Governments

To reclaim its legacy as a paragon of plurality, argues a research associate at Georgetown's Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Lebanon must first climb out of the morass of "isms" into which it has devolved through decades of civil strife and the meddling of others. Though relatively short, Dagher's book covers a lot of ground. It contains a historical overview of Lebanon's myriad communities as well as an analysis of the development of their mutual distrust. By exposing the nation's self-destructive, inter-communal misconceptions, the author aims to dispel them. Among her allies she numbers no less a figure than Pope John Paul II, whose 1997 visit to Lebanon is stirringly described by Dagher, who shows him standing outside a cathedral (with the sun setting into the Mediterranean as a backdrop) and imploring the country's youth to "bring down the walls erected in the painful past". Those walls, in the author's view, are founded on dogmatic ideologies: sectarianism, Maronitism, fundamentalism, pluralism, and pan-Arabism, to name a few. With unabashed passion, Dagher warns that if Lebanon fails in its multicultural mission, it spells doom not just for a nation uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between Christianity and Islam, but for the entire Levant, which looks to the "country of Cedars" as an oasis in a desert of expanding fanaticism. Her book is a model of engaged journalism, combining thorough research with intensity derived from a personal connection to the subject matter. Quoting numerous Christian and Muslim leaders who stress the importance of preserving diversity, she proves that pluralism is not her ideal alone; it is Lebanon's. Documenting the nation's efforts before and after the civil war to build a model democratic society of diverse sects, she makes a convincing case that the current chronic discord is an aberration. A tougher read for the casual Middle East reader than, say, Thomas Friedman's From Beirut to Jerusalem (1989), but far more penetrating and therefore a must for the expert.

"Bring down the Walls" is a truly unique contribution to the understanding of the sublime mosaic that is the Middle East. The author delves with expert understanding into the complexities of Lebanon's post-war efforts to renew itself and rejuvuate intercommunal relations. Unlike many other writers who approach Lebanon with a snide cyncism and stereotypical images of religious and political groups, author Dahger treats her subject with a compelling sense of humanity, realism and dignity. Combining her honed journalistic skills with an obvious scholarly aptitude, Dagher offers the reader that rare literary opportunity: to learn and enjoy at the same time. The book is replete with incisive first-hand accounts of dramatic efforts to rebuild the shattered spirit of Lebanon, and in particular that of its ancient Christian community. With equal skill and finesse,the reader is effortlessly transported inside the walls of the Vatican to listen in on the great deliberations of the historic 1995 Synod for Lebanon, or to Damascus and the discussion between the US Secretary of State and the President of Syria over Lebanon's future, or to Pope John Paul II's emotional and triumpiant 1997 visit to Lebanon; listen to the author's words, "The Popemobile dived into the bubbling cauldron of the jubliant crowd. It was strewn with rose petals and rice. His face turned red by the sweltering heat of May and by the emotion,the Supreme Pontiff scanned with tenderness and attention the faces and hands lifted toward him. He opened the window and reached out to a a child." (p.189) Not only is this a book sparkling with an abundance of literary gems, but it is an important and timely contribution to the fundamental issue of nation-building. Pluralism, civic society, the role of the military, consenual democracy and institutional governance are seriously treated within the Lebanese experience, but are clearly applicable to any society coping with religious, ethnic and racial diversity. So at one level, "Bring Down the Walls" is an unsurpassed examination of the recent trails and tribulations of the Christians of Lebanon, particularily the Maronite Catholics, at another level, it suggests a blueprint for Lebanon's spiritual and intercommunal revival, and finally it provides a universal message, through the prism of Lebanon's long ordeal of suffering, that speaks to the values of tolerance, diversity and co-existance. I highly recommend "Bring Down the Walls" as an historical account of significant events hitherto ignored, as a political and social analysis of modern day Eastern Christians and their role in the great issues of the Middle East and Islam, and as a moving and personal tribute to Lebanon, a land of martyrs, a land of heros.

I purchased this book as I enjoy simulations. This volume contains ten simulations that cover history, politics, and geography. They are easy to understand, come with detailed instructions, and the students enjoy them. One aspect I enjoyed about this book was that the instructions break down how to utilize the simulation with different level students-from basic to advanced. This is helpful for teachers who have a diverse student population. I ran the Alliance simulation dealing with World War I this semester and my students really enjoyed it. I found that the simulation did indeed work for all levels of students. I plan on using the U.S. geography simulation and the Peace in the Middle East simulation when I next reach those eras in my class. A+++

This useful and easy-to-read book promises to make life far more interesting for social studies and intro college instructors. I found the volume to be fun, accessible, and quite interesting. It provides a variety of well-designed and thoughful lessons in a friendly and conversational tone. There is no pretension and no effort to talk down to the reader-- it was very much like picking the brain of a more experienced colleague. The ten simulations are self-contained and manageable. I have not yet used them in my class, but I am looking forward to doing so. On the whole, I strongly recommend this volume to my teaching colleagues, at a variety of levels, across the nation.

