Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Comparative Religion    3. Cross-cultural studies    4. Globalization    5. International Relations - General    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Political Science    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Politics/International Relations    10. Women in Islam    11. Women in the Catholic Church    12. Women's Studies - General    13. Women's rights    14. Social Science / Women's Studies   

Subjects:  1. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    2. Political Science    3. Politics / Current Events    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Civil rights & citizenship   

Reviews (8)

Erroneous Information re John E. Holt
Statement that John E. Holt, an official of the General Services Administration proposed connecting all the goverments computers together in a Network called FEDNET is false. Statement that Vice President Gerald Ford had Holt demoted is also false.
Privacy education even at the gym!
I take your Ben Franklin privacy book to the gym...I can't tell you how many people are intrigued by the title. You can open to any chapter, and still be educated. I love it.
Broad and accurate - a wonderful book
Ben Franklin's Web Site is a wonderful book - clear, detailed, engaging, hype-free. Read more

Subjects:  1. Constitutional    2. History    3. History / United States / General    4. Legal Reference / Law Profession    5. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    6. Political Science    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Practical Guides    9. Privacy, Right of    10. United States    11. Computers    12. Social aspects    13. United States - General   

Reviews (2)

Challenging and Inspiring
If there were a way to give all Americans a required readinglist, this book would be at the top. Not to diminish the enjoyment of reading Marsh's eloquent writing and gripping storytelling, but the Beloved Community communicates several extremely important socio-historical lessons.In addition, the nebulous term "faith," which has been thrown around in political rhetoric and sappy talk shows, takes on a powerful definition in the real, concrete historical events and characters of the civil rights movement.Much of the unique value in this book is Marsh's ability to connect the civil rights movement of the 1950s & `60s with today's torch-carriers of the vision for beloved community.Those who work for civil rights today (whether on a broad political level or at the simple grassroots level of volunteering at the local shelter) will be challenged by the determined, sturdy spirit of the early civil rights leaders who had such assurance of God's will for social healing that they endured external persecution and internal conflict without abandoning the vision.At the same time, today's leaders will be encouraged by Marsh's account of other contemporary activists seeking redemptive reform in society through the church (if not in the church, as well).
Thoughtful, Potent, Compelling, Informative, and Vital
'The Beloved Community' should be required reading for anyone even peripherally interested in issues of social justice, the civil rights movement, and "moral values" - especially for how all three intersect in carefully processed and thorough arguments as they do here.I've had no problem recommending it to college professors (for their classes), friends, and colleagues - and so far a nice handful of them have picked it up and agreed with my opinion of the book. In light of the 2004 Election, the blather made about "moral values" (and what constitutes a 'moral value') and the splash made by Jim Wallis's 'God's Politics' - I'd say I'm more glad Marsh's book came my way in terms of relevancy, weight, and approach.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Theology - General    3. Civil rights    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. History - U.S.    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Religion    8. Religion, Politics & State    9. Religious aspects    10. Social Justice (Ethics)    11. Social Theology    12. Social justice    13. United States    14. United States - 20th Century (1945 to 2000)    15. Christian spirituality    16. Multicultural studies    17. USA   

Editorial Review

David Brin takes some of our worst notions about threats to privacy and sets them on their ears. According to Brin, there is no turning back the growth of public observation and inevitable loss of privacy--at least outside of our own homes. Too many of our transactions are already monitored: Brin asserts that cameras used to observe and reduce crime in public areas have been successful and are on the rise. There's even talk of bringing in microphones to augment the cameras. Brin has no doubt that it's only a matter of time before they're installed in numbers to cover every urban area in every developed nation.Read more

Reviews (28)

Puts NSA Wiretapping in Context

I have been giving this book to my friends
This is a "Must Read" for anyone who treasures an open society.The technology is here, and the cost of implementing it is dropping exponentially.The debate about who controls it should begin.This book addresses the question of "Who will watch the watchers" with a level of thoroughness and imagination unavailable anywhere else.
just picked this up
Other reviewers have covered the essentials of Brin's thesis, I won't repeat it. It's important to note that Brin's book is:
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Subjects:  1. Freedom of information    2. Future Studies    3. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Privacy, Right of    6. Responsibility    7. Right of privacy    8. Sociology    9. Anthropology    10. Human rights    11. Current Affairs   

Subjects:  1. Equality    2. General    3. History & Surveys - 19th Century    4. Liberty    5. Philosophy    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Socialism    10. Women's rights    11. History of ideas, intellectual history    12. Political Science / Reference   

