Governments

'The Story of the Jewish Defense League' is an education to its readers, providing a different Jewish approach to dealing with problems in the Jewish community. Kahane's JDL proved that there is more than one way to deal with issues of tantamount importance to the Jewish people. He also showed that, sometimes, the unpopular way is the right way. While being a great work on the history of his organization, Kahane has also written here a work on how to persevere against the tide of popular opinion.

Why does the Klan never march through Harlem? Why don't Nazi's hold rallies in the streets of Newark? But yet, they rally in Skokie, Illinois to intimidate Jews.

In The Story of The Jewish Defense League, Rabbi Kahane discusses why things such as this happen, and why Jews must stand united against anti-semitism. Rather than using "peaceful protest", the Rav. shows how Jews can use more effective methods, and how they have continued to work over the years.

Every Jew, regardless of being right or left wing in politics, should read this book, if for no other reason, to get around some of the myths that surround the JDL, and to understand all the good they have done to protect Jews worldwide.

His history and outline of the JDL ideology should be read by every Jew--whether or he or her agrees with Kahane.Read especially what he says about Jabotinsky.

The most comprehensive, single source, small business strategy guidebook I have read and applied.
The tactical processes Robert Frey recommends gets you focused early by crystallizing your business strategy, mentoring you step by step, establishing knowledge-based decision points and executing a successful proposal.
The CD is a great plus with schedules, proposal templates, and more to get you started for your next contract award!

In this blue-ribbon edition, Robert Frey provides enough valuable proposal management detail to establish your proposal department, to write your proposal manager's job description, to outline your proposal team's functions, to produce topflight and winning proposals, and to measure the proposal team's success. And if that were not enough, Frey offers his bravura insights into knowledge management and how this wonderful concept can be realistically and incrementally applied to the proposal development process.

Frey mentors you to success with regard to every aspect of proposal management. Frey's style is not staid and wooden. To the contrary, his love for his audience and his desire for their proposal management success shines forth. I would pay twice as much for the book. My company's proposal win rate this year alone proves the worth of the material in these pages. Invest in it, do what it says, and prepare for the reward.

Bob Frey has again created a valuable source of information that should be on every Business Development professional's desk. It presents a clear and concise approach to properly managing the proposal business acquisition process, including creating a winning proposal. The use of Knowledge Management approach to leveraging intellectual property provides an excellent approach to crafting a winning strategy and incorporating it in the proposal. I highly recommend this book.

Mr. Gaddis has written one of the best books on current US foreign policy available. His grasp of history provides a strong context for analyzing the Bush administration's policy in a way many commentators, particularly from the left, overlook. Gaddis clearly sees the grand strategy (the Vision Thing) that animates Bush and his foreign policy team. Gaddis connects this vision to similar events in American history, then provides an analysis that compares and contrasts our times with those earlier "suprises" of 1814 and 1941. This brief book (you can read it in a couple of hours) operates at a wide scope of time, yet provides a clear structure that links the past with the present in a rational and empirical way. Regardless of your political philosophy, this is a book you should read if you want to form a thoughtful opinion.

There are not many people who could write a book that is this wide, deep, and clear (the Vision Thing again, but it belongs to Mr. Gaddis - what kind of seminar this guy must run); I am moved to a great deal of respect for Mr. Gaddis and his skill as a thinker and writer. I also appreciate that he considers in his analysis other strong writers like Francis Fukuyama (End of History and the Last Man), Samuel Huntington (Clash of Civilizations), Fouad Ajami (Dream Palace of the Arabs), and Bernard Lewis (What Went Wrong).

This is a very strong book.

After 9/11 George W. Bush has boldly transformed American foreign policy as John Quincy Adams and Franklin D. Roosevelt did in their eras That is the basis of Yale historian John Lewis Gaddis's book. Each man reacted to an attack on America with a decisively altered foreign policy, which in the first two instances remained in force for decades. In this book, Mr. Gaddis goes into detail about Mr. Adam's foreign policy built on pre-emption subsequent to the British attack on Washington in 1814. Secretary of state Adams acted against failing colonial powers in the Western Hemisphere, unilateralism by eschewing foreign alliances, and hegemony with the Monroe Doctrine. After the start of WW II, Roosevelt and his cold war successors mounted a foreign policy encompassing multilateralism (building large coalitions), legalism (the United Nations), and deterrence of communism.

