Book Description
Why did the United States develop political parties? How and why do party alignments change? Are the party-centered elections of the past better for democratic politics than the candidate-centered elections of the present? In this landmark book, John Aldrich goes beyond the clamor of arguments over whether American political parties are in resurgence or decline and undertakes a wholesale reexamination of the foundations of the American party system.
Surveying three critical episodes in the development of American political parties—from their formation in the 1790s to the Civil War—Aldrich shows how parties serve to combat three fundamental problems of democracy: how to regulate the number of people seeking public office; how to mobilize voters; and how to achieve and maintain the majorities needed to accomplish goals once in office. Overcoming these obstacles, argues Aldrich, is possible only with political parties.
Aldrich brings this innovative account up to date by looking at the profound changes in the character of political parties since World War II. In the 1960s, he shows, parties started to become candidate-centered organizations that are servants to their office seekers and officeholders. Aldrich argues that this development has revitalized parties, making them stronger, and more vital, with well-defined cleavages and highly effective governing ability.
Customer Reviews:
An Essential for Political Scientists.......2001-03-22
This book represents some of the best work on American political parties that political science has to offer. The empirical work covers the majority of party history, has impressive depth as well as breadth, and shows a remarkable sensitivity to historical and political context for a study based in rational choice theory. The theory is a bit lacking, however. Aldrich tries to explain parties as solutions to various collective action and cycling problems, but he does not explain how these solutions come about in the first place nor even how they really overcome the problems in any theoretically rigorous way. Still, it is a standard, and should be on any poli sci graduate student's shelf.
An Essential for Political Scientists.......2001-03-22
This book represents some of the best work on American political parties that political science has to offer. The empirical work covers the majority of party history, has impressive depth as well as breadth, and shows a remarkable sensitivity to historical and political context for a study based in rational choice theory. The theory is a bit lacking, however. Aldrich tries to explain parties as solutions to various collective action and cycling problems, but he does not explain how these solutions come about in the first place nor even how they really overcome the problems in any theoretically rigorous way. Still, it is a standard, and should be on any poli sci graduate student's shelf.
Book Description
Why Mommy is a Democrat brings to life the core values of the Democratic party in ways that young children will easily understand and thoroughly enjoy. Using plain and non-judgmental language, along with warm and whimsical illustrations, this colorful 28-page paperback depicts the Democratic principles of fairness, tolerance, peace, and concern for the well-being of others. It's a great way for parents to gently communicate their commitment to these principles and explain their support for the party.
Why Mommy is a Democrat may look like a traditional children's book, but it definitely isn't just for children. With numerous subtle (and not-so-subtle) satirical swipes at the Bush administration and the Republican party, the book will appeal to Democrats of all ages.
Customer Reviews:
The truth is..........2007-10-12
This is a little gem of a book that attempts to teach good basic values to small children. The pictures are nicely done and the text has that lyrical quality necessary in any good children's book.
I find some of the negative reviews a little scary. Do these people thing that Bush Republicans are FOR health care for children? Do they believe Bush Republicans are AGAINST the rich at the expense of the poor? Or do they just believe these things are too scary for little children to hear?
Maybe of more of us had learned these things when we were young we wouldn't have one of the highest infant mortality rates among western democracies and Bush in the White House. Just maybe...
love it!.......2007-10-11
even though my husband and i do not yet have children, i jumped at ordering this book. i love the illustrations and of course the content - go dems!
No wire hangers!!! (It's legal now!!!).......2007-10-07
The main reason this book was doomed to failure is for the sole reason that Democrats do not have children, they abort them!
Check out these other books in the series:
"Mommy, why didn't you even give me a chance to prove my worth?"
"Mommy, what are those loud egg-beater like blades grounding me up?"
"Mommy, why am I dead already?"
"Mommy, why are my remains being used by Michael J. Fox to help keep him alive?"
Why? because "Mommy dearest" didn't love you enough to let you live, now stay in the medical containment bag like a good little fetus!
yet another excuse for me to remain a registered independent.......2007-10-04
This book is ridiculous. Democrats are no more "moral" than Republicans are. Anyone who tries to use the word "moral" in the context of a political party is a fool. This book oversimplifies the problems our country is facing today much like "Help Mom There Are Liberals Under My Bed!" does. While Katherine DeBrecht's right-wing hogwash is essentially a more polite form of Ann Coulter-esque outrage, this book is class warfare and militant political correctness repackaged for grade schoolers (it will change the way they think about squirrels, at least).
Love it!.......2007-08-31
This beautiful book teaches the young ones that only Mommy Government can solve their problems. That's why Mommy Government is always "making sure" that you do whatever Mommy Government asks, or Mommy Government will put you in prison.
But don't worry, Mommy Government will solve all your problems and is always there with another suckle at the government teat. One day soon, Mommy Government will control everything, just like she does in North Korea, and a wonderful, risk-free utopia will blossom where every day is a happy ending.
