Politics Government Books

Very stimulating reading and very applicable in many kinds of negotiations & meetings, not just "policy making" as in government. Her thesis is the "most books" assume policy should be rational and analyze when it is not. She argues that policy is INTRINSICALLY a paradoxical, conflicting process where (to greatly simplify) some people see A and others see B and others see C no matter how much data and rationality are tossed about, and that is HER starting point for discussing "policy making." I found it very stimulating and see wide ranging applications in my work and even outside work for these ideas. It's a fairly long book and not to be skimmed so it defies easy summary.

i received it in time and the book was well protected with card board. It was in very good condition. Good job !

This book gives insight into the decision making process for administrators. It is not the cut and dried process you would think.

A must for those in public service.

I couldn't help thinking of my past work experience in the government when reading Stone's book. I laughed from time to time as she is so witty in depicting the reality of policy-making.

If you have worked in the policy-making sector, maybe you'll find it a summary of what you did. If you are just about to step into the government, you may put it aside and re-read it sometime later, which will bring you a new and more interesting feeling.

Deborah Stone's "Policy Paradox" is an important work in the field of policy analysis. The subtitle is illuminating: "The Art of Political Decision Making." Her takeoff point is the following statement (pages x-xi): "This new field of policy analysis supposedly devoted to improving governance, was based on a profound disgust for the ambiguities and paradoxes of politics. . . . In rational analysis, everything has one and only one meaning." In her own words, she (page xi) ". . .wrote this book to critique the field and to capture, I hope, a more inspiring and humane kind of policy analysis."

Her basic point is that the rational models drawn from economics do not explain very well how policy analysis works. Nor, in her view, should it be the actual model for decision making. She contends that economic rationality often gives way to political reality, to accommodation to conflicting interests, to compromise, to values other than economic efficiency (such as liberty, fairness, and so on).

The introduction opens the book strongly, with Stone noting policy paradoxes, where the economic rational model does not prevail and explain how things work. She argues (page 13) that "each type of policy instrument [e.g., inducements, rules, rights, for example] is a kind of sports arena, each with its peculiar ground rules, within which political conflicts are continued." The first chapter continues the theme, by speaking of the market (economics) and the polis (politics), with a nice table summarizing key points on page 33). She concludes that (page 34) "Problems in the polis are never `solved' in the way that economic needs are met in the market model." Two different realms, and what works in the market may or may not work in the polis.

The book proceeds in three major sections: Part II focuses on broad goals (e.g., equity, efficiency, security, liberty); Part III examines problems (with chapters labeled as follows: symbols, numbers, causes, interests, decisions); Part IV focuses on solutions (or tools or instruments, such as inducements, rules, facts).

In the end, the book examines nicely the tensions between economic rational analysis of policy ideas and the messier but inescapable political process as it addresses policy issues. The reader will be provoked to think about important issues upon encountering Stone's perspective. A very useful work on the bigger picture of policy analysis.

Lakoff is a genius at deconstructing the lies of neocon spinmeisters like Matthew Drudge and Andrew Sullivan. He carefully analyzes the fake GOP talking points of fear and masculine idolatry. I find it especially fascinating to explore the motivations of someone like Sullivan who literally adored and worshipped the masculinity of Bush/Cheney, but has turned 180deg to a scorned woman. Lakoff explains how the false bravado of the neocon frequently hides a very scared little boy inside (eg closeted Drudge).

This book was very useful in its explanation of how we think about things in terms of frames, unconsious scenarios that our minds use to help us make sense of life. That aspect of the book is something we would all benefit from understanding - a mental tool to help us properly evaluate the assorted messages thrown at us from various media and the language of the marketplace.

My problem with this volume is that there is so much technical information, I was often at risk of losing the book's messages. Despite giving it the metaphorical old college try, I found much of it too technical and of little use to me.

It's definitely a book worth reading, just don't expect it to be an easy read.

The war on terror is just a metaphor. The war on drugs is just a metaphor. Perhaps if this book had been published six years ago, we could have prevented our invasion and occupation of Iraq.

For more than ten years I have been searching for a
metaphor to counter the war on drugs metaphor. With no success.

However, by pointing out that the so-called war on drugs is just a metaphor, we can nullify the metaphor
that has transformed the former "Land of the Free"
into the most incarcerated nation in history of human
civilization.

One out of every four prisoners in the world is locked in an American jail or prison because of a metaphor. This deserves our shame and outrage.

Conservatives pretend to oppose "Nanny State" policies. The so-called war on drugs is the "Nanny State" on steroids.

Lakoff points out that Conservative morality is the morality of obedience. I agree.

This book continues the author's argument that politics is best understood in terms of family dynamics: the strict father family where obedience and punishment are emphasized or the empathetic actions of a nurturant parent family. Based on family morality, conservatives want limited government and the discipline of the marketplace that supposedly rewards the meritorious, whereas progressives emphasize the protection and empowerment role of government, which implies intervention in the economy to combat structural problems and provide assistance where needed. In addition, conservatives are disinclined to question leaders (strict fathers), either in gov or in business, while progressives believe in equal participation in all institutions.

