Freedom Books

This was a very concise, excellent study on the problem of terror. I think anyone interested in why our world is the way it is today should read this book. Friedman writes from having 'been there', and his documentation is good, too.

Suprising amount of information in a compact book. I really liked it, and give it a high recommendation.

I am not one to sit down and read a book cover to cover, but I did so with Sudden Terror in about 24 hours. The reason why this book excedes others on the topic is because the author has extensive academic knowledge and personal experience. Dr. Friedman has a master's degree in Arabic and is very well versed in Islamic history as this book illustrates. He is also an Israeli with quite a bit of first-hand personal and military experience on the subject at hand. Not only does he do a fabulous job in writing this book, but he does so with an amazing amount of integrity and character.

A great synopsis of our situation in the world today. I think this is as concise a study on terrorism as I have ever seen. It is relevant for both Americans and Israelis and anyone interested in understanding why the world is in the mess it's in. He does a great job documenting his sources.

Awesome book,from a real different perspective. I liked the fact that the author isn't just writing from an ivory tower, but has first hand experience and knowledge of what makes terrorism tick. He suggests alot of ways to cope with being victims of terrorism that have helped me through September 11th. I really recommend it to everyone, especially anyone who wants to know what it's like being a victim of fundamentalist Muslim terror in Israel.

America only tends to hear one side of the story about what goes on in Iraq - but there is another side to the story - multiple other sides of the story. "Sunset Tales from the New Iraq" tells the tales of those other perspectives that Americans rarely hear about in the news media. Stories from soldiers, stories from extremist Islamic zealots, prisoners in detention centers, and scandalous leaders. "Sunset Tales from the New Iraq" is a deftly compiled and brilliant look at Iraq, and a must have for anyone who wants a fresh perspective on the conflict, also for community library military collections focusing on current issues.

I too read this book in one sitting: albeit I am biased, (as I know a few of the characters in this book).
It really gets you into the mindset of the Iraqi people that we meet daily on patrols. And really begs the Questions of how many insurgents did you create today? Did you do more harm than good, on your latest patrol or at a city council meeting?
I would say it should be mandatory reading for anyone deploying to Iraq.

Once you open this book, you will not be able to put it down. It is masterfully written and intelligently organized. You will spend the first few chapters with Abu-Ahmed, the Iraqi detainee in the hands of the Americans, and then, seemlessly,you will find yourself gripped by the narrative of the story of Bob, the Iraqi-American contractor. And as you make your way, spellbound, through the tragic life of Bob, a part of you feel an unstoppable urge to plow ahead and find out what will happen to Abu-Ahmed and Bob. And that is When you meet Lieutenant Davis, and in him you will recognize a true American as Americans are meant to be. You will live with him through his dillemmas and doubts. And just when you start thinking that you can't take any more excitement, you meet Sheikh Abu-Zeeb, the insurgent who will take you into another surreal direction and through a breath-taking downspiral.
Through it all, you will be shaken by the story of the Blue Women, the tragic end of fourteen-year old Abeer Qassim and her family and many other unforgettable characters like that of Yoda.
You will also learn a great deal about Islam, Al Qaeda, the Middle East.
You will also love the way the author hands you those nuggets of wisdom and clues to the Arab and Muslim soul (In Arabic with the English translation).
It is the best read of the year and of many years to come.

I've often wondered what the Iraqis are thinking of. I work with many Iraqis and other soldiers and I hear what they tell us. But for the first time, I feel like I understand what they are thinking. This book was amazing. I could not put it down. It gives you "fly on the wall" insight as to what the soldiers face, the Iraqi people, the prisoners in Abu Ghraib and Camp Bucca, you can have a genuine sympathy for them. And, for the terrorists, I finally have an understanding of their motivation and thought process. The author is brilliant in his writting, it is a gripping story, told from all sides of this war.

When I was in Iraq I worked as a member of a civil affairs team and I learned as much or more on how Iraqi's think reading this book as I did in my year spent dealing with them face to face. I would recommend this to anyone that has a potential to serve in Iraq or for someone that simply wants to understand the unique middle eastern mindset.

