Party The Books

Chester details the various ways leftist (non-capitalist) parties have tried to gain political power through the USA political process. He demonstrates that the high water mark politically occurred for leftists during the Eugene Debs' presidential campaigns. As a candidate for the Socialist Party, Debs' campaigns not only garnered a substantial number of votes, but they also catapulted Socialist Party candidates into office from various local, statewide and congressional races.

Not content to build on these victories, many leftists turned to founding, joining or endorsing various reformist-capitalist parties based mostly on the Labor Party movements in Europe. The hopes and ambitions motivating their shift are quite familiar:

· The fear that leftist party politics would steal the margin of victory from more progressive candidates and, thereby, give the elections to more traditional or elite constituent candidates.

· The hope that successful USA labor-based politics would create the political and cultural environment in which leftist parties and their candidates could succeed.

· The desire by some leftists to trade their endorsement of labor-based candidates for a share of political power should the labor-based candidates succeed.

Chester demonstrates persuasively that labor-based politics didn't succeed and leftist politics suffered from its compromises and stratagems. Chester's prediction that future leftist politics in the USA can expect similar results when it makes similar compromises proves prescient. The Green Party's 2004 "safe-states" presidential campaign weakened it politically and did not give John Kerry the margin of victory. (Chester might not agree with this analogy since he rightly considers the Green Party to be a reformist-capitalist party.)

Yet Chester doesn't adequately address another specter haunting the prospects for political power for leftist parties: viz., the legacy of successful slander of leftist political values made culture-wide by the red-scare and cold war propaganda campaigns. Of course, this concern doesn't fall within the purview of his historical subject matter, but it is a rather large variable that simply cannot be overlooked in assessing the merit of leftists participating in the two-party system or in reformist-capitalist third parties.

Although I have this reservation about Chester's analysis, I am giving his work a five-star rating because Chester has written a one of the most well-written, thought-provoking political works I've read and, my reservation notwithstanding, Chester could easily be correct.

According to 'orthodox' Marxism, as capitalism developed workers would become conscious of their class and flock to the socialist parties that represented their interests. This hasn't exactly happened in the United States. The failure of socialist parties in the US to quickly gain the allegiance of the majority of workers led many American leftists to advocate the creation of a non-socialist "Labor Party" that they hoped would attract mass support. Ideally this labor party would be formed around unions, like the British Labour Party. Once it had become a major party by advocating mild reforms, it was assumed that its policies would inexorably -- indeed, inevitably -- be driven to true socialism by the internal dynamics of capitalism.

More bluntly stated, socialist supporters of labor parties aimed to quickly gain power by temporarily abandoning, or at least moderating, their actual politics.

In "True Mission", socialist Eric Chester forcefully argues that this is the wrong approach to take. He analyzes various attempts to create labor parties over the last 120 years to show that they have all failed completely, and that their failure is not difficult to understand. The progressive parties or organizations hailed as labor parties (or potential precursors to labor parties) were typically unwilling to break with the two-party system. Instead they tended to view themselves as pressure groups trying to promote progressive elements in the Democratic (or even Republican) Party. Additionally, they often coalesced around celebrity candidates such as Henry George, Robert La Follette, Henry Wallace and Ralph Nader, who had little interest in the parties themselves and did little if anything to support them or assist independent politics in general following their electoral defeat.

"True Mission" is very clearly argued and organized, and written in a style that is accessible, though somewhat dry and academic. Chester focuses mainly on the period from Henry George's run for president in 1886 until the late 1930s, which saw the effective end of significant left-wing challenges to the two-party system. A final chapter skips to Ralph Nader's 2000 run for President, which Chester argues exhibited many of the same weaknesses as the earlier labor parties. Also included are extensive notes and documentation, a glossary of important people and organizations, a useful bibliography and slim index.

