Current Events Books

¡Un libro fascinante y revelador!

Cuando los capitalistas norteamericanos se prepararon para buscar el dominio mundial a través de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, intentaron obstaculizar oposición a sus planes con leyes represivas y ataques contra el movimiento obrero dentro de los EE. UU. En 1941 encausaron a 13 dirigentes del Partido Socialista de los Trabajadores y del movimiento sindical, en un juicio amañado culpándoles con ser subversivos.

Pero los socialistas aprovecharon la lucha, utilizando el corte capitalista como tribuna donde explicaron las ideas e historia del movimiento comunista. También lanzaron una campaña de defensa que sigue siendo ejemplar hoy en día.

Este libro publica la transcripción del testimonio de James P. Cannon, secretario nacional del partido, presentando sus ideas y contestando a los fiscales del gobierno. Resultó una de las mejores introducciones al movimiento socialista que conozco.

También presenta un debate entre Cannon y otro revolucionario, Grandizo Munis, sobre la estrategia de los socialistas en hacerle frente al reto capitalista. Cannon explica lecciones importantissimas en cuanto a cómo defenderse en tales circunstancias.

Aquí un dirigente obrero dentro de las entrañas de la Bestia Imperio
Yanki -durante su juicio por "sedición", o sea la conspiración para
derrocar el gobierno- explica como la clase trabajadora y sus aliados
puede tomar el poder estatal en los mismos Estados Unidos. También
explica porque el estalinismo es el oppositivo del comunismo (como Fidel
Castro lo llamó años después). Cannon, el acusado, describa la
experiencia de los trabajadores "trotskistas" en la dirección del
sindicato de camioneros en Miniápolis, Minnesota durante una epoca de combate de clases en este país. También detalle la
política comunista en contra las amenazas del fascismo y la guerra
mundial. Aunque este juicio fue en 1940, nos pone claro como contestar
estas cuestiones políticas fundamentales que la crisis del capitalismo
mundial nos enfrenta hoy en día.

Aquí un dirigente obrero en las entrañas de la bestia imperial yanqui - durante su juicio por " conspirar derrocamiento del gobierno de E.U."-como la clase trabajadora y sus aliados pueden tomar el poder estatal en los mismos Estados Unidos. También explica el estalinismo como el oppositivo del comunismo ( como Fidel llamó años despues ) , la experiencia de los trabajadores " trotskistas" en la dirección del sindicato de camioneros en Minneapolis, Minnesota , y la politica comunista en contra las amenazas del fascismo y guerra mundial. Aunque este juicio fue en 1940, ¿ no es claro que entender como contestar estas cuestiones politicas son fundamentales enfrentar en accioón obrera el crisis del capitalismo mundial de hoy día ?

Fighting for what's right means that when the government threw the leaders of the Socialist Workers Party and fighting labor leaders intojail in 1941 for defying Roosevelt's war drive and Tobin, the bureaucrat that ran the Teamsters union then, Cannon and the other revolutionist's respond by explaining why they were socialists, how the fight for a workers and farmers government in this country will proceed. This book has all the answers to any question about the fight for socialism, not only in the USA but anywhere else. It also contains a lot of history, a lot of humor, and a lot of Cannon's generous wisdom and wit. Great to have this classic manual of revolutionary thinking finally available in Spanish

This classic, WAR & PEACE, attempts to awaken the reader to the realities of media that lie hidden in his own mind. These realities are composed of the everything in the current "electric world," of signs, of real words and nonsense sounds, of pictures, of stuff, of technologies, of clothes, of weapons, of food, and of chemicals, all of which McLuhan calls media and the extensions of man. Can the reader who knows nothing of the pre-electric world be awakened to perceive it? A difficult question since there are all kinds of readers from the primitive to the scientist to the computer programmer.

Indeed, McLuhan and Fiore take the reader on a impossible journey into the guts and gear works of the human brain. Did the Authors bridge any gaps or just create new, unknown ones? Everything about this book is difficult. This includes the often obscure passages on every other page from Joyce's FINNEGANS WAKE.

The Authors advance the notion that all behavior, war and violence, stems from man's search for his identity. "So that today war, as it were, has become the little Red Schoolhouse of the global village."(P. 125) War has become the educator and education becomes war. "No one has studied what degree of innovation is required to shatter the self image of a man or a society." And how can man understand himself when he is always engaged in "rearview mirrorism?" Man looks backward because he can't see forward.