After the September 11 attacks, Bush responded as similarly as Adams had, with pre-emption and unilateralism when necessary. In Gaddis's thesis, this was a rational response to the threat of terrorism and is seriously explained in the 2002 National Security Strategy, though not always conducted flawlessly. Gaddis believes that most political leaders would find themselves obliged to carry out much the same foreign policy as Bush, despite the recent campaign rhetoric. I think there is something to that. And Bush's policy is not as unilateral as his detractors point out. The National Security Statement is filled with statements about the desirability of acting multilaterally when possible. Gaddis postulates that Muammar Qadhafi decided to give up his nuclear weapons program because he feared Bush was willing to pursue him down a spider hole in the desert. Would he have made the same decision if a more liberal person were about to take the oath of office? "Bush's determination to act against threats is not in doubt". This book is a great read and should be read by all Americans so that we can have an informed debate about the future of our foreign policy direction.

I especially recommend this book for military, political professionals and for philosophers.

This awesome little book sums up the hope that the United States has brought to the rest of the world. "How do we keep hope alive when the costs and risks of doing so have suddenly become much greater? The first thing I'd say is that we have to be ready to fight for it." The book lays out the historic reactions in American foreign policy to previous attacks on our country. And it defines that proper answers to those attacks. It isn't lost on any reader that our nation is formed by the rest of the ethnicities of the world. It gives ME hope for the United States
that this book was published at Harvard, of all places!

Buy it. Read it. And read it again!

Judge Bork is a brilliant thinker. Book is a masterpiece of brilliant deduction and understanding of critical political, educational and judicial issues in America, and provides the reader with a foundational grasp of why there is such volatile division between political ideologies in America. We need more thinkers and writers like Judge Bork.

The Tempting of America is the finest book ever written in defense of the judicial theory known as 'original understanding.' In this brilliant tome, Bork enunciates the dangers and abuses (by activist judges of the Right as well as the Left) inherent in rejecting the original understanding, shows the logical impossibility of constructing an unbiased alternative and shows that the original understanding is not only what the Founding Fathers intended, but is the only safe and non-partisan way to allow a free people to govern itself.

This book may be heavy going in places, but this is because the author deals with a complex and important subject. The single most compelling lesson is how an intellectual elite has become forced to rely on the least democratic element of our government in order to negate the results of free elections, all in the name of "liberalism"! It should be a basic text of any American Government class.

"Here we have solid insights into a system gone awry. The cost is needless suffering and huge distortions in our spending priorities."--Paul Simon, former U.S. Senator, Illinois

From the Publisher: "Michael Tonry is one of the most provocative editors and authors in matters of crime policy. In "Thinking About Crime," he challenges the spate of punitive actions that characterized the final third of the last century. He brings historical and cross-national perspectives to this important inquiry into how America's punishment polices went out of control. Drawing on his extensive experience in sentencing and corrections, he provides a number of sober suggestions for bringing restraint back into the punishment process. This is an important book that should be widely read and discussed." --Al Blumstein, "The Crime Drop"

From the Publisher: "No one would have chosen the criminal justice system America now has....it is too severe, too expensive, and locks up too many black and poor Americans. In this brilliant book, Michael Tonry shows how things came to be as they are, and how they can be made better." Carol Moseley Braun,former U.S. Senator, Illinois

As a student in England, doing work on military academies, I came across the notes, papers, writings, etc of Thomas Jefferson in the bibliography of "West Point", by Norman Thomas Remick. I'm absolutely thrilled that Merrill D. Peterson has put it all together in one 1600 page book. It makes this part of my project almost like one stop shopping. The book is marvelous as a research reference, while at the same time being very interesting reading. By the way, as I see that the book "West Point" is not among the Amazon books on Thomas Jefferson, I hereby highly recommend it to you. It was marvelously interesting, as well.

This edition of Jefferson's writings is an excellent comrehensive collection. Edited by Jefferson biographer Merrill Peterson this volume is a treasure.

It includes Jefferson's Anas, Autobiography, The Notes on Virginia( complete), Summary View of the Rights of British America, his version of the Declaration of Independence, numerous public papers, and addresses. This volume is a must have for the Jefferson reader. It also very necassary for the current state of the American Republic which would be wise to hear the words of this great man. A great buy!