This book is the perfect antidote for children who are threatened with a society full of dangerous temptations like Walmart, freedom of speech, or even (gasp!) religion. When your child asks about these things, sit down with this book and re-indoctrinate your budding Marxist on the wonders of Mommy Government.
If the book doesn't work, well, you can always threaten them with a trip to a gulag.
Book Description
A dramatic and compelling journey into the dark heart of globalization.
Customer Reviews:
An intriguing, eye-opening discussion.......2005-02-07
What happens when multinational corporations decide that the use of armed force is really business? When companies line up with warlords and armies to make a profit? When corporate interests dictate war or peace? Madelaine Drohan's meticulously researched and impressively wrfitten expose, Making A Killing, shows just what happens in a world of multinational power, drawing important connections between corporate armed forces and history and providing food for thought for corporations, policy makers and national leaders alike -- the result is an intriguing, eye-opening discussion.
A pantheon of predators.......2004-01-20
Resource control is the core of Madelaine Drohan's book. Where the image of empire was once faceless armies, religious zealots or expanding trade, modern conditions have changed this view. Instead of governments launching empires, suit-clad businessmen now decide where the action lies. Decisions to exploit resource areas are not made in ministry offices, but in corporate boardrooms. Businessmen, "and they are almost always men", choose locations, make investments, recruit workers and begin operations. Until there is unrest. Then they call in governments to support their enterprise. If governments cannot or will not respond, the entrepreneur's answer is the "private army". Mercenary professional military men act as "security" teams, policemen or replacement armies. And they are accountable to no-one but the firm that has hired them.
Drohan's account begins with the rule of Cecil Rhodes "who stands head and shoulders above" the ranks of those applying military solutions to "corporate problems". Rhodes built an immense resource empire in Southern Africa. He also set the standard for controlling workers as firmly as he did markets. By the expedient of raising a battalion of "pioneers" to deal with reluctant African peoples and recalcitrant workers, Rhodes expanded his holdings to an unprecedented degree. Attributing his goals to the furtherance of the British Empire, he also ensured the continuation of profits to his own pocket. Belgium's king Leopold followed Rhodes' example by keeping the Congo as a personal fief. The Belgian government was simply shunted aside on imperial affairs for decades. The rape of the Congo is a glaring example of imperialism run rampant, yet it set the stage for what followed.
Drohan's narrative is dominated by personalities. Like a gaggle of rapacious ravens, men prominent in resource enterprise descended on Africa after Rhodes. Some of these were British, some Canadian, but others arose from among Africa's own peoples. These last were flexing political and economic muscle as former colonies became independent. These new nations, with their artificial boundaries laid down irrespective of tribal or ethnic limits, became caught up in internal regional disputes. Resource firms played off these rivalries to their advantage where possible. If contests for power became too heated, the companies had the option to withdraw or find ways of protecting their investments. Protection was provided by "security forces" available for hire. Among the most notorious of these was the South African firm, Executive Outcomes. Staffed by disaffected South African soldiers, it offered services directly or through hidden subsidiaries. Executive Outcomes emerges frequently, if often vaguely, as Drohan valiantly tries to unravel the machinations the firm and its customers perpetrated as gold, diamonds and other resources were sought and exploited. Legality is an elusive term in these activities.
These are not distant and unrelated events. We tend to cling to the image of investment benefiting all - the theme of "globalisation". Drohan demonstrates how firms, pursuing resource wealth in Africa, have followed the Rhodes formula for success. Whether hiring private armies or simply requesting local government forces to act in their interests, resource firms are steadfastly ignoring the impact on local people and their economy. Of all Drohan's examples, the most glaring is the Talisman Energy story. Her chapter on this operation is at once the worst and the best example in the book. Talisman, a latecomer to Africa, seems to have learned nothing from previous resource history in the region. As Drohan describes it, Jim Buckee, Talisman's head, followed a sinuous path trying to keep his firm active in the resource field. With one eye open to profits and the other closed to government activities done in the name of "security" for his operations, Buckee brought his firm close to disaster. On the other hand, the case demonstrated the power of the public in bringing such firms to judgment. Various large stockholders, chastened at the thought of supporting a firm blind to the impact of its operations, withdrew investment. It's a fine example of what individuals can achieve in acting collectively.
Drohan's book is a much needed exposure of business morals left unscrutinised. In her final chapter, "Perfectly Legal, Perfectly Immoral", she shows the path to justice for people under oppressive regimes shored up by rapacious businesses is long and difficult. Yet, if readers pay attention, she shows how they can be effective in making change. With a federal election looming, it would benefit electors to read this book and reflect on its message. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
A book about corporate and state power without responsiblity.......2003-12-29
This is an excellent book about how specific corporations, individuals and both European and African rulers have plundered Africa for profit and the accumulation of private fortunes on the backs of millions of Africans who have been slaughtered over the centuries. Some of the individuals have passed into the history books, but some of the corporations and individuals are still very much in the news today and the world still waits for their atonement. Madelaine Drohan has provided a very courageous addition to the literature in the area by in-the-field research in some of the most dangerous places in Africa and written in most detailed and compelling manner.