This book gives the reader an understanding of why things are happening in Middle East and the strategy that Washington can take to face this threat

A must read for those of us who want to be current with the Middle East. A lot of information and analysis, this book is very friendly; It is no wonder that Dr. Rabil is an expert in the Middle East, particularly Syria, Lebanon and israel.
Definetely Dr. Rabil is NOT an apologetic for Islam as we are used to see in Academia in the US. He gives a balanced understanding of the current situation, as well as the dangers the West is facing. Certainly a must for students of Political Science and the "mavens in State Department"

The author makes a very clear case for a change in the United States' approach to Syria, in the context of the rise of fundamentalism and cross-border terrorism. Timely, nuanced, and thought-provoking.

Excellent book! Beneficial to both first time Middle East readers and those who already developed passion for this region. This complex political scene is explained with such ease and simplicity that it welcomes all readers.

So much has been made of the Saudi connection to terrorism and 9/11 that Syria's role in influencing events in the Middle East has been somewhat overshadowed. As the cradle of Arab nationalism and the birthplace of the Ba'ath party, Syria has used its ideological and geographic position to influence events throughout the history of the modern Middle East. Given Syria's recent role in sheltering and nurturing Hamas' leadership and the likes of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi and the current allegations by Jordan that Hamas affiliated terrorists captured in the Kingdom were recruited and trained in Syria, this is a book that is both timely and makes a significant contribution to our understanding of today's Middle East. Rabil clearly explains the complex events that have led to the current state of U.S. - Syrian relations and discusses the future consequences of a Syria dominated by Islamic Fundamentalists if our policies do not change.

Rabil is a skillful historian and political analyst who has the rare ability to write at a scholarly level while making his material accessible to a general audience. You don't need to be a Middle East expert to appreciate the material presented here. Meticulously researched and written in a lively and captivating manner, there is much here for everyone from academicians and policy makers to those who just want to learn more about the Middle East. His review of the historical relationship between Syria and the U.S. and its effect on events in the Middle East is both comprehensive and engaging. Rabil brings out the various nuisances in this complex relationship and provides a strong basis for understanding today's (and future) events. If you are looking for partisan political analysis, then this is not the book for you. Rabil displays an evenhandedness that is all the more surprising considering that he served as chief of emergency with the Red Cross in Lebanon's Baabda district during Lebanon's civil war.

If you are interested in the complex currents that have influenced the events in the Middle East today or if you have a particular interest in Syria and its place in today's ongoing conflict then I highly recommend this book. And if you want to delve deeper, let me suggest that you read Rabil's other book - Embattled Neighbors: Syria, Israel, Lebanon.

I served with Marty in Germany and in the desert during Operation Desert Storm so I knew he had the writer in him. I have been a cop for less than a year but I've already seen some of the same people (with different names, of course) that Marty described in his book. In my opinion, the book is well written and it grabs you and draws you in to the streets Marty has worked and gives you a feel for the area you'll never get unless you work that beat. I ripped through this book and wanted more. (Note to Marty: I hope you're working on the sequel!) I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the job and anyone who wants to know more about the underside of Chattanooga. KUDOS!!

This book is really an eye opener. I really enjoyed reading Marty's experiences as portrayed in his book here. This book only enhances our appreciation for good cops who continuously put their lives on the line for us by the risks they take and what occurs in the real world. Marty has opened up that reality in his book here and introduces a hidden world of facts known only to a few. Great reading experince.
I also recommend Silently We Defend by Robert Benfer, Lockdown Madness by Jim Daly, and Narc Ops by Greg Ferency. These are also extroidinary books for the reader.

