Governments

IN MANY OF THE STATEMENTS THAT I READ I SEEN THAT MANY SAID A LOT ABOUT THE WRITTER WELL WE ALL HAVE MANY OPINIONS I PERSONALLY HAVE MY OWN OPINION I THINK IS ONE MY GREAT BOOKS THAT I HAVE TO READ IN MY FREE TIME LIKE SCHOOL OR JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE BUT JUST WANTED TO ADD THAT I LOVE CHALINO AS THE PERSON HE WAS A WHILE BACK WITH HIS MUSIC I ADMIRE HIM AS A FATHER AND I AM IN LOVE WITH HIS SON 4-SHO!!!

This book is fantastic. I don't often actually buy non-fiction because I usually don't plan to re-read it. This is a rare exception. Quinones is 1st & foremost a great storyteller. You'd hardly notice that it's all true if it weren't for the fact that these tales are simply too good to be fiction. Quinones has a knack for noticing the seemingly invisible. The best example being the tale of Chalino Sanchez (who graces the cover). How could someone who completely misses the U.S. radar of popular culture become a folk hero and single-handedly create a musical genre selling millions of copies of albums in the process & then having at least 1,500 songs written about him? Quinones manages to make it sound perfectly believable. If you're anything like me you'll be mesmerized by these essays.

"This beautifully written collection of essays is a wonder and a delight. . . . Quinones has succeeded in finding 'another Mexico'. Intimately tied to the United States, it is at times far from God, but as this splendid book shows, it is also in the midst of a transformation."-Wilson Quarterly

Every American should read two thin books about Iraq: "The Five Biggest Lies Bush Told Us About Iraq" by Christopher Scheer, Robert Scheer, and Lakshmi Chaudhry, and "Warrior King: the Case for Impeaching George W. Bush" by John Bonifaz with forward by Congressman John Conyers.

The first book exposes the lies that President Bush and members of his Administration knowingly told during the build-up to the war on Iraq, including the lies that are keeping US troops in Iraq today.

The second book addresses Bush's unconstitutional act of taking the US military to war without a declaration of war by Congress. A number of US soldiers and US Congress Members sued the President in a failed attempt to prevent this war, and this book lays out the case.

Regardless of your views about the War in Iraq, John Bonifaz's Warrior-King is a must read. Bonifaz presents a concise, compelling case for why Bush's and Congress's actions with respect to the War were so dangerous. Rather than focusing on the merits of the War itself, Bonifaz explains why the methods employed to bring our nation into War are so objectionable. He forces readers to take a step back and view our government's actions in a historical framework. After reading the book, readers will have a deeper understanding of the far-reaching implications of our government's actions.

Unlike other authors who solely provide written social commentary, Bonifaz is a man of action. Outraged by our government's behavior, amazingly Bonifaz organized a coalition of individuals - from Congressmen to soldiers to soldiers' parents - to bring a law suit against our President. Through Warrior-King, the reader has the unique opportunity to get an insider's perspective into the legal case waged against our President. All readers, including supporters of the War, will finish Bonifaz's book with an appreciation for the gravity of our most powerful leaders' actions leading up to the War.

Bonifaz's book cannot prevent the deaths that have already occurred in Iraq, but it can inspire us to demand that our future leaders take seriously their constitutional obligations before entering our nation into another world conflict.

This book is a powerful indictment of how the Congress failed to adhere to its constitutional responsibility to make the decision on whether the country should go to war in Iraq. Ultimately, this book reveals how the balance of power in America is totally out of wack in favor of the executive branch. While much attention for this questionable decision has focused on President Bush, this is the first book to reveal how Congress handed over way to much power to the President by failing to fulfill its own duty. The book also reveals the truth about Sen. Kerry's position on the war and his failure to uphold his promise to speak out against the policy of pre-emption should the President act unilaterally. Nobody should vote for John Kerry without reading this book and comparing his actions then to his statements now on the war.

One of the best political satires ever written. This is Book Two regarding the political career of Jim Hacker. Have you every wondered why political schemes never seem to have any practical value? You simply must read this book and find out why that is. Some of the outstanding short stories have been mentioned by other reviewers here, but the Athiest Bishop simply cannot be recommended enough. However, the diplomatic incident over the puppy is probably my favorite. I also loved how a chain smoker becomes Minister of Health. Also, pay attention to Bernard's character thoughout the stories, as one can never be sure what side he'll be on from beginning to end. Cheers to the authors! It doesn't get any better than this!

If you enjoyed the "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister" books, be sure to read John Mortimer's "Rumpole of the Bailey" series.

