments. It's a lot of talk, but you ain't sayin' nothin'.
SHOULD BE ZERO STARS..........2005-11-17
This is everything that is wrong with party politics in America. My party - right or wrong. Forget what is in the best interest of the nation. Much of the writing and the ideas expressed are roughly equivalent to a junior high school understanding. Way too much emotion and ranting, with, as I said before, not enough real analysis of what is good for the country. These people (party politicians) are what is going to destroy America. And it is happening, at a far faster rate that even Rome fell.
Book Description
Americans have a lot of reasons to hate George W. Bush—and readers will find them all in The I Hate George W. Bush Reader. The anthology features the best writing about the myriad reasons to hate Dubya, including his bald-faced lies about everything from Iraq's “nucyular” program to his industry-written energy policy, his corporate giveaways disguised as environmental policies, his chicken-hawk militarism, his disdain for our civil liberties, and his pathetic economic record of squandered surpluses, record deficits and millions of lost jobs. In addition, there is his smug smirk, his silver-spoon incompetence, the way he butchers our language, his staff of misers, hypocrites and closet fascists like Gale Norton, John Ashcroft, Donald Rumsfeld, and Dick Cheney. The I Hate George W. Bush Reader features selections from our funniest, sharpest and most convincing political writers so that readers never again have to worry about losing an argument to a cocksure, ill-informed backer of the Pretender-in-Chief. Included are pieces from Al Franken, Paul Krugman, Molly Ivins, Greg Palast, Joe Conanson, and Michael Moore.
Customer Reviews:
Bush Buster.......2007-03-13
I will readily admit that I am no fan of Bush. In fact, the local democrats in my area refer to him as "Dumbya" and the Commander in Thief, sobriquets I feel he has truly earned. There are, as another reviewer on the US Amazon boards pointed out many reasons to hate and fear this "incompetent buffoon of a president," which is a chillingly apt description of Dumbya. One almost wishes he was a demagogue because one has to have some intelligence to be a demagogue.
Clint Willis has written some excellent, trenchant essays about the Commander in Thief as have other notable and distinguished authors such as Molly Ivins, Greg Palast, Michael Moore, Paul Krugman and Joe Conanson. These authors write with brilliant detail, offering levity to balance out the dire situations this president has caused. Dumbya's tenure in office is of the emperor's new clothes genre and it is long past time others admitted that the emperor is naked! Naked!
It is galling and appalling to hear the malapropisms directly from this president. It is even more alarming and horrifying to see his glaring misdeeds and atrocious administration replete with scandals. This book pulls the news pundits' reports on Dumbya and his atrocious administration and the reasons for why so many view it this way. For those who support Bush, this book will certainly provide input from a different perspective.
I hate liberals.......2006-02-23
The dubya stands for winner and the libs' still can not accept it. conservatives don't know how to steal an election. Hell, liberals invented election stealing, and its liberals doing the ballot counting. what, don't they know how to count?
The "I Hate America Textbook Series".......2005-12-24
I'd have to wonder how many trees were cut down to write this dribble? On the other hand, in case it gets cold out there and I run out of logs...it could be useful. But if George Bush had the (D) after his name instead of (R), the same people who hate him would be wanting to have his baby.
The title speaks volumes.......2005-12-04
Hate-filled people attract or convince very few people. At least this book is up-front about its level of rhetoric.
What a perfect title!.......2005-11-22
The only thing dumber than George W. Bush, are the people who voted for him. After reading this book, I have an even lower opinion of this moron! And I didn't think it could get any lower. You are ruining our country, please resign as our president! And don't touch Social Security! We are in bad enough shape as it is thanks to you. If you despise this president as much as I do, then this is the book to get.
Book Description
The controversial bestseller that caused huge waves in the UK! The Independent calls it "required reading." Noam Chomsky says it "contains valuable information that we should know, over here, for our own good, and the world's." We call it our biggest book so far and will be backing it from day one with guaranteed co-op spending, a national publicity and review blitz, talk radio bookings, various retail sales aids including postcards, and of course the usual full court press on the Web and via email.
This is NOT just another 9/11 book: it is the book for those of us trying to understand why America-and Americans-are targets for hate. Many people do hate America, in Europe, Asia, South America and Africa, as well as in the Middle East. Ziauddin Sardar and Merryl Wyn Davies explore the global impact of America's foreign policy and its corporate and cultural power, placing this unprecedented dominance in the context of America's own perception of itself. In doing so, they consider TV and the Hollywood machine as a mirror which reflects both the American Dream and the American Nightmare. Their analysis provides an important contribution to a debate which needs to be addressed by people of all nations, cultures, religions and political persuasions-and especially by Americans.
Described by The Times Higher Education Supplement as "packed with tightly argued points," the book is carefully researched and built to withstand the inevitable criticism that will be aimed at it. A book that some reviewers will love to hate and others will praise for its insights, it's guaranteed to cause a stir.
