Product Description
This book examines the beliefs and views of those who identified themselves as "democrats" during the Gorbachev era in Soviet politics, and traces the development of those beliefs in the post-Soviet era. It bases its analysis on attitudes towards the Soviet state, beliefs about the ideal future democracy, and beliefs about Russia's place in the world. Lukin also places ideology of Russian democrats into the context of Russian and world intellectual history. ... Read more

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Chapters: Conservative Democrat. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 241. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: In American politics, a conservative Democrat is a Democratic Party member with conservative political views, or with views relatively conservative with respect to those of the national party. While such members of the Democratic Party can be found throughout the nation, actual elected officials are disproportionately found within the Southern states, and to a lesser extent within rural regions of the several states generally, more commonly in the West. 21st century conservative Democrats are similar to liberal Republican counterparts, in that both became political minorities after their respective political parties underwent a major political realignment which began to gain speed in 1964. Prior to 1964, both parties had their liberal, moderate, and conservative wings, each of them influential in both parties; President Franklin D. Roosevelt had proposed a realignment of the parties in the 1940s, though the trends which brought it about did not accelerate until two decades later. During this period, conservative Democrats formed the Democratic half of the conservative coalition. After 1964, the conservative wing assumed a greater presence in the Republican Party, although it did not become the mainstay of the party until the nomination of Ronald Reagan in 1980. The Democratic Party retained its conservative wing through the 1970s with the help of urban machine politics. This political realignment was mostly complete by 1980. After 1980, the Republicans became a mostly right-wing party, with conservative leaders such as Newt Gingrich, Trent Lott, and Tom DeLay, while the Democrats, while keeping their left wing intact with such Senators as Ted Kennedy, Christopher Dodd, and Paul ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=1670839 ... Read more

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Chapters: Shiv Sena, Democrats 66, Black Panther Party, Unita, Socialist Equality Party, Christian People's Party, Freedom Socialist Party, Afghan Social Democratic Party, Cameroon National Union, National Democratic Party (Uk, 1966), Cooperation and Development, Independent Republicans, Socialist Unity Party, Protestant Unionist Party, National Party (Chile, 1966-1973), East Pakistan Communist Party, 1966 National Opposition Union, Unified Psi-psdi, Revolutionary Communist Party, Chadian National Union, Union of Clubs for the Renewal of the Left, Haitian Workers Party. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 122. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Black Panther Party (originally the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense) was an African-American revolutionary left-wing organization working for the self-defense for black people. It was active in the United States from the mid-1960s into the 1970s. The Black Panther Party achieved national and international fame through their deep involvement in the Black Power movement and in US politics of the 1960s and 70s, as the intense anti-racism of the time is today considered one of the most significant social, political and cultural currents in US history. The group's "provocative rhetoric, militant posture, and cultural and political flourishes permanently altered the contours of American Identity." Founded in Oakland, California, by Bobby Seale and Huey P. Newton on October 15, 1966, the organization initially set forth a doctrine calling primarily for the protection of African American neighborhoods from police brutality. But the Black Panther Party's objectives and philosophy expanded and evolved rapidly during the party's existence. The organization's leaders passionately espoused socialist and communist (largely Maoist) doctrines, but the...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=23278339 ... Read more

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Chapters: Sammarinese Fascist Party, List of Political Parties in San Marino, Party of Socialists and Democrats, Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party, Sammarinese Communist Refoundation, Popular Alliance, Sammarinese Socialist Party, Communist Party of San Marino, New Socialist Party, Left Party - Zona Franca, Sammarinese National Alliance, United Left, Arengo and Freedom, Sammarinese Populars, Sammarinese for Freedom, Centre Democrats, Euro-Populars for San Marino, We Sammarinese, Party of Democrats, Sammarinese Independent Democratic Socialist Party, Sammarinese Communist Party, Sammarinese Democratic Progressive Party, Sammarinese Reformist Socialist Party, Movement for Constitutional Freedoms. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 60. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Sammarinese Fascist Party or Partito Fascista Sammarinese (PFS) was a fascist political party that ruled San Marino from 1923 to 1943. It was founded and led by Giuliano Gozi, a Sammarinese World War I veteran who volunteered in the Royal Italian Army, on 10 August 1922 and was modelled directly from the National Fascist Party of surrounding Italy. Gozi came from a distinguished family and was holding the posts of foreign minister (in San Marino, the foreign minister leads the cabinet) and interior minister, these two offices gave him control of the military and police. From the beginning, the party used violence and intimidation against opponents such as the Socialists. Its party newspaper was the Il Popolo Sammarinese, modelled after the Il Popolo d'Italia. In terms of policy and ideology, the party was not innovative and stuck closely to Italian Fascism. They pursued industrialization which turned a country of mostly farmers into factory workers. They did not adopt Anti-Jewish laws like Italy did in 1938 as t...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=24154713 ... Read more

