Books matching: non fiction political commentary
100 result(s)
On March 8, 1971, a small group of amateur burglars broke into the Media, Pennsylvania FBI office and emptied their file cabinets. The story of the perpetrators behind the burglary had remained hidden from public view for nearly 40 years. Quite unexpectedly, two of the participants blurted out their involvement to author Betty Medsger during a routine social encounter. The couple who confessed to the crime hadn't intended to make this admission for it was a secret they and their six cohorts had vowed to take to their graves. Medsger was shocked, and the revelation sent her on a mission to interview others who were involved, convince them to go public, and to tell their story in an engrossing book she titled, The Burglary. Author Medsger uses the Media burglary as a springboard to discuss not only the excesses of the FBI, but also the CIA and NSA. Along the way she examines the lack of intelligence agency oversight by fawning presidents and a permissive Congress. Her conclusion is that the Media heist became the sine qua non for all the ensuing investigations of the FBI, an unbridled, de facto secret police force.
Even in that time of passionate resistance against the war in Vietnam that included break-ins at draft boards, his question was startling. What, besides arrests and lengthy prison sentences, could res...- #2
Save:'Ten Myths about Israel' by Ilan Pappe is a critical examination of the official narrative surrounding the creation and history of Israel, focusing on the treatment of the Palestinian people. Pappe delves into the myths and fallacies surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, using historical evidence and political declassified documents to challenge mainstream perspectives. The book provides a detailed account of the Israeli takeover of Palestine, exposing misinformation propagated by Zionists and offering a comprehensive overview of the ongoing conflict.
The geopolitical space today called Israel or Palestine has been a recognized country since Roman times. Its status and conditions in the distant past are topics for heated debate between those who be... - #3
Save:'Power Systems: Conversations on Global Democratic Uprisings and the New Challenges to U.S. Empire' by Noam Chomsky delves into the history of American Imperialism, covert actions that led to the Vietnam War, and the impact of military industrial complex on global affairs. Chomsky's writing style is described as thought-provoking, illuminating hidden historical events, and shedding light on the hegemonic powers' manipulation for their interests. is structured as a collection of interviews, covering a wide range of topics such as foreign intervention, educational system critique, and global uprisings.
One of the themes that Howard Zinn tried to address during his long career was the lack of historical memory. The facts of history are scrupulously ignored and/or distorted. I was wondering if you cou... - #4
Save:"The Post-American World" by Fareed Zakaria explores the changing global landscape and the shift in power dynamics from the West to the emerging economies of the East. Zakaria delves into the impact of globalization, the rise of countries like China and India, and the need for the United States to adapt to a multipolar world. Through insightful analysis and historical context, Zakaria presents a compelling argument for America to reassess its role in international affairs and collaborate with emerging powers to maintain global stability. The book offers a thought-provoking examination of geopolitics, economics, and the evolving nature of power in the 21st century, all presented in a clear and engaging writing style that captivates readers.
“Rarely does a young author and journalist come along in possession of a prophetic brilliance, near-perfect clarity, and a stirring eloquence that combine to inform his readers concerning what lies ah... - #5
Save:Nixonland by Rick Perlstein is a detailed and fascinating chronicle of the years 1965-1972, focusing on the rise of Richard Nixon and the transformation of American politics during that era. Perlstein delves into the toxic blend of resentment, paranoia, and cultural backlash that characterized Nixon's presidency, culminating in the Watergate scandal. Through meticulous research and analysis, Perlstein paints a vivid picture of a country divided by race, patriotism, and the Vietnam War, showcasing the mood of anger and resentment that permeated American society during that turbulent time.
Perlstein's writing style in Nixonland is engaging and immersive, offering a wonkish biography, variegated character study, cultural critique, and political forensic analysis. By drawing on primary sources such as the infamous Nixon Tapes, Perlstein provides readers with a nuanced understanding of Nixon's psyche and the political landscape of the 1960s. The book skillfully weaves together narratives of political intrigue, social upheaval, and personal ambition, offering a comprehensive exploration of how Nixon's presidency shaped modern American politics.
YOU MIGHT SAY THE STORY STARTS WITH A TELEVISION BROADCAST. IT issued from the Los Angeles television station KTLA, for four straight August days in 1965, culminating Sunday night, August 15, with a o... - #6
Save:The Captive Mind by Czeslaw Milosz delves into the insidious ways in which totalitarian states manipulate and control the minds of their citizens, forcing conformity and obedience through fear and deception. The book explores the psychological and emotional toll of living under such regimes, highlighting the struggles of individuals to maintain their independence of thought and integrity amidst the oppressive ideologies imposed upon them.
Milosz's writing style in The Captive Mind is described as profound, eye-opening, and thought-provoking. Through a blend of personal accounts, historical analysis, and philosophical reflections, the author presents a compelling narrative that exposes the dangers of totalitarianism and the profound impact it has on individuals and society as a whole.
It was only toward the middle of the twentieth century that the inhabitants of many European countries came, in general unpleasantly, to the realization that their fate could be influenced directly by... 'Down with Big Brother: The Fall of the Soviet Empire' by Michael Dobbs chronicles the demise of the Soviet Union and the fall of Communism in Eastern Europe. It delves into the economic struggles, geopolitical conflicts, and internal politics that led to the collapse of one of the world's most powerful empires. Through a detailed account of events like the invasion of Afghanistan, the Chernobyl disaster, and the rise of new Communist leaders like Gorbachev, the author paints a vivid picture of the downfall of the USSR. Dobbs' writing style is described as enthralling, informative, and engaging, making a serious topic like the fall of Communism both readable and enjoyable.
THE HAULING DOWN OF THE RED FLAG from the Kremlin at 7:35 p.m. on December 25, 1991, marked the end of the Soviet era, as surely as the storming of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg on November 7, 1...'Naked Money: A Revealing Look at What It Is and Why It Matters' by Charles Wheelan is primarily an exploration of modern monetary policy, focusing on central banks and their manipulation of a country's interest rates. Wheelan successfully lifts the veil surrounding central banking and money, guiding readers towards understanding the inner workings without complex mathematics. The author discusses the rules for what may be considered money, its development through history, and the impact of governmental financial policies on sustaining a viable economic system. also delves into topics like hard currency, fiat money, international exchange rates, central banks, and the difference between money and wealth in a way that is easy to comprehend.
What is the nature of those little disks or documents, which in themselves seem to serve no useful purpose, and which nevertheless, in contradiction to the rest of experience, pass from one hand to an...In "The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream" by Barack Obama, the author presents a mix of personal reflections and political insights aimed at uniting Americans around common values and ideals. Obama's writing style combines a political manifesto with autobiographical elements, offering readers a glimpse into his mindset as both a man and a President. The book touches on themes of empathy, civic engagement, and the quest for a better America, reflecting Obama's vision for a more equal and inclusive society.
ON MOST DAYS, I enter the Capitol through the basement. A small subway train carries me from the Hart Building, where my office is located, through an underground tunnel lined with the flags and seals...- #10
Save:'The Force of Reason' by Oriana Fallaci is a passionate and intense exploration of the clash between Western values and the rise of radical Islam in Europe. Fallaci fearlessly criticizes the cowardice of Europe in the face of this threat, drawing parallels between historical events and current societal challenges. Through her inflammatory writing style, Fallaci delves into topics such as the truth about history in Europe, the double standards in criticizing religions, and the dangers of political correctness in stifling freedom of speech.
