Governments

By far the most interesting book I've read in a *long* time, Morone's _Hellfire Nation_ examines the 200+ years of America's history, but takes a wholly different approach from the norm; instead of seeing the early Puritan settlements as an anomaly that would gradually fade as history progressed, he cites the Puritanistic "us versus them" outlook of morality as being an integral part of most of American history.

And yes, this is a very refreshing and fascinating way in which to view history. Morone's basic thesis is that a) "popular" American morality is frequently cited as the only thing that can protect "us" from "them," whether "they" are blacks, the Irish, Jews, et cetera, and b) that this emphasis on those frightening Un-Americans is what fuels "moral fanaticism," like prohibition, Comstockery, the VD/social hygiene movement, c) and from this, laws are put into place which persist long after their spawning social movements have died down, leaving them in the hand of fanatics. The thesis doesn't just hold up; it *thrives*, adequately explaining many facets of much of American moral history, and while Morone's constant repetition of the final point stated above (that fanaticism eventually dies down, leading a select few to continue its legacy to the detriment of a no-longer-incensed society) becomes a bit wearisome, it really does show how *well* so many social events fit into this pattern.

Verdict? Yes, Morone's clearly "biased," if one must use that term, to a classical liberal side of things (i.e. don't expect any sympathy for Jim Crow here), yet he is certainly open-minded, wondering for example how prohibition would have turned out if its emphasis had been on the positive nature of sobriety instead of punishing and routing bootleggers (he has similar semi-misgivings about the social hygiene movement's relentless pursuit of prostitutes). But that doesn't dimish Hellfire Nation's power. If you have a passing interest in the intersection of morality and society, you must give this one a shot!

Morone presents an intriguing view of American politics in "Hellfire Nation" (an appropriate follow up to his previous book, "The Democratic Wish").
The book is a unique look at the history of America, which expounds the moral fervor that has ignited the fiercest social conflicts and engendered major social movments.
"For better and for worse, moral conflicts made America," says Morone.
At the end, Morone presents an insightful and inspiring call to a different type of moral politics (which was unfortunately misunderstood by Garrow in his New York Times review).
This book is recommended to those interested in attaining a better understanding of American politics and our post 9/11 world.

Hellfire Nation is the best book I have ever read! And I love how Professor Morone drives the crowd wild with his tight black jeans, black sneakers, crazy ties and red shirts. We love you Professor Morone!

Not that the author is telling anything new. Most politicians have always been vermin, addicted to money, power and fame at the expense of the public. But every once in a while people needed to be reminded of this. This book is somewhat disjointed, so much so that you might as well not even try to follow it chronologically. But he makes many important points, the most important of them being that most politicians do not care about anything except themselves. What was an epiphany for Jackley when when he realized "they do not care about the children" (which is one of politician's favorite lies). Jackley, who worked for three Democrats, never comes out and says it, but from what he writes it is apparent that Democrats are by far worse than Republicans. He should know, with first-hand experience. This is a scary book. Most politicians don't even know what they are talking about; they spend all their time trying to enrich themselves and stay in office. They pass laws they know nothing about. They leave everything up to their assistants (the "Hill Rats" of the title). After reading this book it's obvious the only solution for the federal government is to shut about 75 percent of it down. It's never going to be reformed. Jackley points out the best way to look at anyone in Congress is to think, "He's a liar only out for himself." This is a truth that I doubt will ever change.

Jackley writes an unsmiling portrait of the modern congressional office. His anecdotes from the Hill feel real and will make you feel ill. Once you read this book, you'll really appreciate why so many people feel disaffected from government.

After having read the book, I saw Jackley on CSPAN. He gave an address where you could write him and said that he would try to answer. I did write him and he did answer -- in longhand!

Jackley recounts his career as a press secretary for various Democratic congressmen during the 1980's. Congressmen are whores for honoraria and junkets from the industries they regulate, CSPAN time, and enough campaign contributions to ensure that they remain among the 96% re-elected. Their staffers, the "Hill rats", are whores for receptions where the lobbyists buy shrimp. Every few pages, you learn about another perk the separates Congress from the rest of us. Maybe it is the IRS opening an office in the Cannon House Office Building to help members and staff prepare their taxes. Or perhaps the Congressionally-funded FAA traffic controller revoking the landing clearance of a commercial jet so that Congressman Ron Coleman (D-TX) wouldn't have to circle. I grew up in Washington, D.C., so I thought that I didn't have anything more to learn about politicians. Jackley's strangely apolitical work casts a very different light on the people we thought we knew.