It is suitable for both popular and fine taste. I'm sure you'll have a more-than-pleasant reading experience and a more-than-enough understanding of the hypotetical political leader's hypotetical idiotic behavior in a hypothetical political system of a real English-speaking country. Although it is seemingly a novelized British drama, the printed version of "Yes Prime Minister" makes excellent use of the edge of novel to tell the story. The expression of individual's opinion of a event surely presents how single-minded or even absent-minded the characters are. Even more interesting, there are handwritten notes of the subjects, newspaper cutting of their events, and script of media interview which fully demonstrates the moronic ideas and performances of James Hacker as well as the tactical handling of his boss by Sir Humphrey Appleby. And the intervention, most of the time in a literary perspective and untimely, by Benard Wooley further makes the team more a laughing stock.

If you ask my opinion, in the fullest of time, by means of thorough investigation of both the pros and cons, and not to put too fine a point, it is justifiable to a certain extent to consume a certain amount of time to literally, if not semanticaly to digest the information and mark the word by a person who is in this review using the perpendicular pronoun, I.

Were the "Yes Minister" and "Yes Prime Minister" series NOT part of television immortality, this book would STILL succeed, stand out in its own right as one of the classic political satires.

The authors' conceit is that we are in the year 2050 (or so), and Sir Humphrey's dithering protege, the ineffectual Bernard, is now an eminence grise who has taken it upon himself to compile the diaries of the legendary PM Jim Hacker. Hacker, whose populist, extreme-middle-of-the-road politics make him more a John McCain figure than a Tony Blair, does score the odd coup, as when he foils a nasty invasion of a former British colony. But by and large he is at the mercy of Humphrey Appleby and his bureacratic machine. As he tells he diary, Government has the engine of a Volkswagen and the brakes of a Rolls-Royce. This and other universal truths ensure "Yes Prime Minister" will endure for the ages, and it is a pity this work is out of print. My favorite moment is where Hacker, on the verge of ascending the "greasy pole" of parliamentary politics to become PM, campaigns against a European directive seeking to standardize the recipe for sausages. "I am up to my neck in this Euro-sausage business," he remarks. "Not literally, we hope - Ed" is the parenthetical aside.

One of the most interesting pieces of history ever. This was easy to listen to and very well put together. At times I felt as though I was in the hallway with Monica and Bill. Not really dirty, but very true-to-life. A must read for everyone.

If you are ready for some hilarious but true and factual political entertainment, these tapes are excellent. Get all the facts and laugh your way to work while driving....Superb listening!!

Kenneth Starr's report is brought to life by this credible audio oif the details of his report.The narrators made this tape very easy to listen to. Both the narrator and Monica made listening to this tape very enjoyable and the lengthy diction was easily comprehended. The quotes that were directly read by Monica gave the tape an interesating angle to the story and the actual details of the report.Thisd was a great follow up to volume one. It was very easy to follow and passed the time driving in the car. I can't wait for more of the materials on this case to come out on audio. This is a must buy for anyone interested in history!

One of the earliest (1986) accounts from the survivors of the Pol Pot regime, "The Stones Cry Out" seems to have set the style and standard for another more recent child's-eye perspective on the same era, "When Broken Glass Floats". The minute details of everyday life, not abstract poltical assessments, form the basis for our childhood memories. The author's account carries an unvarnished realism which draws the reader into her film-like image of daily life under threat of starvation and execution. This is probably as close as a reader can come to the truth of events in Cambodia during 1975-79. Oral histories such as "The Stones Cry Out" are perhaps the best way for survivors of human rights abuses to indict the perpetrators. Sadly, tribunals driven by international politics are unlikely to have the same impact as the simple testimony of a victimized child. Highly recommended reading for all those with an interest in human rights, Cambodia, and Southeast Asian culture.

My heart sank lower and lower with each successive chapter. This is certainly not a book one can read while couching comfortably on a sofa. If you are familiar with Cambodian history of the Khmer Rouge regime, this book is indeed a chilling read. But at the same time, one can't help feeling admiration for the author's fortitide in the face of unimaginable hardship and horror.

Actualy I would rate this 4 and 1/2 stars.

Having read "First they killed my father" by Loung Ung It would be difficult for me to review this book with out comparing it to Loung Ung's memoir.

Both are essentially the same story, a young upper middle class girl living in Phnom Phen in april of 1975 when thier life, family and happiness are torn from them by the khmer rouge.

Many of thier experinces are similar as you might expect (long hours in forced labor, family deaths, witnessing murder ect..) but each has a unique story of thier own.

The writing styles also vary greatly and this is where Loung's "First they killed my Father is the better" book. Molyda tells her story in a very straight foward manner. Her discriptions of murder, torture and rotting corpses are alomost clinical in tone as if she is afaid to visit or express her real feelings at the time (and who could realy blame her) we are giving only hints about her family and life before April 17th 1975 (to be fair this may be in part to spare distant family members still in Cambodia from retalation)

In Loung's book however we are treated to two light hearted chapters discribing her life in Phnom Pehn before April 17th 1975 this gives the reader a chance to feel they realy know her, her brother's, sisters and parents thier strengths and weakness'.