Chester traces the occasional creation and quick collapse of labor parties and progressive parties such as United Labor Party of 1886 and American Labor Party of 1936, focusing on socialist support for them. He argues that it should have been clear to these socialists, had they not been blinded by their dogmatic orthodoxy, that they were pursuing entirely the wrong course. Not only were Socialists typically unwelcome in these labor parties, but the parties' continued ties to the two-party system, support for Democratic and Republican candidates, and dependence on charismatic but uncommitted celebrities all provided ample evidence that they were not going to be around for long, and weren't going to accomplish much if anything during their brief existences. Chester is especially critical of many of the "moderate" leaders of the Socialist Party of America (SPA), who were almost comically eager to submerge the SPA into any reform party they could find, despite the SPA's relative electoral success and rank-and-file opposition to such mergers.

So what is to be done? According to Chester, socialists need to abandon the scam of watering down their principles in order to increase their mainstream appeal. Instead we should return to the tactics pursued during the heyday of the SPA and championed by its left wing, standing up as independent democratic socialists and offering no apologies. "The true mission of a socialist party is not to rapidly achieve electoral success. Taking this as a goal can only point toward a morass of opportunistic compromises. Instead, socialists need to present a clearly defined radical perspective, to raise the demand for fundamental reforms that stretch the boundaries of the existing system, and to articulate a coherent vision of a new and egalitarian society" (209).

Well, "True Mission" convinced me; I'm signing up.

Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Engels and the Henry George Campaign of 1886: "Historic" Development or Blind Alley
3. The Political Party of the Working Class: The Socialist Party and the Labor Party Question
4. The Conference for Progressive Political Action: Labor Party or Pressure Group
5. The Octogenarian Snail: The La Follette Campaign of 1924
6. The Labor Party Question in the 1930s: Trotsky, Thomas and La Guardia
7. Labor Party or Green Party: The Nader Campaign of 2000
8. Conclusions: The Socialist Alternative

(Then again, I wrote it.) Seeing that there were no reviews yet for Turkey Ball, I wanted to let readers know that this review area on Amazon is not just referred to by fellow customers, but by authors, also, who love to see your feedback. Please do enter your comments. And by the way, isn't that Liz Conrad GREAT!
Thanks,
David

Well, I didn't write it, but I can say that my son has "gobbled it up" quite happily. Lotta cute touches in the illustrations, fun gobble-based words to play around with (and make up new ones with the kids), and frankly, it's nice to see turkeys having fun for a change (particularly this time of year!).

I'm not certain how else to say it except directly: it seems clear that Professor Pederson, author of the editorial review, simply failed to read Disch's book. The book was conceived well before Ventura's victory and written before the election of 2000, and its greatest strength is that it takes PRECISELY the historical view that Prof. Pederson calls for. This is NOT a case study of the TCANP, but an erudite, sophisticated and always approachable study of the practice, theory, and HISTORY of the American party "system." Disch takes her analsysis back to 19th century electoral poltics to show how the practice of fusion thrived and how fusion was outlawed through political maneuvering--not by some sort of historical inevitability. Her critique of the two-party system rests on her analysis of a lengthy history of party scholarship, not a "utopian" leanings or general "dissatisfaction." Pederson's review fails to even describe fusion--the common practice in the late nineteenth century of multiple parties nominating the same candidate--even though fusion is central to Disch's argument. He also fails to mention that Disch's critique of the two-party system centers on her brilliant ability to demonstrate how arbitrary and historically produced--how very much not a "system"--is the current configuration of party politics. Instead, Pederson tells us that the two-party system is a "bedrock" of American democracy. Well, almost every page in Disch's book patiently demonstrates for its readers the falsity of that claim. This book should quite simply be required reading for students of American politics and political theory. It makes a perfect complement to an intro course in either field, while at more advanced levels it contributes to advanced party scholarship and the debates over social constructivism. Moreover, the book should be highly recommended reading not just for folks outside of those fields, but for American citizens generally.