(note, I wrote more about this on my site, http://photo.net/philg )

I am a long time, transplanted resident of Buenas Aires. In my homeland, we take great pride in the revolutionary heroes that both overthrew the political colonialism of Spain and the economic colonialism of Great Britain. Although we live in the shadow of the North Americans, we share a common revolutionary heritage. As one who has spent many hours amongst the people in our capital city, I share Senior Kashatus' enthusiasm for the sites of the North American city of revolution. His guide has proven most illuminating and having read it through, look forward to using it as the basis of my visit to that historic city.

I visited Philadelphia as a young man while involved in a liason with a young woman from that city many years ago. During my time there, I idly walked through the lower parts of the city, looking at, but paying little attention to the magnificent things around me. I confess to having brought little back with me from the experience save a broken heart, a few maps and some local guides.

A corresponding friend from the neighboring state of New Jersey happened to send me a copy of Herr Kashatus' book, indicating that the author is a friend. I soon thereafter read it. I found it a pleasant enlightener of old memories, putting into context what I simpy walked by.

Having since gained a more serious appreciation of the American past, I look to this book as a sourse of background material for subjects that I hope to explore further. I intend to visit Philadelphia again soon and to take these "walks", book in hand and really see what I have previously just looked at.

Having taken the walk with the author many years ago, I find that he captures the feeling and the sprit of the sites he describes. He does this both accurately and with a sence of personal intimacy.

