Activism Books

This is the third biography I've read about a person whom I know well, and I must say that of the three, it succeeds the most at bringing its subject to life. It reads like a long visit with this extraordinary man, and it's filled with much detail about the rich life he's lived.

I have one major issue with this book. WSC's decade as Senior Minister of Riverside Church in New York was perhaps the high point of his life. His life-affirming and thought-provoking preachng reached its widest audience from Riverside's pulpit. As pastor and friend, to me and many others, he had a great and wide-reaching influence. Twenty years later I still quote him and talk about him. In the course of his tenure there, Bill met and worked with perhaps the most diverse and challenging group of people he'd ever dealt with in his life, in the congregation, among the lay leadership, and on the large staff. I admired his enthusiastic response to this challenge: he embraced it wholeheartedly and fearlessly, always willing to stretch his mind and heart, while maintaining his integrity as a person committed to some very controversial causes, with which some people at Riverside most decidedly did NOT agree.

In spite of this, the author seems to give this rich period of Bill's life only a quick once over. It's as if by this point in the book he lost interest in his subject and distanced himself from the project. As a result, he gives only a bare-bones picture of what this most important period in William's life was like, and how Bill responded to it. What's worse, he seems to have used only ONE person as a source for information about WSC's tenure at Riverside, thereby cheating the reader of seeing how, in his 50s and 60s, a very strong-minded individual was able to embrace and nurture new ideas and people with experiences vastly different than his own. As a "classic" baby boomer suspicious of persons of Bill's generation, and one from a decidedly non-privileged background, I was constantly delighted by his openness, lack of rigidity, his completely uncensored sense of humor and by his real gift for friendship, which to my mind, along with his musicality, was (and is) his greatest gift.

In one of Paul's letters (I think it's Timothy), Paul speaks of "fighting the good fight"-- and Coffin has fought the good fight his entire life. Coffin's passion, courage, empathy and ability to inspire are cherished by all who have had the privilege of knowing him (as I have). For those old enough to remember the 1960s, this book will rekindle the embers of your idealism; for those too young, it will provide a primer in how to speak truth to power and translate faith into action. This is essential reading for all who seek to keep alive the tradition of dissent that holds our government accountable to the principles it was founded on, and deliver a thunderous "No" to both injustice at home and the ongoing horror in Iraq.

I have known author Peter Schurman from college and trust me, if the "progressive" movement is in the hands of this upper-class phony tool, we need not worry about anything. This ranting little attention starved ninny has been waxing his own ego for years seeking accolades from his own ilk, moneyed blue bloods who reinvent themselves as leftists to mask their upper class white liberal guilt. Schurman is a self-absorbed idiot who never met a rally he didn't try to lead, never met a left-leaning cause he tried to convince people he cared about, and has pretty much failed in the court of opinion among his peers other than his similar-minded sycophants in the bumper sticker elite. Screw him and screw this book.

The reason I purchased this book was because of the 1 star reviews. I felt that the majority of them were simply efforts at anonymously posting their mad dog patriotic views. And I was right.
This is a very good book. It gives real-world examples of how to become involved in state and federal government processes. While not every example showed results, the fact is that we do need to become involved in the democratic process, regardless of partisanship.
I feel it is the height of intellectual dishonesty to
1. slam a publication because of the publisher,
2. Not read the bloody thing,
3. Not put your name on the review.
And anyone who feels that civil dissent is NOT to be tolerated, should go and re-read the history of this great nation. Because they are automatons in a time when we need thinking citzenry.
To complete the quote, "My country, right or wrong: right to keep right, wrong to make right."

Well, let's put it this way. I used to appreciate the conservative movement but after the way the religious fascists along with the rotten economic libertarians , who wanted to take away our safety nets that our parents and grandparents had but we and our children will suffer without, formed unlikely alliances in corrupting conservatism by cashing in on political correctness to achieve the worst on laizze faire, I finally decided that it was time to move on. While like most residents in my area of Rankin, MS , I was originally hostile against the organization, I finally decided to read their book and I must say they're not so bad. Sure, they're not perfect but it sure as hell is better than the current rightwing government and forces that are destroying people's lives day after day. And since I am a true pro-lifer not the Delay/Robertson fake type, I strongly recommend everyone to give this book a look and take back America.