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For those Americans who have questioned or forgotten the aimsand strengths of the Democratic Party, a well known Democrat from theKennedy era has written a thoughtful reminder. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Worth the Look
It would be obtuse of me to deny that this book could be construed as biased to an extent. However, Sorenson points out blatant differences between America's two primary political parties, and this is much needed in an era where people apathetically resign to the false belief that they are nearly identical.
There are books that do a better job at explaining the differences between the two parties. Being an overall good book in the genre, and Sorenson's ability of putting the ideas in an easily comprehendible format, I give it 4 stars.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has been left with a sour taste in their mouth, concerning the current political power in America(2006), and the tedious mantra of the ideologues behind it. I would also recommend this book for people in the middle of the political spectrum. Be forewarned, Republicans will only give this book a bad review.

Inspiring.
This is a great book to remind us young Democrats what our party has stood for and stands for.We can be proud of our heritage.

Of course this book is going to get nasty reviews from Republicans, but hey, that's why it's a good book!...

A prominent place on my shelf
Like "We're Right, They're Wrong," Sorensen's book is pure pleasure for us unapologetic liberal Democrats (and there are far more ofus than is generally acknowledged), reminding us why we are that. Sorensenis an eloquent writer, both principled and pragmatic, who is morerespectful to his/our opposition than you would expect (but not withoutexplaining *why* they're his opposition!)His historical background as awitness to the Kennedy years enhances his credibility.While it is shorton specific facts (for that, I would recommend American Prospect Magazine,or an E. J. Dionne book), Sorensen's book is inspirational and moving, andwill always have a prominent place on my shelf.What a pity that it's outof print.

Blather
Blather. Blather blather blather... That about sums it up. Even Sorensen's cogent points are incoherent. To say that the Democratic party Sorensen paints is "principled" must be, frankly, a sarcastic joke. Andone made in the poorest taste. If his really is an accurate reflection, theDemocratic party has fully forsaken its roots to finally cater only tohatemongers. This book is likely neither to convince the opposition nor tosatisfy the adherent. I really don't see what good there is in it. Nomatter how much a Democrat you are, I have to believe that almost any otherbook is more suitable to your sensibilities.

Predictable partisan cant
The same old story liberals love to repeat endlessly: Republicans areracist, uncaring, and greedy; Democrats are compassionate and selfless.Sorensen is Rush Limbaugh's complete opposite: each man thinks their partyis right 100% of the time. We know what their opinions are before they sayor write them, making it completely pointless to listen or read any"ideas" they propound. This book is simply not even worthopening, let alone buying it, unless you enjoy predictable partisan spin. ... Read more

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Based on extensive research and a nationally representative survey of the grassroots party, this is the first book-length study of Liberal Democrat party members. It examines who they are, why they joined the party, what activities they undertake both in the wider community and in electoral politics, and it looks at their views on a whole range of policy issues in British politics. ... Read more

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An overview of the history, organisation, strategies and policies of the Liberal Democrat party. ... Read more

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Whichever political party you call your own, you'll laugh out loud and feel that your side comes out just a little bit better...

Examples:You know you're a Republican if...You wouldn't mind if the Commonwealth of Massachusetts seceded from the Union.You know you're a Democrat if...You wish the Republic of Texas had never become a state.

You know you're a Republican if...You think Colin Powell might make a good President, if he weren't black.You know you're a Democrat if...You think Colin Powell might make a good President, if he weren't conservative.

You know you're a Republican if...You can't stand your gay uncle, but you invite him to your son's wedding because he's rich.You know you're a Democrat if...You can't stand your rich uncle, but you invite him to your daughter's graduation party because he's gay. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Misses the point
More and more people identify with neither Democrat nor Republican, left nor right, blue nor red.More and more of us self-identify as moderates or independents or even "purple" depending on how the questions are asked.This is a funny book, but it might lead people to forget there are other alternatives politically -- like kicking them all out!

Guaranteed To Put A Smile On Your Face
I received this book as a gift this Christmas and let me say that is was one of the funniest I have received is some time.I tend to be what some might call a political junkie and this book takes a nice shot right at the overly partisan and greatly increased sense of importance me and my fellow political geeks have placed on the differences between the Dem's and the GOP.If you are strongly in the one of two camps and have a thin skin, then you will probably only like half of this book, but if you can sit back and laugh at the extreme view of the political masses today, then this book will put a smile on your face.