Ziauddin Sardar is a prominent and highly respected journalist and author. Prolific and polymath, he is a familiar U.K. television and radio personality.
Merryl Wyn Davies, writer and anthropologist, is a former BBC television producer.
Customer Reviews:
Fact free.......2007-09-08
It's time to put down a book when it is obviously substituting contention for fact. This one says that the Iranian Prime Minister Mossadegh was assassinated by the CIA in the 1950s. In fact, he died of cancer in 1967. Very clever, those CIA agents, to get him to do that.
summer reading for school.......2007-05-31
have not read it, probably shouldnt be reviewing it yet but oh well...
A Very Long Rant.......2006-10-02
Those who love to bash the USA may find this book right on the mark. It is an endless rant against everything that usually attracts ranting: McDonald's, capitalism, military force, movies, TV news, etc.
I picked up this book hoping for some new insights. There were none. You will leave this book exactly as you were when you began it. If you hated America, you will still hate it. If you loved America, you will still love it. It will make you neither informed nor wise.
In brief, people hate America because America is rich and powerful and they are not. Being rich, Americans are seen as buying whatever they want. Others can't. Being powerful, the American government often uses intimidation and sometimes uses brute force to accomplish whatever it wants. Most of the world wishes it could do the same. Knowing that, you know more than the book will tell you.
Those who fail at capitalism fall for socialism; those who fail rarely blame themselves. It is so much easier to make failure proof of virtue and success evidence of crime. The world must be poor, because America is rich. The world would not be violent, except for American military interventions.
I live in Korea, which was a colony of Japan in 1945, when America's atomic bombs made it a free country -- by brute force. Prior to 1945, Japan required Koreans to exchange their names for Japanese names; it banned using the Korean language; it forced young Korean women into sexual slavery for the Japanese military. Today America is loved in Korea -- and hated. Knowing why these two feelings coexist in Korea and around the world would require real insight.
For those new to the real world, a useful comparison might be a novel, "The Ugly American," published in 1958. Hatred of America is nothing new, nor is it undeserved. The question for readers is whether this post-911 diatribe (published in 2002) will add anything helpful to our understanding of the phenomenon.
The authors of "The Ugly American" suggested that communism would win the battle for the world. It didn't. Half a century later, Sardar and Davies seem to have the same dream. It happens that I recently heard a lecture by a businessman born in China and educated in the U.S. His business spans the globe. He is hostile to America on many of the same grounds as the authors. His conclusion, however, is the precise opposite. The strength of America is that its culture and lifestyle dominate the world. Given a choice, people eat at McDonalds, watch American movies, listen to American music, wear American blue jeans. The businessman says we should recognize that America will dominate for one or two more centuries.
It would be unfair to blame the authors for their lack of research -- they both made careers in TV. Their idea of research is going to the movies (you will find many, many movies discussed in this book). It would be unfair to blame them for lack of analysis -- having done no real research, they had little to analyze. It would be unfair to blame the publisher, The Disinformation Company, for not providing any real information. Doesn't the name say it all?
Why Do They Hate Our Freedom?.......2006-05-22
At least what is the real question everyone is asking? Most Americans may agree that America is a great place to live. Why should we be hated if we live in such a great place called the land of the free? Ziauddin Sardar and Merryl Wyn Davies attack America from an outsider's prospective that although many American's may not agree with, they must at least hear once in their lives. This novel conatains insight from two very intelligent authors that every American should be aware of.
The novel covers all subjects regarding foreign policy of the United States government to the strength of her military structure and superiority. The authors also bring up the strength of America's influence of her exports to developed philosophies a rational civilization and the influence of democracy has on the world. The book addresses a popular assumption that many people and societies do hate America, The Middle East especially along with certain countries in Europe. Sardar and Davies write an excellent novel with interesting insights that many should hear.
why do people love this book?.......2006-05-21
I picked this book up two days ago and already finished it. it says everything I would have liked to say had I written such a book, and I feel it hits the nail on the head again and again.
It is crammed with staggering facts which really make you wonder how long America can survive in a world where it flattens the interests and wellbeing of every other country.
I have been angry with America for a few years, but after reading this book am even angrier. Armed with these facts, no sane person can deny that the largest problem facing the world today is not terrorism at all: it is America. This should be required reading for everyone on the planet.
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Why I Hate the Republicans (Why I Hate)
Randy Howe
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
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ASIN: 159228437X |
Book Description
A tongue-in-cheek collection of quotes and irreverent narrative about the party of princes and pretenders - from Useless S. Grant to King George II and from Ronnie to Arnie - Why I Hate the Republicans leaves little doubt that political insight is a dish best served funny. It's a Republican Roast, a little bloody, but deliciously entertaining!