Loung's memoir is far more emotional in tone and feeling leaving the reader almost gasping for air at points.

For those overly squimish that makes "The Stones Cry Out" the better of the two books. It is also the better of the two books if your sole interest is the surrounding history of the killing fields.

But for those just wishing to read a great emotional book "first They killed My father" is the better choice but I would highly recomend both to all.

A winning historical effort proves that storytelling magic translates easily into contemporary tales. Rich with emotion and complexity on issues and situations where authenticity is a must. There is some smart, dedicated scenes about trees and if you enjoy more depressing historical truths, you'll find the arms sales to Israel which was met by chilly Ike-Dulles stern efforts a bit dishearting. If you like true historical facts, and a writer being a bit gutsy, this will be your cup of tea, it was mine. This wasn't read for film prospects, but for my own personal enjoyment. I do recommend it for a solid read.

This definitely fills the gap in scholarship that surrounds the nature of the American relationship with Israel. Although The Israelis were told to not be 'the first nation to employ nuclear weapons in the middle east' Mr. Eban replied to Mr. Rusk saying 'We wont be the second either'. Thus this book describes the complicated political game that was the 1960s relationship with Israel in which America looked the other way at the Dimona project while JFK declared he would support 'any friend'. Nasser helped cement the relationship by excepting Czech arms. Thus this books shows the truth behind Americas ties to Israel wasn't 'Jewish influence' but rather cold war politics. A fascinating and important account.

Seth J. Frantzman

This book is both a great read and a significant work of scholarship. Bass covers the territory with panache and depth, providing a thoughtful, nuanced look at the origins of the US-Israel relationship. His writing is crisp, inviting and colorful - it is hard to forget the manifold and varied picture he creates of the giants of history who forged the very policies whose repercussions we feel so stunningly today. It is also very hard to put the book down. Such a combination is rare and welcome, and makes this book a must for anyone even remotely interested in the Middle East and America (which should be all of us, these days...).

After reading the Doctors masterpiece three times, i had enough of his theta gamma explanations. I am an avid reader who greatly enjoyed the Doctor's complicated explanations. I totally agree with Elvis. Great work again doctor

I've been working in Futures & Options research for 3 years now, and this has proven to be the best refernce guide available. Terrence elucidates the concepts and mechanisms underlying the treasury bond basis with eloquence and intellect. His other work, Eurodollar Futures and Options, is also a great reference for the shorter end of the curve.

This is simply the only truly readable and authoritative book on its subject. Terry Belton is acknowledged as being the foremost authority on futures research, and this book bears it out. If you're thinking about basis trading, or work in the derivatives market, this book is well worth a look.

(I should also mention that Terry is my boss..doesn't stop it being a good book, though. Hope I get that raise!)

Kovaly writes with precision and a welcome lack of sentimentality about the attractions for East-Central Europeans to communism after the war, especially for Jews who had survived fascism. In the first half of this memoir, she avoids the overly and sadly familiar vignettes of camp inmates to instead explore in detail the unfamiliar story of what happens to an escapee from the death camp who wanders back to Prague, while the Nazis still rule the city.

Her scenes of homelessness and fear, as her former friends often become terrified at seeing her alive and sheltering her from the Germans, reveal a fresh persective on a refugee who ironically seems to be more endangered outside Auschwitz than if she had stayed within the lager. After the war, she shows how the Jews returning to their homes found their possessions and livelihoods stolen, and how many of their fellow Czechs had brazenly or surreptitiously commandeered the houses and the property for themselves, since the Jews could do little to regain these items.

Kovaly then explains how the appeal to a more just system, rather than the beleaguered democracy that tried to revive postwar Czechoslovakia, began to fool idealistic Czechs into supporting a communism based more on the lies of those who dared not tell the truth of Stalinism, as well as those who genuinely sought--as her first husband Rudolf Margolius--to bring about a better world through Marxism on more of a Titoist model.

Many pages that follow could serve as a primer for exposing how communist dreams began to replace harsh reality for many Czechs. In incisive prose, with well-chosen metaphors and vignettes, she excels in comparing her own search to that of her husband and his fellow believers. This gradual conversion, she finds, could not be based on the facts, since these were hidden from the "masses," but doomed the Czechs to repeat the failures of Soviets, who pretended that no prejudice or nationalism tarnished the record of their CCCP--an inspiration for Czechs weakened by the Nazis, the camps, and only two decades of fragile post-WWI uneasy peace under an attempt at humane democracy. Their self-confidence beaten down, they were ripe for the idealism and self-sacrifice that communism promised.