Subjects:  1. 1989-    2. Deterrence (Strategy)    3. Government - National    4. Military - Nuclear Warfare    5. Military policy    6. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    7. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    8. Political Science    9. Politics / Current Events    10. Politics/International Relations    11. United States    12. War on Terrorism, 2001-    13. World politics    14. Defence strategy, planning & research    15. International relations    16. PREEMPTIVE ATTACK (MILITARY SCIENCE)    17. Technology / Military Science    18. Theory of warfare & military science    19. UNITED STATES_MILITARY POLICY    20. WORLD POLITICS_1989-   

Reviews (3)

Aztec history lovers, this is for you
I learned more about the Mexica worldview from living with eight Mexican families, through this book, than from all the old codices combined. The little precolumbian homilies children got in Tenochtitlan--little rules for living that created respectful, self-respecting children--they go by a different name but remain unchanged! Here in California half of all children are born to Mexican parents. The Catholic/Aztecan patriarchy does not mix with the go-it-alone Yankee work-ethic, period. For example: To move away from your family for a better-paying job is to fail miserably. What are material possessions if your children's grandparents are so far away?
This is not the entire picture
The person that reviewed this book so far cannot understand, maybe empathize, what the parents of these children endure in a society that is dominated by the notion of "whiteness".The only parents talked about, are those immigrants who speak Spanish and are often the target of repeated injustices.As an educator, most parents are like the parents discussed in the book.Of course, the differences like language, culture, and the history of different populations and what those implications entail, are very critical factors to consider.The previous review is a helpful one because it reaffirms what people still believe and continue to do-blaming "others," the victims, for why they and generations after them are still not doing well.

Educating Parents
Finally! Finally we have an ethnographer who is able, or maybe just willing, to research the heart of the matter.Why do immigrant children have problems assimilating; why are they less likely to go to class; whyare they less likely to graduate; why do they feel marginalized?GuadalupeValdes attempts to answer these questions in her book Con Respeto byinterviewing and observing the lives of ten mexican-american families. Similar ethnographies have focused on the school environment --- what arethese immigrant children experiencing at school that would cause them to bemarginalized the way they are?Valdes, who still looks at the schoolenvironment, spends the majority of her time examining the families of theimmigrant students, and what their home life consists of.This deeperexamination proves very fruitful by clearing up possible misconceptions onecould have walked away with after reading books like Jocks and Burnouts,Gender Play, and Made in America.Are the parents responsible for thetriumphs, and in many cases, the failures of their children in school? Valdes would say, yes, but only partially.The schools, Valdes feels,could still do more, or at least communicate more effectively with theparents.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Case studies    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Ethnic Studies - General    6. Home and school    7. Mexican American children    8. Mexican American families    9. Multicultural Education    10. Philosophy & Social Aspects    11. Social aspects    12. Social conditions    13. Texas    14. Civil rights & citizenship    15. Ethnography    16. Family & relationships    17. Immigration & emigration    18. Mexico    19. USA   

Reviews (4)

Szatmary, Amazon's reviewer, is a bit "naive" himself.
Professor Suzanne E. Smith' project *Dancing in the Streets: Motown and the Cultural Politics of Detroit* is a well-written and fascinating work of revisionist, myth-busting history. For perhaps no other musical institution has been given such a large free pass for (mis)representing its founder's ideology as the company's actual history.
Great Book;Great City;A Time Not To Be Forgotten
Suzanne Smith deserves tremendous credit for transforming her love of Detroit, her home; her love of Motown, the soul music of her generation; and her love of historical analysis, the career she has chosen, into aremarkably readable and indeed breathtaking review of a city, a time, and amusical genre that is too often neglected.Sure, the most celebrated heirsof the Motown legend, the Jackson family, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder,achieved fame and fortune.But Barry Gordy's Motown -- the Motown ofEuropean-Americans like Suzanne Smith, and the Motown of all of Detoit'speople of color, needs to be remembered often and with affection.ThatSuzanne Smith can tell the story of Detroit in the turbulent 1960s withsuch style and grace, is a testament to her skill as an analyst of cultureand her skill as one of the next generation of honored historians. Presently at George Mason University in Virginia, look for Professor Smithto soon teach from a tenured chair in Ann Arbor, Michigan; New Haven,Connecticut; or Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Come And Get These Memories!
This is Motor City history from the inside outward, and if you know the REAl city, from the Graystone Ballroom to the Chit Chat Club to WJLB and the City Wide Dry Cleaners, then you KNOW what I'm gettin into. A beautifuljob of history that moves like the music of Hitsville, U.S.A. did. You go,girl! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Discrimination & Racism    2. Genres & Styles - Soul & R&B    3. History & Criticism - General    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    6. Political Science    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Black studies    9. Cultural studies    10. Michigan    11. Music / Soul    12. Music industry    13. Soul & Gospel   