Students of American government (especially undergraduates) usually encounter the two-party system as a given: inevitable, immutable, American-as-apple-pie. This book does an outstanding job of showing how the system we currently have is the product of a series of political choices and circumstances, even beyond the impact of single-member districts and winner-take-all elections most commonly recognized in political science. The book uses the case of electoral fusion as a central focus, but the value of the book is broader than that. It shows, in very scholarly fashion, how the rules, ideology and political culture of our current system was created, and thus destroys the illusion that what we have now is inevitable and eternal. While the book isn't exactly "light" reading (Disch's training as a political theorist is obvious, and it serves the book well), it is very well-written. It will be most accessible to those readers with a bit of political science background.

Jeff's done an exemplary job with this work. A fantastic hard cover, coffee table style book. Very in-depth, wonderfull photos. As a collector of this militaria for many years, this work is a huge help. There's simply nothing better to aid in identifying & understanding the nuances of the rank system or providing the detail that Jeff has supplied here. This is one of those 'must have' reference works for any serious collector of German militaria. Well Done!!!

The photos are large and clear. The details are profuse. I used this as reference for a political illustration where pinpoint accuracy was paramount. This book filled the bill. I realize the applications for such a text are limited. However when you need the information you need it. I would recommend this book unequivocally to anyone who needs this specific information. It is informative and very well formatted.

How would you like your children to have a _memorable_ birthday party, one where giant mechanized rodents weren't screaming at the tops of their lungs? A party where you're not being nickel and dimed to death for more money to play the games? And do I _need_ to mention the food?

Help is here if you live the the Baltimore Maryland area. For instance, there is the Cloisters Children's Museum, a beautiful stone castle in Brooklandville, Maryland. If you have a winter child's birthday party scheduled there, you can even have a roaring fire inthe fireplace. Try _that_at MacDonalds.

Or maybe your child is a baseball fan - you can check out the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Baseball Center. Of course, it has all sorts of info on the Babe as well as other aspects of baseball history. This could be a good place to take your softball team for the end of season party.

Perhaps you are looking for a special place to get married in the Maryland area, You could check out Brice House, in Annapolis Maryland. It's a beautiful mansion for that special day. Or maybe you'd like something that has a view - you could tie the knot at the Glass Pavillion at Johns Hopkins University.

These places and many more are covered in this detailed book that offers addresses and phone numbers as well as prices and photos of the locations. If you want to plan an even in the Baltimore Maryland area or perhaps check out what this wonderful area has to offer, this is the book for you.

I have read Ford's other book, Unique Meeting Places in the Greater Washington Area, and this book serves as a great compliment to those wanting more options. It is just as detailed, well organized, and helpful, with the added bonus of containing lesser-known sites that may be perfect for your special event!

It is practically impossible to find a good book with hands-on approach on information security. This book is one of the few that will show you HOW-TO secure your system and not just why you should do this! Also, security forensics chapter is my favorite... I recommend this book for anybody who is interested in UNIX and wants to know what could be done to protect the box using only OS bundled capabilities. As a security administrator for a company on a budget I get used to only rely on freeware or open-source tools to protect the enterprise. This book showed me that it is possible to use only out of the box solutions to achieve the same results! I would recommend it for everybody who is prohibited to use freeware and open-source tools for information security. Great book!

This book is one of the best I've read about UNIX security. Dr. Loza provides hundreds of hands-on, practical solutions for how to investigate suspicious hackers' activities, secure the system, or protect you on the Internet by using only "native" UNIX capabilities. This book is very unique in the approach that shows you how one can do absolutely the same things to secure your UNIX box that freeware or open-source tools offer - if you are creative and hove some scripting skills. Using freeware and open-source applications is prohibited in many companies. This is why this book is absolutely the best! Especially I loved the Forensics chapter. Once again, I would recommend this book for all hackers and system administrators alike!