In addition, all the media surrounding man is merely raw material for man's info processor, his brain. Thus man is hooked on his current media like a drug addict is hooked on that which alters his sensual input. Man, himself, is but a collection of information. Immersed in this sea of info, like a fish in water, how can man sort out those bits that beg for priority? By understanding the info that composes himself, can man escape his own senses, those that compose and shape his every move? One doubts it!

Once again, McLuhan and Fiore team up to provide us with an excellent summation of all of the drastic effects of the transition to electric circutry as the prime form of media. I recommend reading The Medium is the Massage first.

Media theorist Marshall McLuhan does a double take on the Massage by doubling his informative view of the media world splicing effect after effect after effect. Beginning locally in the village of small tribal cultures of oratory dominance demonstrating the break of the sensorium which created a tactile society. Moving through history as if fragmented in its own way recapitulating the effects of media which broke up the senses and amputated the limbs of our physical and psychical systems. Although written in 1968, McLuhan moves right into the present times understanding first, electricity as extension of the nervous system and lucidly stating that LSD, the psychedelics of the past are equal in effects to the modern day computer as a recomposure of our being. From our computer realities, one can easily define theirs as an integrated inter-net, linking one another through digital media that is light speed. McLuhan understood the implications of Einsteinian-ENIAC models of the world and distupted the passive television view with this commercial interuption to wake up the senses. Reccomended for McLuhan lovers and those who are still watching TV on a regular basis.

If McLuhan hadn't been dead for almost twenty years, he could have written this book yesterday. He speaks to this moment in time. "We are all robots when uncritically involved with our technologies." He makes the point that we have met the enemy and they is us. He asserts that man has evolved beyond Darwin's limited concept of biological evolution, and we have evolved ourselves with our technology. The computer being an extension of our nervous system, which now senses the whole world. The pain of modern existence is to be found in the strain of this evolution, and therefor, to be for-warned is to be for-armed. "Unlike the animals, man has no nature but his own history. Electronically, this total history is now potentially present in a kind of simultaneous transparency that carries us into a world of what Joyce calls 'heliotropic noughttime.' We have been rapt in 'the artifice of eternity' by placing our nervous system around the entire globe." Tired of wondering why you think life sucks? There is some healing balm hear to be found.

This is a valuable resource on the topic plainly spelled out in the title. A reader can easily set aside the author's analysis and DIY using the compiled verses from the Qur'an. It makes a good addition to the works of Mike Scheuer, formerly of the CIA (including IMPERIAL HUBRIS -- see my review), and it's much better than any number of current right-wing "christian" rants that demonize Islam as a whole and call for all-out war on Islam in such a way as to reinforce every suspicion of ordinary Muslims about "Christian" Crusader states.

A most valuable Volume Two would be WAR, TERROR AND PEACE IN THE BIBLE AND IN CHRISTIANITY, along with a catalogue of the long history of "Christian" wars, their tactics, strategies and justifications. Although Jesus plainly said "love your enemy" and "turn the other cheek," Old Testament passages supporting either "kill them all in the name of God," or "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" seem to be much more commonly used by "christians" when it comes to the question of war.

It seems sadly apparent that both "Christianity" and Islam are, IN REALITY as opposed to in principle, violent and aggressive religions. Leaders of nations and ordinary followers of both have a tendency to project all evil onto the Other and justify their every action as virtuous. "God/Allah is on our side."

As Kurt Vonnegut said, "and so it goes."

Here is a beautifully conceived and packaged book about Muslim warfare that stands-out among the dozens of books that are being churned-out each year on this topic. Schwartz-Barcott, a sociologist and former Marine Corps officer, packs at least three books into one: (1) a careful inventory and an objective analysis of all of the verses in the Koran that deal with peace, terror, and war, (2) an original analysis of more than 200 of the most famous Muslim battles and wars (including those that Muhammad led and those that the U.S. are waging in Iraq and Afghanistan right now) ), and (3) examinations of the motivations and behaviors of dozens of contemporary terrorists, including Osama bin Laden and an American Islamist named Aukai Collins.