Also, she notes, the servile, the opportunists, and the conniving rose quickly in a system that rewarded the disciple, often an incompetent member of the "proletariat" over qualified managers and leaders. She shows in the next quarter of the book how her husband was forced to become a foreign minister, and how quickly the climate shifted and led to his show (Slansky) trial and execution. Then, the pace shifts for the last section into a quick leap forward to 1968, and evocative descriptions of the "Prague Spring" and her eventual flight to the West at last.

Readers who select Ivan Klima's novels of Czech life before and after communist dictatorship, Sandor Marai's "Memoir of Hungary, 1944-48," or Gyorgy Faludy's account of prison in Stalin-era Hungary "My Happy Days in Hell" will appreciate this memoir.

P.S. It appears in earlier translation as part of "The Victors and the Vanquished" or "I Do Not Want to Remember" in 1973 versions. I cannot determine if "Prague Farewell" is another title for this work, or another volume of Kovaly's recollections.

....but Under a Cruel Star is an excellent book. As a history major, I have to slosh through a lot of stuff that's not necessarily interesting or engaging, so Kovaly's book was a breath of fresh air. It was eminently readable and fascinating -- I had two weeks to read it and finished it within the space of a few hours because I just couldn't bring myself to put it down. She does a good job in her memoir of showing us what life in Prague was like after the Germans came and were followed by the Stalinists (I cannot say Communists, because Communists they were not). Her tale is gripping, speaking of the dearest hope of a people with no hope left, only to be betrayed by those who offered them the very hope that sustained them. An excellent read.

I think anyone who is interested to learn more about Communism in general should read this book. I think the author did a good job in analyzing the situation and providing insightful information on life under the communists. She gave a vivid account on how her husband, who held one a high position in the government was convicted and executed. Her life was practically ruined when people learned or led to believe that her husband was a traitor. She was denied of proper medical care, was fired at every job, was relocated to a shack and how everyone who assosiated themselves with her would lose their job.

What I like about this book is that we get to know how it was like for civilians and for people who were related to government officials, live. It was fearful, dark, full of betrayal and worst of all, selfishness. Even though people who carried out orders knew that it was not justified, they did nothing about it. Her husband, under illegal interogations and was led to believe that if he agreed to confess to those charges, the author and her child would be safe. In fact, it was far from it.

This book is a combination of both history and personal account which I find very interesting. Mrs Heda Margolius Kovaly bringing her readers from the time she was held in concentration camp to period when she returned to Prague and how communism took over the country. Another book I would recommend is Nien Cheng's "Life and Death in Shanghai" which gave an account of life in prison, under constant interogation.

Evans does a phenomenal job of expressing what's on every right-winger's mind. Chapter after chapter he hits the nail on the head and drvies to the heart of our country's problems.

I'd refer to it as the guide to America's struggles: Liberal quest for power vs. Republicans desire for progress.

James Evans has done a good job in creating a simple, straightforward book that debunks the liberal trends in our country. He explains clearly the imaginary concepts that liberals conceive their ideals. He illustrates the roots that took shape in the 1960s that evolved into the leadership coming of age today. He exposes very well the outcomes of the law, Affirmative Action and public education. He also demonstrates common sense rules to live by that would create an orderly society. Mr. Evans was of the hippie culture of the 1960s. He later understood the irrational thinking that this liberal ideology would bring about. His book is an easy to read guide to the trends our country has been on for the past 40 years. He simply demonstrates good alternatives to develop good citizenship, self-directed responsibility, and a better community for us all.

Not only is Mr. Evans right on the money, but he does is hilariously. If you are a liberal standing on shaky, Mr. Evans is going to get you. The humor is gut wrenching, the satire thick and the message right on. Another good work from Mr. Evans.

If you've ever wanted to be part of a special interest group or a corporate lobbying machine, but didn't know where to start, experts Michael Watkins, Mickey Edwards and Usha Thakrar have written a handbook for you. The authors write intelligently and provide information in great detail with no fluff. We [...] recommend this book to those in business and organizations of all sizes who are - or should be - playing the influence game.

Reading 'Winning the Influence Game' was an eye opening experience on how important it is understand how government can influence business. The authors have provided a blueprint for creating a strategy which can change government from an adversary to an ally. More importantly, a well thought out strategy can become your most valuable competitive weapon. If I had viewed government as a partner 10 years ago, there is no doubt in my mind that my venture capital business would be much larger and far more profitable today.

Too many leaders, focused on starting or expanding businesses, think that markets and competition exist in a vacuum. This very insightful book reminds us that the background of government regulation is also make-or-break. The authors' insights and strategies are intellectually well-grounded, yet oriented to someone who has to apply them in the real world. A must have.