In the late summer months of 1933 and 1934, groups of German citizens flocked to Berghof hoping to catch a glimpse of Adolf Hitler walking through the countryside . Filled with a zealous belief for the 'Hitler Myth', post World War I Germany surrendered itself to Nazi propaganda. Responding to the humiliating treaty of Versailles and the economically unstable Weimar Republic, Hitler took on the Weberian characteristics of charismatic leadership . Unconditional loyalty and unquestioned faith in the Fuhrer rekindled historical notions of charismatic authority within the German psyche. Only after millions of European deaths and an Allied imposed peace could Germany finally tear itself away from the spell of Adolf Hitler.
Unlike other chroniclers and scholars of the Nazi regime, Ian Kershaw in his book The Hitler Myth: Image and Reality in The Third Reich, examined the subtle distinction World War II German citizens carried in their assessment of Hitler and the Nazi Party. According to Kershaw, Hitler realized that the personality cult constructed around him could be used to cement the integration of the Nazi Party and the German populace. Indeed, the spell of Hitler or the myth of Hitler did not always exactly correspond with the German populace's perception of the Nazi Party. Throughout his well documented work, Kershaw makes the case that the 'Hitler Myth' held a different form of allegiance within World War II Germany. The 'Hitler Myth' unlike the Nazi party, prevented the German citizen from abandoning the Fuhrer in his quest for European dominance . It was trust in Hitler not in allegiance to the Nazi Party that propelled many German citizens to fight through World War II, despite food shortages and mounting casualties. Only after the dropping of 1,202,000 tons of bombs in 1944 did the majority of the German populace awaken to the reality of the Third Reich and realize the linkage between the devastating policies of the Nazi party and 'The Hitler Myth'.
The separation of the Fuhrer from the Nazi party began with the incarceration of Adolf Hitler at Landsberg in 1924. Prior to his jailing, Hitler merely saw himself as an intrepid vanguard for a future National Socialist dictator . Only after a period of gestation when Hitler read voraciously, wrote Mein Kampf, and received countless party visitors did the future Fuhrer bloom to the realization that he could carry the mantle of National Socialism and assume the untapped potential of the 'Hitler Myth'. Only a year prior to Hitler's incarceration, the German populace viewed the Munich orator as little more than a "vulgar demagogue". With his Landsberg transformation, Hitler assumed the reigns of the Nazi Party.
Appealing to the German middle classes, Hitler promoted a message of anti-Marxism and strong authoritarian leadership. While assuming political power for the Nazi Party, Hitler subtly cultivated his own cult of personality and authority by issuing a 1933 directive through the Minister of the Interior calling for the compulsory greeting of 'Heil Hitler' for all governmental employees . More than jailings, beatings, and political sabotage, the greeting of 'Heil Hitler' provided the Fuhrer with a subtle tool for manufacturing German consent. This consent was needed in 1933-41 as the Nazi party failed to uphold promises of economic renewal and growth . Despite material dissatisfaction, the German populace did not reject the 'Hitler Myth' which was seen by many Germans inhabiting an allegiance outside the political and economic system.
Hitler realized that the continued allegiance of the German populace needed to be sustained by tangible triumphs. The growth of Lebensraum not GDP was an essential component in fostering the 'Hitler Myth'. In 1938 and 1939, Hitler created a mythos of 'Triumph without Bloodshed' by occupying the Sudentanland with a perceived skill and strong armed diplomacy. If Landsberg secured the 'Hitler Myth' within the Nazi Party structure, the Munich Crisis convinced a majority of the German citizens to unquestionably follow the charismatic and diplomatically agile leadership of Adolf Hitler. Following victories in Denmark, Norway, Poland, and France, the 'Hitler Myth' encapsulated all of Germany, since military action failed to make a serious dent in the living conditions of late 1930's Germany .
The growth of Lebensraum and 'Hitler Myth' met their fate in the Stalingrad winter of 1943. Despite claims of fighting a Valhallian death, Hitler and the Nazi propaganda machine of Joseph Goebells could not mask the defeat of General Paulas and the surrender of 90,000 German soldiers . In addition, the North African military reverses and the treatment of Germany's mentally ill, chipped away at the Hitler Myth . Though Hitler was losing his dream of Lebensraum, the Hitler myth still showed its tenacity through the Final Solution.
For Kershaw, the Hitler Myth provided the German populace with an excuse to disassociate themselves from the genocidal anti-Semitism taking place across the Eastern Front. In a 1942 survey of Nazi party members, 42% of those sampled which was the largest percentage of the opinion poll, indicated that they had no interest in the fate of the Jews. In fact, the German populace never heard Hitler speak of the Jewish question in any public speeches from 1933 to 1934. Clearly, Hitler promoted the Fuhrer myth to two different audiences with two different objectives. The 'Hitler Myth', which was promoted to the public, focused on a growth of Lebensraum and a linkage to the Nazi Party agenda. While the 'Hitler Myth' encapsulating the Nazi Party apparatus insured unyielding loyalty to the Fuhrer and a direct participation within the Final Solution .
Only after World War II could the world and many German citizens obtain an accurate picture of the Third Reich. The Final Solution and the irrational quest for Lebensraum were finally upheld to a public light. However, this awakening came in 1945, not in 1933 when Adolf Hitler obtained the Chancellorship. For almost twelve years, the majority of the German people never questioned the "Hitler Myth'. Only after an allied bombing campaign that directly affected 1 in 3 Germans did the Volk turn away from Hitler . By 1945, German citizens no longer found the "Hitler Myth' in the sunny garden of Berghof but could see it in the morbid bunker of Berlin.

This book explores the development of Hitler's image by Nazi propagandists and the relationship of this image with the German voting public and with German society. It is a fascinating study of the era, contrasting the carefully constructed and manipulated public persona of Hitler with the reality of his rule and hold over Nazi Germany.

Ian Kershaw researched this book primarily by looking at numerous historical reports on the attitudes and morale of the German public. These included those written for the Gestapo and other Nazi state security organisations and also those by the anti-Nazi SPD socialist party. The results illustrate the perceptions and attitudes of various sections of German society towards Hitler and the Nazis and are a fascinating insight into the Third Reich years. Mr Kershaw's thesis is that Hitler, as a model of charismatic leadership, was the dominant factor behind the Nazi vote. One voted not for the Nazi party as such and for whatever policies it stood for, but for Adolf Hitler himself. Hence, it was necessary to mould his public persona to exploit this appeal. Once the image collapsed in the later war years, so did the regime, as its public support was reliant on the image.