In the process of presenting these

The reader must first realize that this book is an analysis of what the Qur'an says about war and peace and how well Muslim armies have followed its tenants. Although it contains numerous accounts of Muslim armies in battle, it is not a military history book. All in all, the author did an excellent job of analyzing his topic. The book effectively proves a thesis that is not that surprising. Throughout history, Muslim military leaders have used the Qur'an as a convenient authority to justify their actions. Muslim leaders appear to be no different than their Christian counterparts who used, or misused, the bible to justify unnecessary bloodshed. Dr. Schwartz-Barcott, does an outstanding job of demonstrating this point. Chapter 2 provides numerous passages from the Qur'an that dictate how a Muslim should fight a war. Chapters 3 through 5 provide an excellent overview of Mohammed's military campaigns as well as numerous other Muslim battles throughout history. On several occasions, the author refers back to Chapter 2 as a means of illustrating certain points.
The reader should be aware, however, that it is not an easy book. Although some chapters are an easy read, other chapters are slow moving and tough to get through. Nevertheless, any reader who perseveres will walk away smarter than before. Chapter 7 provides some useful insight into the existing mis-perceptions about the Qur'an and how to deal with people who hold onto these mis-perceptions.
Bottom line: this book is an intellectual analysis of the author's thesis that Muslim leaders have historically misused the Qur'an to justify their actions. From an analytical point of view, the author clearly proves his point. This is not an entertaining book and some parts are difficult to read. Nevertheless, it is chock full of useful insights and information on Islamic military history.

The Qur'an or Koran is the holy book of Islam. It combines religious aspects, with law and rules by which you should live your daily life. It is the defining book of the people it seems we will be fighting for the next few years. Muslims consider the Koran to be EXACTLY the very Word of God.

This book is aimed at those who need to understand the psychological nature of our oponnents. Hopefully this will include military leaders (The book is published by the Army War College.), political leaders, and - although I suppose it is too much to ask - reporters.

As with the Jewish and Christian Bibles, the Qur'an is long enough to have enough quotes to justify almost anything. Dr. Schwartz-Barcott has done a supurb job of analyzing the situation in which we find ourselves.

A listing of the table of contents is probably the best summary of the book:

Approaching the Qur'an and its Proponents
The Qur'an's Passages on Peace, Terror, and War
Muhammad as a Military Commander
The Qur'an and Muslim Wars, 632-1984 A.D.
Some Recent and Current "Muslim" Wars
Interpretations of the Qur'an and of Muslim Warfare
Insights: How the Qur'an Can Help in Peace and In War with its Proponents.

Plenty has been written about Islamist terrorism, but these writings can't explain why other groups who have even more to complain about haven't developed such religiously-based terrorist ideologies. Warrant For Terror: The Fatwas Of Radical Islam And The Duty To Jihad narrows its focus to the fatwas, legal opinions declaring whether a given act under Islam is permitted, forbidden or obligatory. From how Islamic law operates to how it determines the duty to jihad, Warrant For Terror offers many insights.

This is an excellent book for those wanting to understand Jihad and the justification for Jihad. How do Muslim terrorists justify killing innocent women and children? What are fatwas and why should we care?

Although somewhat scholarly, this book is readable and is perfect for those wanting to understand what motivates the evil doers.

Since this book attacks some truly counterproductive behavior on the part of a politically strong element of Islam, I think we need to put this in perspective. As a Pagan and a Zionist, I strongly oppose religious fanaticism and tyranny. Islamic fundamentalism is just one more in a long line of bad ideas. But I think we need to be careful not to regard Islam as special in this regard. There is indeed a genuine threat to human society right now which is Islamic in nature, and that threat ought not be overestimated, nor underestimated, nor otherwise improperly described. And I think this book is fair here.

It is true that people of other religions, even in recent times, have behaved very badly. One need only look at World War Two, or Rwanda for examples. In order to be intolerant, it is surely neither necessary nor sufficient to be a Muslim! Still, this short book deals, quite properly, with Islam. And it raises an immediate issue. Whether one is a Muslim or not, to what extent ought one tolerate intolerance? I do not have an answer for that question, but I strongly feel that in the long run, intolerance such as what we are seeing today is self-defeating. And at some point, it is best for everyone if it is opposed. Failure to oppose intolerance quickly turns into complicity with it, especially when silence often implies consent.