Reading other reviews where people rated this book as, "Good, but nothing new that I didn't know already", I noticed that many of them claimed that they are already involved in serious political activism. More and more "everyday" people are starting to get angry and/or fed up with the existing State of the Union and the people who are currently controlling it. These newcomers want to start helping to make a change for the better, but are not experienced enough in activism to know just where to start. Many of us hear from others all the time, "What can I do? Me alone can't change anything..." This book has the inspiration and resources to help steer even the smallest person towards the right direction.

Yes, it has its partisan leanings but at least this book provides a less harmful way to be truly patriotic unlike what the rightwingers continuously preach. The only problem I have with the book is getting the Democratic party to truly unite. Even today, there are major rifts between the centrists and liberals in the Democratic Party whereas the conservatives and libertarians in the Republican Party stick together like soldiers in an army even if it's all about merely rubber stamping. I see moveon.org is starting to catch up to that understanding in the recent times compared to the time they released this book way before the election. I guess at that time, it was all about "Anybody But Bush" strategy which failed mainly because of the failure to resolve the major divisions and infighting between the centrists and liberals in the Democratic Party long before election day. While I like this book because it helps you think with assertivity and true patriotism, there's still room for growth.

This book was basically a very long list of amazing people giving time or money (or both) to very thoughtful and important causes. These people volunteer here. this guy had a great idea and created an NGO there. The spirit of it is very flat and reads like an extended laundry list.

Giving, in itself, is of course, important. Giving as a book, I didn't find that inspirational.

Giving is a straight forward 211+ page reason why we should give our time, money, and energy to help make a difference in he world. Clinton, fills the pages with nothing short of inspirational stories of incredible people, and how they have made an impact on the lives of others. Clinton argues that its easy to find a way to give to our world through examples of these extraordinary people such as; Bill and Melinda Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Oseola McCaty, Muhammad Yunus, Andre Agassi, Nelson Mandela, Josephine Murebwayire, Bono, and countless others whose stories were told through the pen of Bill Clinton.

Giving is easy to read, and its formatted so that you don't have read each chapter in its given numerical order, you can skip around and still feel the message. This book breaks down philanthropy into six different categories; giving time, giving things, giving skills, gift of reconciliation and new beginnings, gifts that keep giving, and giving good ideas.

Clinton makes it easy for you to want to give, not only because of the remarkable stories but because he provides all the contact information in the back for every charity, non-profit and nongovernmental organization that he mentioned to help tell his story. He does this because, "if your willing to volunteer, there is no shortage of organizations and projects that will be gland to welcome you."

Though at times some parts of the book can read a little like a brag sheet for Hillary, it doesn't take away from his main focal points. Overall it's a book that leaves you feeling inspired, motivated, informed, and ready to take action. So if you have a moment, try Giving this book a chance.

You know that part called 'Acknowledgements' which is available in almost every book and covers three or so pages? Ever read one of those? I bet you skip those pages every time!

The first two-thirds of this book gave me the exact same feeling. Every chapter covers too much names that are soon to be forgotten by the time you enter the next chapter. No matter how inspiring these people are, you cannot ask the average reader to remember the UNC, DDA, EXRE and whatever NGO is being mentioned.

And then, out of the blue, the book does get interesting. Most of this is due to the change in writing and you get a sense of personal touch in its writings. It doesn't even surprise me if Mr. Clinton only wrote some of this book.

The people mentioned in this book deserve better than just being a paragraph in a chapter. Maybe Mr. Clinton should call his good ol' pal Al and make a documentary about this book, because it does hold award-winning content...

I listened to this book on CD in my car with my two teenage children. We three found the addition of Bill Clinton reading his own words very compelling and inspirational. I do agree that if you are looking for deep introspection and a "theory of citizen action," this is not it. It does, however, provide various frames for considering giving, such as gift of time, gifts that keep on giving, etc. The result? I have begun forming an NGO and my children have begun a project with their high school that will extend beyond its borders to other schools--both based on the inspiration of Clinton's words. I doubt there is a better way to "gift" back.

Charitable giving is a regular part of life for many Americans and one man who wants to encourage Americans to integrate giving into their daily lives is former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The former U.S. Chief Executive has his own foundation dedicated to the cause of world health and other issues and he wrote this book to educate the reader on the different ways to give and the visible difference that a little effort can make. Writing a check or offering a credit card number to donate cash is the most common way that people give, but like Clinton explains in this book, there are many other ways to give that are just as important and equally valuable. Serving as a volunteer for an important cause, teaching others how to read, or donating used goods are among the many other ways by which an individual can help to improve the lives of others.