It is amazing in this day and age to think of Hitler as a moderate, rational figure. Yet the book clearly shows how this was largely the perception of him held by the German electorate, an image deliberately created by Hitler himself and the Nazi propaganda machine. To garner the mainstream support needed to secure power, Hitler needed to appear as a figure of national unity, above petty party politics and prejudices and separate and distinct from the excesses and evils of the Nazi movement, which were apportioned exclusively to extremist, radical elements in the party. These bad elements would eventually be brought to heel by Hitler, who as a figure of sacred purity, was anyway probably unaware of the abuses being committed in his name. At least such was the fantasy cleverly dreamt up by Goebbels. This manipulation of public perceptions is exemplified by the Nazi attempt to ban crucifixes and other religious imagery in schools in Bavaria during the war years. This action was reversed due to public outcry, with Hitler publicly appearing to amend matters after he became aware of them, fixing the blame on lower party officials. In reality, the decision would have been Hitler's from the beginning. This incident highlights how reliant the Nazis always were on public support, even after the consolidation of power and the extension of the Nazi police and terror apparatus over Germany.

Likewise, Hitler's image was also of a man of peace, interested only in protecting Germany from external Communist and Anglo-French aggression. The foreign policy coups over the Rheinland, Austria and the Sudetenland helped to sustain the regime's at times shaky popularity, as it is failed to deal completely with the Depression era economic problems afflicting the Third Reich. Once war came, it was naturally time to rally around the Fuhrer, the alternative of capitulation, defeat and possible occupation being too bitter to contemplate. The Hitler myth therefore died a slow death during the war years, wrapping up together as it did so many prejudicial strands in German society which had been exploited and which were tough to dispense with overnight.

The final section of the book deals with public attitudes towards the Jews and Nazi Jewish policy. It is Mr Kershaw's contention, and here he admits some inference from the available evidence is required, that while anti-Semitism was widespread in Germany, it was not necessarily a motivating factor in voting for Hitler and the Nazis. Contemporary motivational theory would therefore describe anti-Semitism as a "hygiene" factor in voting for Hitler, it would not deter someone from voting for him yet it would not be the primary motivating factor. Indeed, many of Hitler's speeches in the early thirties stayed clear of specific anti-semitic sentiment or at least minimised it, the Jewish question only being brought to the fore towards the onset of war. In this context, the Nazis again were sensitive to public disquiet. It is interesting to note that their policy of euthanasia involving the mentally ill was reversed in Germany due to the level of protest encountered. With this in mind it is easier to appreciate why the Nazis went to such lengths to preserve the secrecy of the death camps and the Final Solution.

Professor Kershaw's book describes the social impact of and reaction to the "Hitler Myth" created by the Nazi propaganda machine. It explains what the "Hitler Myth" was and the effect the Myth had in the German society. The book discusses the rise and development of the Myth during the pre-war years. It also explores the fall and final bankruptcy of the empty Myth. Generally, it is an excellent book on German society during the Nazi Era.

Beyond being a lively and dramatic account of the variety of expatriot politics within the different Croat, Serb, and Kosovar diasporas -- and between them and their homelands -- "Homeland Calling" explains much of the fractious politics within and between the remnant units of Yugoslavia; and it deftly touches on critical Euro-American policy making as well. Hockenos' concise and well-placed summaries of both remote and recent historical events set the stage for understanding the first-hand accounts of key participants' maneuvers that he so carefully weaves into his text. "Homeland Calling" goes a long way toward clarifying the complexities of a crucial decade of Balkan politics and war.

"Homeland Calling" by Paul Hockenos records the role that the diasporas played in the Balkans wars in the 1990s. Hockenos' enthusiastic and intriguing account of the individuals that he introduces to the reader rapidly struck a chord. His characters often seem larger than life -the man next door turns out to be a character in a Graham Greene novel, organising underground networks and smuggling arms to support an ethno-national ideal. Hockenos provides a peephole into the workings of these intricate networks and provides an insight into the motivations behind these actions. What of the role of these diasporas in the post-conflict Balkans? Hockenos explores the dilemma of the willingness to support the war, but reluctance to help build the democratic institutions which would ensure a lasting peace.