Solid research and first-hand observations.......2003-12-06
Drohan cover a number of specifc cases of corporations using violence to further their interests - dedicating a chapter to each case. She makes no effort to be a comprehensive compendium of all the ills perpetrated by corporations, instead choosing to focus on a few prime examples in detail where her experiences as a journalist can bring some perspective to each case.
My own particular interest is around the role of Calgary-based Talisman Energy Inc. in Sudan. The chapter on Talisman was solid and insightful, with Drohan drawing from her own experiences in Sudan and interviews with key players, as well as the volumes of research and reports available.
The book is a telling study of the irresponsible extremes corporations can go to in their simple-minded focus on profit as the only goal.
Book Description
“We have to fight back.” —Al Franken
The Left is angry—angry at President George W. Bush, the war in Iraq, the “right-wing media,” and more. And as National Review investigative writer Byron York reveals in this stunning, meticulously reported book, liberal activists have harnessed that anger to build the biggest, richest, and best organized political movement in American history.
Indeed, the Left’s failure to oust President Bush in 2004 has obscured the fact that this new movement has transformed American politics. York documents the staggering scope of liberals’ efforts—the record sums of money spent, the “shell game” financial maneuvers, the close coordination between “nonpartisan” groups and the Democratic Party, the revolutionary approaches to fund-raising and reaching out to voters, the pioneering use of movies and websites as campaign tools, and more.
The Vast Left Wing Conspiracy provides a startling behind-the-scenes look at this powerful liberal movement. York brings the reader into secret powwows at Soros’s Hamptons estate, into the Chinese restaurant where MoveOn is born, to a gala event where Al Franken rants about the evils of the right wing, to fund-raisers where liberals openly mock the election laws they’re ignoring, to the movie premiere where Michael Moore is feted by top-ranking Democrats, into the Washington restaurant where Democratic operatives hatch their plan, and to many other spots along the way.
One thing above all becomes clear: Despite their failure to win in 2004, liberals will only keep improving the well-oiled political machine they built.
A Main Selection of the Conservative Book Club
Download Description
“Byron York shines a brilliant light into the very heart of liberal darkness. An essential guide to how the Far Left tried to take power in 2004—and how it hopes to succeed in 2008.” —David Frum, bestselling author of The Right Man
“Byron York is one of the best reporters in America today. His calm, intelligent questions to the Al Frankens and John Podestas of this world puncture leftist pretensions like a pin in a balloon. The Vast Left Wing Conspiracy punctures even such Hindenburgs as Michael Moore and George Soros. York takes his place with Tom Wolfe as a chronicler of the Left’s folly.” —Mona Charen, bestselling author of Useful Idiots and Do-Gooders
“With this book, Byron York becomes the foremost chronicler, and most informed critic, of the anti-Bush Left. It’s an indispensable guide to a ferocious, and sometimes frightening, new force in our politics.” —Rich Lowry, editor of National Review, bestselling author of Legacy: Paying the Price for the Clinton Years
“Byron York, a reporter’s reporter, has given us the definitive account of the workings of the liberal-left activist groups in the 2004 election and how, despite their insularity, their sanctimony, and their failures, they transformed American politics.” —John Corry, former New York Times media critic
“For years Byron York has reported on the clashes between Right and Left, red and blue states, regular people and the elites—always in an illuminating, entertaining, and compelling manner. Now he methodically and masterfully exposes the inner workings of the left-wing cabal that has taken over the Democratic Party. Three politically incorrect cheers for York!” —Laura Ingraham, radio talk show host, bestselling author of Shut Up and Sing
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
What's behind the desperate struggle to defeat ourselves in Iraq........2007-07-27
Byron York is one of my favorite writers because he reports. No diatribes. No insults. No hysterics. He just reports facts and when he gives his opinions, they are never overstated. There is no name-calling (The title is a quote from the liberal activists who are the subject of the book.) and no conclusions without supporting facts. In fact, York respects his readers enough to let them draw their own conclusions most of the time.
If you think that the campaign reform laws took money out of politics, you really need to read this book. Unfortunately, most of what they did was take political parties out of politics and make them more politically beholden to groups who now control most of the money spent in campaigns and can therefore dictate the policies of the parties, who have heretofore made their own policies and run on them. Having positions and platforms imposed by big money donors was supposed to be why campaign finance reform was needed, but expecting politicians to support such laws without a loophole in reserve shows incredible naivete. The loophole the Democrats were counting on may end up turning into a sinkhole that consumes them or imprisons them for years to come.
I have found plenty of authors and radio and TV hosts all across the political spectrum who will shout accusations, hurl epithets and insults and state opinions as facts, but it is a rare one who can simply report details in as clear and cogent a manner as Mr. York. I wish all political books were as well written and reasonable as this one.