I had the honor of serving with Marty during his brief stint as a Soldier in the US Army. This book was a wonderful read for me as it gave me an insight into both the joy and sorrow Marty has experienced since our small time together. This book really captures the essence of what we as a society really ask of our Hero's in Blue. I invite you to join with Marty as he takes you on a wild ride from his time as a small town rookie to his experience as a Detective and later to his time as a seasoned veteran working the seedier side of Chattanooga. Never having had a desire to be a Cop, Marty's book has really given me a better appreciation of the human beings behind the badge. This book is a great read for both the "cop groupie" or uneducated by-stander like myself. I highly recommend it. - CW3 Robert Van Horn, US Army.

Hello! My name is Marty Penny and I am the author of A Tale of Three Cities: From a Cop's Point of View. I would like to invite you to come along as I take you through the past twelve years of my career as a police officer.
From rural country roads to crime in "the big city", I reveal a world of evrything from dangerous vehicle pursuits and homicide, drug dealing, and the lighter side of police work.
The purpose of the book is to show you, the reader, the things that police officer face on a daily basis; many of which never make the evening news and that the average citizen is unaware of.
Come on! Sit down and buckle up as we set off on the streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee. I promise you that it won't be boring!

From an eleven year police veteran. Marty Penny's "A Tale of Three Cities: From a Cop's Point of View" really gives the reader a vivid look at police work. Whether your a veteran cop, or are considering becoming a police officer, this book is a must read. For the veterans, it will bring back memories of their careers. If you're a prospective police officer, it will give you an idea of what you're in for. Robert. Texas.

There are many types of heroes and persons who have the courage to live while all the odds are against him or her. This story will place you into a world and a time where ethical behavior was unheard of, these unsung heroes made the difference that made Africa what it is today. Touching moments and ugly scenes of violence bring out the story into the light of what once was, and continue to terrorize as nobody bothers to listen to the voices crying out for savior. I personally loved the way the author has demonstrated heartbreak and reality of being a country cop in Africa. Decisions made in the best interests of the whole leave out many that are considered expendable. There is no way for one man to save the world but this country cop tried his best to make the world he lived in, a better place to be. Deep thought was put into this story making it a touching and sincere read. We recommend that you buy this book if you love a great story about the way it is in many parts of Africa and the courage it takes to survive there. Michael Jaquish will make you sad enough to cry and fills you with a sense of adventure that wants to live forever. Outstanding book with stories creating a plot filled with love and chilling adventure. The book covers paint a story of tranquility but after reading the book we find everything quite adventurous and indulging. Brfe LLC Inc. Publishing co. recommends that you buy this book to experience a sense of what it is like in Africa. Filled with such great love and beauty, only Michael Jaquish can truly illustrate his experiences and convey a feeling that you were there in Africa with Michael Jaquish.

In Tales of a Country Cop In Africa, Michael Jaquish gives the reader an intimate experience of a "man's world", including the searing soul sacrifices of a man who holds his personal Code of Honor as his guiding principle. This book is more than a compilation of stories of a man of adventure. It is the story of a man's courage to face life's most difficult decisions on his terms. I am far from politically conservative. Neither am I a huge fan of the military, nor a fan of the use of violence as vehicle for entertainment, but Jaquish's articulation of his remarkable journey, his choices, his heartbreaks, his losses and his victories have allowed me, the reader and a woman, into the rarified world of a Hero's Code of Ethics. I feel privileged to have witnessed this Hero's Journey and I would recommend this read to anyone who wants to touch into the intimate world of the psyche of a man faced with the unimaginable: from the separation from his beloved young daughters, to the forced abandonment of his imperiled lover, to civil war carnage that he was forced to witness and helpless to prevent, the author's strength, his sacrifices, and his vulnerabilities are unforgettable. I think this book should be renamed: "Beyond Courage".

Mike does a wonderful job of conveying to the reader some of the realities that law enforcement officer's and professional security personnel can experience on a daily basis. His stories actually draw you into his realm as if you were right there with him, seeing what he see's, feeling what he feels. If you have never been involved in the law enforcement/security community, this will give you a well written taste of what it is like and help you experience the dramas that unfold each day, both physically and psychologically. His ability to divulge his own feelings shows that cops are in fact people too. His tales of Africa are humorous, gripping and spellbinding. I was able to visualize his environment and it made me wish I had I had taken up his offer to go to Africa a few years ago just to experience the way of life.