When I bought this book it was not out of an interest in the Balkans. I bought Homeland Calling due to an interest in the role that exiles and diasporas play in today's conflicts and in today's globalised world, particularly relating to the research I am conducting into the conflicts in Africa and the role of diasporas in these conflict. Not only has Hockenos shed some considerable light on the mechanisms of the diaspora machine, but he has also cured an allergy for anything Balkan.

I can highly recommend this book to those interested in diasporas, in the Balkans, in the dynamics of support networks for today's conflicts, or simply as a really good read.

Hockenos does an excellent job investigating the diaspora communities outside of the former Yugoslavia which were so instrumental in affecting the region. The depth of access is impressive. Hockenos makes solid connections between the diaspora communities and the former Yugoslavia, both contemporarily, during the Second World War and inter alia. This subject was just waiting to be written on, other writers of the region have temptingly made passing references but Hockenos packeged it all up. Although Hockenos made a valid disclaimer concerning objectivity and bias he obviously has strong feeling about nationalism and his own views of what happened in the former Yugoslavia are apparent. The intent of the book was as much an indictment of nationalist diaspora communities as it was an analysis. Hockenos is clearly hostile to the Croat nationalists and sympathetic to the Kosovars. However, here he is in multitudinal company and I don't think Hockenos, himself, would shy away from an anti-nationalist moniker. A deeper investigation of the Serb communities in Western Europe and the Croat communites in South America would add much to an already good work.

If you are dissatisfied or angry when watching the news or reading a newspaper, then reading How to Save America and the World can help you to understand why the propaganda the media is pushing upsets you. Yes, America's a great country, however, she is not without flaws! This book will help you to see the flaws more clearly and understand the root of them. It also explains the difference between common sense and uncommon sense. So many people today seem to go through life not even thinking about what they are doing. They are satisfied to follow the rules or follow the crowd, but never to break free and think for themselves. How many times have you heard "That's the way it's done because that's the way it's always been done"? Challenge yourself to think outside the box and read this book. You too can welcome uncommon sense into your life and have a better understanding of why our country is in the shape it is in.

This book is an incisive, hard-hitting exploration of the myriad problems facing our world today. This timely examination of issues is much needed in a world that is scared and confused by recent events. Mr. Francione has clearly done his homework and each chapter presents a thorough examination of its topic. While easy to read and understand, the logic and logical conclusions of this book are unassailable. No thinking person can deny the truths found in this must read book.

This book explains the underlying REASONS why terrorism and every other societal evil exists. It is an easy to read primer that goes right to the heart of our problems from the terrorism committed by Islamic radicals to the terrorism carried out by high school teenagers with no hope. Both types of terrorist are trying to tell us something. There are reasons!

You will not find the same tired explanations of problems that have no solutions. This book gives the solutions since they are easy to understand once the real problems are uncovered. Stop listening to the nightly "news" (a gross misnomer since it is the same dusty product in a sparkly package). And start reading real news. What this book has to say will never be spoken by bought-and-paid-for "media puppets." Freedom of the press is limited to those who own one.

Terrorism is only one of the many issues discussed in this book. Since terrorism is but one of many RESULTS, this book deals more with the CAUSES of terrorism and other evils. It explains in a non-religious manner why the LACK of true spirituality (honor, compassion and integrity) brings every type of evil upon us. Unless we are willing to confront our spiritual and moral weakness, no amount of guns and money will stop terrorism, crime and disease. They will only make the bomb owners richer while taxpayers become more poor.

It is this author's position that the real problem is the greed and ego of those who are supposed to lead us by good example. Instead, we are being taught to grab all the money and toys we can by any means necessary. Our leaders have taught us well and we have been good students. Now we are frantically waving flags without any idea of what America really stands for. Hint: it isn't shop (or party) until you drop. And in case you haven't noticed, America is no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. It has become the land of the overtaxed, overworked and undereducated. It is the home of the fearful who look to Oprah and Jerry Springer to show us that our children are hopeless and suicidal, our relationships are full of deceit and disrespect and our courts of full of drug cases and "the coffee was too hot, it burned me - give me 10 million dollars. Boo hoo."