310 Blesionwest 5-8 Ouhatachou Nishinomiyashi Hyougoken 662-0836

310 Bulesionwest 5-8 Ouhatachou Nishinomiyashi Hyougoken 662-0836

This book, Bucking the Deficit: Economic Policymaking in America, is a gripping read. So many Americans today are interested in learning more about the economy and fiscal policy, and this is truly the book for them. In clear, precise prose, the book discusses the economic policymaking process and the limitations faced by the executive branch of government. While your favorite political junkie will love this book, it is also accessible for the average American.

I am one of the authors of this book. Cal and I wrote it because so many people say the economy is the most important issue affecting their voting decisions, yet few really understand the economic policymaking process, the limits of what the President and Congress can do, and the current economic issues we are grappling with (e.g., balancing the budget). This book was written for the average American who wants to know more about these important issues. We focused on making it readible and intuitive. It's not full of a lot of jargon. If you want to make a more informed vote this November, if you want more insight into when politicians are telling you the truth about the economy and when they are lying, give it a read

Cris Shore has written a quite outstanding book on the European Union, showing how its leaders aim to create a single European state.

The EU's founders warned us that they sought to destroy the sovereignty and independence of its member states. Jean Monnet wrote, "Everyday realities will make it possible to form the political union which is the goal of our Community and to establish the United States of Europe." Konrad Adenauer said that the original proposal for pooling French and German steel production was "first and foremost political, not economic. This plan was to be the beginning of a federal structure of Europe."

Later, Chancellor Kohl said, "In Maastricht we laid the foundation stone for the completion of the European Union. The European Union Treaty introduces a new and decisive stage in the process of European Union which within a few years will lead to the creation of what the founding fathers of modern Europe dreamed after the last war: the United States of Europe."

In practice, the EU has already gone far towards creating a new state, although it has signally failed to create one that is honest and democratic. As Shore writes, "To most critical observers it seems quite evident that the European Community has acquired most of the characteristics of a state, however much some might wish to deny this." And, "with its single currency, its Central Bank and treaty control over money supply and borrowing, the EU takes on the powers of a sovereign state, albeit a transnational state without a democratic government." As Pascal Lamy, Delors' chef de cabinet, admitted, "The people weren't ready to agree to integration, so you had to get on without telling them too much about what was happening."

The Committee of Independent Experts reported in 1999 that fraud, cronyism, mismanagement and cover-ups were rife in the European Commission, summarising, "It is becoming difficult to find anyone who has even the slightest sense of responsibility." Shore concludes that the Report "exposed ... the extraordinary degree to which patronage, fraud and corruption ... had become established, even institutionalised, within the Commission."

Chris Shore's "Building Europe" is an innovative study of the European Union, and should be taken seriously. Shore is one of the first to jump in the post-EMU debate: now that Europe has almost completed Economic Union, what are the expectations, challenges, and impossibilities with regard to further integration? Shore offers a systematic discussion of the role of 'culture' in the European Union. How has a European identity been created, or not!, among both citizens and civil servants in Brussels? Shore turns out to be quite critical in the end. Europeanism is not strongly rooted among the peoples of Europe. And the elites in Brussels are far from what a perfect European bureaucrat must be like. He concludes that the goal of European federalism, which so strongly depends on some form of common European identity, may be one bridge too far. To conclude, Shore's informed and refreshing perspective on the actual challenges to European integration forms an important contribution to the debate. Anyone who wants to think of tomorrow's Europe may probably want to read "Building Europe", no matter if you agree or disagree with Shore's final conclusions.

Bureaucracies being very silly things compared to the significance of... say... the sun... or knowing what's best for sweetening certain types of tea, it's only natural that their bureaucrats' (or civil servants', or statesmens' ;) dull eccentricities and indolently expressed ambitions are fodder for a good send-up. Something of which Balzac makes good use in The Bureaucrats to both lampoon and critique the nature of bureaucracy and bureaucrats (and maybe government, ambition, and complacency in general).

Even though the novel is open about its characters'("righteous" and not) petty plots and maneuverings for ultimately shallow and pointless goals, it's hard not to get drawn into feeling sympathy... something which makes the procedings and commentaries all the more humorous.