It's too bad people don't read more.......2007-01-04
I wish more people would read and research politics and determine their own "truths". There's too much reliance on a news media that, for the most part, slants everything to the left. I don't think people should believe something just because they're told to. I would like the critics of this and other similar books to actually dispute things with counter-arguments and facts instead of simply using Liberal talking points that they read that morning on their favorite nonsense-ranting web sight or the New York Times.
I challenge every American to read books like this AND books written by angry liberals. Approach both with a sense of skepticism, research for yourself in history, fact, and common sense. Make up your own mind about things because I'm firmly convinced that the lies and deceptions will fall apart under close scrutiny. Try to find a liberal that encourages you to do your own research . . ..
Do not be carried away by error.......2006-08-26
York gives us the inner workings of the far left and the financial supporters of the Democrats. This quick and disturbing read is well written and informative. He is able to get up close and personal by attending the Democrat/left wing rallies and functions. At times, fought to gain an interview with people such as Podesta and Franken. Byron also clears up some of the conspiracy theories made up by Moore and others. Gossip: "Do not spread slanderous gossip"--Leviticus 19:16
This is the new movement funded by George Sorros and "move on". A new Democrat party is fashioned. Why question Sorros when he has the money. Keep in mind what the beliefs of the big Democrat money supporter are.
Byron also covers the 527 loopholes and abuses, (the do anything to win campaign.) He concentrates on a small group of individuals. Hillary, Dean, Kerry and Moore are also hit upon. He expounds on the Competition between conservative talk shows, and why liberal shows don't work. I don't put NPR in this same category, hence recommend tuning in on occasion, especially PBS. Even though they are biased, PBS does not tend be slanderous. I don't agree with the federal funding of stations, but that is for another time.
Instead of putting their full effort into the election of John Kerry, they focussed more on taking down Bush. The party for the poor? Where is the funding coming from? Support campaign finance?
Byron may spend a little too much time filling pages with movie statistics, but here is an interesting factoid: "Fahrenheit 9/11 and the passion of Christ were remarkable indicators of how Americans would vote."
Liberalism--Apostasy: "Do not be carried away by error"--2 Peter 3:17
Vast Vast Conspiracy.......2006-07-08
It was Hillary who started this (now deservedly mocked) idiocy about "vast" conspiracies. Yes, Hillary, those evil Republicans forced Bill to abuse his power to get cheap sex (one word Bill: Hookers).
As to the book, the Left is not interested in honest discussion of issues - period. Its current controllers/purveyors are simply preachers of a substitute religion for the religiously homeless secular masses who seek meaning through "belief" and "membership" rather than through hard won reason and lonely individualism.
How much hatred and fanaticism and conspiracy theory crap does one hear coming from the Left vs. the Right these days? Its about 100-to-1 coming from the Left.
The irony, of course, is that it has always been the swing voters who make the difference in national elections, and swing voters put just as much importance on mental stability and intellectual consistancy as they put on "issue correctness."
This is wise, especially with the presidential politics, because many (if not most) issues presidents end up dealing with are new (temporal) issues which cannot be predicted ahead of time.
Only Promises What It Delivers.......2006-06-10
In this book, Byron York only promises to present the evidence of a vast Left-Wing conspiracy - and that is all he presents. The discussion here is limited to what left-leaning money has done. Primarily, this amounts to a muckraking castigation of George Soros for pointing out the fascistic tendencies inherent in Bush Administration policies and a denigration of Soros' concerns that the US is now, currently, moving in the same direction as NAZI Germany in the period between the World Wars.
There is no discussion here of any sort of moneyed conspiracy on the other side of the aisle: no reference to the vast amounts of AmWay (DeVoss family) money available to smear Democrats and moderate Republicans; no reference to the vast amounts of WalMart (Walton family) or Timkin (Timkin family) money available to do away with a justified and justifiable estate transference tax; and absolutely no reference to the extremely close, and extremely profitable, relationships between George Bush and Ken Lay (Enron) or between George Bush and Jack Abramoff (Republican corruption and treason).
Average customer rating:
- An excellent read about poli-sci & decision-making
- Fleming Hits Both Nails on the Head
- The Standard Elitist Ivory Tower Professor Telling Us Why the Left is So Great
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Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash
Bruce Fleming
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ASIN: 0415953529 |
Book Description
Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash
<$> offers an explanation for the extreme polarization between liberal and conservative that is the hallmark of the American political landscape today. It suggests that liberal thought is intrinsically different from conservative thought, and that each constitutes a self-subsistent world-view with its specific qualities and rules. The book offers a set of guidelines to predict a person's views based on other views s/he holds, given that each world-view is what it is for structural reasons, and is more than merely a sum of discrete positions. It explains, for example, why people who support gay marriage also typically support the woman's right to an early-term abortion, and why people who demand that citizens "support the military" understand this as meaning, support putting members of the military in harm's way. Because liberal thought and conservative thought each constitutes a closed world-view, neither side will ever convince the other in an argument. The most we can hope for is an acknowledgment by each side of the usefulness of the other, a goal Fleming proposes as the most reasonable one for our times.