America is still the greatest country the world has ever seen. But it is in serious trouble. This book explains how we can solve ALL of its problems and turn America into the happy and healthy nation we all want it to be. The only thing standing in the way is our hopelessness and our leaders' greed. True patriotism not jingoism is sorely needed. This book explains the vital difference.

As long as we continue to believe that nothing can be done - nothing will be done. Whether you believe you can or you can't - you're right!! We will continue downward toward a nation where our children will be less well off than we are. We will continue to experience terrorism and growing unemployment while our industies close their doors one after another. We will lose more civil rights in a desperate attempt to "catch the evil terrorists." And we will lose our American standard of living! The middle class is now being bled. Our leaders won't stop until we are all poor or dead and only they are rich.

This book picks up where the movie BULLWORTH left off. If you haven't seen the movie, see it. It should be required viewing for every American. This book should be required reading. Remember, as Edmund Burke said, the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. If you do only one thing to help America and yourself, read this book. And tell two friends.

I read this book from cover to cover in one reading!
As the author of 23 books including a Time magazine
bestseller a New York Times bestseller and also a Amazon
number 2 Bestseller I highly recommend this book to all of my
book readers.

There are many books written by Holocaust survivors. There are many books written by Holocaust survivors who made it big in America. There are also many books written by Holocaust survivors who made it big in America and became great Jewish philanthropists. But this is the first book that includes all of the above with an intimate, up close look at the various Israeli politicians who we read about every day in the newspaper.
Like the author, Menachem Begin is also my hero -please note- I DID NOT SAY MY IDOL!!! (see the chapter on Mar Begin) The closest I ever came to Begin was paying my respects at his gravesite in Jerusalem. The author's recollections of his many visits with Begin was much more than an ersatz substitute, it was a balanced visit into Begin the man- something that all his biographers never got quite
right (with the possible exception of Harry Hurwitz's biography.)

The chapter "Rubbing Shoulders" was arguably the best in the book. The story of the American supporter of Ariel Sharon who tried to convince him to go on a diet may have been the funniest story I have ever read. I laughed so hard my wife thought I was cracking up!!!

If you love Israel and her wonderful people- buy this book now

If you don't love Israel- buy this book anyway. It may just change your mind.

a story of how true faith in the Al-mighty brought one man in contact with leaders of our generation. a story of how Hitler's and Stalin's plot to destroy the Jewish People will never succeed.

In this splendid volume the full import of the Vedic Knowledge on which the ancient Vedic Civilization was based is set out. Could such a civilization ever exist again? The answer provided in this book is a resounding 'Yes!' India can again become Ideal India and can be a Lighthouse of Peace on Earth.

This book is a tour-de-force, integrating the deepest significance of the plethora of expressions of Natural Law embodied in the different Vedic Devatas, with the most recent understandings of how the vibrational modes of the Superstring Quantum Field Theory give rise to all creation. It details how the very existence of our human physiology is an integrated expression of both. In addition, whatever your field: government,
education, medicine, defence, agriculture etc., the knowledge for ide al administration of your area is clearly set out, together with extensive references to recent research, and presentations by those who have begun to implement these principles. In language anyone can easily understand, this book presents fully the practical applications of the teachings of His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

To be Indian at a time when this level of knowledge is available everywhere (check out Veda Vision/The Maharishi Channel, a world-wide satellite TV channel referred to in this book), must be to swell with a pride greater than that of the citizens of any of the world's great empires. This book is an investment that no-one can afford to be without in this 21st century.

Ideal India-Lighthouse of Peace on Earth is an enormous, consummate gift from His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi to India, the Land of the Veda, and to the whole world.

The unspoken exhortation, "Awake!" runs like a chord throughout the book:

"Awake, India, to the priceless treasure of your Vedic heritage.

"Awake, modern world-so peaceless, divided, and self-destructive-to your natural state of unity and enlightenment."