Tales of a Country Cop in Africa is a fascinating peek inside the mind of one seeking to rescue the world from its own insanity. He is one of those inexplicable men involved in the battle for justice on the front lines. He is with all his being endeavoring to keep the world safe for ordinary lives. Anyone involved with Critical Incident Debriefing would benefit from reading first hand about the onslaught of horrific activities encountered in Jaquish's spellbinding account of his adventures. One can only think about Superman in his quest for Truth, Justice and the American Way as you become one with the life of this man. At the same time, one feels empathy for the personal loss of intimacy that his chosen profession creates along the way. As he becomes more and more desensitized to the worst in human nature, he loses his own ability to feel compatible with simple human bonding. As a therapist, I appreciate both the humanness and the hero in this story. I would recommend this book if only to read the last page which leaves you with a feeling of pride and hope in all that is defined by the hero. Michael Jaquish, in your quest for justice, in your quest for adventure, and in your quest for an end to your emptiness, you have given us your soul.
B. Diane Donovan-Vaughn, LMFT, LADC Las Vegas, NV www.destinyretreats.com

Part of the appeal of the book is that it starts off as a country cop in America (Okanogan County in eastern Washington State), who goes into Africa and gets immersed in spies and international espionage. Along the way he encounters terrorists and rowdy Friday-night cowboys. You learn that small-town cops can do it all, and security guards at African embassies get a maid, a driver and, if they want them, diplomatic driver's license plates. Since I live in Okanogan, and knew Mike (a loooong time ago), his tales from here sound very familiar and are very entertaining. But Africa, that is a completely foreign area, that Mike's made accessible for us. There certainly are similarities between both professions. I'm glad he opted to keep both perspectives in one book.

Book gives an excellent discussion of the topics of business
and terrorism, 9/11, impact on companies and workers, and government reactions. Interesting section on firms that
are helping in war on terrorism. Good overview of terrorist attacks on American businesses. Nice job.

Terrorism And Business: The Impact Of September 11, 2001 is a serious study that focuses upon the reaction of corporate America, U.S. labor, and the U.S. government to the September 11 attacks. From economic impact to financial markets and broad-ranging effects at local, state, and national levels, Terrorism And Business provides the reader with a solid analysis of present and future repercussions as well as changes to the shape of business in America. A powerful, in-depth study Terrorism And Business is an especially timely and recommended read for those with a keen interest in modern economics and the impact of national and international terrorism upon the global marketplace.

Most books on this subject tend to gloss over the myriad of issues dealing with terrorist events, and only focus on the political aspect. This book provides a comprehensive strategic overview of the economic issues and interrelations dealing with the tradegy of 9/11. The book is also successful in showing how countries across all regions of the world were economically impacted. It's well thought-out, with numerous facts, figures and references that begin the though task of quantifying the impact of 9/11.

While the literature of terrorism is evolving and our understanding of what took place on September 11th is growing, there is little in the area of terrorism and its impact on business. This book does a wonderful job of both reminding us of exactly what happened to many businesses in the months after the attack and setting forth a framework to understand how business and labor will be effected in the ongoing war on terrorism. I highly recommend this book.

"Terrorism and Business" is a welcome addition to the available literature on terrorism that has grown since the events of 9/11. While most books focus on the personalities and groups behind terrorist events and/or the 'high-politics related' options available to the US and its allies in fighting the war against terrorism, this unique book touches on the 'low-politics related' threats to and responses of Corporate America, the Labor Movement, and other relevant actors.

My wife suggested I read this book. I am glad I did. So much goes into understanding how our country is protected and needs to be protected.

The author is very knowledgeable as he was a former maritime investigator and a prior maritime intelligence officer. I trust what he says in his book.

This book helped me understand exactly what we are up against when it comes to criminals and terrorists.

I highly recommend this book to people so they can understand what is all involved in protecting our country.