The format is a two sided take off of the funny "You know you are a red neck if.." series. If I have one criticism is that the book was just too short.Thirty minutes is about all you need to read the book and I finished thinking that the author could have done so much more.For example he stayed away from jokes on any particular political figures.Then again the books gives you just what it claims, light humor that is perfect for any politically focused friend or family member.Buy it and prepare to laugh.

Both Sides Take Well-Deserved Humorous Heat
When I picked up "You Know You're a Republican/Democrat If..." I expected a collection of off-color, just the usual "I hate Bush," or "Kerry's just a rich liberal" puns. I thought, given the title, the writer, like Jeff Foxworthy in his redneck series, just picked low-hanging fruit.

It is quite witty. Some jokes are reiterations of ones heard on Leno and Letterman, redone in the "You know you're a" style, but others are current, fresh and funny.

I tried to guess the writer's political leaning, but the jokes are well-balanced. He honestly pokes fun at whatever his side is, and thoroughly jabs the other. My hat is off to him for not revealing who will get his vote.

Ironically, left side of each spread is a Republican joke, and the right side is a Democrat joke.

Some of the jokes are based on simple stereotypes, like, "You know you're a Republican if... you think Florida election officials are fair and unbiased. You know you're a Democrat if you think 'fair Florida elections' is a contradiction in terms."

Other jokes show keen wit, and understanding of the deeper philosophical differences and inadequacies between each party and their adherents, like, "You know you're a Republican if you've thought about becoming a Libertarian, but have trouble with their philosophical support of prostitution, gay marriage, and uninhibited personal freedom. You know you're a Democrat if you've thought about becoming a Libertarian, but have trouble with their support of free trade." Another: "You know you're a Republican if you prove your racial sensitivity by saying 'gracias' to your gardener. You know you're a Democrat if you're strongly committed to racial equality even if you don't personally know anyone of a different race."

Two of my favorites is, "You know you're a Republican if you're afraid of the IRS. You know you're a Democrat if you're afraid of the FBI," and "You know you're a Republican if you support George W. Bush's plan to put a man on Mars. You know you're a Democrat if you want that man to be George W. Bush."

Maybe the gem in the whole book is "You know you're a Republican if you think Colin Powell might make a good President, if he wasn't black. You know you're a Democrat if you think Colin Powell might make a good President, if he wasn't conservative."

This is a book worth stocking in the bathroom, or for reading aloud on trips. Both sides take some heat, so no will be offended.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Clever writing makes for humorous & unique book
It may not be "gut-buster" humor, but I found myself (and others) making punctuated outbursts of laughter, delight and recognition while reading through the book. It cleverly portrays the knee-jerk-stereotypes, which are so ingrained in the Republican / Democrat ideology, as to make each feel the other is getting roasted while one's own camp gets off relatively easy! If truth is in the eye of the beholder, this work shows each one of us as being oblivious to our own biases and the assumptions underlying them...which is pretty laughable!

Couldn't put it down until I was finished
Really loved this book.It was fun to look at the jabs taken at both Democrats and Republicans.. and to be honest, they both are very accurate.Democrat or Republican, you'll enjoy this book! ... Read more

Product Description
David Horowitz is back with an indispensable manual for wartime politics. If the Democrats thought we’d forget who demoralized our military, eviscerated the CIA, and let America become a playground for terrorists, they’re in for a rude awakening. How to Beat the Democrats makes sure it won’t be politics as usual.

For Democrats, politics is permanent war. Every conflict is a contest for power, every battle is about burying their enemies—Republicans. With racial shakedown artists and intolerant "progressives" rearing their heads at home—and terrorists striking at us from abroad—Horowitz’s uncompromising and principled commitment to freedom is more needed than ever.

Horowitz’s opening salvo shows why the Democrats can’t be trusted with the nation’s security. For years, the party has subordinated sound defense policy to a radical ideology untamed even by September 11. Horowitz’s unmatched strategic powers are on full display in his enumeration of the principles for a winning political campaign, which he then applies to specific issues. Returning to the subject of war, he concludes with an exposé of the anti-American escapades of Noam Chomsky and his comrades of the unrepentant left.

In How to Beat the Democrats, you’ll learn:

• The four fundamental principles of politics
• Six lessons from the near-heist of the 2000 election
• Democratic plans for revenge
• Horowitz’s bold strategy for GOP victory
• How the left still tries to undermine American defense ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

The Book the Left Wants You to Ignore
The difference between the liberal left and the conservative right is far more than where one stands on a spectrum of issues that range from abortion to Iraq to gun control.In HOW TO BEAT THE DEMOCRATS, David Horowitz draws upon his decades long dalliance with radical causes to suggest that the difference is one of a world view.Where the right focuses on the rights of the individual the left sees the individual as a mere cog in a collective wheel that allows those at the center to see themselves as the possessors of a moral vision that points toward a time when all races, genders, and creeds will be rendered equal by legislative fiat.