This book shows that radical Islam is not merely intolerant but is also engaged in a fight against much of the world. And that Islam itself is indeed a characterizing element of Islamic aggression and terror. As the author explains in his introduction, some folks insist on dismissing all threats from Islam, going so far as to label concerned people (including even concerned Muslims) as "Islamophobic" or "bigoted." I think this book shows these folks to be not only wrong but a part of the problem.

Is there a way to fight back against religious leaders who preach in favor of intolerance, aggression, and terror? The author says that there is. Such acts are criminal, and they can be outlawed, with consequences awaiting those who engage in them. Sooner or later, in my opinion, something of this sort will happen. Meanwhile, I think that the Muslim community has to figure out how to avoid constant and costly wars, both within the ummah and against, um, the giaours.

I recommend this book.

The following are an abstract and some reviews on the book:
Abstract
Since September 11, 2001 much has been written about "Islamist terrorism," arguing that it is a perversion that has "hijacked Islam" in the service of social, political and economic grievances. However, such accounts cannot explain why other people that can lay claim to similar or more serious grievances have not developed such devastating religious terrorist ideologies. Moreover, many of the terrorists themselves have attested to their own religious motivation and their belief that they acted in accordance with the precepts of Islam.
Warrant for Terror examines fatwas, which are legal opinions declaring whether a given act under Islam is obligatory, permitted or forbidden and which serve as a major instrument by which religious leaders impel believers to engage in acts of jihad. These fatwas come from all over the Muslim world, but mainly from the Arab world. And they should not be dismissed as a cynical use of religious terminology in political propaganda. Many terrorists testify that they were motivated to act by them. Indeed, this book shows that Islamic law plays a central role in determining for believers the practical meaning of the duty to jihad. It also examines the underlying religious, legal, and moral logic of these fatwas and the depth of their influence in contrast to alternative moderate Islamic interpretations. And the book explores the wide scope of issues that these fatwas deal with, covering almost all facets of Islamic "law of war:" the justification for declaring jihad; the territory in which the jihad should be fought; whether women and children may participate in jihad; the legality of killing women, children and other non-combatants; the justification for killing hostages and mutilating their bodies; and the permissibility of diverse tactics and weapons, including suicide attacks and even nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction. This book also delves into the contradictions between the radical and the mainstream narratives and the sources of the weakness of the latter in the face of the former. In the conclusion, the author raises a number of provocative questions relating to the "religious policy" of the West in the face of the threat of Islamic extremism.

Reviews

"Non-Muslims rarely pay attention to the religious struggle within Islam. They must, urgently. Radical clerics, wielding the deadly accusation of apostacy, have silenced most mainstream Muslim clerics and regimes in the Muslim world on the issues of jihad and terrorism. We are at serious risk of having hundreds of millions of religiously-driven enemies and deferential followers."--R. James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence

"Shmuel Bar has written one of the most important and compelling books in recent years. If you want to understand Islamic terrorism and jihad, this is the book to read. He has written an absolutely brilliant page-turning analysis of the dynamics underlying radical Jihad today--and for policymakers, analysts and the public, Warrant for Terror will provide you insights that few other books even dare try. This is one of the best books I have ever read on the dynamics of jihad and fatwas. Read it to be educated and to truly understand. Ignore it at your peril. Dr. Bar has performed a wonderful public service by compiling and analyzing the fatwas for us. This book is a bench mark in the literature on Jihad."--Steven Emerson, Executive Director, The Investigative Project on Terrorism, and author of American Jihad: The Terrorists Living Amongst Us.

"If you are sick of instant experts offering sound-bite style insight into the phenomenon of Radical Islam, then Warrant for Terror is the right medicine for you. Through an exhaustive yet refreshingly readable analysis of fatwas -- Muslim religious injunctions -- Shmuel Bar takes us deep into the minds of both those who issue calls for jihad and those who heed them. As a tool to understand the logic, the rationale, and the motivation of the enemy in the war on terror, this book is sure to be assigned in counter-terror training courses around the world. Thankfully, the rest of us can read it, too."--Robert Satloff, Executive Director, The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

"Drawing on Arabic sources not typically available to English readers, Shmuel Bar outlines the way that fatwas from Muslim religious authorities have in recent years laid a basis for jihadism and terror. Warrant for Terror is critical reading to understand the nature of the challenge posed by radical Islamism today."--Francis Fukuyama, Johns Hopkins University

This book gives a real life glimpse into the mind of an ex-KGB agent. It is fascinating to see how badly managed the KGB truly was during the cold war.

fantastic! informative! riveting! find out what really went on during thoze years in th CIA & KGB. one of the best books i have ever read.