Americans are a very charitable people and Clinton frequently praises the generosity of others in the book's opening chapters and in other segments of the reading. As many people know, Bill Clinton joined with former president George H.W. Bush to help raise money for Tsunami victims and for those devastated by Hurricane Katrina and he points this out several times in the books chapters. Clinton wanted to demonstrate how most any people- even those who were once political rivals- can join forces for a common cause. No matter what one's political affiliation, most anyone will agree that charitable giving is important and commendable. It should be part of everyone's lifestyle, provided they have the means to give. And regardless of the size of the gifts, giving is still helpful and should always be encouraged. This book makes mention of mega- givers like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, but it is quick to point out that small gifts also make a big difference.

One of the many positive experiences I gained from reading this book is the knowledge about specific charities. Many of the charities mentioned in Giving are well- established, but there are several surprises. One is a charity called Chess in the Schools, which teaches chess to inner city youth as a means to improve learning in other areas. Yet another is a charity called H.O.P.E, which was founded by a group of high school students who wanted to break the cycle of poverty and disease in other countries. Information on these and other charities (including web site addresses) are found in the book's Resources section. I have already visited the web sites of several different groups and I am likely to add some of them to my list of important causes for future giving.

Overall, Giving is a very good book about the difference that each one of us can make. The fact that Bill Clinton is the author will likely discourage many people from giving this book a read and that is a shame because there is plenty of good information in Giving. Politics aside, this is a positive, well- written, non- controversial book about the different means to give, the different causes to support, and the different ways we can all make the world a better place. Its optimistic tone and strong message make it a good book for all, and hopefully one that will inspire others to devote more time and effort to the virtue of giving.

This book was basically a very long list of amazing people giving time or money (or both) to very thoughtful and important causes. These people volunteer here. this guy had a great idea and created an NGO there. The spirit of it is very flat and reads like an extended laundry list.

Giving, in itself, is of course, important. Giving as a book, I didn't find that inspirational.

I wasn't sure what to expect of Clinton's latest book when I first picked it up. In the end, it was inspiring, informative, and motivating. He talks about the generosity of well known philanthropists such as Gates, Buffet and Bono but also speaks of the generosity of lesser known givers such as Andre Agassi and Tiger Woods. He touches on a number of causes - including poverty, the environment, education, HIV/AIDS and provides the reader with concrete ways in which they can help - be it financially, through time, or through grassroots activities. A compelling read to be sure.

Giving is a straight forward 211+ page reason why we should give our time, money, and energy to help make a difference in he world. Clinton, fills the pages with nothing short of inspirational stories of incredible people, and how they have made an impact on the lives of others. Clinton argues that its easy to find a way to give to our world through examples of these extraordinary people such as; Bill and Melinda Gates, Oprah Winfrey, Oseola McCaty, Muhammad Yunus, Andre Agassi, Nelson Mandela, Josephine Murebwayire, Bono, and countless others whose stories were told through the pen of Bill Clinton.

Giving is easy to read, and its formatted so that you don't have read each chapter in its given numerical order, you can skip around and still feel the message. This book breaks down philanthropy into six different categories; giving time, giving things, giving skills, gift of reconciliation and new beginnings, gifts that keep giving, and giving good ideas.

Clinton makes it easy for you to want to give, not only because of the remarkable stories but because he provides all the contact information in the back for every charity, non-profit and nongovernmental organization that he mentioned to help tell his story. He does this because, "if your willing to volunteer, there is no shortage of organizations and projects that will be gland to welcome you."

Though at times some parts of the book can read a little like a brag sheet for Hillary, it doesn't take away from his main focal points. Overall it's a book that leaves you feeling inspired, motivated, informed, and ready to take action. So if you have a moment, try Giving this book a chance.

You know that part called 'Acknowledgements' which is available in almost every book and covers three or so pages? Ever read one of those? I bet you skip those pages every time!

The first two-thirds of this book gave me the exact same feeling. Every chapter covers too much names that are soon to be forgotten by the time you enter the next chapter. No matter how inspiring these people are, you cannot ask the average reader to remember the UNC, DDA, EXRE and whatever NGO is being mentioned.

And then, out of the blue, the book does get interesting. Most of this is due to the change in writing and you get a sense of personal touch in its writings. It doesn't even surprise me if Mr. Clinton only wrote some of this book.

The people mentioned in this book deserve better than just being a paragraph in a chapter. Maybe Mr. Clinton should call his good ol' pal Al and make a documentary about this book, because it does hold award-winning content...