Up against the wall by Curtis Austin is a superb achievement. This is the
first book in my opinion which brings a long overdue objective perspective
to the history of the Black Panther Party.
The author highlights historical evidence related to the BPP while
carefully placing the facts into context and avoiding sensationalism.
It is a crucial contribution to Afro-American history.
It is a compelling book and I profoundly appreciate the author's
understanding of the party. Luce Masset

This book provides an important look at the Black Panther Party in all of its complexities. Although the main focus is on violence in the creation and deterioration of the BPP, the book has a wealth of historical information about the time period as a whole. As someone who has only a limited education on the Black Panther Party and the Black Power movement, I found this book to be a major contribution to my knowledge base, understanding and awareness. Austin gives insight into the climate of the nation prior to the founding of the party, so it was easy for me to see why the Black Panther Party was initially needed in the local community and why it later gained national popularity. As the book unfolded, it also became easy to see why the party had failures in some areas...
This book has truly been invaluable in my understanding of not just black history, but also of American history. I would not only recommend this book to those who wanted to increase their historical knowledge---I would recommend the book to anybody who is looking for an engaging read. This book is an absolute page-turner! It is filled with story after story detailing the rise and fall of the BPP, which includes anything from day-to-day life as a Panther and armed defense against police attacks to the COINTELPRO operation and government infiltration. Although I started the book slowly because of my busy schedule, I became increasingly engrossed as it went on---the more I read of the book, the less I wanted to put it down!

Anyone who goes Christmas caroling needs this book.

This book has the lyrics and music of the songs:

Jingle Bells
The First Noel
Deck The Halls
O Christmas Tree
Silent Night
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
O Come, All Ye Faithful
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
I Saw Three Ships
Joy To The World

Not only that, the book has special chapters about tree trimming, and holiday goodies. Also, the illustrations are unbelievably beautiful.

This is a must have book for anyone who loves caroling, or just wants a special decoration this holiday season.

The book is very cute and will look nice on the coffee table throughout the Christmas season. I like the perforated tear-out lyric sheets in the back of the book. It has many ideas and recipes for creating a caroling party - Cranberry punch, gingerbread cookies, and instructions for a few parlor games. Can be displayed upright and open on a table.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves "cute" things.

Robert Thomas Raming has researched and tracked the hidden side of the history of America. Even as we believe we have a democracy with the right to choose policies via the political system, he shows us how often we are maneuvered and manipulated by a "Power Elite", whose agenda is quite different than the ordinary man-in-the-street. He gives us example after example of a hidden network, and the people and organizations it works through.
Their agenda, he indicates, is to destroy the liberty we now have in this country which is based on our Constitution and which we so often take for granted. He believes that if people only knew in advance it was coming, they wouldn't allow it.
Can this be stopped? He gives possible solutions. Very good reading.

I hope this isn't the only book, attention, or time given to such a direct subject. Authors today seem to dance around the things they'd really like to say, with several trips to the thesauruses and cleverly placed words, all efforts to tell a story seem to turn into entertainment. This is a shoot from the hip kind of guy. "War And Death Of The American Dream" is a must read!

Thanks' Mr. Raming * * * * *

William Hay's work THE WHIG REVIVAL: 1808-1832 is a well-written political monograph. Hay chronicles the numerous setbacks faced by the Whig Party during the time period 1808-1832, including such things as public skepticism about the party's views on the war in France and uncertainty as to the stability of party leaders. He ably demonstrates how, despite the numerous setbacks faced by the party, and numerous defeats, the Whig Party eventually does come to power.

Democrats and Republicans both would do well to pay attention to the tenacity shown by Brougham and the Whigs. Anyone looking for a strong political history; a history of England in the late Georgian period; or a terrific treatment of Henry Brougham's career should read this book. As an aside, I have to echo other reviewers in their wish for Hay to write a biography of Brougham. Hay's attention to detail and mastery of writing will serve well in bringing this interesting character to life once again.

Will Hay has produced an elegantly crafted and diligently researched study of the shaping of the Whig Party after the Napoleonic Wars into a modern political organization. What he has done is to pick a point and personality in British parliamentary history that have been largely overlooked in studies of this kind. And he has presented his arguments in the context of a much broader discussion of the evolution of British parliamentary government, from the first decade of the nineteenth century into the Whig ascendancy of the 1830s.