Reviews (5)

They'll Always Wave
I read this big book because David Hackett Fischer is a historian I greatly admire and if he finds a theme worthwhile, I consider it a mandatory assignment.Liberty and Freedom eschews philosophy; it studys the symbols that arouse and sustain the national spirit:flags, liberty poles, anthems, medals, seals, catch words, documents and statues.
America's finest historian outdoes himself
David Hackett Fischer's Albion's Seed established him as one of the finest historians writing for a general audience.Since the publication of that landmark history, Fischer has produced a number of outstanding books, including among them Paul Revere's Ride, and Washington's Crossing, each of which skillfully demonstrates how cultural forces, reflected in individual decisions and actions, affected the course of events at a critical fork in the historical road.
Introduction Excellent-Rest of Book SO-SO
The introduction is excellent, comparing the word "freedom" with "liberty" and noting that the English language was the only one to use both words at the time of the American Revolution.This artifact of language formed a necessary foundation for American thinking.The rest of the book is more like a collection of separate essays, loosely linked with the theme of images and iconography.The concluding chapter of the book is weak and fails to tie together a central theme.The book can be considered a reference work for images relating to freedom and liberty in America. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - General History    3. History - U.S.    4. History: American    5. Liberty    6. National characteristics, Amer    7. National characteristics, American    8. Pictorial works    9. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    10. Politics and government    11. United States    12. United States - 19th Century    13. United States - Colonial Period    14. United States - General    15. American history    16. History / United States / General    17. History, American | Cultural    18. USA   

Reviews (2)

The "Somewhat New" American History
This collection of essays probably merits 3.5 stars because it actually does live up to its title; it presents a collection of essays covering "The New American History." I refer to it as somewhat new because, as has always been the case in "American" history, the story of people of color and women gets short shrift. The essays were originally compiled to expose high school history teachers to the latest historical research and interpretations going on in particular subject areas in an effort to keep them abreast of the changes in historical philosophy, approach, and perspective. It illustrates these current trends by presenting 16 essays with titles such as, "Society, Politics, and the Market Revolution, 1815-1848", "Slavery, Civil War, and Reconstruction","Intellectual and Cultural History", and "The History of the Family and the History of Sexuality." Of the 16 essays, only two deal with African-American history, 1 deals with ethnicity and immigration, and only 1 is about women. While the book leans toward social history, which is the current historical wave, and consciously points to the fact that the old approaches to American history (the exclusive study of white, male, wealthy, political and military leaders) needed revising, it short-changes blacks, women, and other people of color just as the old American history does. With that said, 4 out of 16 is 25% which, unfortunately, might be a little more history of "others" than most middle-aged Americans were ever exposed to. This book is still good for anyone, particularly any high school history teacher, who needs to understand that history is constructed, open to interpretation, and ever evolving. And the historical references at the end of each chapter are almost worth the price of the book alone. Get it if you think you need it.

The current state of Historical Scholarship
This is really an invaluable book for history scolars as it lays out the "current state" of U.S. history in a multitude of topics. Read more

Subjects:  1. Feminist theory    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    5. Political Science    6. Research    7. Sociology    8. United States    9. United States - General    10. Women in politics    11. American history    12. Reference works    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

Bought this book because it was the most recent edition I found
This book is good but not very fun to read. It is boring and tiring sometimes with so much repetitive exercises.
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Subjects:  1. Citizenship    2. Examinations    3. Examinations, questions, etc    4. Study Aids    5. Study Guides    6. Test Prep    7. United States    8. Civil rights & citizenship    9. Study Aids / Citizenship    10. USA   

Reviews (23)