Charitable giving is a regular part of life for many Americans and one man who wants to encourage Americans to integrate giving into their daily lives is former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The former U.S. Chief Executive has his own foundation dedicated to the cause of world health and other issues and he wrote this book to educate the reader on the different ways to give and the visible difference that a little effort can make. Writing a check or offering a credit card number to donate cash is the most common way that people give, but like Clinton explains in this book, there are many other ways to give that are just as important and equally valuable. Serving as a volunteer for an important cause, teaching others how to read, or donating used goods are among the many other ways by which an individual can help to improve the lives of others.

Americans are a very charitable people and Clinton frequently praises the generosity of others in the book's opening chapters and in other segments of the reading. As many people know, Bill Clinton joined with former president George H.W. Bush to help raise money for Tsunami victims and for those devastated by Hurricane Katrina and he points this out several times in the books chapters. Clinton wanted to demonstrate how most any people- even those who were once political rivals- can join forces for a common cause. No matter what one's political affiliation, most anyone will agree that charitable giving is important and commendable. It should be part of everyone's lifestyle, provided they have the means to give. And regardless of the size of the gifts, giving is still helpful and should always be encouraged. This book makes mention of mega- givers like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, but it is quick to point out that small gifts also make a big difference.

One of the many positive experiences I gained from reading this book is the knowledge about specific charities. Many of the charities mentioned in Giving are well- established, but there are several surprises. One is a charity called Chess in the Schools, which teaches chess to inner city youth as a means to improve learning in other areas. Yet another is a charity called H.O.P.E, which was founded by a group of high school students who wanted to break the cycle of poverty and disease in other countries. Information on these and other charities (including web site addresses) are found in the book's Resources section. I have already visited the web sites of several different groups and I am likely to add some of them to my list of important causes for future giving.

Overall, Giving is a very good book about the difference that each one of us can make. The fact that Bill Clinton is the author will likely discourage many people from giving this book a read and that is a shame because there is plenty of good information in Giving. Politics aside, this is a positive, well- written, non- controversial book about the different means to give, the different causes to support, and the different ways we can all make the world a better place. Its optimistic tone and strong message make it a good book for all, and hopefully one that will inspire others to devote more time and effort to the virtue of giving.

Nor do you have to be a loser to be socially responsible. Jim Hightower, irreverent NPR commentator and activist Susan de Marco show ample proof in "Swim Against the Current." They profile the sort of folks who use honesty and ingenuity to bypass the corporate catch trap. It's a can-do sort of book that will make you believe that America can still be a place where anyone can succeed without stomping all over one another, and, yeah, all over the Constitution.

In this day and age it's not only radical to think that way, but it's downright subversive! But if you have even an ounce of populist feeling in you, it'll make you cheer to read these stories. Ethical values and social responsibility aren't antithetical to success; who knew?

This is a nice collection of stories about people acting the way people should act. We might ask, why don't people act this way more often? I rather suspect more people do but stories about good behavior tend to sell fewer books. It looks like this book is suffering the same fate.
Clearly even publishing reflects the strength of the current cultural flow.

Jim Hightower has long been a voice of reason in a crazy world. In Swim Against the Current, Jim Hightower explores the societal norms of business and corporations, and illustrates success stories of people who have gone against the grain, marched to the beat of their own drummer, and found success and happiness at the same time. You will find the book enlightening and inspiring.

A printed set of papers that is as deeply hypocritical as it is unsatisfying this "work" adds nothing to its assumed ends, while reading like an assortment of internet newsgroup postings, radio scripts or blog entries. For example, it purportedly seeks to exalt a Naderite business point of view, jazzed up with maverickarism, yet the book isn't published or distributed by a Coop printing venture or a so-called nonconformist distribution chain. It is published by a publicly traded corporation more than 200 years old, sadly sullied by publishing this populist, sloganistic piece of crap. The authors' regressive views on everything from the current brand of propagandistic environmental hysteria--while apparently not demanding to use 100% percent recycled paper and soy-based ink in the printing of this set of papers--to its mediocre examples of the aforementioned maverickarism--easily superseded by any issue of Forbes or Money magazine--fail to add anything of value to either those who share their perspectives or those who don't. If you partake of their world view and have been active in any of the activities the authors parlay, you will not find anything new in it. Likewise, if you don't share their way of unthinking, nothing here will serve as fodder for rethinking your views. In other words, there's truly nothing new, nor interesting about it. If you think that governmental regulation on pretty much all aspects of your life, the end of Wal Mart as we know it and regressing into some imaginary communitarian neotopia is a good thing, you do not need the well worn aging-hippy-socialist-lite angle of this printed set of papers as you already know what they are saying, you already practice it and there are better ways to reinforce said views than this mediocre printed set of papers. If you do not share the aforesaid angle of this "work," be thankful you didn't read it. There are far better ways to challenge your true Maverick spirit as you engage life with capitalistic abandon, hence benefiting yourself above and beyond anyone else as you benefit others by founding companies like the publisher of this so-called "work" that thankfully does not share the alleged values propounded by this printed set of papers.

