Downsize This! Random Threats from an Unarmed American
by Michael Moore
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Paperback (01 September, 1997)
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Editorial Review

Who says the left wing doesn't have a sense of humor? Maybe it doesn't, but documentarian Michael Moore sure does--Exhibit A was Roger & Me; B was the ill-fated TV Nation; and C is 1997's print skirmish Downsize This! Moore's politics are rabidly liberal, populist, and anti-big business--about what you'd expect from the former editor of Mother Jones. While this restricts his audience to Americans on the left side of the aisle, for them Downsize This! will be a chance to point and laugh hysterically (if ruefully) at the clique of rich white guys who run everything.

Moore is at his best as a prankster, whether it's trying to see if Pat Buchanan will take a campaign donation from the John Wayne Gacy Fan Club (yes) or whether he can have Bob Dornan committed to an insane asylum based on his bizarre behavior (no, but it was close). Moore is one of our sharpest satirists, and Downsize This! makes one wish he would write a "Sorry State of the Union" every year. But only if it doesn't cut into his moviemaking--that's too big a price to pay. --Michael Gerber ... Read more

Reviews (135)

How we're living now......
The valuable work Michael Moore does forms the visuals that were once used by network news shows like 60 Minutes and Nightline to highlight the "consumer graft" that took place in our loose bureaucratic system, but applied to government. Government graft is much more fertile soil, however, and easier to report upon, and probably easier to locate - whether Republican or Democrat. The large media networks have given up on the stories, or could be considered part of it, now, so people like Moore are necessary to pick up the slack. It would be interesting to show how well government graft pays in relation to consumer graft, to see how former officials have catapulted themselves to the level of luxury to see how our tax dollars continue to work for them, long after they've left office. Those reality shows aren't typically run, however; it's much easier to appeal to the more important aspects of who needs what now, regardless of whether it is ever delivered through tax dollars. The field of dreams of broken promises to the public looks more like the yellow brick road to a deceptive OZ and the men or women behind the phantom mask that can't or won't deliver from behind the smoke screen that has become government today, well rooted in government yesterday. If government was voluntary self service, not a soul could be found to do it, very likely. So, we tolerate a system of people working for government, its perks and pensions, rather than government helping people survive and flourish. What is civil service about that? If corporate executives and authoritative organizations run the government show, we certainly don't need the "warm bodies" that fill the apparently plush official seats we have to announce their votes. That can be done from the hall of business rather than government.That elected officials, themselves, have become little more than rubber stamps in a rubber stamp world of fundraising for re-election to keep highly sought after golden pedestals is the permanent problem of American democracy (or any government) that no one challenges sufficiently to curb or contain it; yet all know it is the huge mushroom cloud it is that leaves nothing in its wake except cleanup and continuing cost cuts by consumers to keep up with the spread of its radioactive waste. First it was low taxes; now government wants social security cut to feed its exhorbitant appetite for luxury. Perhaps, more Michael Moore's need to be writing about the limits of government graft and how willing the U.S. is to indulge it - to its own demise, and certainly, to curb its own comfort in favor of the few who would convert the principles upon which it is founded to their own privatization campaign of "me first." Government pensions and lifetime salaries cannot help but bury America as government continues to burgeon. Why does no one look at those costs?

First Rate: Humour, Information, andPolemic Wisdom ...
Didactic/Polemic [?]...
Humour pervades this book. At the very least, it can be said to be a good read for those with a sense of humour. However, some do not take Moore's work as humour, mainly for partisanreasons.
A scarey point is , and Moore notes this in an additional section done after the Hard Back was out. His jokes about downsizing everyone and using prisonersas the labour force have been in fact put into action, in fact its a major trend in the penal system. As Moore also notes, the prison system itself may be taken offshore if the plans to build a prison or prisons in Mexico is actuallyallowed to happen; even Moore calls this craziness.
The factual sections of the book have been well researched, and I am sure Moore could substantiate all of the claims made, if you look into the credits for the book. More University researchassistants in this book ( seems to be a trend if you look into Franken's"Team Franken"researchers).
Moore gives plenty of guidelines to things such asthe "Etiquette" of downsizing. And even tests the ethical nature of some groups by forming some legitimate, but far-fetched named groups ( Satanworshippersfor Dole, as one example), making donations by legitimate cheques, and seeing who cashesthe cheques. Whatever can be said about Moore's ideas, he sure can come up with some unforgettable concepts for actions.
He touches on many , very many, ideas that have been held by many, including the destruction of the American Dream.
The Satiricalpoints he makes, such as pointing out that the Republicans and Democrats are not significantlydifferent( somuch so that he labels them the "Republicrats") all make some sort of perversesense.
The Chapter listing pretty muchcovers the areas he covers, except that is more fun to read the contents. New ways to pick a president provides for some chuckles, but seems a little too third worldly... even though he claims that parts of the UScould qualify forthird world status.