They say that farewarned is forearmed, and if that's the case, then Anthony Davis' book is a fantastic weapon in the continuing goal to protect ourselves. He tackles so many things I never would have even begun to consider. It was hard for me to stop reading this book.

I have to admit that I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System, but I am so glad I read it! Anthony Davis obviously has the background to put together such an awesome piece on a topic that, to my knowledge, hasn't been full covered before.

I learned so much about the military, how terrorism can and will affect us, security, and even the ships themselves! I've learned more in this one book than I've ever learned from reading any other reference piece before.

After reading Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System, I have a new found respect for those in the field and I'm thankful that Mr. Davis has put this book together to educate the public without making the content dull or boring. I found it difficult to put this book down as I wanted to keep learning more through every turn of the page.

Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System is an honest-to-goodness factual book written by my good friend Tony Davis. I think that his writing style not only keeps you aware of what can happen and has happened, but what can be done to reduce the risk from his actual hands-on experience and background. Tony's factual accounts of what are encountered in our cargo and the security as a whole makes this a valuable book. [...]
He reiterates some great reminders, what could have been done and experiences with what he lived and worked with from 9-11 forward. I highly recommend this book for pleasure or for a reference book.

"Terrorism and the Maritime Transportation System Are We on a Collision Course?" by Anthony M. Davis USCG, Ret. is an interesting book on the challenges our law enforcement and other agencies have to keep the USA safe.

The book describes the agonizing steps the officers have to go through to determine if the incident in question is a crime or a terrorist act.

The book will educate you on the new laws passed due to terrorism.

Anthony M. Davis does a wonderful job explaining why the Middle East does not get along with the Jewish people. The fact may surprise you that it is not about religion.

The book further describes all of the work we as a nation need to be doing to keep ourselves protected. There are so many areas that terrorists could threaten our citizens.

I am glad I read this book to further educate myself. We as citizens of the USA need to be aware of what is going on to keep ourselves safe. I suggest you read this fascinating and educational book. Then writing our congressmen to make the necessary changes to keep our families safe!

Brilliantly written to easily read and understand.

I own the affordable paperback version, and I'm glad I do because this is one of the best books out there on terrorism. Sure, the writing is a little scattered with snippets or profiles of different terrorist groups to illustrate various points, but the flow is great and the insights are just at a very high level. I particularly enjoyed how the book seems to read like a series of intelligence estimates, but this is due to the author's background, I guess. It's not only a great book on terrorism, but one that a reader may come back to time and time again to get some new insight out of it.

Within the broader framework of outlining the goals, motives and strategies of modern terrorist groups, Harmon documents some very specific examples of people, places and events.

This is not a catalog of terrorist groups or a chronology of individual terrorist acts. Rather, it is an in-depth look at the problem as a whole. Harmon uses examples from groups all over the world and in the process discredits such notions as "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."

In the chapter dealing with future threats, Harmon all but predicted the events of September 11th.

Anyone interested in a scholarly look at the terrorist threat since the end of the cold war, should read this book.

difficult subject explained in terms a non-Jesuit can understand.

The market for books on terrorism has flourished in the months following September 11th. This has been a mixed blessing. On the one hand, quality works of enduring value have had increased exposure, on the other hand we have seen a flood of books of extremely dubious merit and sensationalism. This book belongs in the first category and deserves more exposure than it has had.

Harmon (a lecturer at the Marine Corps Command and Staff College) provides a readable and wide ranging overview of his subject; with coverage of the politics and effectiveness of terrorism, terrorist groups, counter-terrorism methods and a section debunking some of the many and varied misconceptions and popular myths regarding terrorist groups. The text is scattered with thumbnail descriptions of various leading terrorist groups, terrorists and important works of literature in the terrorism canon.

This book serves as an excellent general introduction to the subject and acts as a solid foundation upon which the newcomer to the subject can build. It belongs alongside the serious academic texts on terrorism rather than the sensational journalistic mush that is now common on the shelves of mainstream book shops and yet is still readable and easy to get into.