In this book, the emphasis is on the unconscious nature of thought, which according to the author, occurs 98 percent of the time and has tremendous influence. People respond automatically to neural pathways that have been formed in accordance with frames or metaphors. According to the author, enlightenment thinkers, including the founding fathers, were simply wrong to hold that thinking is logical, universal, value-free, and literal. Apparently, conservatives, well aware of the unconscious, have, through think tanks, talk radio, and the like, over the last thirty years made huge efforts to inculcate simplistic themes, like "war on terror" or "tax and spend liberals," to affect, or limit, political debate. Rational thinkers, on the other hand, still mistakenly rely on facts.

There is a smattering of details concerning brain functioning in the book, but it is clear that we are very far from understanding the mind, the brain, the formation of ideas, etc. Obviously, eighteenth century thinkers did not have the benefit of the scientific discoveries of the last two hundred years. But it is a huge stretch to hold that the founding fathers, and others, were not subtle thinkers. Intelligent people have always organized their speech and arguments through the use of framing and metaphors. It is extremely doubtful that conservatives have a hold on such subtleties. It may be true that "spin" and propaganda are far more prevalent in the modern era. They do impose a huge burden on the average person to find the truth.

The progress of mankind will always depend of words, ideas, willingness to stare realities in the face, etc. Furthermore, it will depend on the education and sophistication of those engaged in debates. It may well be that the author's recognition of a divide in family dynamics is most important. Perhaps strict father morality inhibits open-mindedness, the questioning of ideas, as well as commands. Those unaccustomed to challenging beliefs are undoubtedly more susceptible to simplistic arguments.

It's hard to see much benefit in launching off on a nebulous argument of the conscious versus the unconscious to explain modern politics. In a way, it justifies irresponsibility: "I vote the way I do because I'm being led around by my nose due to framing." If I'm not mistaken, energy and gas prices are out of sight, foreclosures are way up, the stock market is a speculators paradise, lives are being lost in Iraq for what purpose - the list of dysfunctionalities is long. I assume that's what people want - that's how they voted. They have another chance coming up. Stay tuned.

The author almost seems to be calling for manipulation to counter manipulation. Progressives need to counter spin and lay out the most reasoned arguments that they can. Then let the chips fall where they will.

We think in metaphors, and words describe metaphors. A metaphor is a description like "He's cold as ice." He's not cold, he's unfriendly, but we know what it means. Metaphors form neural pathways, or connections, between neurons. The more we activate the pathways, the stronger they become, and the more we accept them as true. Metaphors, words, thoughts, and language therefore have a neurological basis that result from physical transformation of brains (actual physiological change to brain cells similar to increased muscle mass that results from weight lifting).

Republicans have intuitively known this and have used language to create metaphors and neural pathways that have become dogmatic in America--example: tax relief, page 234. Relief is not normally connected to taxes (road building, social security, and armed forces result from taxes, not relief). However, tax relief has become a metaphor in the US that is identified as generally good, and puts anyone who criticizes the concept on the defensive.

The conservative Republican model society is based on Old Testament concepts: right and wrong are absolute. It is based on a strict father model (page 78) that relies on discipline. The father tells the children how to behave and punishes them if they do not heed the father. Children learn discipline so they will do the right thing without question (think of Marines who obey commands in the heat of war as described in the book Flags of Our Fathers, James Bradley and Ron Powers, 2001). Obeying authority without questioning it is paramount. That's why Republicans supported President Bush's pardon of Scooter Libby for lying to Congress - Libby was merely obeying orders. Once discipline is learned, there is no need for government since disciplined individuals don't need any outside help. Discipline leads to self-reliance, and government aid like social security is not only unnecessary, it leads to weakness because it causes citizens to lose their self reliance. Authority is absolute, and so is the requirement to obey it. That is why conservatives are so threatened when their position is criticized--it is tantamount to questioning authority, and absolute authority is fundamental to their view of the world.

Liberals, or progressives as George Lakoff prefers to call them, start from a nurturing concept. Children do not need discipline, they need nurturance. Government stands for the proposition that it permits people to flourish. Roads permit commerce, medicine protects our health, police and firemen protect us from catastrophe, the FDA protects us from corporations whose zeal for profit would lead them to sell drugs with harmful side effects, and the SEC protects us from unscrupulous traders that would manipulate markets for private gain.

People think by emotion, and progressives try to reason according to rational, Old Enlightenment, factual-based logic. Progressives need to appeal to people's emotions more. Emotions, like metaphors, are established neural pathways in mature brains, and progressives need to adopt frames that tap into voters' nurturing neural pathways.

Progressives should not permit conservatives to force them into responding (and therefore adopting) conservative frames (see page 153 regarding Obama's response to Wolf Blitzer's question on mandatory English in the US). The technique is to 1) describe the frame that the questioner has just used; 2) describe what's wrong with the frame; and 3) come up with an alternate frame.

People have natural tendencies that can be politically manipulated. See "Why Hawks Win," page 223, for an example of why it is easier to convince citizens to go to war than it is to object going to war. Again, the solution is to reframe the debate; to point out the errors in going to war. Would we have invaded Iraq if it was a prelude to endless war, rather than a war on terrorists that would soon be "Mission Accomplished?"