Why Liberals and Conservatives Clash
<$> makes logical the most striking, and hitherto puzzling feature of the contemporary American political landscape: its acrimony, its air of being an argument between the deaf: neither side understands the other. Fleming suggests this is so because neither side accepts the bases underlying the other's particular positions. We can, however, understand that they are different, and that trying to force the other side into submission won't work. We need to go beyond liberals dismissing conservatives with horror and conservatives dismissing liberals with disgust. Conservatives aren't merely imperfect liberals, they're something else entirely. Liberals aren't merely potential conservatives, they actually think differently.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent read about poli-sci & decision-making.......2006-07-17
This book is not for the beach, nor for bedtime-- you should be ready to think and prepared to have your viewpoints about liberals and conservatives dissected. Fleming brings these topics to life by mixing the military together with literature, history, and personal asides, among other things. I found the discussions on masculinity and male control the most interesting, but the sections on Naval Academy midshipmen, abortion, and worldviews also kept me turning the pages. If you have any interest at all in political science, or in why military leaders (or wo/men) act the way they do, this book is definitely for you.
Fleming Hits Both Nails on the Head.......2006-07-06
Fleming's discussion on the world of both liberals and conservatives stems from his interaction with people from around the world and his experiences at the U.S. Naval Academy--a conservative honey pot. His discussion of the motives and astute observations of the traits of both of these groups covers the poles of the extremes as well as the grey area that falls between them. As a comparitive literature analyst, he brings in works by other authors to enhance and draw parallels from situations and issues that he brings up. His discussion includes but is not limited to the following: religion and sex with relation to its effect on conservatives and liberals, abortion (arguments on both sides of the fence), the deeper structure of both world views, and the male dominance associated with each. Fleming's work, although densly written, is both thought provoking and is written into bite-sized chunks that are digestable essay-type pieces. This book makes for interesting discussion pieces and a good read anywhere. I strongly recommend this book if you are even remotely interested in new ideas on why these two groups clash in our society today.
The Standard Elitist Ivory Tower Professor Telling Us Why the Left is So Great.......2006-06-29
If I would have read this book 20 years ago I would have been shaking my head in agreement with it. It bolsters all of the left-wing talking points that I was told about conservatives. The book tries to be a scholarly critique of the differences but comes off as more of another elitist ivory tower professor lecturing those on the left just why the right is so beneath them. It gets tiring when I realize I have been hearing this same dribble for 25 years. Nothing new, except that we lefty's are better than you righty's
BUT - there is always a but - since I began questioning the normal left-wing reactionary positions I began to see the world in a whole new way. One of my biggest questions is why when I used to read right-wing books as a left-winger they could describe us lefty's to a tee. But lefties have such a hard time, as the author admits over and over again on describing right-wingers?
I have yet to find a good answer to that question but it is one to ponder anyhow lets discuss this book from my ex-left-winger-right of center worldview.
The book suffers by not giving a clear and concise definition of what a modern liberal is. The author never really answers this question except by trying to pull in Lockean philosophy as being liberal - but again that begs the question as to who is more Lockean? If John Locke were alive today his writings such as Two Treatises of Government and The Reasonableness of Christianity, as Delivered in the Scriptures would get him labeled as an Extreme-right-wing-fundamentalist-wacko. So the term liberal and the resultant and the underlying philosophies have become muddled in the book. While it is true that the book espouses many of John Locke's philosophies the author does not seem to be cognizant that those philosophies are at best only given lip-service by the modern-day left. While the core beliefs on the right are alive and exhuming John Locke's philosophies.
To make this clearer we can take a look into modern left-wing groups vs. modern right-wing groups. Since I was clearly aligned with several diverse left-wing groups I know how they operate. First of all free spirited debate is frowned upon by the left, you are told what to believe and questioning of this authority shows immediately you are not true to the left-wing cause. Debate and dissension is the anathema to the left wing causes. In the leftist groups you don't get any credit for being the clever one in the back who raises objections. In the conservative worldview you do.
Remember key words that the left uses are "I feel" or "I think" because to them most facts are relative. Actually the author does a pretty good job at showing this point. Truth at best is only a relative concept - hence why quotes like "that may be true for you but not for me" are constantly emanating from left-wingers. The difference between relativism and the right is that you hear statements like "The facts" or "Empirical evidence" in other words. For those on the right truth, facts, empirical evidence are real items not the just some malleable concept that the left insists they are.
When you listen to left-wing talk radio you usually find leftists yelling at or hanging up on any right-wing caller that comes in to debate. But when you listen to the right you hear them want to engage in a meaningful discourse - that's because Facts matter to the right, but facts which presupposes an objective world are in a fundamental sense irrelevant to the leftist worldview. To conservatives, saying something is true is equivalent to the left-winger saying "I feel."