The first half is a primer for Republicans to defeat Democrats head to head in elections at all levels.What has given Democrats the edge in all victorious contests over the last few decades is that they have recognized the difference between what appeals to the heart and what appeals to the head.The heart can be persuaded by false rhetoric, out and out lies, and suggestive television ads.The head by logic and cool reason.The left is the master of the heart, the right is the domain of the head.Horowitz demands that conservatives stop assuming that liberals are running a debate according to a linguistic Marquis of Queensbury and be willing to attack the left on areas and issues that they are most vulnerable.To do this successfully, Republicans must learn an entirely new set of rules: (1) politics is a war of emotions(2) politics is a war of position (3) politics is all about fear(4) politics is about hope. Those who can frame a contest by tagging themselves as the party of hope can label the opposition as one bereft of it.Those who can frame a contest by tagging the opposition as one that the voters should fear will win.Horowitz includes numerous examples of these formulae. The Democrats' stand on social security is illustrative. They claim that the Republicans will STEAL the savings of a lifetime by allowing claimants to invest their savings in the stock market.Horowitz urges the Right to claim the opposite: namely that it is the Democrats who will cheat claimants by refusing to allow the estates of deceased claimants to inherit social security benefits, a result that cannot occur under current social security rules but is a commonplace under standard stock market regulations.Horowitz also lambasts the Clintons as the most vile, most self-centered power seekers to ever hold high office.

In the second half, Horowitz discusses the views of noted leftists like Noam Chomsky, Robert Sheer, and Hillary Clinton, all of whom would rather call Marx a capitalist than to say even one nice word about George Bush. But it is Horowitz's closing chapters on "The Unrepentent Left" that imbues his book with its damning denunciation of the left.He sees the inner circle of the left as those who possess a inner vision of themselves as the forerunners of a elitist, socialist world, one in which they will found and run.That such a world has never suceeded in the long and lamentable catalogue of failed ideologies does not deter them in the least. It is this collective failure to recognize the cold realities of their failed vision that marks the left as both dangerous and deluded. To combat them, Republicans must adopt the tactics of what has worked supremely well against them.This, then, is the message of this book.

Insightful
The author is spot on in this book, his other books in recent years have exposed other shortcomings the Media would rather not want you to know about.

Misses the point
This book, although excellent, misses the point entirely.It gives a great description of WHAT the liberal fascists/socialist/democ-rats are doing.But, that's not even close to being the important question.The important question is not what but WHY.Want to know the answer?Just study what John Kerry has done during his life and ask yourself what pattern you see.Another example is Jimmy Carter.The same for Jane Fonda and Michael Moore.These people are traitors.As in they purposefully and repeatedly, take the side of extremely evil people, over that of the United States....to the point of interfering with our foriegn policy with both the specific intent and effect of allowing these evil people to do evil things.It doesn't matter if they are communists, drug dealers/criminals, terrorists or genocidal maniacs.Neither does it matter how heinous their crimes are.They take their side over our side.Scary stuff.Mostly, this has been allowed to happen because of sheer ignorance of what these people are doing.That is changing....big time.This election shows that VERY clearly.The dems were marginalized this election.Based on what they have planned (Hillary Clinton....don't make me laugh), they are likely to be mariginalized for the next decade or more.That's a good thing.What you will see is the infiltration of these sick people, halted, particularly in the judiciary (short term) but also in the house and congress.In short, the american people are kicking the bums out of office.Finally, you will see the democrats expunge these [...] from their ranks (they really have no choice considering how big of a liability they have become).Five years from now, people will look back on today as when it all started. Thank God for that.

Alas, if only the GOP would listen to him.
There is no room for RINOs (Republicans in Name Only) in our fight to win over the general population concerning the merits of conservative principles.Horowitz's book documents the fact that rightward ideas are winning ideas and will resonate with voters across the nation.This is a collection of essays, and, for the most part, they are brilliant.Two chapters, The War Room and How to Beat the Democrats, should be very influential upon politicians and the average reader.He preaches tactics and strategies that conservatives must hear and internalize.Important points are that politics are emotional and they should always be about hope.Republicans would be wise to learn from the words of this master.Ten more Horowitz's and the country would be in a much better place.He speaks his mind in beautiful prose and you'll turn these pages quickly.This is a highly recommended choice, indeed.