The book's strengths are 1) describing conservative and progressive thought processes, and 2) describing neurological and psychological research that support the biological bases for thought and linguistics.

The book's shortcomings are 1) failing to provide concrete examples of conservative frames and how to specifically counter them, and 2) failing to theorize how people become conservative or progressive over time, and whether they can be manipulated to become conservative or progressive as they mature.

Robert Kuttner has performed a service in Obama's Challenge by bringing to the Democratic nominee's attention the pitfalls to be faced by the next Administration. The USA is facing a profound transition. Our citizens must adjust to the diminished role the US plays, economically, militarily and in its influence. While adapting to this new global reality and the rise of China, India, Brazil, Russia and other nations, the next US President must deal with the severest financial crisis since the Great Depression and the urgent need to shift our economy from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.

I hope that Obama, David Axelrod, David Plouffe and all of his team will read Robert Kuttner's wise analysis and go beyond that outdated "economics box" so as to address more fully the systemic crises our next president will face.

In this brilliant new book Robert Kuttner challenges Barack Obama to break the debilitating frames of failure set by neoconservatives for the last 28 years, reassert a national agenda of government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" and reawaken our nation's collective soul and conscience. Kuttner uses Abraham Lincoln, FDR and LBJ as examples of presidents who were able to embrace and transform the national crises of their times, with the result of renewing the promise of America as a "land of opportunity" for all, rather than just a few of its citizens.

One of Kuttner's central tenets in Obama's Challenge is that "Competent government and engagement of the people restores faith in the enterprise of government, and in turn restores the civic impulse." A philosophy based on the founding principles of the United States of America and the exact opposite of that espoused by neoconservatives intent on their self-fulfilling prophecy of management by incompetence, privatization of all federal functions and programs, and a deregulated marketplace laced with greed and corruption.

Kuttner cites the following frames/reigning myths that need to be broken by a President Obama, both "to slay the failed ideology and to lead a recovery based on a far more robust use of government."

1. The fiscal cupboard is bare.
2. Government is generally perverse or incompetent.
3. Tax cuts are one of the few benefits that governments can reliably deliver.
4. Private markets invariably work better than government.
5. Successful Democrats need to talk more like Republicans.

Kuttner urges Obama to use the current economic situation as a "teachable moment" and to reframe the issues with the following assertions.

1. There is in fact a crisis facing both the economic system and working Americans.
2. The private sector is a source of great dynamism, but it can sure make a mess if left to its own devices.
3. People's needs and economic recovery are more important right now than penny pinching.
4. Tax cuts have gone mostly to the top, and haven't done a thing for most Americans.
5. Government can do great things, and it particularly needs to do great things in an economic crisis.

"Government is both the product and locus of political democracy - and only as good as our democracy. Our democratic institutions are where we come together to plan for the common good; they are the steward of our environment and future. If these structures are dismantled, disparaged, chronically underfunded, or eroded from within, all citizens are the poorer."

In addition to the need for Obama to transform prevailing ideological assumptions and restore the public's confidence, Kuttner proposes the following specific programs and ideas to address America's economic crisis.

1. An emergency federal works program to deliver public funds and decent jobs and address the $1.6 trillion infrastructure backlog.
2. A program to repeal the Bush tax cuts.
3. Work with Congress on a much more robust housing and mortgage rescue program.
4. Rebuild secure financial markets with prudent regulation.
5. Prize the labor movement as a constituency to be honored and enlarged.
6. Professionalize the Human-Service Economy.
7. Create an active labor-market policy.
8. An Apollo-Scale commitment to Renewable Energy.
9. Universal pre-kindergarten and better day care.
10. Move toward Universal Health Care.
11. Global regulation of finance and trade.
12. Wind down America's entanglements in Iraq.

In Obama's Challenge Robert Kuttner clearly identifies the ideologies and practices of the neoconservative "wrecking crew" world view that has given us our worst national economic crisis since the Great Depression. Kuttner believes that Barack Obama possesses the character and the capacity to achieve the greatness of a transformative presidency, and in this book he lays out a radically progressive framework that would allow such a president to "use his office to appeal to our best selves to change our economy, society, and democracy for the better." Highly recommended.

Kuttner offers an appraisal of Obama as a uniquely talented, fully equipped, potentially transformative leader that should be obvious to anyone who heard his Philadelphia speech on race a couple of months ago or his near-perfect acceptance speech of recent days. Obama has shown himself to be equal parts intellect and inspiring motivator, a tactician capable of putting his opponent on the ropes by using the opponent's own weaponry, a visionary capable of seeing a perennially green forest but not at a loss for keeping count of the trees in his own back yard (or the number of back yards he's listed as owner of). So Kuttner's book is repeating the obvious and is basically a preachment to the choir. It won't change any minds, especially ones that it can't reach.