This book is a treasure: it contains many of the writings of Thomas Jefferson, and his letters.
They are reveal a crisp thinking, like Voltaire, Rousseau, the abbey Gregoire, Rabeau Saint Etienne, and other geat thinkers of the 17th Century (T.Jefferson meet with most), as well a Pascal who was way ahead of his time. TJ try to explain the rational for generosity, compassion, respect for life, respect for people, respect for justice, and more: anyone who claims to be president of the USA (or any sovereign nation) should read and understand this book. Unfortunatly this is probably not the case... Politicians love to use a citation of TJ, but their policies would often be despised by TJ.
Let's hope that the future will give the US presidents with the values of this great thinker, and for the time being let's just be patient.

Solitary Survivor is a fascinating book detailing one of the first American soldiers taken captive during the initial stages of the Vietnam war. Colonel Bailey's story is revealing in many ways as he is the only survivor of a C-47 code named Rose Bowl that crashed in Laos with seven others on board in 1961. There is some speculation that one other on board survived but Bailey explains what he knows concerning Edgar Weitkamp and gives the reader the information and allows us to form our own opinions. He is unique in that he is only one of several men to return from captivity in Laos and details the dehumanizing treatment he received at the hands of his captors. In spite of or more because of his confinement and the total darkness he was kept in for most of the 18 months he was held in captivity, Colonel Bailey made a trek back to Sam Neua, Laos, to revisit, after 30 years the place that started the nightmares that are with him today. His return visit is very unique as Sam Neua is still considered Indian country and it has also been the focal point of many POW sightings over the years. Sam Neua is considered to be the place where many American POWs where held captive but were never returned at the conclusion of the Vietnam war. As a former 1st Cavalry soldier, I salute you Colonel Bailey and thank you for writing such an informitive book. Finally, I want to thank you for answering our country's call in three wars!

True story told truly. It might sound grand, but this is indeed a lesson on life and attracts respect, for the courage then and now to tell the story so humbly.

Historically it is not insignificant at all either, as so little has been written on that period and that aspect of the conflict, and even less with seriousness.

First off, I'm biased. Col. Bailey is my grandfather. Secondly, I never asked why we call him Boompaw. I suppose it may be the last thing he heard standing in the doorway of Rose Bowl, ready to bail...Boom. Grandpaw went BOOM.

Thirdly, this is a fantastic account of another time, another place and another generation. If you feel you know all about Southeast Asia and that painful time in world history, you will find an entirely different perspective in Solitary Survivor.

I often wonder when reading autobiographies, especially assisted ones, if I am hearing the author or flowered up prose from his professional co-author. When you read this, know that you are hearing the author's words, in his words. The first time I read it I don't know if I cried more because of what the author went through or because I was hearing my grandfathers voice telling the story. His story.

The honest reason it gets five stars? They don't offer six.

Follow Dr. Hunter S. Thompson on his manic trail of drugs, degeneracy, and discovery through the sixties, seventies, and into the eighties, a decade he has labeled the "Generation of Swine." The good Doctor is at it once again, and no one is safe from his hilarious yet amazingly accurate social commentary. Relax and let Thompson fill your body and soul with horrible tales from the death of the American Dream and other demoralizing corners of modern life.

Songs of the Doomed contains Thompson's famous article about the Pulitzer divorce trial, "Bad Craziness in Palm Beach: I Told Her it Was Wrong," which is the summit of ths poignant book. Dr. Thompson delves into a life reserved for the seriously rich. A place where "price tags mean nothing and pampered animals are worshiped openly in churches...the rules are different here, and the people seem to like it that way...there are bizarre trials over money occasionally and hideous scandals like a half-mad 80 year-old heiress trying to marry her teenage Cuban butler."

So relax, enjoy and "Let the good times roll!"

I've been digging the audiobooks version of this book for several years now.Dr.T. is a man who knows his limitations, and so most of the readings are done by people who by standards of technique might be considered better.His own sections are thereby thrown into relief. Repeated listenings of the "Cherokee Park" segment of "Prince Jellyfish" continue to be a revelation of fictional technique. Makes you want to read the whole book."Let The Trials Begin" is primo Thompson.

Great overview of all his work. Mike should buy it now and never look back!

A really interesting account of women's (slow) progress into politics from someone who lived it. Harriet endured a lot of bias and discrimination as she ran for public office (won some and lost some) and found that running was the easy part! She headed up the Women's Poltical Caucus and made it a credible force for women in politics, she opened many doors for women who came later. For me, with a new interest in politics and a desire to see women play a greater role in our democracy - Harriet's story is important and necessary background.