The Book you all must read to understand this oil mess.
I read this book while I was on vacation and it really open my eyes on all this News about oil. I understood for the first time, our relationship with the Middle East and how it became our blood for their oil. The mess in Iran , the the lip service our goverment has been giving us about establishing an energy policy and the same time, cozying up with the Oil CEo's and playing games with our future. There is so much more information about how this black Gold is controling us and will control us for decades unless something is done. I not too hopeful but at least I understand the situation better.
Energy security is national security
Michael Klare doesn't agree with S. Huntington that contemporary conflicts are rooted in civilization differences. For him, they are struggles for scarce and valuable materials: arable land, water, timber, commodities and, most notably, oil.
Corrupt Politicians & Greedy Big Auto/Big Oil
Start off with procrastinating, uncaring, and ultimately corrupt politicians. Add in the piggish CEOs of Big Auto and Oil who don't give a whit about pollution or what's good for this country. They don't care if a Ford Excursion gets 8 MPG as long as they're guaranteed their disgracefully high paychecks. The technology for clean, high MPG vehicles has been around for some time but these shysters collude to prevent change. Remedy: first we force Big Auto America to build reliable cars (instead of their usual junk). They've been dumping crap on the consumer for years. If Honda and Toyota can build a great car, then why not GM and Ford? These vehicles must get at least 30 MPG to start off with further step-ups in MPG at a measured pace. This will be a REQUIREMENT and no politician will be allowed to tamper with it, no stinking lobbyist allowed to influence it. Dump the EPA figures posted on new vehicles in favor of reality - experience has shown the EPA mpg estimates are way off in favor of Big Auto (which also sounds suspicious to me). Impose the same restrictions on foreign auto manufacturers wishing to sell in the lucrative U.S. market. Next we prohibitproduction and/or import of oversized, gas hogging SUVs and trucks except for proven business/commercial interests. Ration gas to those who drive these disasters for personal use. Their keeping-up-with-the-Jones's ranking in the suburbs must be sacrificed to conserve gasoline. Allow owners of behemoth SUVs and trucks 15-20 gallons per week max. If their gas hog only goes 200 miles on their allotment, tough. They can carpool, ride a bike, or walk. Then we drill in Anwar and any-the-hell-place required to get more oil to build up huge strategic reserves while we are transferring to cleaner, fuel efficient technologies. Also restrict the amount Big Oil can charge the consumer for gasoline. Remember, oil/gas are not discretionary purchases like a new computer or a new house. We gotta have gas in our cars to get to work and drive the economy. Big Oil should make an excellent profit, yet not be allowed to screw the consumer with impunity. If Iraqis only pay a nickel a gallon, why are we paying upwards of $3 per gallon??? Whaddaya say? Sounds like a good start to me. This is the only way to avert the dangers delineated in this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Energy policy    2. Government - Comparative    3. Government - U.S. Government    4. Industries - Energy Industries    5. International Relations - Trade & Tariffs    6. National security    7. Petroleum industry    8. Petroleum industry and trade    9. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    10. Political Science    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics/International Relations    13. United States   

Subjects:  1. Civil Rights    2. Constitutional    3. Courts - General    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. Law    6. Legal History    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    9. Supreme Court    10. United States    11. United States.    12. Citizenship & nationality law    13. Civil rights & citizenship    14. Courts & procedure    15. USA   

Editorial Review

No one's above the law, but nearly everyone breaks it at some point or another. Whether it's flashing lights pulling you over to the side or an auditor looking grimly through your tax receipts, there may come a time when you'll want to know more, in a personal sort of way, about arraignments and voir dire, habeas corpus, and just how bail works. Lawyers Bergman and Berman-Barrett cover it all in a straightforward, uncomplicated manner. Addressing police questioning and the law of search and seizure, criminal defense options and common defense strategies, acceptable courtroom behavior, basic criminal trial rules, and a walk through the trial process to parole, this is a strikingly accessible tome of information one hopes to never need. But in the event that you do, it's here and available in the kind of language you can understand and the wealth of detail and example you can use. Read more

Reviews (6)

Not as legendary as its Civil cousin.
Although the style of the book mimics that of "Represent Yourself In Court" by the same author, its substance is quite thin. It does not seem that sticking with a particular style had helped the author in this case. Many definitions are lacking, both in the body of chapters and in the index. Under the topic "theft" for example, the act of forgery is inferred from misrepresentation or conversion. Then the topic is cut short as if the author had suffered fatigue.Attempting to study a specific topic in criminal law would not get you too far by this book.
Indispensible.
I'm currently busy writing my second mystery novel and can't say how much this book has helped me as a simple guide to getting things right when it comes to police procedure or the court system.It may be a lay persons guide but it either answers my questions or puts me on the right track in finding more in depth information when warranted.The digital edition is especially handy when I'm sitting at my computer because I can keep it open while I'm using my word processing program and refer to it with a simple keystroke.