Bad For Righties, Too
Picked up this book in the library to read a bit of the (not-so?)friendly opposition's reading materials, and I'm appalled that even the right would buy (figuratively and literally) this crap. I didn't even finish the preface before I realized this was a crock.
How can you title a preface "How George W. Bush Became President" and NOT mention either his opponent or the Supreme Court case? "Restoring dignity to the White House"? Heck, it's 2004 and if he hasn't done it by now he's not going to.
Second thing, and what sealed the deal, about this book for me was that Horowitz seems to think it's a *problem* that half of the Middle Eastern experts at universities were from the middle East in 1992. Where the crap are they supposed to come from? Horowitz would be pissed as all get-out if US experts at French universities were from Germany. Then he'd blame the left for it.

A load of crap and a waste of time, regardless of political affiliation. Restore dignity to your library and read someone a little less racist and a little more educated. ... Read more

Product Description
Are Democrats more tolerant than Republicans? Are they more educated? Who spends more time at work and who spends more time watching TV? Why are Republicans happier? Who really benefits the most from Social Security? All of these questions, and many, many more, are answered in the new book, Democrats and Republicans Rhetoric and Reality. Comparing the conduct and achievements of the Democratic and Republican constituencies, it is sure to be controversial.

The book contains many surprising findings. For example, Democrats and Republicans have different tendencies with regard to trust, self-esteem, apparent intelligence, political knowledge, mental health, happiness, work hours, and charity. These general differences are quantifiable and statistically significant.

Although the book is aimed at the popular market, it has all of the supporting references and statistical significance of an academic work. Interspersed among the findings are quotations from pundits, politicians, philosophers, celebrities, fruitcakes, etc. Although some of this rhetoric is strident, the book's overall tone is objective a refreshing alternative to the bombastic polemics we often see in modern political works. The last chapter comprises several constructive lessons that can be learned from the various Democratic-Republican comparisons.This may be the most comprehensive and authoritative work written about the constituencies of our two major political parties, and is must reading for anyone who is interested in American politics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Party differences you never imagined
I own the book. It's a great reference, and one that utterly demolishes a reference book worth of erroneous stereotypes. I have urged scores of colleagues to buy it.

Worth keeping in your library
This book is a mass of stats, but the many graphs and charts and tables make it fairly easy to decipher.Some of the findings are pretty surprising.If you have any interest in politics the book is worth having.

The numbers do the talking in this book
Generally, this is a good book, with a wealth of stats - some quite surprising.At times I think the author almosts gives too much in the way of info.This book is a little similar to Makers and Takers, a book that was recently published about libs and conservatives.But Dems and Reps seems to be more objective and more comprehensive than Makers/Takers. Recommended reading.

Surprising Facts and Conclusions About Democrats and Republicans
This is a good book if you like to make decisions based upon data, not emotion or political hype.

Joseph Fried has done a remarkable job of separating facts from fiction about Democrats and Republicans. Joseph answers far ranging questions from intelligence to who pays more taxes.His analysis and conclusions are unbiased and based upon data and statistical analysis from solid sources.

Although the many charts and graphs are a little mind boggling for the average reader to comprehend, Joseph clearly separates political rhetoric from reality as his title implies.

I found that Chapter 12 was the most useful as it contains Lessons Learned and the authors opinions. This chapter is particularly noteworthy as it summarizes factors affecting a person's happiness based upon relative decision-making throughout one's life.

Reading this chapter should be a graduation requirement for every high school or college student in this country. From teen parenting to getting a diploma or degree, Joseph shows the lifetime consequences of ones' early decisions and how that decision follows a person throughout their life in terms of happiness.
... Read more

Product Description
With America eating and breathing politics as the 2008 general elections approach, WHY I'M A DEMOCRAT offers a dazzling array of answers--in interviews, essays, lists, and art work--and a compelling look at what drives Democrats from all walks of life. Democrats are loyal, funny, passionate -- and sometimes a little ticked off. Nora Ephron, Tony Bennett, Isaac Mizrahi, Frank McCourt, Irma Thomas, Dominick Dunne, Melissa Etheridge, Frans de Waal, Roz Chast, Jonathan Franzen, Andrew Tobias, James Brady, Olympia Vernon, Paul Weitz, Craig Lesley, James Naughton, Maira Kalman, William Wegman, Tama Janowitz, Seymour Chwast, and Min Jin Lee are among the contributors, along with a firefighter from Iowa, a craps dealer from Las Vegas, a vineyard owner from California, plus farmers, CEOs, former Republicans, and ex-Green Party loyalists. Foreword by political journalist (and former conservative) David Brock. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Dem genre
This is a perfect bedtable book. You can read a few sections and then put it down. The book is an anthology and offers different sections about why the author (regular people) is a Democrat. Sure, there is the occasional famous person or illustrator, but overall it's a representative book.