The book also misses another major point about conservatives and makes some very glaring mistakes. First of all when you really study what conservatism is against you easily come to the conclusion that anti-podal to conservative thought is totalitarianism. While the left in America is very comfortable with this form of government - remember all governments and all thoughts are equal to the left except for conservative thought which is always wrong. But the right does not view it that way. They view any form of totalitarian government as a crushing blow to John Locke's ideals and the modern conservative movement. That is why Islamic run states where there is no freedom, women are considered second rate citizens, dictators can use poison gas on their constituents and slavery is still allowed is abhorrent to the right. It goes against everything that the right is against. Yet strangely we see those on the left getting in bed with these awful regimes. Making excuses for them and in many cases downright defending them with their relativistic worldview.
The problem is mutilating women's genitalia or killing your citizens because they didn't vote for you is WRONG. And to get a left-winger to say that is virtually impossible. As a matter of fact the author who is probably disgusted about those actions but can't speak out about them because of his left-wing beliefs tries to link them to the right wing!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, the arrogance hubris that takes is unimaginable. When I finally let all these in-congruencies in thought and the action of the left-wing soak in and I pondered them openly I found I could not in good conscious stay on the left-wing. Instead in the great tradition of John Locke I dissented and reasoned my way to the center and the slowly to the right - where I am comfortable upholding the great liberal Lockean traditions.
Book Description
For decades, Press argues, conservatives have defined religion so narrowly that Democrats and liberals have been pushed outside the fold. According to their narrow gospel, God put George W. Bush in the White House to deal with gays, guns, and abortion—and those who don’t agree are on the sure road to hell. How the Republicans Stole Religion is Press’s fervent call for the left to reclaim religion and return it to its basic principles of social justice, charity, and tolerance.
Customer Reviews:
Which Political Party is Morally Correct?.......2007-03-29
Bill Press has written many books about politics and the theme of religion is a frequent occurrence in his writing. There is a good reason for this: Press spent many years in a seminary and he has a degree in theology. He knows a great deal about the Bible, its meaning, its contradictions, and its use/abuse by political leaders throughout the ages. And he wastes no time in this book going for the jugular; showing how Republicans- particularly those aligned with the Religious Right- have taken liberty with the Bible; seeking out passages and making narrow interpretations that fit their own ideology while completely ignoring the obvious messages about social issues that run contrary to the official party platform.
This book is a debunking type of book that clearly shows how Republicans often use Biblical quotes to support any number of their pet causes, like killing, hatred and/or phobia of people who enjoy certain lifestyles, and giving special breaks to rich people. Press doesn't just let his opinion suffice as a means of persuasion. He includes dozens of statistics along with specific passages from the Bible that show a different point of view, providing evidence that what the Bible says isn't as black and white as Republicans and Religious Right leaders would like you to believe.
One of the many things I like about this book is that the author fully admits that there are some Republican beliefs about Christianity that are more difficult to refute than others. With topics like abortion, the death penalty, and others it is very clear where Jesus stood on these issues (abortion is never mentioned in the Bible; killing is strictly forbidden except in self- defense). But with others, it takes more time and effort to show that the Bible isn't necessarily on the Republican side. One example is the issue of alternative lifestyles. Religious Right members like to point to certain, specific Bible verses that seem very condemning of homosexuality and Press admits that some of these do, indeed, seem very straightforward. But he then snaps back with other verses that, based on interpretation, seem to suggest that the Bible is indifferent toward homosexuality.
This book dedicates much of its space to the use of bible talking points to back its case but this isn't just a book about the Bible. It is also a book about religious freedom and the importance of church/state separation. With an issue like school prayer, for example, there is no direct biblical evidence to support or condemn. This is where the issue turns into a church/state argument and Press is firmly on the side in favor of church/state separation. Religious freedom and the anti- establishment clause have served both church and state very well and Press believes that this separation has actually helped churches grow and thrive.
When this book isn't taking on the Republicans over Biblical interpretation, it is taking on ministers and religious leaders who have made a pretty penny at the expense of their congregations. This is the focus in chapter seven and while the book doesn't spend as much time on this subject as the others, it is apparent how disgusted the author feels when ministers use religion to take money from poor people and fatten their own wallets. The book mentions a few specific individuals who are at the forefront of this swindle, and shows how many of them have sought to relieve themselves of guilt by looking for ways to Biblically and morally justify their selfish actions
Press takes time at the end of the book to recommend ways in which Democrats can regain the moral advantage they once held with the public and some of his suggestions will surprise die- hard liberals. He feels that Democrats are too uneasy talking about religion and this has been translated into indifference by Republicans, who have then exploited this as a means to gain support among the devout. Many Democrats feel that religion is a subject to avoid talking about because it is either too personal or they fear it is too divisive. Press feels this is a mistake, and he encourages Democrats everywhere to talk more openly about their faith in order to shake off this image that has been placed on them by Republicans; an image that many have equated with apathy, indifference, and even hostility toward all things holy.