Once again, Jim Hightower combines easy-reading with a positive message. His refreshing point of view delivers political dissent while avoiding the common trap of cynicism, a theme used all-too-often by intelligent authors just like him.

I checked this book out of the library instead of stealing it. Because of the provacative title, it was kept behind the library front desk!


I read the book for laughs then because in the late 70's, the book already was tremendously out of date. I does give you a good idea what the Yippies (not the hippies, they were non-violent)were about.

As far as Hoffman's preaching of violence against the system, well I side with John Lennon's sentiment, "You can count me out".

This book is even more relevant today than it was in the time of Nixon when it was written. The fact that too few people read it explains how this country was able to be suckered by con-servative artists like Reagan, Bush, Clinton, and Bush, along with their cronies in Saudi Arabia, Capitalist China, Silverado, Enron, Halliburton, etc.

All came as promised, Book was in perfect shap and was delivered as promised. AA+++

Steal This Book is a nice, interesting book to read. There are some interesting items in the book that if followed today, would easily land you in jail. Whether or not the author got away with the majority of these items to steal is questionable. The book was written decades ago and some of the items mentioned will not mean anything to todays generations. But for those of us who came of age in the 1960's, it will bring a laugh or two and good memories. I would not spend the money on a new or a hard copy, but if you come across it in paperback and used, go for it.

Most people might not realize, but from the perspective of a new immigrant student, "Steal This Book" was a major catalyst for the downward trend evolution of what I saw as a honest, decent society to an ever growing corrupt society.

I came as a student from Europe in 1960 and was enthralled with the honesty, decency and total trust in other people's honesty and decency by the vast majority of Americans. It was amazing to see that people could leave their purses, wallets, cameras and other valuables on picnic tables while off to swim or hike, unlocked doors, keys in cars etc. Then, in the mid 60s, about the time Abbie Hoffman taught and published this book in which he encourages the hippy generation to start ripping off not only corporations and the government (which really is the people)but also take from regular citizens. And oh boy, did the hippy types take to that invitation. Suddenly campers and others found their trust stolen along with their valuables. It truly was the end of an era.

And today his followers are our politicians, teachers, professors, lawyers and corporate leaders.
Should we be surprised of the downhill trend that has been accelerating at dizzying speeds?

As I got ready to post this review I checked on what Amazon meant by "TAG" and with a chuckle I discovered their objection to "Tags which promote illegal or immoral conduct". I'd say Hoffman's book falls neatly into that category.

I read this book for a college class on Social Work, and although Loeb tells many meaningful and powerful stories, this is the same text I have heard before. If you read the first and last paragraph of each chapter you basically get the point. It's an easy read, and some may find it powerful, but I just found it repetitive and over-told.

I read Soul of a citizen which inspired me to action. I am now a volunteer activist in my neighbourhood and have formed a group of concerned citizens to negotiate and participate in our city's development plan. We have made an impact in the corporation and even had a few small successes along the way.

As many other reviewers I was asked to read this book as a part of a college course. My wife was recently assigned the reading in her MSW program. I do believe it has some value, but to a specific generation and type of activist. The book rarely (if at all) discusses a model of activism outside of that born from the peace and love movement of the 60-70s. If you are from these eras, by all means this is the book for you. If you are or will soon be a college student you will likely find little to connect with in the book. I suspect that its over use in courses at this time is a result of faculty promoting a book they feel applies to them greatly without thinking of how it applies to younger generations.

Paul is an outstanding voice in our world. Fantastic book helping bring hope to a difficult time for those of us who aspire to service. It is a challenge to keep engaged in service and Paul does provide hope. I also appreciate his newsletter and recommend it to those who appreciate his work. Great insights.