What I liked most is that the entries were succinct. And, there were different themes to the sections. Overall, a common theme is the idea that Democrats care more for people and believe in equity. The book did have some funny sections, but others that should make the reader think....Why is it acceptable that the Democrats are the best that we can do?! There are other questions that a reader might come up with.

Overall, I would suggest this book to others. I just stumbled on the book on Amazon and was glad that I did. I'm going to buy more copies and give them as gifts. Too bad this was published prior to Obama. I'd like to see a post-2008 edition.

Great Read for Dems
Picked this book up in the airport and had a hard time putting it down.A mix of famous and not famous essays that really says it all!!!Makes you think about what is important to you-------------

A great read, funny & insightful
I really enjoyed the essays in this book -- some are very funny, others serious, most made me think.A really great mix of contributors too! ... Read more

Product Description
Praise for Heads In the Sand

"A very serious, thoughtful argument that has never been made in such detail or with such care."
—Ezra Klein, staff writer at The American Prospect

"Matt Yglesias is one of the smartest voices in the blogosphere. He knows a lot about politics, a lot about foreign policy, and, crucially, is unusually shrewd in understanding how they interact. Here's hoping that his new book will introduce him to an even wider audience. Once you discover him, you'll be hooked."
—E. J. Dionne, author of Souled Out: Reclaiming Faith and Politics After the Religious Right and Why Americans Hate Politics

"Matthew Yglesias is one of a handful of bloggers that I make a point of reading every day. Heads in the Sand is a smart, vital book that urges Democrats to stop evading the foreign-policy debate and to embrace the old principles of international liberalism--to be right and also to win."
—Fred Kaplan, author of Daydream Believers: How a Few Grand Ideas Wrecked American Power

"Reading foreign policy tomes is seldom included among life's pleasures, but Yglesias has concocted a startling exception. Heads in the Sand is not just a razor-sharp analysis cum narrative of the politics of national security in general and the Iraq war in particular, it's also an enthralling and often very funny piece of writing. Though he administers strong antidotes to the haplessness of his fellow Democrats and liberals, there's more than a spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down."
—Hendrik Hertzberg, Senior Editor, The New Yorker, and author of Politics: Observations and Arguments

Fast-rising political commentator Matthew Yglesias reveals the wrong-headed foreign policy stance of conservatives, neocons, and the Republican Party for what it is—aggressive nationalism. Writing with wit, passion, and keen insight, Yglesias reminds us of the rich tradition of liberal internationalism that, developed by Democrats, was used with great success by both Democratic and Republican administrations for more than fifty years. He provides a starting point for politicians, policymakers, pundits, and citizens alike to return America to its role as leader of a peace-loving and cooperative international community. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

We Get It, Dean Was Great
Heads in the Sand can be divided into two parts.The interesting partserve as the bookends to the book.It first offers an overview of the liberal foreign policy tradition (though strangely excludes the Kennedy/Johnson years).The interesting part picks up at the conclusion with Yglesias' discussion of what a sensible foreign policy might be and why being new and interesting is not the end all, be all of policy.If you read this book, I would strongly recommend you read these two sections of the interesting part carefully and ignore the middle of the book.

The middle, the uninteresting part, is largely a recap of the foreign policy debates from 2001 to 2007 and the politics surrounding them.If you followed the news even superficially during that time, it will all seem familiar.Though Yglesias, as an avowed Deaniac, also makes a passionate defense of Howard Dean.Like many progressive Dems in my age cohort (I was in my early 20s in 2004), I was fascinated by the Dean campaign and appreciated his opposition to the Iraq war.But I strongly differ with Yglesias' conclusions that no one really liked John Kerry or that he did not offer a competing foreign policy vision, just Bush-lite.I liked John Kerry.I believed in John Kerry.I didn't "Date Dean, but Married Kerry."I chose Kerry over Dean because I thought Kerry had a well thought out and broad world view.I felt in the end Dean was riding the anti-war express to nowhere.Yglesias also gives short treatment to Kerry's prescription for a "war on terror" that was not just militarily based but included law enforcement, diplomacy, and intelligence.It was the correct view but was largely panned at the time.Kerry stood up for what Yglesias should have wanted, but instead of acknowledging it Yglesias mostly nitpicks Kerry's views.To be fair, Yglesias also acknowledges some failings of Dean's candidacy and I think he is correct that on Iraq in particular Kerry and many other Dems never hit their stride, but I could not help feeling that a vast part of the book was a Dean defense and not a serious discussion of foreign policy.

Ultimately, the book is interesting because it offers up ideas for a liberal foreign policy that is no isolationist or Bush-lite.It is both ambitious and pragmatic.If you read it, enjoy the interesting part and try not to get as caught up in the uninteresting part as I did.

A Worthy Read
A great read on the history of Democratic leaders timidness at doing things appropriately when given the chance.