In taking to task the fundamental tenets (or is that tenants?) of the Grand Old Party, Randy Howe leaves nothing unquestioned, for, as our beloved president puts it, "I think if you know what you believe, it makes it a lot easier to answer questions. I can't answer your question." Through the mind-boggling doublespeak of Republican stalwarts past and present, the GOP, from its liberal abolitionist roots to its current laissez-faire war-hawk (or is that chicken-hawk?) agenda, is scrupulously dissected. Why I Hate the Republicans cuts deep - combining fact and just a touch of fiction in a "tribute" to the spin doctoring that is GOP politics.
Customer Reviews:
Thank you.......2004-05-08
I purchased both books in hopes of receiving an end result of "moderation". I began with Why I Hate the Republicans. (As a Republican I could ready my instinctual preparation for liberal bias. No way a professed "independent" wasn't a Democrat in disguise. I'll be ready to catch him being lenient towards the other side.)
In it, Mr. Howe rips through the Republican Party starting with it noble onset as the political alternative for the abolitionist movement. (Couldn't this have been riposted as a chicken-and-egg problem? Were the out-of-power politicians looking for a way back into power and seized upon an unpopular position as the cudgel to get them there as opposed to the more noble position of doing the right thing from which political power flowed as an unintended consequence?)
He walks the timeline of the party through its early beginnings and ineptitudes (Useless S. Grant, Napoleon complex-afflicted, gluttonous) to the "coronation" of the infamous King George II (or should it be the 3rd as to whom inspired the little tea party incident?) All with a teasing and name calling that harks back to my days of middle school.
And it is this juvenility, combined with historical facts, that makes the book so enjoyable. With seemingly shelves and shelves of books dedicated to the hating of the current Republican Administration (under the guise of serious scholarship), it is refreshing to find one so honest in its intentions. (Mr. Howe promises that "all manner of spin doctoring, poetic license, and the gerrymandering of the truth have been employed.")
The book was easy to read and makes a great companion to anyone with 20 minutes to spare here and there (think your doctor's waiting room for the adequately-insured and the toilet for those who aren't. ) Whether you chose to read the prose or browse through the numerous quotes by famous figures of the past and present, even the staunchest Republican could not help being amused.
And even if you are not, you will be well-prepared for the next Sunday crossword puzzle themed, "Four and Out of the Door".
Book Description
With the pithy help of such even-handed commentators as P. J. O¿Rourke, Mark Twain, and Andy Rooney, wit meets history meets today¿s headlines as the character of the Democratic Party - not to mention the character of its ringleaders - is not only called into question but filleted like the dead fish it has become. Why I Hate the Democrats serves up the nation¿s oldest, rankest political party in that most digestible of forms - the tongue-in-cheek diatribe. With a nose for pungent detail, Randy Howe dissects the fish with the grim resolve of the once-jilted, twice-shy while still - almost miraculously - dishing up a running commentary with all the verve of a hopeless romantic. With its generous seasoning of poetic license, Why I Hate the Democrats will leave you laughing as the Democratic Party is savaged, word by undeniable word.
Customer Reviews:
By a Democrat who read this book.......2006-04-23
As a democrat I read this book to see what the other half are thinking and also to be able to come up with a quick retort to most of nonsense that comes out of the mouths of republicans. This book is a good mix of facts and quotes (although as a democrat i dont think most are true), and should give all you republicans a lot of ammo to use against the local lib as Z.D. said. By the way im a conservative democrat (yes we do exist) and i support the war in iraq and i am also pro-life for all you Z.D. Houghtons out there who think those things are reserved for republicans.
Speficied for a target audience, natch.......2004-07-19
Well, chances are if you're checking this book out, you're either an adamant Republican or a Dem who likes to get good and angry. Of course, that will affect enormously how you see this book.
I do not waver with my opinions, but in a nod to bipartisanship, let me see if I can placate both sides:
GOP: A rollicking collection of quotes and blurbs that is sure to give you that needed comeback from the local Lib who just doesn't know any better.
Dem: A shameless collections of half-turths, smear tactics, and outright lies about the greatest political party to ever buy hookers for Joe Kennedy. (Well, I tried).
It might interest angry Dems that Howe has also writeen a book called "Why I Hate the Republicans". So after you're done condemning this book as outrageous and false, you can go praise his other book as "a true vision of moral clarity". That way, you can feel good before you go defending terrorist's rights and murdering innocent babies again.
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Good Intentions Make Bad News: Why Americans Hate Campaign Jouralism
S. Robert Lichter , and
Richard E. Noyes
Manufacturer: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
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ASIN: 0847680967 |
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Good Intentions Make Bad News: Why Americans Hate Campaign Journalism
S. Robert Lichter , and
Richard E. Noyes
Manufacturer: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
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Books:
- Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny
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- Accounting for Governmental and Nonprofit Entities with City of Smithville
- After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy (Princeton Classic Editions)
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War On America
- American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War On America
- American government: Institutions and Policies
- Andrew Jackson
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