"How Republicans Stole Christmas" is a very good analysis of certain issues often touted by Republicans as having a sound basis in the Bible and why their interpretations are often way off the mark. The book is written in an often humorous way and while it tends to get straight to the point, it keeps the tone on a respectable level. Press has strong opinions, but he refrains from name calling and he has no problem admitting that some Republican claims are stronger than others or that his own Democratic Party has made many mistakes in handling the subject of religion. It all makes for a solid piece of reading material and one that Democrats should take seriously if they hope to reverse the political damage inflicted by the Religious Right and restore themselves as the party for the moral and righteous.
The book I was asked to write.......2007-03-22
For almost twelve years now I have been publishing a web site that has been showing many people that Jesus was as far from the G.O.P. as Bethlehem, PA is from the original Bethlehem, and that Jesus would be the kind of "liberal" who in the past fought for equality and justice for all kinds of people, like women, people of color, laborers and the handicapped and who today embrace the unpopular causes of those who are imprisoned, immigrants, gays, and those whom our military likes to call "collateral damage" of wars which many agree are not even moral.
Bill Press has done an outstanding job of putting on paper many of the arguments that I make on the web. He's got name recognition that I will probably never have. But I urge any who appreciate his views to explore and to recommend my 200+ page web site, which you can find by Googling "Liberals Like Christ".
While you are at it, Google "Republican corruption" and you will find that, of the 1,700,000 sites that it will provide the very first one suggested is my page on that subject which I have been improving for years. Check it out and you will see why it has been in that first place for at least six months.
Biblical Evidence that the Religious Right is Wrong!.......2006-11-25
Press, who attended seminary and is well versed in Biblical scripture, hits the nail on the head with his detailed descriptions of how the religious right has used religion to manipulate Republican voters and to try to convince people that being a Democrat is a sin. Press points out in a calm, literate way how the Republicans have tried to corner religion and what we can do to take it back.
He cites biblical scripture that evangelists use to put their spin on topics and explains what the verses really mean. (Granted, you can put 50 ministers in a room with one verse of scripture and you will get 50 different interpretations.) Topics included here range from abortion to stem cell research to homosexuality to the war in Iraq. There are several more relevent topics covered.
This book is a good tool that Democrats can use to combat right wingers who cite scripture to promote an agenda of intolerance. It gives plenty of Bible verses, and will allow you the knowledge to stand up and say, "I think the Bible meant this when it says this..." I liked the hardcover title better, "How the Republicans Stole Christmas," but I think more people will take it seriously with the new paperback title. This is a very relevent book to read and it contains useful information to remember considering the times we live in.
Liberals dig their own grave without Republican help regarding religion.......2006-04-15
The Democrat Party has for years been considered by many average voters as less tolerant for people of faith.
It didn't used to be that way. During the Cold War, Kennedy and Johnson and the rest of the Democrats stood up to the atheists running the USSR and never apologized for doing so.
Things have changed, and to the Democrats' loss.
It is not George Bush going apoplectic when someone says "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays." How many Republicans are trying to root out school prayer and ban the Pledge of Allegiance? Who is it that looks down on people who go to church and support the Ten Commandments?
It sure isn't Bob Dole or Dick Cheney.
The reality that Bill Press needs to address is what can the Democrats do to make themselves credible in religious-based issues. Senator Joseph Lieberman should be his model of choice, for it was Lieberman who stood alone when he publicly denounced President Clinton over his affair and subsequent lying regarding Monica Lewinsky. Religious values and morality were written all over his speech. And no Democrat dared to condemn him for it.
Overall great read! Only a few problems..........2006-03-22
In "How the Republicans Stole Christmas," Bill Press argues that the religious right hold a tyranny over "moral values" issues. The Republican Party is indeed commonly associated with such themes as anti-abortion and anti-homosexuality, themes that strike at the core of millions of conservative Christians across the U.S. It seems that in this day and age the Republican Party takes center stage when any issues that tie into religion are mentioned, issues that appear across such a vast number of topics that if someone isn't up to date on the topic he/she can quickly get lost. Luckily Mr. Press organizes his chapters in such a way that a reader can take a look at the table of contents and skip ahead to a chapter that is more interesting or in some cases more applicable to themselves. I, being both a future scientist and a non-Christian, particularly enjoyed the section on Stem Cell research and the chapter on God in the Classroom. I found them to be very effective in combating the various methods conservatives use to promote their "moral values" in these departments. Press is also helpful by utilizing quotes from evangelical leaders (or at least very loud evangelicals) to prove where absolutist thinking can lead to. It was shocking to know that some of the most "godly" men in America were so downright cutthroat and close-minded.