Good Book
If you read Matt's blog, you might wonder if this book was actually written by him. As it lacked his trademark grammatical mistakes. Anyways, this book is fantastic. The only downside is that it is a little jumpy in the first half.

Theory and principles in practice
This book is a great first pass at understanding the theories and political situations that have defined US foreign policy in the last decade.

Yglesias carefully lays out his argument that Democrats should re-embrace the principled liberal foreign policy that served the US well in the twentieth century, instead of merely griping about mismanagement of the war in Iraq. He argues that this will not only lead to better foreign policy results, but better success in domestic elections.

In one memorable paragraph, he writes: "Better techniques are always welcome, but what the country needs to replace Bush's current failed strategy is a different strategy, no just another way to implement the same strategy."

Yglesias does make reference to several bits of political theory, especially early on in the book - I dug out my notes from my "Theories of International Relations" class. However, you don't need to take a seminar to appreciate his argument. The book is well documented, drawing on policy papers, commentary, and contemporary reportage to look at the implications and results of American foreign policy.

Excellent
Yglesias puts modern foreign policy in context with historical foreign policy. This book has completely re-framed how I debate with people, with the phrase "traditional liberal internationalism" rolling off my lips. This book is a knockout, I really enjoyed it. ... Read more

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Ted Rueter panders to Democratic party lines by collecting 370 oratorical guffaws credited to popular politicians. Categorized in alphabetical order and presented by subject topic, the quips include:

Forgiveness: "In the Bible it says they asked Jesus how many times we should forgive, and he said seventy times seven. Well, I want you to know that I'm keeping a chart." --Hillary Rodham Clinton

Me: "I am Al Gore, and I used to be the next president of the United States of America." --Al Gore ... Read more

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A dynamic young scholar and journalist explains how the Democrats lost the Catholic vote, and how they must win it back in order to survive in the twenty-first century.

In 1960, Democrats and Catholics united to elect John F. Kennedy America's first Catholic president. As we approach the 2008 presidential election, the Democratic party is in shambles andthe Catholic vote has shifted to the GOP. What has become of the historic partnership between Catholics and the Democratic party?In Left at the Altar, Michael Sean Winters chronicles the rise and fall of this vital alliance, and offers compelling arguments for its revival. For the Democrats, the stakes could not be higher: The explosive growth of the Latino population will make the Catholic vote decisive in the twenty-first century. The stakes are high for Catholics, too: In their defection to the Republican party, Catholicshave drifted from their traditional advocacy of core values including peace and social justice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Well written book--but the thesis is wrong
Winters is a good writer, and this is a thoughtful and engaging book, although it does slant left. Essentially, the bulk of the book is a history of Catholics and the Democratic party.This part is outstanding.

There is only a short chapter or two at the end which dealt with the future of the Democratic party and Catholics. This surprised me, given the title.

Winters suggests that the huge, new population of Catholic Hispanics in the United States will eventually create a solid majority of Democrats."Hispanics may change America...The Catholic Left...can lead the way by making local parishes into effective melting pots" (p 220).

His sympathy for the new immigrants is touching, but I doubt he's right about their connection to the Democratic party.

How can practicing Catholics vote Democratic so long as Democrats insist on abortion on demand?

Winters says "the Left must challenge the Church to put less emphasis on changing the law and more emphasis on changing the culture. The Left must say that although the Church is free to try to persuade women not to abort, it cannot coerce them" (p 187).

There is nothing unclear about Catholic teaching and belief about abortion.You can pick up a Catechism of the church in any bookstore and it will tell you that Catholics believe abortion is a terrible moral wrong.It is the murder of a child. By allowing its legalization 40 million babies have been killed. Catholics cannot vote for anyone who supports abortion.

The Democratic party has tied itself to gay marriage and abortion.

So, what will happen to those millions and millions of Hispanics flooding the US? Right now, many vote Democratic because of immigration issues. Polling suggests many do not even know which party supports abortion.

But wait. Sooner or later these immigrants will reach the middle class, and once they do, if they remain Catholic, they know they can't vote for anyone who supports abortion.

So I believe Winters is simply wrong in his conclusion.

One thing his book did not emphasize was the history of anti-Catholicism in America. There are only a few pages and a very brief mention of the Know Nothing party whose party had only one plank: to stop Catholic immigration.

Nor does he mention the issue which has been the flash point for anti-Catholicism the last 150years--public funding for Catholic schools.

Public schools originally taught Protestantism and anti-Catholicism.Simple as that. They used the King James bible and a curriculum which sometimes called the pope the anti-Christ.