If you only ever read one book on the general theme of terrorism you could do worse than making it this one. Undergraduate students studying terrorism should make a point of giving it a look too.

Terrorism authority and foreign correspondent Ronald Payne reviewed TERRORISM TODAY in the August 18, 2000 edition of the prestigious "TLS"--Times Literary Supplement (London). Payne calls this book "a masterly survey of the big picture of world violence" and "a comprehensive survey of what can be done to cope with the problem..." The book "provides many useful strategy recommendations which Western governments would do well to study. It also provides an up-to-date glossary of operational terrorist groups." -CCH

This is a well written book that contains a wealth of factual and historical information about the 1st century of the Texas Rangers. It contains thorough references that allows additional study on a topic, should one choose. This book is historical in nature and does not contain fantasy stories of Ranger Lore and Legend. It does, in a number of places, show how the legend was born from actual events.

I would not recommend this book for a "First Time" Ranger reader. It is aimed for the student of the Rangers who is trying to expand his knowledge. A final note is the title talks of wearing the Cinco Peso which was not worn until the mid twentieth century, a time not covered by this book.

I came away from independent historian Mike Cox's new classic Ranger history with a new view of the fabled outfit, the samurai of early Texas. There's less of their invincibility here than vulnerability. Despite committing occasional injustices, they seem often to have been short of manpower, money and even modern weapons yet would charge into a fight they couldn't reasonably win and only after taking as well as inflicting casualties, withdraw. They usually were effective, but they usually paid a price.

One review I saw complained that Cox's tale is too bloody. It is graphic in describing the appalling things the Commanche and other maurauding Indians liked to do to settler families, but no more so I don't think, than some recent historical fiction. More so, however, than professional historian Walter Prescott Webb's 1935 classic that Cox has updated with skill and thorough documentation. Webb, for instance, says on page 313 only that Ranger D.W.H. Bailey was slain in July, 1874, trying to get water for a thirsting company under Indian siege. Cox tells us that Bailey's name was Dave and quotes a comrade that the Indians killed him in sight of the others by cutting off his nose, ears, hands, arms, etc. and eating his flesh until their leader dispatched him with a tomahawk. It helps you understand why the early Rangers tended to shoot Indians on sight. When the savages finally were subdued, there were still Anglo and Mexican murderers and border bandits to fight and the Rangers kept charging, and sometimes losing, but were always ready to charge again.

Cox is finishing a second volume to bring the Rangers up to the 21st century, something Webb didn't live to do, and it should make a dandy story, or rather series of stories, which is the way this first volume is put together. Rangers are mainly detectives, nowadays, but their mystique lives on in their holstered but cocked .45s. I'll look forward to No. 2 while recommending this one to anyone interested in Texas. As my Corsicana grandfather used to say, "It's a peach."

The Texas Rangers:Wearing the Cico Peso,is a wonderful history of an amazing institution. At least until 1900 the Rangers were entrusted with the protection of the citizens of Texas, a monumental task, in light of the prevelance of vigouous Indian tribes, many lawless whites who came to Texas to escape the law in more settled States, and the absence of laws to deal with the ownership of such vital assets as land and cattle. The Rangers performed their dangerous work excellently despite being grossly unmaned, underfunded and poorly paid. Mike Cox has managed to put together this factually monumental work and make it a gripping read as well.
Bob Fussell

In this wonderfully written, well documented history of the early Texas Rangers, Mike Cox tells it the way it was, without attempting to romanticize, justify or condemn. Set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Texas frontier history, where lawlessness was the rule and racial hatred prevailed on all sides, the author puts into perspective the violence of the era and the attrocities committed by all the competing cultures during such turbulent times. With a second volume on the way, this is destined to be the definitive work on Texas Ranger history.

Book review: Straight-talking look at first Rangers

Web Posted: 03/07/2008 12:18 PM CST

Sterlin Holmesly
Special to the San Antonio Express-News

The Texas Rangers: Wearing the Cinco Peso, 1821-1900
By Mike Cox

Forge, $25.95


Texas Ranger lore continues to fascinate, and Mike Cox makes a substantial contribution to it with this work on the force's first 80 years.