What is not so obvious is Kutner's basic assumption: that America's problems and Obama's solutions are so transparently known to everyone that his Presidency is all but assured. In August millions of American voters who had previously fancied themselves as tolerant, unbiased types for allowing the Jefferson's into their home every week, suddenly saw on their giant HDTV screens not merely faces of another color but images of those who are on the brink of representing their own face. It is no longer a matter of viewing the "other" from a safe and comfortable distance, congratulating ourselves on our imagined tolerance, but of being wakened to the real possibility of the "other" becoming "us."

The near-universal distaste for the previous administration and the illogic of a narrowing gap between two candidates, one of whom makes gaffe after gaffe and the other who can't afford the slightest misstep, is testimony to a pervasive, regressive darkness in the electorate, one that could make all of Kustner's arguments on behalf of a progressive Obama Presidency a moot point. McCain merely has to make it to the finish line to enable all those threatened by change--from bigots to wealth "preservers" to "better" Christians to Jehovah's "chosen" to those bottom-feeders who still imagine they enjoy one small entitlement--to "rationalize" their vote for McCain.

Reading Kuttner's book is unlikely to increase your admiration of Obama (how "can" it?) and likely to increase the sting of an imminent injustice should he lose (unfortunate, if not tragic--an Obama Presidency would go a long way toward restoring our tarnished, near-irreparably damaged image in the eyes of the world not to the mention representing a victory for ideas (vs. slogans) and rhetoric (vs. ad hominem mud-slinging and mugging to the camera like the sophomoric cut-up in a high-school play)l.

What happens behind those voting curtains in a mere two months will show America and the world a revealing self-portrait, one that could be anything but flattering. At that time we may realize the inadequacy of institutional education and the need for an entirely different paradigm for opening minds--perhaps a functional multi-party system. As Al Gore's indignation made clear months ago, unrestrained anger goes little beyond personal therapy. All Obama can do in the final stretch is hope that questioning the debacle of Iraq and seeking to restore the life and limbs of those soldiers who were maimed by it is not equated with a lack of patriotism. On the other hand, once people decide on a course of action, reason is quickly suspended in favor of rationalization (as was the case with Kerry's "swift-boating attackers).

The real "challenge" is not Obama's but a public's that still sees 9/11 as a sanction for running scared and burying its head in the ground, repeating parroted code words--God, values, guns, pro-life, and family vs. evil, immorality, peace initiatives, civil liberties and, worst of all, liberalism--as those these terms and oppositions actually possessed thought and meaning. It's time to stop "blaming" Obama, Biden, McCain, or the government for a responsibility that lies with the electorate. For the present, perhaps the only consolation is knowing that, regardless of the outcome, we will once again deserve what we get.

Robert Kuttner's new book has one redeeming quality. It allow me to offer something I never imaged I would have the opportunity to do. Offer some good advice to Barack Obama. In fact far better advice than Robert Kuttner. Senator Obama (and everyone else) do not waste your time or money buying and reading this bromide. That is one challenge our Democratic candidate for President should embrace enthusiastically.

As for Mr. Kuttner let me recommend to President Obama he consider recommending as a new law that authors that promise much and deliver nothing face fines and other penalties. This can be one way for the new President to address the budget deficit. Since Mr. Kuttner is not alone in writing verbose volumes that have little to say and nothing original President Obama may well eliminate the Federal deficit by means of this one "novel" initiative.

Think I'm being too flip. Here is a key passage from Mr. Kuttner on page 172, that reflects the quality of the entire book. I quote Mr. Kuttner,

"Here is my advice to Obama on the health care front: Get your sea legs, address more pressing crises, demonstrate inspirational leadership - and take a little more time to get it right."

That's right that is a typical example from Mr. Kuttner's book being touted as the guide book for the Obama Presidency in some circles, and a book that Amazon has made special arrangements to promote and distribute. I admit it I got Suckered by the hype.

There is literally not a single original thought in the entire count them 200 pages. It is filled mostly with "filler" references to past Presidents back to Lincoln. Regurgitated historical facts most of us are very familiar and better presented by his sources. As for his advice to Obama it is the same list of standard proposals you read on every op-ed page. Day in and day out. I did not find one original proposal or piece of advice. I stand to be corrected if other reviewers find any.

Let me conclude by proving the "audacity" of this book. It would be a mark of good form and respect for the readership for Mr. Kuttner to conclude with a precise definite enumerated compilation a summary of his key advice provided throughout the book to President Obama. There is no such list or summary because in a moment of self-awareness Mr. Kuttner was forced to admit to himself and to anyone else who buys this book. He has no such useful list of original useful advice to offer Barack Obama.

My compliments to Amazon if they have the courage to print this review and in doing so warn Senator Obama to avoid Mr. Kuttner.

This small, interesting book begins "Barack Obama could be the first chief executive since Lyndon Johnson with the potential to be a transformative progressive president." Author Kuttner believes that will only happen if Obama is a more radical president than he is a presidential candidate. This does not mean operating outside the mainstream. Rather, it means the country needs radical changes, and Obama's role will be to make the country see that making those changes is necessary, therefore moving the effort into the mainstream.

Kuttner has three disclaimers early on. First, he assumes Obama wins the presidency. Second, he is not a cheerleader or advisor to the Obama camp, just offering his own thoughts. Third, this is not a policy proposal. It is an examination of how Obama's presidency can truly change this nation, using examples from earlier transformative presidents -- Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan.