The translation is effectively modern, and I had little difficulty adjusting to the language (especially compared to books published using translations made a century ago). Although I picked this up out of a passing interest in Balzac (due mostly to recently starting on Remembrance of Things Past), it was an enjoyable read that has me ready to read other works of his. Also, I'm in agreement with the other reviewer (though I can't be sure about his agenda against creditors... even if they are the cataclysm for petty acts of evil that occur...) that The Bureaucrats is worth a read for the painfully and laughably apparent ending alone.

Honore de Balzac spent a good part of his life eluding his creditors. His house on the Rue Raynouard in Paris (which I visited in 1997) was designed to help screen out creditors and, when that failed, to allow the author to slip out the back entrance on Rue Bertin and make his getaway.

One result of Balzac's perennial impecuniousness is the controlling role of money in his books. Even in this novel, ostensibly a study of politics within a French ministry during the reign of Charles X, the strings are pulled by two fascinatingly grim money-lenders named Gobseck and Gigonnet.

The obvious choice for the ministry, a brilliant and dedicated politico named Rabourdin, is painted into a corner and sees his career destroyed by a legion of lesser men who conspire against him. Perhaps the most telling criticism that could be made of this otherwise excellent novel is that that Balzac spends the first 75% of THE BUREAUCRATS introducing approximately a hundred characters, their wives and relations.

While it is difficult at times to keep track without a scorecard, Balzac's main theme of overextended goodness destroyed by well-connected, mealy-mouthed nothings runs like a river in flood through the pages of THE BUREAUCRATS.

The book is worth reading if only for the magnificent irony of the ending, which I will not tell for fear of ruining the surprise. Hang in there for the finish, and don't get sidetracked by all the characters.

Expertly written by Bob Wilder (a professional journalist with 40 years of experience), Bush-Giuliani 2004 And Other Liberal Nightmares is a vivid and charged presentation of political views and forecasts. Brief yet forceful vignettes address the author's views on "The Exodus Of Democrats", "The 'New' Al Gore", "Bonnie And Clodhopper Clinton", terrorism, gun control, and more. A thought-provoking manifesto and a timely wake-up call warning against gradual encroachments to personal freedoms, Bush-Giuliani 2004 And Other Liberal Nightmares is recommended reading for political activists on the Right and on the Left.

Freedom of speech is alive and well in this book. Bob Wilder is a GREAT writer. His books and words flow with ease and are fun to read. This book is very funny and gave me a good laugh (which we all need to do more of). It also has some sad realities of the Media and Politics. Read it to find out about the Cement Boots in Louisiana.

A warning to all the Liberals: If you read this you may get offended,...

For all of us ...read this book and find out more.

As someone who grew up in the Kennedy era, these images had a profound effect on me. They are images that shortly after they were made, could never have been made again. Can you imagine seeing Jack and Jackie Kennedy strolling alone down the streets of Georgetown (in DC), her wearing shorts and him wearing sneakers and a plain t-shirt? Or playing football in a public park with absolutely NO gawkers hanging around? The great impact of these pictures comes from their innocence and irony, because of what came after and what we now know. If you remember the Kennedy era, you might stare at some of the images in this book for many minutes in wonder, about the people in the picture, about yourself, and about how we were then and are now. I gave this book to my brother-in-law--a recognized expert on the Kennedy assination--and he said he almost cried. It's that good.

Can the Kennedys ever have a bad photograph taken of them? It is appears not, as this book illustrates. CAMELOT AT DAWN is kind of an artsy photojournalism feast for the eyes, and although at first glance the text will seem to have general information that we all know about, it too is a treat.

Orlando Suero had his first big assignment taking pictures of Jacqueline Kennedy for McCall's magazine for an article. It would turn out that most of his shots would not be used because the press felt that the Kennedys had been overexposed in the media due to their wedding--so it is only now in this book that most of the pictures taken for that assignment have been published.
Suero says that JFK manages to sneek himself into most pictures, and so the final result became as much as about him as Jackie...but we also see the Bobby Kennedys as well as the former President Trumans.

Some of these pictures have been published in other books, so not all of them are seen here for the first time, but seeing them within the context that they were shot makes the photos that have been seen before all the more interesting. However, it is only a few--most of these are just being seen for the first time.

As for the text, some of it is "well duh" text because it is known by everybody:"Jackie was a silver-and-Sevres kind of girl, whereas Jack was a milkshake-and-hamburger kind of guy." (I am not cutting on Anne Garside's writing--because the book is actually quite good, I am just trying to point out that some of the information that she writes everyone knows in their sleep...as that is how famous Jack and Jackie have become.) Now don't take this sentence of Garside's alone--you have to read the whole book before you dare judge her writing, and in my estimation she has succeded in the overall scheme in making two well known sujects seem like new again. How does she do this?
For example, there is information about the renting of Dent Place--where these photographs are taken as well the Kennedys first home--which is interesting because we get to see excerpts from Jackie's letters to the Childs (the people who the Kennedys were renting the house from.)
Also information about Evelyn Lincoln's calender is given as to what the Kennedy's were doing the week the photos were taken, as well as little details spread out throughout the text that make the book an interesting read.