Must we indulge yet another collection of tripe in the guise of self-help? Didn't we get this sort of nonsense out of our systems a long time ago?

If you are the type who hangs around in the self-help section of Borders looking for something you haven't yet read, hoping the nice-looking man ordering the latte isn't as bad as your ex-husband, well, sure, pick this up. You can read it a few hours later after you've snuck that man past your sleeping children's doors and out to his car, and feel good about yourself and how wonderful a person you are for reading something like this.

For the rest of us that live with a real sense of morality, well, we know books like this are just excuses - a mechanism by which the anointed democrat leftists sanctify themselves. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure why I wrote this review. If it offended you, you're beyond help. If it rang true, you already know you don't want to get anywhere near this book.

Book was written in. but hey it was only 6$ next time please say when books are written in thxs.

This book wasn't bad but it wasn't what I thought it would be.

I agree with most of the things he's saying. If you want to be a radical in this world and make a difference, you sometimes have to team up with the "enemy" and he is probably right. You have to "fit in" to make a difference. I just hate the idea of dressing up and ditching my piercings, I suppose.

All in all it's worth the read.

"THE COMMUNIST MANIFESTO OF THE 21ST CENTURY!"

This is truly the, "COMMUNIST MANIFESTO OF THE 21ST CENTURY!" As a Libertarian I see this for what it is. It is a guide book for every Stalinist Elitist Liberal which tells them how to deceive the people to gain power. And silence all opposition. And once they have gained the power do what they want to force the failure that is Communism on the public. For the public good.

In this book Alinsky reveals just what Stalinist like Hillary Clinton and rest of the Democrats have been doing for years to con the American people. Lying at ever turn as to who and what they really are. He clearly admits that their ideas will be rejected for the oppressive and regressive failure history has proven them to be. "So they must lie!" And they have been lying for the past 4o + years clearing using this book for the last 36 years as their Bible. Hillary, Bill, the entire Democrat party, the media and the Stalinist that infest our schools. And colleges. They're all doing it.

But Saul Alinsky doesn't stop there. He clearly spells out the principals that they (the Stalinist Liberal) must govern / lord over us for the public good. Sound familiar? Yup.. "Bound to your natural superiors." Karl Marx.

Now he tries to give himself cover by saying he has contempt for any dogma left or right. But if you read it for what it is and read Hillary Clinton's thesis. He fails miserable. It is what is it is. A guide book (the Bible) for the modern day Liberal like Hillary Clinton and today's Democrats on how to con you. And seize power! People who are not just neo Marxist, but are complete Stalinist Elites.

Don't be fooled by the defenders of this book. They're all using the tactics outlined in the book to silence opposition and criticism of Alinsky and the Democrats. It tell you exactly who and what they are and the total disaster it will be for America and the world if they are allowed to seize the power they so lust for.

To Borrow a phrase. "Liberal, Progressive, Humanist... A Stalinist by any other name." It's who they are and this book taken for what it is rips away their masks.

They don't make 'em like Saul Alinsky anymore. (The only left-wing public intellectuals alive today that could even be mentioned in the same breath are Zinn and Chomsky...and they ain't gonna be around much longer.) Saul was one of those hyper-literate, socially-conscious Hebrews, coming straight out of the Jewish liberal tradition that made a unique impact on the political/class struggle of the 20th century. (Now the Jews have joined the establishment, and the historical accident of an intellectually capable oppressed minority will, in a generation or two, no longer exist.)

His treatise on pragmatic social change is a delight to read (even for a reactionary right-winger like myself), though it is somewhat dated, and the predictions oftentimes wrong. Despite his errors, and predictive ineptitude, this book is the work of a keen intellect, a man committed to what he thought was right, and an invaluable insight into the mind of a thinking leftist.

Alinsky has read his Marx, and the Hegelian/Marxist dialectic is a continuing theme in the book, as is the middle class's supposed alienation, but he is no commie. He criticizes Soviet Russia, and extols democracy as the only means by which revolution is to be achieved. He believes in probability, not causality, and is fiercely opposed to individualism. ("We are our brother's keeper," "Individuality is primitive stupidity.") I find the latter quote ironic, since, recalling Anthropology 101, the more primitive tribes display the most communitarian spirit...but Alinsky never says he is infallible.

His rules on means and ends are brilliant, as is his dissection of how protest is to be effective. He is particularly scornful of protest tactics (still used today by the anti-war movement...ineffectually) that achieve no concrete results, and only alienate the middle-class power base.