Many of the ideas in Obama's Challenge will resonate with readers. Kuttner does not exaggerate the dire state of our economy, and gives sound reasons why we're in the sorry position we're in now. His suggestion that Obama will have to capture the imagination of the American people to fix our problems rings true.

Robert Kuttner is also the author of The Squandering of America: How the Failure of Our Politics Undermines Our Prosperity, Family Re-Union: Reconnecting Parents and Children in Adulthood, and Everything for Sale: The Virtues and Limits of Markets.

Here's the chapter list:

1. A Great President or a Failed One
* The hope of audacity
* The economic trap
* Depressed economy, depressed expectations
* Financial collapse as a teachable moment
* Breaking the frame
* The character of transformation

2. How Transformative Presidents Lead
* The forgotten Roosevelt
* Kennedy and Johnson: From impasse to transformation
* Hell, what's the presidency for?
* Missing the wave
* Fatal triangles
* Presidents at war
* Preparing a nation for war
* Fear itself
* Leadership and partnership

3. Audacity Versus Undertow
* The fiscal cupboard is bare
* How the right snookers the center
* Government is perverse or incompetent
* Redeeming government
* Tax relief is the best benefit government can deliver
* The private sector is invariably more efficient than the public

4. Repairing a Damaged Economy

5. A Work in Progress

Like promised, item was delivered in good condition and on time. Thank you.

It is incredible that such human suffering went on, and in many ways is still going on, just a couple of hours (by pane) away from where I live. Rigoberta Menchu's book, written as dictated by her, is sad and tells of horrible situations.

Guatemala is a beautiful country, the indigenous sill dress in their local garb, each unique to a particular village. Guatemala has been referred to as the most exotic country in the Western hemisphere.

A good friend of mine, a Guatemala Indian, told me about the efforts of the Indians to get help from the United States. They sought out various Native American tribes in the U.S., that to them was seeking help from America. From what he told, it never occured to the elders of the Guatemalan groups to approach anyone other than Native Americans. And they did not receive help, because help was not available. But had they approached the U.S. government, they most likely wouldn't have been helped either.

I have been in Guatemala so many times, I started to call it my second home. There is still a lot of oppression, and the indigenous still feel fearful of the police and the military. I have not been there in a couple of years and am yearning to return.

The last time, the police/military made great efforts to change their image. Instead of stopping trucks and harrassing the passengers, they handed out white carnations!

Menchu does not deal with the greatest problem that is keeping the indigenous in danger, that of language barrier. The Guatemala Indians speak over 20 local languages. The languages are so totally different, that communication is impossible. Though some books are written in the local languages, they cannot be read by the indigenous because they are illiterate. Division is a "great" tool to keep populations from binding together to fight a common evil. Spanish is the country's political language, but over 80% of the indigenous do not speak Spanish.

I have traveled into the villages, into the hills and mountains where customs as ancient as the peoples themselves still reign. All of them have experienced evil. Their story did not end with Menchu's book. It continues, and who knows how much longer it will continue.

I read this book shortly before visiting Guatemala, and I have to say it made my travel experience alot richer. I felt more sensitized to the currents of racism and political struggle still present in the country, as well as to the pain of a people recovering from a horror in the not so distant past. Nearly every Guatemalan that I met had some powerful story of the genocide, and this book gave me a good background on the facts and politics behind the peasant struggle.

Though it has been criticized as being imbellished and realistically inaccurate, I think that it can still be used as a tool to learn about the native Quiche culture in past and present times. Their spiritual and political beliefs and their connections to the natural world are interwoven throughout the memoir. And most importantly, the horror of a major Latin American genocide that still scars the memories of peasants in the region today. Rigoberta was very matter of fact in sharing information about the torture and killing of her people in gruesome detail... so detailed that it was difficult to read at times, but nevertheless, essential in understanding the extent of the what happened to her people.

Whether you read this book as fact or historical fiction, I think it is a good read for anyone interested in Latin American history, politcal science, peasant cultures, or human rights. It is a story that will stick in your mind... and your heart.

We give I, Rigoberta Menchú four stars because it was a good book but at the same time it was complicated to understand. For instead, it was a good book because she explains her life very well with details. Rigoberta also never gave up she kept going no matter as hard situation she'll face in her life. This book is complicated because Rigoberta just keeps repeating her self, is like we want to know more, something different. What we learn from this book, if we really truly want something we should never give up and when you feel like falling down for a moment, pick your self up and accomplish your dream.

It is common knowledge that this book is really a pile of lies. It isn't much of an autobiography and leaves the reader wondering which, if any, parts of it to really consider seriously.

It is truly painful to read due to the unending redundant rambling nature of Menchu's storytelling.

I cannot believe that this garbage is still being assigned as required reading. Worthless.