This book offers a glimpse into the mind of an ex-KGB agent. It is amazing to learn how truely disorganized the KGB was during the cold war.

I think this author was trying to get some [easy] recognition with the title he chose, maybe making the reader think it was similar to the Kessler book Moscow Station. Unfortunately for this author that is where the similarity ends. The author was the KGB station Chief for the Washington D.C. USSR embassy for a number of years during the cold war. He promises on the dust jacket to provide the reader with an inside account of the methods of the station and a run down of the missions they took part in.

The author does a good job in providing the reader with many of the interesting tradecraft bit about the KGB in the U.S. and how they operated in Washington D.C. against the FBI. The author also does give us some insight to a few of the operations that the KGB ran; it just seams to me that this is a sanitized version of the events. I wanted more details on the intelligence they were able to gather and more of the operations they ran. I finished the book think this was a nice first step, but a fuller "confession" was needed.

Overall, the book is adequately written and does not drag or stumble. If you are interested in KGB operations in the U.S. then this is a nice start, but definitely the definitive account

Buying this product (We the People: Shorter Sixth Edition) off of amazon was an excellent choice. Considering that the campus bookstore charged 3x more, this was an outstanding value for such an in depth look at American Government.

The book is in perfect condition and is the edition that I needed. I also believe it was brand new and it was cheaper than what my bookstore was selling it used.

I saved lots of money buying here and it was still new i couldn't believe it

Easily applies governmental fundamentals to real world issues. Allows for quick and easy understanding

knowledge scales and political sophistication are key variables in social science studies that often are used without really thinking about what they mean or measure. This book provides insight into this problem and real solutions to solve it, in addition to the primary context of how informed americans are about politics. Great work and a must have for any collection.

Anyone interested in the knowledge levels of the American public, especially in terms of political opinions and where that type of knowledge comes from, will find this book very informative and rewarding. Delli Carpini and Keeter have accumulated a very well researched and documented mass of data concerning what the American people know about many different categories of politics. In an enlightening fashion they break down political knowledge not just into different categories of information, but also by demographic categories in the general population. We find that socio-economic status is as important to political knowledge levels as personal interest or media exposure, leading to occasionally worrisome conclusions about how average people can truly make a difference.

This book does sometimes lapse into unnecessarily complex statistical models rife with under-explained regression analyses and coefficients (which should have been relegated to the Appendix section), while the writing style tends to be repetitive and is generally very verbose. Meanwhile, the conclusive analysis of "why it matters" is a bit rushed at the end of the book. But regardless of those issues, this book shows convincingly that the American public's knowledge of their own nation's politics is both more complex than may be expected, but that their knowledge is not always put to the most effective uses. Happily, the authors show that citizens typically do not consign political perceptions into simplistic liberal vs. conservative and black-and-white ideologies, as you may guess from the behavior of politicians and the media. However, we can also see here that the knowledge of the American masses is not frequently put to the best of uses, either by themselves or their leaders. [~doomsdayer520~]

*What Americans Know About Politics and Why It Matters* is an important book in that it reveals how informed voters have more stable, consistent opinions and are much more resistant to irrelevant information (such as commentary in the media and campaign rhetoric, sound bites, and photo ops). It also reveals that informed voters hold opinions that more closely match those of the Founders of the United States -- including personal responsibility and limited federal powers -- than do those who are ignorant of the issues.

I thought it showed the ignorance of the American voter, and the dire need for voter education. In my opinion, the average American urgently needs voter education. I believe that voter education will produce a Democratic majority, and this book gave me data to back up my beliefs.

I lived in beautiful Zimbabwe for 4 years in the 80s-90s, I didn't want to leave I loved it so much and to this day still think about Zim (and consider it my home more than where I live now - for 10 years!) I've seen first had what Mugabe is capable of doing and it is sooo sad what he has done to a beautiful place like Zim!

Mr. Hill has performed a great service to the world at large. Most leaders and other figureheads believe that once Mugabe goes it will all be roses. Hill explains how difficult it is to recover from a bad regime, especially one that has been entrenched in power for so very long. You must read this book.