Although I enjoyed the overall concept of this book and even the chapter by chapter ideas, the phrasing and hyperbole did seem very much out of context. Press writes as if he is talking to a friend who does not completely agree with him. He has a tendency to go on a tangent here and there and lose sight of the cold, hard facts that could make him seem a little more professional. It should be made very clear that if one is to read this book that it is very biased. Mr. Press starts a Republican beating and does not stop, and while I may agree that some important Republicans in government need a swift kick, I did not like the tone in which Press makes his statements.
"How the Republicans Stole Christmas" is not simply a Republican bashing book though. After finishing it the reader sees that the true purpose was to inform democrats of ways to combat extremely right leaning Republicans and to, in a sense, "take back Christmas." Press seems to have great insight into a way to bring morality and religion back to the center line and that is for Democrats to not be afraid of talking. He uses Clinton and Kennedy as examples of how the Democrats have been mishandling the issue of religion by taking the safe route: not bringing it up. Unfortunately, the Republicans have brought it out onto the table and now is the time for the left to speak up on their religious values and prove that the right is not always so right, says Press.
The only problem that this reader sees with Press' argument to help Democrats is that he seems to point his book only toward Christians on either side. As a non-Christian, it seems at times that Press disregards the 15-20% of Americans who do not label themselves under the majority religion. Press argues that it is Christian Democrats who must fight Christian Republicans which leaves others not of the faith on the side-lines hoping that one or the other will win. I would like to have seen more talk on the views of minority religions as well, especially on the topic of God in the classroom, a concern that is more than just propriety to those not of the majority faith.
Overall, Bill Press did a wonderful job getting his point across and attempting to show Democrats a way out of the hole they seem to be sitting in. I would recommend "How the Republicans Stole Christmas" to anyone who would not take the hyperbole as literal and who find the issue of church and state interesting and relevant. If anything it is important for the public to understand the full breadth of what is going on so that come election time they can make a decision that is not self-centered but takes into account the views of others.
Book Description
In Why I Am Still a Conservative, Peggy Noonan explains what Republicans must do now to reclaim their conservative base-not only to win elections, but because it is the right thing to do. In her traditional eloquent style, Noonan shows us what's wrong with the Republicans in Washington and offers a roadmap to point us in the right direction again.
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.
Product Description
Paperback reprint of 2004 Hardcover. No actual publication date listed in the book.
"Drawing on a study of variation in the performance of ethnic party performance in 'partronage democracies,' Chandra shows why voters in such democracies choose between parties conducting ethnic head counts rather than by comparing policy platforms or ideological positions. Building on these individual microfoundations, she argues that an ethnic party is likely to succeed when it has competitive rules for intraparty advancement and when the size of the group it seeks to mobilize exceeds the threshold of winning or leverage imposed by the electoral system."
Book Description
In a starred review, Publishers Weekly said of Kate and M. Sarah Klises first picture book, Shall I Knit You A Hat?: The Klises consistently sound notes of tenderness and humor. They continue to do so as Little Rabbit and his mother return in a sweet new story. Little Rabbit is about to turn five, and he decides hes all through with crying. He doesnt want crybabies at his birthday party, so he tells his friends they can come only if theyre big, like him, and dont cry anymore. When all of his friends admit to crying sometimes, Little Rabbit is shocked. Does everybody cry? Why?
Customer Reviews:
Another gem from the Klise sisters.......2006-07-06
Little Rabbit is about to celebrate his fifth birthday with a grown-up birthday party. He tells Mother Rabbit, "I'm done with crying. . . Crying is for babies, and I'm not a baby anymore." He decides to invite only those who are big, "like me," and don't cry. But when he surveys his animal friends, he finds out that they still do cry. Mother Rabbit weeps, too, even when she's happy. Little Rabbit can't believe all this! Mother Rabbit tells him, "You can cry for any reason. Or for no reason at all." Growing up doesn't have to mean never crying again, so they throw a huge birthday bash for all his friends.
Any mother of a child who seems to be growing up too fast will understand who's holding the hankie as Little Rabbit blows out the candles.
The satisfying conclusion of this sweet story is illustrated with expressive animals, sly gags, and clever details on every page -- everything we book lovers have come to expect (and cherish) from books by the team of Kate and M. Sarah Klise.
Brava!
(A version of this review appeared in the Palo Alto Weekly.)
Books:
- A History of the Federal Reserve, Vol. 1: 1913-1951
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our wealth, Our Liberty and Our Democracy
- America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our wealth, Our Liberty and Our Democracy
- America the Unusual
- American Government and Politics Today: The Essentials 2006-2007 Edition (American Government and Politics Today)
- American Government: Brief Version, Seventh Edition
- American Government: Continuity and Change, 2006 Texas Edition (3rd Edition)
- Armed America: The Remarkable Story of How and Why Guns Became as American as Apple Pie
- Armed Madhouse: Who's Afraid of Osama Wolf?, China Floats, Bush Sinks, The Scheme to Steal '08,No Child's Behind Left, and Other Dispatches from the Front Lines of th
Books Index
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