I read this book years ago and re-read it again recently. It is still one of my favorite books. Rigoberta Menchu suffered unbelievable atrocities and incredible losses and still lived to tell her courageous story through an interpreter. I think the book is phenomenal and I recommend it to anyone with a heart. It helps explain a lot about the Guatamalen people and their strife. It also is a timely book since the illegal immigration debate rages on in this country on a daily basis. It paints a vivid picture of the suffering of indigenous peoples and helps us to relate to their need to escape their countries in search of a better life. I dont know what David Stoll had to gain by writing a book that contradicted Menchu's powerful account. She states at the beginning of her book that her perspective is hers alone and that her memories may have been clouded by the trauma. It makes me crazy when people pick apart one tiny aspect of a book and then, throw the entire thing out as a sham. The same thing happened with the James Frey book, A million little pieces. People tended to ignore the overall strengths of the book and his basic message of surviving drug addiction over a few little insignificant details. This book is the same situation. The overall message and story of rigoberta menchu is so powerful and moving, it must be read, even if there is a fact or two that someone wants to contradict.

Very easy quick read.Great for plane trips. Jesse is a very interesting person. A fine patriot. The book describes his entire life very well. I hope there are more people thinking like he does. A third party is a must for this country. The country needs some serious reform. A person like Jesse Ventura can do it.

I heard him on Howard Stern and I wanted to read the book since that is what he was talking about. It is great. Best book that I have read all year. He talks about his life and his views on politics which I agree with everything he has to say on it. GIVE IT A READ, ITS REALLY GOOD!

If you only read one book this year make it this one! I agree with Jesse on all issues. The democrates , and republicans sold us Americans out a very long time ago. Different sides of the same coin.
The biggest threat to our country is the control of our major media. It's time to wake up America!
The unfederal no reserve bank (FACT) is driving our country into the dirt!!
Plus the lies of 9/11 are an outrage! I don't want to try and convince anyone, just look and decide for yourself.
Most will say Holy s**T! but what can i do?
PASS IT ON !
Jesse Ventura would make one hell of a good president! He would have my vote!

Great book. Insights into the way Jesse thinks and feels about issues. Jesse For President!

This man is a true rough around the edges guy who has been serving his country since his youth, like his family. He is a rough and tumble guy who will tell you like it is with no sugar coating, excess calories nor fat and this comes too much for some to handle. He has risked his life serving his country in numerous ways and in his Epilogue shows what could happen. I really admire this countryman in his long legacy of non-conventionality ... which is not unlike our founding fathers. He has the guts to spill the required patriotic blood for our tree of liberty and the very least everyone could do is read just 300 pages.

"Harris pointedly asks us to consider that those who do not fear death for themselves, and who also revere ancient scriptures instructing them to mete it out generously to others, may soon have these weapons in their own hands."

So I wonder if Harris is in favor of a pre-emptive military strike on Iran? If so, then he's just like the fanatical Christian George W. Bush. I hope his faith in reason offers some realistic ideas on how to deal with people whose faith is in God.

The message in the book can be best obtained by a clear understanding of the age old and outdated philosophical thoughts and comparing them with the benefits of current knowledge of science and technology. Therefore, a good knowledge of this is essential for a peaceful international living without having to wage wars. But there are many who work against the spread of this knowledge through fear, and are carried away by writings transcribed at various times and declared as holy.

The book analyzes the current conflict between reason, acquired through scientific and technological knowledge, and outright faith in antiquated religious dogmas. It references ideologies as believed and practiced in various places in world. The problems arise when faith in these beliefs are defended and enforced ruthlessly. The reader is provided with ample opportunity with references and lengthy notes to fall back and to improve understanding of the current clashes. This can make it difficult for the reader, who is not well versed in these ideas, to sustain interest in the important message. Consequently it tends to disrupt smooth flow of reading, and can induce loss of interest. A concentrated reading effort is required, and the interested reader should be prepared for this challenge. The flow of text in the book could be improved to make it an interesting piece of composition without using elliptical sentences. That is the writing style of the author. This is not a romantic novel or book of fairy tales.

World problems are not ascribable alone to blind faith. Due to natural genetic makeup of humans, powerful nations want to maintain superiority by inventing smart technologies, by usurpation of raw materials for energy, and control of world economy. This is often supported by resorting to ancient theocratic ideals which so often have clashed with each other. The book conveys a serious and important message to the world of the twenty-first century and beyond. Nobody can stop the dynamic progress and spread of science and technology. The Internet has been a great boon to society. We can "google" as we please, but should also be cautious and wise enough to make the most of the reliable information that we can get from such searches. We might look upon it as the first easy way to look beyond by searching in libraries to establish the credibility of the information obtained. That is fortunate because we do not live in the bygone dark ages when such easy access to knowledge was scanty and forbidden. However, there is enough hatred and bigotry going around. This is depressing. Sam Harris makes a brave effort to enlighten the reader with "The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason (Hardcover)". The future of humanity to aspire and work collectively could be at stake if reason is abandoned.