He considers that right actions are always done for wrong reasons, and adduces Abraham Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus, disobeying a directive from the Supreme Court, and illegal use of military commissions to try civilians (sound familiar?), in order to win the Civil War.

He analyzes Gandhi as a pragmatist, not as some living moral saint, and provides a revisionist account of his tactics of non-violence. (He neglects to mention that Gandhi was a klismaphiliac.)

Alinsky stresses change, and dynamism, the stagnation of consistency, and how your friends today can be your enemies tomorrow. (The Left has forgotten this lesson, to their rhetorical disadvantage.)

The one place where Alinsky seriously goes off the rails is the chapter on using stock proxies to combat corporate practices. I've been to shareholders' meetings, and seen the "progressive" proposals by church groups, PETA, the Sierra Club, etc., voted on...and routinely defeated by margins of 99.7%. Alinsky lets his idealism trump his pragmatic common sense when he claims that people--middle-class people--will sacrifice dividends for "social justice."

Notwithstanding that, however, this book is still very worthwhile for all to study...partly as an historical artifact, partly for the Man to understand how to effectively stymie the lumpen-proletariat, and partly for the Left to understand why not to replicate the mistakes that Alinsky identified and warned against. (Although the Left would be advised to devise completely new tactics altogether...marching, picketing, and chanting are, as Alinsky would say, "trite.")

As a conservative, one must know your enemy. Today it is the socialist left. Saul's book is their hand book. Use it to counter their "National Socialist" agenda.

This is a discussion of curriculum for the education of poor people. It is written by a man who made it his life mission to help the oppressed masses. While Freire no longer lives, his work continues in South America.
This book is an insight to Freire's thoughts.

Like the famous non-sense poem, the book feels like it ought to make sense, but it never does. As you read, you will have the feeling of impending meaning, and that in the next paragraph, or on the next page, or in the next chapter, everything will come together and you will have your moment of clarity. Never happens.

Whatever you think Paulo Freire means, you are wrong.

Over a year ago 24 of us decided to co-found the Earth Intelligence Network and begin producing public intelligence in the public interest. We quickly expanded the vision to include a Transpartisan Policy Institute and a Public Budget Office. Today, for free, any citizen can get a weekly report on "GLOBAL CHALLENGES: The Week in Review." Our free report is superior in multiple ways to the President's Daily Brief, which costs the taxpayer $1.2 billion per WEEK ($60 billion for secret intelligence, pro rated over 52 weeks).

Early on we realized that educating the five billion poor was both a non-negotiable first step, and "mission impossible" if we accepted the standard educational system that is part prison, part child care and part didactic dildo display (my lesson outline is bigger than yours).

Before I read this book, we had conceptualized a concept for educating the five billion poor "one cell call at a time," leveraging free cell phones and 100 million volunteers covering 183 languages, each using Telelanguage and Skype to be available on demand.

Now, with this book, and also Pedagogy of Freedom: Ethics, Democracy, and Civic Courage (Critical Perspectives Series), I feel we have struck the mother lode.

A few notes and then some other links.

+ Stark critique of the "banking" system of education that deposits knowledge without teaching critical thinking or how to create new knowledge.

+ Relevant to US, not just Third World.

+ It's about class, not race. Concentration of wealth above, poverty below.

+ The author illuminates for all of us "the humanizing voaction of the individual" and the "power of thought to negate accepted limits."

+ Modern education instills a culture of silence and lethargy. Friere's work instead inspires liberation, dignity, and the ability to change.

+ Illiterates are not stupid, they just cannot read. They *can* be empowered, taught, and energized orally.

+ Education is NOT neutral--it is either teaching for the benefit of the oppressors (producing docile factory workers) or for the benefit of the opprssed (liberating, empowering with individual volition).

+ Dehumanization is a historical reality.

+ False charity perpetuates dependenct.

+ Recognition of reality liberates BOTH the oppressed and the oppressor.

+ Oppressed must break free from "having is being" and learn that "being is enough."

+ The oppressed cannot be "granted" freedom, it must result from an interactive dialog that liberates both sides

+ Liberation and revolution or transformation for the good of all are essentially pedagogical missions with very high ethical content.

+ Humanizing pedagogy is the anti-thesis of propaganda, manipulation, and deceit.