In the Bhagavad Gita, the most famous text of the Vedic Literature, Lord Krishna gives Arjuna the Total Knowledge of life and Arjuna says, "Smriti Labda-I have regained memory." In the same way, Maharishi knows that India's Vedic Tradition provides the master key to eliminate all problems in every field of human life-only India herself must remember her Vedic heritage, buried under the cloud of centuries of foreign influence.

Nearly half a century ago, Maharishi took as his goal the spiritual regeneration of the whole world through the complete knowledge of life passed down through the great Masters of the Vedic Tradition. During the past forty-five years, he has organized the millennia-old scattered Vedic Literature into a perfect science and has designed programs to apply this knowledge to every area of society.

In Ideal India-Lighthouse of Peace on Earth, Maharishi reminds India that "The roots of Indian life are in Cosmic Law. Modern laws are too superficial to do justice to the ideals of real Indian Law and the Indian aspiration for Cosmic Life to be practically lived in individual life."

This book tells us that "Veda" means knowledge, the Total Knowledge of Natural Law. Maharishi sees India-the real India, which is a land of knowledge, the Land of the Veda-as having the ability to radiate an indomitable influence of peace and to serve as a nourishing mother for our whole world family by making every area of national life Vedic. The book outlines in complete, practical detail exactly how this can be done.

Ideal India- Lighthouse of Peace on Earth is not only a book for India; it is an encyclopedia of Maharishi's Vedic Science, including within its 500 pages the content of a number of Maharishi's other books, as well as many new gems of knowledge, for example the extensive section on Maharishi Vedic Organic Agriculture.

Lovers of peace around the world will treasure this book, will feel overwhelming gratitude to Maharishi for disclosing the Total Knowledge of life so simply and practically in this generation, and will feel compelled to apply its wisdom to restore our world to its natural state of peace and perfection.

Ideal India - the Lighthouse of Peace on Earth is one of the most inspiring, informative, reliable and confidence-building books that I and my husband, Dr. Dinesh Dey, have ever read. It was extremely uplifting to understand that no nation, no individual, need feel suppressed or suffer today, because the key to power is in being invincible. The knowledge to gain invincibility is readily available in this book.

Every important aspect of life and living has been critically approached and analyzed, namely: education, health care, administration, defense, agriculture, and poverty. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi has emphasized that all problems arise out of our ignorance of self, and only true knowledge about the self can solve every difficulty, every problem in our lives. At the basis of this enlightened approach to the world's problems is the knowledge drawn from the Vedas and Vedic Literature, a body of knowledge compiled by great seers or Rishis of India from time immemorial and reorganized by Maharishi for its theoretical and practical significance.

The most appealing aspect of the book is that it constantly draws upon a great body of scientific research and publications that have over the years authenticated the beneficial aspects of Transcendental meditation and the Vedic knowledge. That the Veda and Vedic Literature have the answers from the smallest to the largest problems in today's world is amazing.

It was doubly satisfying for us to read this book, because, as Indians, we realized that it is a book which can not only make all Indians comprehend that in India's glorious past is the solution to all it's present woes, but that India can also serve as a road map for peace, prosperity and progress for all nations on earth.

If you are new to the political job arena in Washington, Bill Endicott's book is a must-read. I had moved to DC in the fall of 2001 with very little knowledge about the political job market. With "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington" as my guidebook, I was able to land the job I had sought.

The author does a great job describing the types of political jobs that are available - truly valuable to someone with little or no knowledge of the DC job structure. Following this, the reader learns how to actually get these jobs. The author's experience and knowledge really shine through, and there is no one better than Bill Endicott to explain the process of finding a job. In addition, the case studies present to the reader descriptions of how individuals from a wide range of backgrounds (and party affiliations) not only landed the coveted first job, but also how they had worked their way up the ranks.

Whether you are a student looking to land that first political job or a professional looking to make a career change into politics, read this book to gain an understanding of political jobs that is unavailable anywhere else. I can honestly admit that without "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington," I would have never developed a successful plan and would have never landed a great job.

At last there's a book that explains what political jobs are all about! Bill Endicott's An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington is a masterful presentation of information, advice and anecdotes. In combination this collection lays out real strategies for preparing for a political career, landing a first job and making a real impact in the job once you get it. The author draws on his own substantial experience in political parties, Congress, executive agencies and the White House to give readers the "insider's" perspective promised by the title. In addition to his own experience, the author introduces the reader to a number of political pros who have "made it" and taken a variety of different paths to their successful careers.