Stephen F. Austin's settlers were threatened by the cannibalistic Karankawa Indian tribe. A small group of armed riders was formed for protection. That was the beginning of the Rangers.

Over the next eight decades, the Rangers battled Comanches, Apaches, Mexican soldiers, bandits, rustlers, fence-cutters, bank robbers and outlaw mobs. They furnished their own horses and weapons and were poorly and erratically paid. Their numbers expanded and contracted according to the size of the threats to the frontier and the shaky state budget. Many served hoping to be paid by the next session of the Legislature.

The Rangers quickly developed a reputation for ferocity. They were often accused of being racist vigilantes, accurately in some cases. Still, they deserve credit for protecting the state's expanding frontier and eventually making Texas a safe place to live and work.

For Mike Cox, this book is obviously a work of love and fascination. For 15 years, the former journalist served as the spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, which includes the modern Rangers.

It is a meticulously researched book, drawing on newspapers of the day (including the San Antonio Express), letters, orders and official reports cited in copious source notes. The writing is straight-ahead.

We meet such leaders as Capts. "Rip" Ford and Leander McNelly as well as privates who put their lives on the line and rode the country from San Saba to El Paso.

Cox details the capture of outlaw John Wesley Hardin and the shooting of Sam Bass and his gang, two highlights in Ranger history.

As the book ends, some Texans began to believe that the Rangers were a relic of the past and were no longer needed. As we know, that wasn't true.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sterlin Holmesly is a San Antonio author.

The Third Freedom is an excellent book that gives countless suggestions, answers, and reasoning for World Hunger. After reading George McGovern's theories I now see how simple it is for the world to end starvation and to make a difference. I recommend The Third Freedom to anyone interested in the issues around World Hunger and to anyone who wants motivation to make a change in the world.

This is NOT a utopian dream. This basic blue print should not be objectionable to conservatives, moderates or liberals. The elder statesman and historian puts forward some straight forward and relatively inexpensive proposals to end world hunger in our time. Sen. McGovern goes out of his way to praise the contribution made by some of his Republican colleagues especially Robert Dole. He recognizes the need for open markets and the value of liberalized global trade while seeing the need for sensible adjustments to deal with the social and economic upheaval. He calls upon the U.S. to lead the United Nations in an integrated approach involving the private sector, the world market system, governments, NGO's, religious communities and grassroots organizations. This book is MUST reading for anyone looking for realistic and practical solutions to the world's gravest and cruelest injustice, malnutrition caused by poverty.

In his simple prose and humble middle-American manner, former Senator George McGovern addresses one of humankind's moral imperatives: world hunger. It is a great tragedy that the majority of Americans are overweight (or have access to three square meals, at the least), while people across the globe -or even across the city- suffer from hunger.

Mr. McGovern presents five possible solutions that may mitigate the plight of millions, among these worldwide WIC and school lunches, an increase in the food stamp program, and a minimum wage increase. Unfortunately, many of these measures seem implausible, for the ironic reason of their political inviability; FEW Americans favor an increase in taxes, to say the least.

I found this book to be more than an overview of hunger's politics. It is a window into the soul of a great man. In truth, world hunger would be a fading memory were we like Mr. McGovern: compassionate and selfless.

Every caring person will be glad that she or he reads this book, because each of us can help eliminate world hunger in our lifetimes. The reference to the third freedom is to the idea of creating "freedom from want" that is found in FDR's famous speech about the four freedoms.

Senator McGovern has been close to the issue of hunger for many years, having first headed the Food for Peace program for President Kennedy and more recently working with the United Nations on food issues for President Clinton. In this book, he describes many of the lessons learned about allievating hunger in the United States and elsewhere around the world, the benefits from eliminating hunger, the barriers to making faster progress, the plans for making the next steps, and his proposal for eliminating world hunger for humans by 2015.