I believe that this is a standout book published on the Kennedys. It is informative and orginal in text, and the pictures easily give Lowe, Avedon, and Shaw a run for their money. You can and will enjoy this book if you give it a chance--don't get stuck on the information about the JFKs that we all know or the pictures that we have all seen--read the entire book and appreciate the entire book!

Oliva Dickason, the Canadian doyenne of academic Amerindian history, delivers an excellent university introduction textbook to the history of the First Nations of North America, concentrating on those of Canada.

She deals with four periods: the pre-colonial era, the colonial, the 19th & mid-20th century, and the end of 20th century.

Her pre-colonial history is often speculative, since there are no written records, but much can be determined from oral tradition and archeological finds. For instance, the Iroquois confederacy was established shortly before the French landed in the mid-16th century; North America housed a diversity of distinct nations; many Amerindians cultures lived in permanent settlements; west coast nations had developed explicit property rights and had a system of land entitlement.

The colonial era was one of co-operation and alliances between the Ameridians and the Europeans settlers and soldiers. The Europeans brought their wars and diseases with them, while the First Nations brought their wars too. The partnership was equal and the First Nations on the winning side benefitted, at least until the 19th century.

From the 19th century onwards however, White rule has much to answer for. The diseases of the colonial era were brought inadvertently, but not so the 19th century land grab, or the disastrous assimilation attempts of the 20th century.

The end of the 20th century has seen a revival of Amerindian self-government. The First Nations have begun using Western institutions to their advantage. In the 1980's Elijah Harper, then member of Manitoba's provincial parliament, single-handedly, and rather heroically, derailed a Canadian constitutional accord (Lake Meech) which failed to address First Nations concerns. Earlier in the 1970s, the First Nations successfully negotiated with Hydro Quebec and created the precedent that their agreement was needed for development on their lands.

Overall, an excellent reference.

This book is a wonderful synthesis of Canadian aboriginal history. I was impressed by the author's detailed and well-balanced approach. It is neither a moral fable nor a panegyric of conquerors' exploits, but rather history as it should be told. The only downside is the book's episodic style but that is necessitated by its ambitious goal. Olive Dickason did an especially good job highlighting the different histories of Canada's natives both pre- and post-contact.

As someone who is active in politics and has lived or visited all parts of Canada, I can honestly say that Tony Hill gives a fair, well balanced, and complete analysis of Canada's 301 electoral districts. This analysis does not only include historical information, but also social and economic demographic information in a very qualitative fashion. This is a must read for anyone interested in Canadian politics!

Tony Hill's Canadian Politics: Riding by Riding is a travel book, a demographic study and a recent political history of Canada all in one. After extensive travels through Canada, the result is a unique perspective explaining not only broad cultural, historical, and social changes but specifics- car factory locations in Quebec, apple valleys in Nova Scotia, deserts in British Columbia, the Tomato Capital of Canada, and the Polar Bear Capital of the World, etc. Often he provides personal ancedotes or very wry observations which spice up the prose.

The demographic information is important as possibly no other democratic country has been more affected by immigration over the past generation as has Canada. Riding by Riding identifies Chinese, South Asian (Indian and Pakistani), Chinese, French, British,Scandinavian, and other enclaves within country.

An up-to-date political history of each province is in the book's front and the introduction contains a more comprehensive 25-year history of the five federal political parties. Most helpful is the What Is Politics? section: a readible primer of Canadian political terms and fundemental political differences between Canada and the United States.

But the real political history is contained with each riding description. For example, the Mount Royal riding contains a brief description of its longtime MP, Pierre Trudeau. However, sometimes the history is in an unexpected place. A discussion of the 1983 Progressive Conservative leadership review convention which ultimately led to the Prime Ministership of Brian Mulroney is in the Winnipeg Centre section as this was the actual location of the convention.

By going through the country, riding by riding, we learn about the country's movers and shakers as well as the backbenchers and we learn about how national electorial sweeps in 1984 and 1993 went through the political landscape like a tsunami. Mr. Hill's conclusion: Canadians tend to vote governments out, rather than vote governments in. As a result, he is very cautious in predicting future elections or events.

In all, Canadian Politics: Riding by Riding takes its subject and peels away its many layers. Mr. Hill appreciates Canada's complexities and writes about them with affection and understanding. He is one American too knowledgable to be interviewed on "Talking to Americans".