Thoughtful people are aware that world problems have been largely due to our genetic make up. In the primitive stages of human development, the work horse for sustaining human specie, the brain relied largely on mythological tales, miracles ascribed to pagan gods, and by authoritative and fictional credos. Deities were supposed to control mythically glorious heavens or terrifying hell fires for life after death for reward or punishment. Language development has made it possible to collect thoughts in books and scriptures which have been sanctified by self-anointed theocratic bodies; with the help of contemporary rulers of the times they have succeeded in forcing their views and writings on the defenseless masses deprived of basic necessities of living. Ignorance and fear have been used to propagate, coerce, and enforce theocratic ideas. Dogmatic beliefs are taught to the young when they have not yet reached the age of reason. Delusions of god and devil have been largely due to ideas created and perpetrated through the so called sacred writings sanctified as the unquestionable truth. Opposition has not been encouraged.

Current media, which should be independent, is lacking in its courage of conviction and credibility. Fortunately there are scientist, writers, and thoughtful people who possess good understandings of our genetic structure, science and technology. They have been contributing to understand the need international cooperation for peaceful living. There is much to be done.

Dr. Sam Harris [to be awarded his doctorate in Cognitive Neuro-Science] has revealed the 40 centuries of duplicity of our quasi-magical religious system. Its purpose is to control our minds, hearts and body by appealing to vulgar ignorance and superstition. Without religion, the human species would not be so ignorant ["not knowing"] and stupid ["put the mind in a daze"]. Its purpose to to inflict misery and poverty on the larger groups in any society so a few can live well off the backs of these many. It is animal deceit that came out of the homosexual priesthood of the ancient world (11% of our species is homosexual)!

What Dr. Harris did not state is how difficult it is to root out this falsity in human nature. In our historical record when one vile religious system must supplant another odious system, one merely chops off the noses, ears and tongue, or "cabbage head" to root out the presumed vile contagion. Why cabbage head? No one wants to have sex with such a hideous creature, hence he dies off; and with his death, the old religion goes. This was how the vile, vulgar superstition of Christianity supplanted the Roman State Religion; Islam supplanted Christianity; and Zoaroastrian Persian State Religion was supplanted by Mazdeism!

So mankind will continue to cling to the filthy robes of religion---it is how she hides her moral and legal crimes, and further deceit in business. All the town theives sit in the front pew on Sunday to hide their petty crimes throughout the week against their fellow man. Is this not obvious?

There has been much lucid insights given about Dr. Harris' treatise, most of it inane and self-patronizing. We twin brothers need not add further dribble to this incompetent mass of third-rate ideas. Dr. Harris requires and demands better. He has written a charming, lucid masterpiece! Presently, our time and age are too confused and ill-educated to appreciate his tutelary genius!

The Age of Belief was the 12th-13th Century in Europe. We are an age of dunces who do not understand what religion was, and what is worse, what it is now! It is merely mental sickness and disease in our culture which renders all of us unsafe and unhealthy!

This virulence will only be with us for two more centuries!

Presently, it is data systems, economic systems and mathematical systems that run things, so the dolts in religion can run their sterile rant and fill out minds with their dry, mental rot!

We were disappointed that Dr. Harris did not reveal that Jeshua [or Jesus] had a twin brother, Judas. Our ancient epigraphic Roman Latin records, Aramaic records, Syriac record, Coptic records, Ethioptic records and even Sanskrit records attest to this obvious attribution. When one twin was killed for Jewish moral violation [Jeshua] around A.D. 29/30 by the 'cross of the beast' of Roman penal technique (Jews would have set him on fire or buried him alive by their penal system), the other twin, ran around the countryside for four more years before he also was killed like his twin in A.D. 34. When you are an identical twin, indeed, you come back from the dead to outsiders who do not know you are a twin! In our manuscript traditions this other twin is called "Didymus Judas Thomas" or a variation thereof. Naturally, 'didymus' is Koine Greek for identical twin and 'thomas' is Palestinian Aramaic for identical twin.

We ancient scholars have been sitting on this vulgar truth since the 1860's. We will not release it to the fools in religion until around A.D. 2030. We remind this readership that very few people read Oriental languages and their scripts. They are essentially brain dead. For that matter, who can even read Classical Latin, Classical Greek and Classical Hebrew? Certainly not the blockheads in religion or those human scum who profess they are Bible students.

If we are severe in these matters, it is because we have forty centuries of historical details in our minds. When great misery, suffering and pain are inflicted on the general population, it is always the scoundrels in religion who either perpetrate the crime or give cover to the crime by others (in military or political-governmental structures)!

Dr. Harris has written a morally good book!


Respectfully,


John E.D.P. Malin,
Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer
James F.D.P. Malin,
Vice Chairman of the Board & Chief Research & Development Officer
Informatica Corporation
Executive Division
P.O. Drawer 460
Cecilia, Louisiana 70521-0460

"Fathers of the Silicon Bayou"

Contact Information: InformaticaMalin@gmail.com

P.S. We would be remiss in our duties here if we did not give correct insight into the 'War on Terror.' This too is ancient dupery! Its correct Latin name is 'pura et pia bella' [Latin, "pure and pious wars"]. It is the purpose of the scoundrels in religion who live off the backs of the people to harness terror in our local communities. The religious crowd is even too stupid to manage this simple task!