Particularly instructive is the discussion of working in the White House. Regular "West Wing" viewers may get the impression that the chief of staff, the press secretary and the office of communications is pretty much all there is. The book introduces the reader to almost 50 different offices and a variety of different jobs that serve the immediate needs of the President and his senior staff. While one might get the impression from television and movies that jobs working for the President are out of reach, Endicott dispels that myth.

One might expect a practical "how to" book of such detailed quality to suffer from air of cynicism about the entire process. The absence of that outlook is one of the most refreshing and enjoyable aspects of the book. Bill Endicott believes in the process and he offers a passionate defense of both politics and service. Beyond offering the reader roadmaps to successful political careers, Endicott defends service within the political process. In Endicott's Washington, anyone with a strong desire to serve can use their skills to make a meaningful contribution to their country. That is an optimistic proposition, but it is supported by strong empirical evidence throughout the book.

For those inclined to ask John F. Kennedy's eternal question, "what you can do for your country?", Endicott's book reveals where and how to find the answer.

Bill Endicott's "An Insider's Guide to Political Jobs in Washington" is a roadmap for those who love politics, but don't quite know how to get started. I can think of nothing else on the market that reveals with full disclosure what working in Washington is like. When I graduated from university 5 years ago, I had countless questions that I couldn't find answers to at career fairs or through contact with alumni: What kinds of political positions are available? How do I decide whom to work for? How does one advance? Should I drop everything and work on a campaign?

These questions and others are precisely what Endicott's detailed description of the political process and his insightful case studies aim to help answer. His years in Washington offer a rich context that shines through in his colorful interviews and anecdotes. Endicott's exhaustive compilation of opportunities available in Washington will be an invaluable resource for aspiring politicos and may even inspire those who like to dabble in politics once in a while to consider public service. Students all over the country will be grateful for Endicott's thoroughness as they will no longer have to rely on word of mouth to get the skinny on what Beltway politics is really like.

This 2001/02 edition provides a guide to federal government web sites which will prove an invaluable reference for any seeking departments of the Treasury, Justice, HUD, Defense and more. From parks and preserves to air force libraries, Internet Blue Pages is packed with solid reference details which may change of time, but probably not as quickly as the usual web site reference.

The size of the United States Government has grown by leaps and bounds since its humble beginning a little over two hundred years ago. The founding fathers of this country probably never envisioned such rapid growth. Many of us living today probably wished it hadn't. Anyway, we must live with it. Fortunately, we can all benefit from our tax money at work by logging onto a number of government Websites and glean from the vast amounts of information available at them.

Laurie Andriot has compiled an extensive number of government Websites in Internet Blue Pages to offer her readers a heavy-hitting source of government resources. Information gleaned from these sites can help readers make better business decisions, assist them in finding employment, make it easier for them to obtain veterans services, help them to keep up on the latest Washington news and lawmaking (and law-breaking), and much more!

Readers will be able to access tons of government policy and regulatory information covering a variety of issues, including health, safety, food, finances, employment, military, transportation, civil rights, the arts and sciences, and social issues that affect our country and our way of living. I was quite surprised to see a Website listed for the RAF Mildenhall Air Force Base located in England. I had visited this base a number of times while serving in the Air Force at another base in this same country!

Andriot offers brief but helpful commentary on many of the sites listed, including the historical background and roles of many government offices and agencies we have heard about and perhaps a few we never knew existed! Readers are encouraged to read through these blue pages to learn more about the government that has pledged to serve our best interests.

Regardless of what your opinion is of the current administration and congressional representation, our government has plenty of useful information available to meet a variety of personal and business needs. One can tell by the size of this book that there is plenty to go around. This book provides a heavy dose of it. It is ideal for people who either want to do business with our government agencies or want to learn how best to keep them off their backs!

As an internet neophyte, I'm having some difficulty navigating. It is wonderful to have such a tool as the Internet Blue Pages, which not only gives you all the government web sites, but has a myriad of links to related sites. Buy this book!