Former Lt. Gov. Harriet Woods presents her insights into the changes she has witnessed over past decades. Particular insights are presented on changes in how the public regards women in politics.
It was only three decades ago when few were concerned with how the majority of women felt on issues, according to Ms. Woods. Few women existed in such professional occupations as physician and attorney. (In 1960, 95% of law degrees were awarded to men. Today, about one third of law school graduates are female.) The use of contraceptives then was a crime. The term "domestic violence" had yet to enter our collective vocabulary. Readers unfamiliar with this past will marvel as they read how far women, as a group, have advanced in some (but definitely not all) areas within one generation.
These times are described along with the career of Harriet Woods. Entering politics over public inattentiveness to her complaints over a loose manhole, Harriet Woods continued her activism when appointed to a City Council vacancy. From there, she was elected to the Missouri State Senate in 1976, served as Lt. Governor, and then led the National Womens Political Caucus.
Harriet Woods did not at first want to be identified as a
"women's issues" politician. She soon learned there was a substantial need for her to advocate women's issues. Fortunately she also was able to make her mark in others areas, such as drafting and passing model nursing home reform legislation.
The 1960s opened new discussions regarding the status of women, Harriet Woods writes. More women entered politics. Even today, though, very few women with small children are politically active. Harriet Woods notes that 85% of female office holders are over 40 years in age. By comparison, 28% of male office holders are age 40 or younger.
The role of women in politics has changed dramatically in Harriet Woods's lifetime. This book is an excellent record of those changes written by someone who both observed and participated in these changes.

This book fills a gap in political literature and should be required reading for all those involved in politics at the grassroots level as well as numerous political science classes. The emergence of women into the political mainstream was probably the most important political trend in the United States in the last half of the 20th century and is one sure to continue into the 21st century. It is important not only because when we have men and women serving together in government, we have better government; but it is incredibly important to the status of women throughout the world. This book is essential because of the importance of its subject. In detailing her struggles in politics, Woods gives excellent practical advice and perspective to women politicians trying to get elected, women office holders trying to impact the political process of city, county, state and federal governments, and also to men to better understand the particular differences and benefits to working together. Whether she is talking about her early struggles in the Missouri legislature or the impact of the Anita Hill hearings during Clarence Thomas' Supreme Court confirmation process, Woods makes these events jump alive for us and helps us gain perspective on the critical impact women have had and can have as partners in the governmental process. This book assumed an added poignance for me because during my reading of it, the plane crash occurred that claimed the life of Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan. It is interesting to hear Woods' references to him in this book. Clearly, I highly recommend this book for all involved in the political process, both men and women. As a man, we cannot afford to allow the talents of our daughters, wife, mother, grandmothers, aunts and friends to be ignored and unrealized. The opportunity to now expand the role of women in government may be one which will have the most impact in improving our political system here in the United States and around the world.

I don't know how the novel of crime (no use calling it a mystery because this book does not follow the standard mystery format of crime, suspects, detective discovers identity of criminal, at all) has become a favored method by which writers examine society. It probably says something about our society that here the killer and the bureaucrats seem equally souless.

Abigail Padgett has a message. The message is that the mentally ill are more often the victims than the perpetrators of criminal acts. Her positive characters are all survivors. Bo, her main character is a manic depressive, the sole surviving member of her family. Eva Boussard, a psychiatrist, is the survivor (so far) of breast cancer. Rombo is a surviver of alcoholism and hatred by his father. Andy became a pediatrician after his daughter drowned due to neglect.

And all of these people go on doing the best that they can, sometimes getting side tracked from their own purposes because of their basic humanity in an effort to save a little girl whose sister was raped and whose mother committed suicide, free an innocent man and stop the real killer. And they do it with grace, humor and much humanity.

Highly recommend.

I have read every one of Padgett's books, and enjoy them all tremendously. These are mystery stories written for literate, thoughtful people, and I can't understand why Padgett's books are so hard to get! Abigail Padgett is a thoughtful, lyrical author who assumes her readers will "get it" without spoonfeeding. I read this book "out of sequence", but am grateful to get my hands on anything this talented woman writes in any way I can.

Abigail Padgett is one of today's best mystery writers, right up there with Laurie R. King. "Strawgirl" is the second in her series about Bo Bradley, a manic-depressive child-abuse investigator. Sounds like a downer, but it's not. Ms. Padgett's literate writing, deft storytelling ability and complex characterization make this a most enjoyable read. Bo Bradley is an admirable, courageous and likable character, as is the psychiatrist and cult researcher Eva Blindhawk Broussard, who is introduced in "Strawgirl." I had to seek out a secondhand copy of this book, and it was well worth the effort.