An amazing book. No doubt very villified by the conservatives, but if Ann Coulter can get away with her extreme articles, then Mike's extendedseries of "Op-Ed"Chapters can be accepted on that ground alone.

Vintage Moore
This is basically familiar Michael Moore fare.The chapter that stands out is "Why Doesn't GM Sell Crack?" Republicans have succeeded for far too long in convincing people that deregulation and tort reform are tantamount to personal freedom and liberty, and that laws that protect people from products and services that cause injury and suffering and even death are tyrannical and totalitarian.I can not believe the degree to which they get away with this, and I also can not believe the general lack of response from the political left.In this chapter, Moore takes on these distortions, with his typical gusto, in a way that is compelling and accessible, which I think is one of Moore's talents.Personally, I wish he had expanded "Why Doesn't GM Sell Crack?" to book length.Hopefully, that will be a project for another day. ... Read more

Isbn: 0060977337
Subjects:  1. 1993-2001    2. American wit and humor    3. General    4. Government - National    5. Humor    6. Politics and government    7. Social conditions    8. United States   

Why Not Me?
by AL FRANKEN
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (08 February, 2000)
list price: $14.00 -- our price: $11.20
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Editorial Review

In this hilarious political satire, Al Franken reveals how, by focusing relentlessly on the issue of ATM fees, he managed to wrest the Democratic presidential nomination away from Vice President Al Gore in the 2000 elections and become the 44th president of the United States. He then wound up running the second-shortest administration in American history, announcing in his resignation speech: "It is my fondest wish that, in the fullness of time, the American people will look back on the Franken presidency as something of a mixed bag and not as a complete disaster."

Why Not Me? is divided into three main sections. The first, "Daring to Lead," is Franken's "authorized campaign autobiography," in which he lays out his life story and his reasons for seeking the nation's highest office. Then, in his campaign diaries, we follow Franken and his team of advisers--including former Clinton pollster Dick Morris and Dan Haggerty, TV's Grizzly Adams--across New Hampshire and Iowa. Finally, there's "The Void," the behind-the-scenes account by Bob Woodward of Franken's first 100 days in the Oval Office. As a writer, Franken takes aim at a lot of targets, with nary a miss; there are enough great jokes in Why Not Me? to make almost anybody break down with a fit of the giggles at some point (especially at pages 132 to 133, but don't peek! It'll spoil the buildup). --Ron Hogan ... Read more

Reviews (112)

Franken has a hilarious go at the political process
In this book, we see Franken not as his usual politically-outspoken self but rather as another persona - a ridiculous candidate running for president, and winning in what turns out to be one of the most disasterous 100 first (and only) days of any presidency. Those who disagree with Franken's politics will appreciate the book for making fun of all ends of the spectrum in a way that generally sends up the ridiculous nature of a presidential election. Those who agree with Franken may be disappointed that he mocked everyone. However, reading the book with an open mind will probably cause a great deal of mirth and enjoyment.

The book contains a bunch of sources of Franken's fictional presidency (including fictional press clippings and doctored photos). Even though the second half of the book is not nearly as funny as the first, overall, still a great read.

hysterical!!!
I honestly cannot remember how many times i laughed out loud while reading this book.A must-read!

Funniest book I've read
I've read both "Lies" and "Rush Limbaugh" and really enjoyed them feeling that Franken had made some excellent points and made me laugh at the same time. "Why Not Me? is meant to be funny. I've never laughed so hard reading anything before (well...maybe "The Onion.") I've read other reviews and I guess I'm rather stunned at people who just hated the book. Al Franken is a comedian, he's going to make offensive jokes and say immature things like almost all comedians. Maybe i'm just immature but the drugs and hooker jokes never got old. It can be like an extended SNL skit WITH profanities included. ... Read more

Isbn: 0385334540
Subjects:  1. Election    2. Form - Parodies    3. Humor    4. Presidential candidates    5. Presidents    6. Topic - Political    7. United States    8. Humor / Political   

Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail
by Hunter S. Thompson
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (22 April, 1985)
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Editorial Review