As recently as 1971the Supreme Court Justice William Douglas wrote, in regards to funding Catholic schools: "In the parochial schools Roman Catholic indoctrination is included in every subject. History, literature, geography, civics and science are given a Roman Catholic slant. The whole education of the child is filled with propaganda. That, of course, is the very purpose of such schools...That purpose is not so much to educate, but to indoctrinate and train, not to teach Scripture truths and Americanism, but to make loyal Roman Catholics."

Actually, things haven't changed that much. I believe many Democrats today would deny funding to Catholic schools for exactly the same reason.

How Obama can win
This book is really smart. It goes all the way back to FDR and the New Deal to discuss how Catholics have been involved politically with the Democrats. I hope Obama and his campaign team read it - Obama did badly among Catholics in the primaries. Hillary beat him 70%-30% among Catholics in Pennsylvania. This book will give him ideas about how to win them back. The last chapter on Latinos is especially good. ... Read more

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This book details the long anti-gun rights history of politicians in the Democratic Party. It uses voting records, public statements and behind the scenes events to document the Democrats ongoing war on guns. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great Book
I received in the time promised and it is a "must read" for anyone who owns or wants to own a gun. Great product and seller.

These Dogs Don't Hunt: The Democrats' War on Guns
This book is pure tripe. It is full of made up falacies and propaganda of the extreme far right movement. It sensationalizes the whole issue to sell more books. At best it's a ripoff.

These Dogs Don't Hunt
This book is very timely and informative.I already knew the position held by these people concerning guns, but this book added a lot of information and details about these people.

Scary Democrats VS Gun Rights
Tells it like it is!They can say all they want, but here are the statistics of how thes politicians act and vote.

Truth we don't hear
As always Alan and Dave give us the straight data and the words directly from the mouths of the criminals. No wringing of hankies, no Chicken Little cries from PETA and none of the condescending, hysterical hyperbole from the Left.

Gun owners now have a clearly defined identity for the proverbial "They" who would remove our rights if allowed to do so.

Bear in mind that the people portrayed in this book have taken an oath to Protect and Defend the Constitution of the US.

The Constitution, not their dogma, not their party, and not their position. Self evidently not only are the failing that oath, but they're actively ignoring the oath and are seeking to destroy our Second Amendment rights. ... Read more

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Chapters: College Republicans, College Democrats of America, League for Industrial Democracy, Young Constitutionalists. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 25. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The College Republicans is a national organization for college and university students who support the Republican Party of the United States. The organization is known as an active recruiting tool for the Republican Party and has produced many prominent Republican and conservative activists and introduced more party members to the Republican party than any other organization in the nation. The organizational structure of the College Republicans has changed significantly since its founding in 1892. Originally founded as an organization for the Republican National Committee and later the Young Republican National Federation, the College Republicans now operate as an independent 527 group. The College Republican National Committee (CRNC), is the national steering organization and oversight body for all 50 state federations, 1,800 campus chapters, and 250,000 College Republicans in the country. The CRNC National Chairman and his or her national leadership team, including an executive director, political director, finance director, national field director, national treasurer, national secretary, and 4 regional vice-presidents, are elected at the bi-annual College Republican Convention and are assisted by a full-time office staff. There are 51 College Republican state federations, each administering the College Republican activities at the state level and the District of Columbia. The state federation leadership team, which includes a state chairperson and other officers, serve as the primary link between local university chapters and the national College Republican National Committee. The state chair...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=450996 ... Read more

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Chapters: Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, Serbian Democratic Party, Serbian Radical Party of the Republika Srpska, Socialist Party of Republika Srpska, Democratic People's Alliance, Party of Democratic Progress, Pensioners' Party of the Republika Srpska, Serbian People's Alliance of the Republika Srpska, Democratic Party of the Republika Srpska. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 26. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: The Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (Serbian: , SNSD) is a political party in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its president, Milorad Dodik, is the Prime Minister of the Republika Srpska. The party grew out of the Independent Members of Parliament Caucus of the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska to become the Party of Independent Social Democrats. In December 1999 Social Liberal Party of Republic of Srpska merged into the Party of Independent Social Democrats. After local elections 2000 Nikola piri's Democratic party for Banjaluka and Krajina merged into it too. In December 2001, it united with the Democratic Socialist Party, a splinter party of the Socialist Party of the Republika Srpska. After the unification, the party changed its name to Alliance of Independent Social Democrats. In August 2002 the New Labor Party of Republic of Srpska merged into the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats. The party swept to success at all levels of government at the October 1, 2006 general elections. In the legislative elections of 5 October 2002, the party won 9.8% of the popular vote and 3 out of 42 seats in the House of Representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1 out of 140 seats in the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 19 out of 83 in the National Assembly of the Republika Srpska. ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=4358875 ... Read more