I remember hearing much about this subject in the 1960s, and especially recall the CBC special from 1968. Historically, American farmers had excess production that was hurting farm prices while people were hungry. During the Kennedy administration this was turned into a series of initiatives to reduce the surpluses to strengthen the prices and feed more people. Large gains were made in students attending school and in their academic performance through free school breakfasts and lunches for the poor.

What has happened since then? Well, the good news is that these and many other good ideas have been expanded around the world. The number of hungry people is still enormous, 800 million, but it is many fewer than 40 years ago. As Senator McGovern rightly points out, we now have the technology, expertise in food distribution, and financial resources to eliminate hunger for the final 800 million. All we lack is a focus on the issue, and the will to make a difference.

The U.S. contribution would be less than the cost of a building a B-2 bomber annually. It turns out that most people think that more than 10 percent of the Federal budget goes for foreign aid, and that is almost all food. Actually, foreign aid is less than 1 percent and most of that is armaments. In recent polls, over 70 percent of Americans favor ending world hunger. Throughout the last presidential campaign this issue got lost. That's a shame, because here is an area where we pretty much agree.

His proposal focuses on the following elements:

(1) Extend the school lunch program around the world (the bulk of the poor hungry are children, and this gets them to school and improves their ability to learn)

(2) Favor women and children in food distribution (because of their better use of the resources and the fact that this by-passes corruption the most) usually by providing the food at the schools for pick-up

(3) Create local food reserves around the world of the sort we have in the United States so that emergency food can be more readily available to respond to natural disasters and wars

(4) Train local farmers to be better at what they do and provide them with better technology, appropriate for their part of the world (especially better ways to irrigate that don't harm the soil)

(5) Support research into better agricultural practices, including biotechnology

(6) Reduce the arms made available to countries where on-going wars are likely since such wars cause much hunger

(7) Clean-up the water supplies to reduce disease at the same time, and eliminate the risk of future wars over water

(8) Further encourage democracies since they make avoiding famines a high priority.

One of the nasty surprises I got from reading the book is that despite world progress, hunger is growing again in the United States due to cut backs in food stamps and other programs aimed at hunger. If we have been making mistakes in this area, that's pretty bad . . . at a time of unprecedented prosperity and government surpluses.

I also hope that private companies and individuals will step up their efforts to take a hand in eliminating hunger. I suspect that the know-how of these individuals is probably even more valuable than their money and time.

I strongly encourage you to read this book. Write to your congressional leaders and to our new president about this subject.

Also, I suggest that if you can afford it, that you allocate $30 per person per year in your household for donations aimed at eliminating hunger. That's about what it would take. At least you would know you are doing your part, even if the rest of society sleeps. Ultimately, that's all any of us can be sure of, is that we have stood up and been counted.

This book should be shared. If you belong to a book reading group, I hope you will suggest it. I also ask that you give a copy to your spiritual advisor. This book could become the basis of some good projects for your house of worship.

Love thy brother as thyself.

George McGovern, former senator from South Dakota, has written a compact, layman's guide, The Third Freedom, on the politics of hunger. McGovern, long-time workhorse of food and agriculture policies, makes the case for a 5-point program to end hunger. The book's biographical anecdotes are as compelling as the case he makes. The author, World War II bomber pilot and Democratic presidential nominee, draws upon experiences from the Great Depression to the Clinton administration. Along the way, the reader learns how McGovern's father, farmers, Franklin Roosevelt, Henry Wallace, John Kennedy, Maryknoll missionaries and Pope John XXIII infulenced his thinking.

In the 1960s, McGovern's origination and stewardship of food and agriculture policies led to programs that benefited the U.S. economy. In the new century, McGovern uses his national visibility and standing to propose fresh political remedies: food policies that favor women and children; universal school lunch; genetically modified crops; fresh water; and agricultural aid modeled on the Peace Corps. The author endorses government action, rooted in biblical teachings, to feed the hungry. While the book is short on documentation, it is long on policy. The title from Gary Hart's memoir of McGoven's ill-fated presidential bid, Right from the Start, may aptly sum up this new work.