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Just read it, it will change the way you view our world. It could change the way you vote for leaders and it could change what you do on Sundays.
The path to a future of world peace is inside the covers of this book if you can open your mind and absorb it. Ignore it at the peril of your children and grandchildren.
Thank you, Mr. Harris

I give this book two stars because it is well written and a compelling argument and yet of ignores the enormous harm that leaders who are anti-religion and/or atheist have brought upon humanity in just the last century alone.

FACT: Mao, Stalin, and Hitler, three leaders who are either atheist or anti-religion, within just a few decades, have killed an estimated 100 Million people or more.
FACT: Together, the Crusades, the Inquisition, and the witch burnings killed approximately 200,000 people.
This doesn't even take into account what atheist leaders like Castro, Kim Jong-il, and others have done in more recent times.

Honestly, the only thing driving people to do these horrible things is a lust for power, and anything else they claim to be doing it for is just an excuse as neither atheistic teachings nor any religion I am aware of condones the killing of innocent people in the name of itself.

It is also true that not one single scientific fact can disprove God's existence, and scientific discoveries and theories such as the big bang seem more and more to support a theistic ideology than an atheistic one. In fact, a significantly large number of atheist scientists have actually been trying fruitlessly to come up with an alternative to the big bang because of this very reason, despite the fact that the evidence supports it enormously.

I am furthermore kind of shocked at the title he chose, when it is clear to any scientist that it requires just as much faith to be an atheist as it does to be a theist.

I enjoyed the book--typical Glenn. A few spots some silliness but for the most part a fun read and alot making total sense. I do recommend it.

I am a listener of the Glenn Beck radio show and I found much of his book to repeat what he says on air (surprise, surprise). I would recommend this book to a person that has not listened to Glenn Beck, or someone that wants the hard facts about oil, the economy, and global warming. I found the facts the most interesting part of the book and I will continue to use these facts as I face my liberal friends in debates!

Glenn Beck's book often shows the flaws in the world today. While reveling the troubles in our world and nation he often criticizes the liberals and even some conservatives for their wreckless decesions. he often provides humuros ways to solve our problems, some take these too seriously. Although he jokes about many things he often provides true thought out ideas on how we can fix problems such as the border. - great read if your not a liberal without a sence of humor.

My wife bought me a copy of Glen's Book for my birthday. As a fan of his television show, it was the perfect gift.

As a person who has first hand experience with the problems surrounding immigration, I could relate and agree with Glen's assessment.

I could also fully agree with the solutions to poverty and the sins of self-serving politicians. While I agree with these viewpoints, I hope that others that maybe wanted to agree find that the over the top humor, may dispel the gravitas of the message. Personally, I like the humor of the book and find this makes for much more interesting read than the typical "I have the answer" type of books.

Hopefully Glen Beck, through his radio, television and books will keep the heat on the groups that are slowing but surely destroying our country and our way of life. Michael L. Gooch, SPHR, Author of Wingtips with Spurs

If you can stomach this guy, maybe you will like the book. I can't, and didn't. I received the book as a gift and began reading with an open mind as I don't normally get to see him on television. It became apparent very quickly that he is more concerned about himself than any of the issues that he discusses. In fairness, I did not reach the end of the book so I'm basing this on the front half. Why did I not reach the end of the book, you ask? (see line one) If Glenn, himself, were to answer this review, I think he'd spend more time attacking those who do not support his views than discussing the views themselves. I can't say that I disagreed with every written word in the book, but I can say that the arrogance of the author did show through with every word.

An excellent book that should be used as reading material in any high school or college course on government, its being, construction and operation. It is detailed and full of information that makes it one of the best books written concerning early colony operations. I do recommend this book for anyone interested in early America and its govenment.

Book was received in the condition that was described. Packaged well. Timely delivery.

A book that lives up to its lofty reputation. Thoroughly engaging. A veritable bible of philosophy, and observation as regards the early appearance and history of our country.
H.P

935 page book with no index.

Come on, you don't need one.
You can remember that part about the aristocracy of the law...
was just about here...
Or was it here...
Don't worry, I've got it...
Just a sec...

As a sat to write this review I randomly opened my copy of Democracy in a page with this quote that I had highlighted: "When the taste for physical gratifications among [democratic people] has grown more rapidly than their education and their experience of free institutions, the time will come when men are carried away and lose all self-restraint at the sight of the new possessions they are about to obtain. In their intense and exclusive anxiety to make a fortune they lose sight of the close connection that exists between the private fortune of each and the prosperity of all. It is not necessary to do violence to such a people in order to strip them of the rights they enjoy; they themselves willingly loosen their hold. The discharge of political duties appears to them to be a troublesome impediment which diverts them from their occupations and business. [...] These people think they are following the principle of self-interest, but the idea they entertain of that principle is a very crude one; and the better to look after what they call their own business, they neglect their chief business, which is to remain their own masters". This is a small sample of what you find in Democracy... It is a superb book, with timeless truths about America and about democracy in general. I read the Everyman's Library edition by Knopf, and utterly enjoyed it: good quality paper, print, translation (based on Francis Bowen's), index. Don't rely on what others tell you about the contents of this marvelous book--dive in with a pencil handy to highlight the many good quotes and enjoy!