President Mugabe has entrenched himself in power, but his time may be coming to an end. South African resident Geoff Hill envisions a future without him in WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MUGABE? CAN ZIMBABWE RISE FROM THE ASHES? From how an incoming leader will handle a nation rife with unemployment and poor social standards to how outgoing tyrants will be punished, WHAT HAPPENS AFTER MUGABE is a pick for any who would understand the politics and changes of Zimbabwe.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

As Zimbabwe plunges deeper and deeper into chaos the question we all ask is 'will the madness ever end?' It is impossible to see light at the end of the tunnel given the depths to which Zimbabwe has sunk. The book gives a brief history of the country and paints a picture of the dismal current state of affairs. However, Geoff Hill optimistically outlines a rough framework of the process involved in returning Zimbabwe to self-sufficient democracy after the fall of Mugabe. He covers all of the most important areas; personal freedom and law and order, independence of the judiciary, provision of food and the land question, education, health and the task of luring back the millions of Zimbabweans in exile to support the reconstruction process. He interviews numerous prominent Zimbabweans (most in exile) including Geoff Nyarota, Basildon Peta, Gerry Jackson as well as other Zimbabweans from all walks of life, including plicemen, school leavers, MDC supporters and exiles in England and South Africa. Their opinions and ideas for the future are diverse and insightful. It would be easy to dismiss the book as being overly optimistic filled with nostalgia for the Zimbabwe of the 1980's and early 90's. Geoff Hill, however, includes numerous examples of other African countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Mali, South Africa and Nigeria that have managed to heal to a degree and return to states of relative peace and democracy after horrific pasts. As Zimbabwean in exile I felt as if the book was written for people like me, but it is well written and widely researched and I believe anyone with an interest in Zimbabwean affairs would find the ideas fascinating and informative.

In today's world, war, violence, poverty, disease, starvation, and oppression, have become an unspoken accepted reality. These were issues that Liberals once fought to overcome. In his book, What the Hell is a Liberal? author David Truskoff presents a candid look at how liberalism has been successfully minimized by the powerful political "right." The rich are getting richer. The growing gap between the "haves" and "have nots" is increasing, and our natural resources are being rapidly depleted.

The term "Liberalism," is defined as equality for all that includes such aspects as engaging diplomacy instead of choosing war to resolve political turmoil, ending poverty, promoting free governments, advocating education and affordable healthcare...etc. Truskoff has been an active participant and witness to Liberal struggles such as the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King. Truskoff provides an in-depth account of the evolution of the relationship of the US with other foreign powers, particularly the US and Israel partnership. As well, he chronicles the influence of powerful lobby groups such as the American Israel Political Action Committee, one of the most powerful lobby groups in Washington.

Delivered as a well-plotted series of essays, Truskoff is able to chronicle how the evolution of the Right has successfully exploited and depicted Liberalism as a negative philosophy to mainstream society. The book is not presented as completely anti right as he notes a number of high profile figures on the left who have abandoned key principles of Liberalism for their own agenda. Truskoff points to Senator Joe Lieberman as one important example of abandoning one's principles and ethics. He discusses Palestine, without supporting the acts of terrorism, but the apartheid type conditions the citizens of Palestine live in. Fundamental themes that emerge throughout the book are how the greed and indifference of a select elite, with the help of the media, have been able to successfully change the dynamics of the world to everything Dr. Martin Luther King struggled against. That is, there are people in the world that are now considered disposable and military colonization has become an accepted method of resolving conflicts. Survival of the richest is now defined by Military Might.

Truskoff writes with clarity, having witnessed the decline of liberalism and the rise of capitalism without compassion, morality, and ethics. It is a very well researched and well written book that acknowledges this new breed of capitalism that seems unstoppable. Truskoff explains that it is not and writes with hope. He points to our own need to learn from the past so that we can go forward and adopt liberal ideas that seem to have been lost over the years. What The Hell Is A Liberal? is an engaging and compelling read meant to open our eyes to our past, present, and future. Whether you agree or disagree with arguments made in the book, it will definitely make you think and hopefully start a dialogue with others. It is a must read for anyone concerned about the future of humanity.