Well structured and indexed and funny
The law can be a dry and dull read, but these authors have introduced just enough humour to make the effort worthwhile. The names of almost every party in the numerous cases sprinkled throughout the book are puns or double entendres, and some of them are a little tricky to figure out, making for a nice diversion when the subject might otherwise have been tedious. Read more

Subjects:  1. Criminal Law    2. Criminal Law - General    3. Criminal Procedure    4. Law    5. Legal Reference / Law Profession    6. Political And Civil Rights    7. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    8. Popular works    9. United States   

Editorial Review

In the sixties, David Mixner became an activist in the civil rights and anti-war movements, then emerged in the seventies as an influential Washington insider. Unknown to his comrades, he was also a closet homosexual, so scared of exposure he let hardly anyone know his secret. With good reason: when he came out in 1977 he lost a lot of his political clout. Undeterred he marched on a new crusade--gay liberation. He returned to national prominence as a political activist when he led a hugely successful drive in the gay community to elect his long-time friend Bill Clinton. That relationship, which has been bittersweet through Clinton's presidency, is one of the fascinating sidelights in this memoir of a radical life. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Fascinating
In this day of the modern Gay Rights Movement, no biography captures the true story of someone moderately simple, becoming the voice of a fantastic mission with true, heartfelt passion for the equality of gays and lesbians.Full of pathos, life lessons, screw-ups, ironies and inspiration that truly reflects the dichotomy of living as an evolving gay man during the sexual revolution, Reagan-Era AIDS, and the Clinton Era of Inclusion against the backdrop of a hidden sex life.I was glad to know this story!

I really enjoyed and would reccomend this book
I must say, this was one of the best books I've read in a while. It was just fascinating. It starts out describing David's childhood, goes onto his time in college, his antiwar activism, his many struggles with his homosexuality, finally with his coming out and becoming a gay activist, and then to his time spent working on the Clinton campaign all the way up to Clinton's innaguration. It's a very readable book, it draws you in from the first few pages and really keeps you wanting to know what will happen next in David's very exciting activist life. Another thing that kept me reading was I was dying to find out when he would finally come out. It is easy to relate to David's pain and I was inspired to see what he did with that pain and to read about the many remarkable things he has done with this life. I finished this book in a little over a week and wished there was more. I loved learning more about the political and activist worlds while at the same time learning about him. If you have any interest in politics, activism, AIDS, or gay and lesbian issues, or just like a good memoir, read this book. You'll like it :)

good book kinda of long
it was a good book for the most part but it kinda of ran on and on i still have a copy of it around some where ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Gay activists    5. Gay rights    6. Mixner, David B    7. Political    8. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    9. Political Science    10. Presidents    11. Sociology - General    12. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    13. Staff    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / Political   

Editorial Review

In this controversial book, Jacob Sullum demolishes the leading claims of the antismoking movement; their assertions have been advanced, he says, because the movement's principalswould like the government to take control of the tobacco industry. Have you heard that secondhand smoke is bad for you? "There is Read more

Reviews (16)

A Logical Indictment of the "All or None" Political Approach
Jacob Sullum's book, "For Your Own Good: The Anti-Smoking Crusade and the Tyranny of Public Health" is maybe the best book for anyone interested in the issue of smoking. Sullum, a non-smoker, has taken a logical, meticulously researched look at the smoking issue and come to the heart of the essential problem; the "all or none" approach of the anti-tobacco movement.
An Important Book
The author of this book doesn't smoke but I do and I thank him. I have lived in both Great Britain and the USA, and am finding anti-smoking activism an increasing bore in both areas, although much more so in 'the land of the free.' Sullum points out that much anti-smoking policy is based on 'second-hand-smoke' fears and that these fears are demonstrably hysterical. The fear of getting lung cancer from sharing a bar with smokers is like fearing cirrhosis from smelling a drunkard's breath. But now US policy makers wish to ban smoking everywhere, private clubs, outdoors...they'll be imprisoning people for enjoying a cigarette soon if they have their way. As if individuals and people like restaurant owners couldn't decide without the government's boot on their necks where they wish to allow smoking and where they don't. I've smoked for four decades, and can't think when anyone's smoking ever bothered me, or when I was ever asked to put out my cigarette, until the last few years, once the alarmists started holding sway. Britain did not always treat well those subject to its empirical power. America had its witch trials, its commie hunts, its slavery. Germany's citizens went along with the vilification, degradation, and attempted murder of all its Jews. It's human nature, apparently, for societies to vilify and harass, such persons and practices as they choose, when they choose, without good reason: as reasons are lacking, societies simply make them up, and most docile citizens just go along with the hate-streams provided. Sullum points out that tobacco, and cigarettes particularly, have been banned before, for reasons that proved hysterical or alarmist, and that tolerance of smoking returns in time. Smoking is an exquisite pleasure. Enjoyment of it should be moderated, or even avoided by individuals, as they choose. Such moderate views are rarely heard in these days of anti-smoking Taliban. Sullum is fair-minded and objective. He's written a wonderful book, of import to smokers, and to all who despise ignorance, intolerance, alarmism, hysteria, and the hate-filled members of our societies, who are now using these age-old weapons, to humiliate and ostracize tobac