+ "Co-intentional" education

+ Authentic thinking can only be realized in communication with another

+ Pyramical (one-way) education enslaves, circular (multi-way)education liberates

+ Any educational system that does not respect nor elicit the student's own worldview is culturally invasive

+ Education of the five billion poor must begin by LISTENING to them.

+ "Libertarian education" STARTS with the needs and views of those to be educated.

+ Communion and communication leads to cooperation and cultural synthesis.

A few links:
The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profits (Wharton School Publishing Paperbacks)
The Wealth of Networks: How Social Production Transforms Markets and Freedom
The Tao of Democracy: Using Co-Intelligence to Create a World That Works for All
A Power Governments Cannot Suppress
Society's Breakthrough!: Releasing Essential Wisdom and Virtue in All the People
One from Many: VISA and the Rise of Chaordic Organization
The Battle for the Soul of Capitalism

This is a profound little book that makes a cogent argument for effective change in individual and social thought processes. It will change the way you think about oppression and what it actually is for those who are oppressed. This is a book for everyone but especially for those who want to make a change for the better in themselves and the society at large. A thought provoking and challenging book!

You will see how his idea is very influential in the educational discourse. Intrigued particularly by the Chapter 2, I would say that his revlutionary notion of education will be alive and well-adapted in the contemporary educational practices.

Freire wants to critisize the idea of narrative education in which teachers just impose students with plentiful information without encouraging them to think cirtically and to search for realilty, and students just listen passively, try to memorize, and repeat teacher's words and lessons accordingly. In fact, education should be to forster students' creativity, transformation ,and knowledge so that it helps them to become fully human being. In the ideology of oppression, teacher is the oppressor, and students are the oppressed. It means it is not neccessary for students to argue, ask questions, have their own position, and the roles of teacher are to preach students and to dominate their opinions. In other words, it is called the banking concept of education used by oppresors to change the mind of the oppressed in order to easily cotrol them. Conversely, the concept of liberian education entails deeper cooperation between teachers and students. Teachers and students can learn from each other because students must be seen as people who have prior knowlege and raise their opinions influencing teachers'.

The book could be better written. However, it is worth five stars for drawing attention to the genocide of Christians in Darfur. If juwes were being murdered, there would be nonstop media attention saturating the movies, television, newspapers, public speeches, universities, magazines and even comic books and our military would be immediately deployed with a united nations team. However, Christians and Africans are expendable. It doesn't attract the attention of juwes who control our media and public policy. In truth, they delight in other peoples' dismal fate. I have yet to hear George Soros or Michael Douglas or any other branches of these children of the devil make one comment on the atrocities in the Sudan. But, like Christ said, what you who have the ability didn't do for those in need, in the lake of fire you go in the next life.

Read and be very upset, just like reading about the atrocities being committed against the helpless Palestinians. What is this world coming to? Read the book to be aware and speak out about the truth you read here.

If you want to learn about some ways to actually try and change something in our world about the terrible things that are happening internationally then read this book. The authors are very practical in breaking down simple steps you can take as the average joe to change things. This is GREAT!

Well now I know where Darfur is, not to mention Chad, Congo, Uganda, Kenya etc....this book does a pretty good job of explaining the conflict. But their main purpose is to get the reader to ACT. Which I am doing... if only to allay the deep sense of trajedy one gets from reading of the terror going on there...and here, as we turn our backs on the situation. At first I was put off by the seeming light-heartedness of the authors but now I realize they, and you, as the reader, have to put up some kind of boundry in order to not be swept away by dispair.

This book will stir your outrage and fuel within you a tremendous desire to help. To do something! It is well-written to engage you and it evokes powerful emotions -- disgust, horror, hope.

But in the end, what a let-down!

The course of action recommended? The community of nations should come together to end this. Hasn't all this useless talking been going on for decades?

There is more to this story.

Sudan is an Islamic nation that has spent two decades ELIMINATING in evil and horrendous ways its Christian and non-Muslim populations. People get a real taste for it, after a whole generation. So now the various Muslim factions are turning against one another, sort of a Muslim-purity civil war, if you will. And the atrocities, the inhumanity, the disgusting, animalistic, sickening actions of these factions are finally getting a little attention.

But the U.N. is not going to do a thing about it. And the Sudanese are not likely to be convinced by chatter.

To end this horror in Darfur, you'd better put together an elite coalition of American, British, and Australian forces and go in there to protect the innocent and punish the guilty. Declare martial law and shut the place down. Permanently.

Because if you are going to declare "Not on our Watch," you had best take steps to ensure that it isn't just useless talk.