Tracy Roberts, Write Field Services

Somehow over the past 30 years America's right-wing neo-cons have managed to make 'liberal' a political dirty word. They've somehow made 'liberal' synonymous with notions of being un-American, elitist, and morally unsound. It's a classic example of the Big Lie, of Orwellian-style 'double-speak'. Now finally, in a series of articulate essays, that neo-con Big Lie has been successfully and persuasively debunked by David Truskoff in "What The Hell is A Liberal?". Of special note is Truskoff's cogent essay 'Who Owns the American Congress'. These essays are particularly timely in view of the current presidential campaigns and should be considered a 'must read' for anyone who supports progressive solutions to our chronic problems of involvement in foreign wars, dilapidated infrastructures, faltering economy, failing schools, broken health care systems, the shrinking middle-class, and the growing chasm between the rich and the poor. Now at long last we have a book that we can simply hand out the next time someone asks what a liberal believes in, stands for, represents, or aspires to, thanks to David Truskoff!

What the Hell is a Liberal? is David Truskoff's thirteenth book. In it the author continues his conversation about American and international politics. Truskoff is candid and unapologetic about his views. As a veteran of the United States Navy and the Civil Rights Movement, the author pulls from an impressive body of experience as a patriot and an activist to formulate his opinions on the current state of affairs in America. His delivery is direct and often tough, but he is careful to back his assertions with documented facts. Readers who have enjoyed Truskoff's work in the past will not be disappointed. Those who are receiving their first exposure to the writer should brace themselves.
Truskoff does not hold anyone's hand in this collection. He takes on the current Bush administration, Israel, Jewish liberals, and African Americans. His opinions about these groups can, of course, be disputed, hotly challenged. But one has to admire Truskoff for his honesty and insight.
In the opening essay, "Seize the Moment," Truskoff introduces the reader to his activist background and his belief that the sacrifices he and others made have not produced the fruit expected. "I want to see more results of my efforts and the results of the efforts and sacrifices of my family. Today we are marching backwards (16)." The author repeatedly points out that there are still segregated schools in the United States and poverty remains a significant obstacle for many African Americans. His outrage is warranted: lives have been damaged and lost so that long-lasting change could occur.

"Who Owns the American Congress" exposes the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a foreign lobbying group that, according to Truskoff, throws it's weight around in the United States Congress by "...raising more money from around the world to support or defeat candidates than any other political structure (76)." Truskoff spends a lot of time with this organization and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a Jewish American, Truskoff offers tough words against the practices of the Israeli government and includes horror stories from the Palestinian side of this struggle.

Having participated in the Civil Rights Movement, Truskoff freely shares his thoughts about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. He also offers strong words against current African American leaders such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. In "Am I a Racist," the author recounts his meeting with Jackie Robinson in 1963 when he arranged for the former baseball player's appearance on a television show. Truskoff was shocked when he learned of Robinson's support of Richard Nixon from Robinson himself. The essay goes on to discuss the Don Imus controversy and Jewish liberals questioning themselves about being racists, but the set-up leaves the reader wanting on this particular topic.

This book is rife with historical references, the author's personal accounts, and his theories of what needs to be done to erect change as a permanent edifice in this country.

What the Hell is a Liberal? is enlightening, fiery and forthright. You will talk back to this book. You will scribble agreements and objections in the margins. And, I believe it is the author's hope that you will also be moved to jump into action.

I am so pleased to be one of the early readers of this book. The publishers blurb says, "lightning bolts of truth." I agree. I have read some of Truskoff's earlier books and I found them to be important works of a fighter for peace and justice.
Marge Johnson

This book is a great browser and fact finder for not only the big world and national events of 1947-1975, but also includes annual references to best selling recording, obituaries, radio and TV shows, sports events, inventions, and cultural crazes! Bring it to your next poolside outing, and you'll find folks of all ages will enjoy this amusing and interesting guide!

Great to use for class reunions to bring back the memories. Needs to be republished and pushed to public to use for class reunions.

Every chapter is a different year starting from 1948 to 1975, inclusive. To quote Ed McMahon, "...everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask..." It is, by far, the most comprehensive text about the boomer years highlighting fashion, music, science, haute culture, fads, news highlight. In addition, it has one of the most comprehensive indeces of any reference book. A "must"!

This yearbook is an excellent resource in planning a high school reunion and helping build a school alumni association.