With the same drug-addled alacrity and jaundiced wit that made Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas a hilarious hit, Hunter S. Thompson turns his savage eye and gonzo heart to the repellent and seductive race for President.He deconstructs the 1972 campaigns of idealist George McGovern and political hack Richard Nixon, ending up with a political vision that is eerily prophetic.A classic! ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Read this book.
This book offers a fresh inside look at what really goes on behind the scenes of a presidential campaign. Follow Hunter S. Thompson while he absorbs himself into the story leading up to the 1972 presidential election.
I recommend this book for anyone who has the slightest incling of what politics are and how they work. I also suggest you brace yourself for what you will encounter in this book. Filled with tangled webs of deception and corrupt politicians, this composition startles the reader into understanding the true policies of what it takes to be president and trust me, its not as it seems.
Despite the fact that this drug-addled, stream of conscienceness sheds light to the lowest, dirtiest and most raw side of politics it will truly open your eyes to the fact that it has always been done this way, even from the very beginning. Nevertheless, Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail will leave you wanting more and hating Richard Milhouse Nixon with a firey passion that you will come to love as the book wears on.

Excellent and Insightful Look at Presidential Politics
All too often, Hunter Thompson's remarkable and vast journalistic production has been overwhelmed and deluded by his famous work, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. It would seem that most Thompson readers fail to see that Thompson's works, far from being one esoteric drug opus, range the spectrum of popular cultre, politics, and to a great extent a large segment of American history.

One of his best and most illuminating books, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail 72, is written with the cutting commentary and breakneck pace so recognizable as Thompson. However, each comment and postulation is well researched and based on deep thought, even if enhanced by the occassional milky hit of Singapore Gray.

Thompson studies the 1972 Presidential election month by month, following both polls and candidates across the nation.Rather than see the election as a political institution, Thompson slices away the media fat and studies candidates, their motivations, and the varied behavior of the American constituency.

The author takes time to explore each candidate, although concentrating mostly on the Democratic Party, discussing their platforms on the major issues of the time: amnesty, the de-escalation of Vietnam, the civil rights movement, etc. and accurately and insightfully illustrates their place in not only the election, but in America during the early 1970's.

Thompson, having closely studied politics for innumberable years illustrates waves and trends throughout American politics, from 1964-72, with numerous and ultimately accurate predictions for the future.

Although a different work than Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas, a very interesting and personal look at American politics and Thompson the journalist.A must read for "politics junkies" as well as Thompson fans.

MAYBE THE BEST POLITICAL BOOK EVER WRITTEN
Hunter Thompson would despise me. I am a conservative Reaganite. I thought Dick Nixon a brilliant President. I think the Lord Jesus Christ saves my soul. Whereas I despise Michael Moore and do not think he speaks the truth, I admire Hunter Thompson, who is probably a lot closer to Moore's politics than mine. It is not just the passage of time that heals divisions, it is more than that. If I were to analyze Hunter's political nostrums, I would probably find much that I know to be wrong, and that Hunter had enough education and knowledge available to him to know it was wrong but he wrote it anyway. Still, whatever visceral reaction I have to Moore I do not have for Hunter.

I guess humnor must be why. Hunter is absolutely inconoclastic. He is side-splitting. He never smiles, and his writing has no funniness in it. I picture him writing out of dread and hate, yet it magically transforms itself into laughs when my eyes meet his words and transfer to my brain. Forgive my bad attempt to get into his head and "explain" Hunter. It's all I can do to try.

This book is phenomenal. It contains events that are different from any descriptions ever. Others have novelized reality, but nobody splits the difference like Hunter. Hunter's supposed on-scene reportage of Edmund Muskie coming unglued in the New Hampshire snow, Frank Mankiewiczs' furious (drug induced?) ramblings, the one-on-one with Nixon himelf, leaves the reader exhausted in an effort to separate reality from fantasy. Hunter is like the great con man who uses Truth to augment his lies. This is not calling Hunter a liar, it is just an example. The fact that I don't see this as lies is telling, and separates Hunter and his times from the current political climate, in which his spawn, if you will, the likes of Moore and Al Franken, try to make Hunteresque points but leave themselves exposed as obfuscators instead. The answer is that Thompson is just so much better than almost all other writers that he cannot be duplicated or even imitated. To try is pointless. Many, inclduing myself, have tried to be the "next Jim Murray," but like Murray nobody can be Hunter, either.

STEVEN TRAVERS(...) ... Read more

Isbn: 0446313645
Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. General    4. Politics - Current Events    5. Biography & Autobiography / General