Customer Reviews:
The Hobo Philosopher.......2007-09-12
Oh man, if you are wild about Harry - or you would just like to get to know him a little better - this is your book. When we think in terms of "politically correct" old "give 'em hell Harry" didn't know the meaning of the term.
I first bought this book in paperback and read it. Then I got it in hard cover and read it again. I really liked this book. There is no doubt that Harry is a one of a kind but don't take my word for it. Get this book and see what you think for yourself.
I really can not believe the things that Harry Truman said. He called Billy Graham a phony; Eisenhower a coward;he threatened to throw Joe Kennedy out a window. He said Joe Kennedy bought the presidentcy for his little boy. He said Rockefeller was a trator.
When I read this book I just laugh and shake my head. It is hard to believe that a man in his position could say the things that he said. It is just unbelievable.
Take advantage of Miller's access and style- read this book!.......2007-05-10
If you can find this book, pick it up. You will be drawn in for several reasons.
First, Miller is able to gain incredible access to one of the 20th century's most important presidents. While reading through another Truman biography, the reader may have yearned for explanation or justification from Harry for some particular action or incident. The oral biography provides the reader with insight into Truman's thoughts that is simply unavailable with any other medium.
Second, Miller's style fits the bill perfectly. He allows Truman to speak for himself, without trying to inject too much editorial commentary into the work. Truman's natural friendliness flows freely and envelops the reader.
Lastly, quite unexpectedly, I found myself taken in by Miller's self-effacing personality, which makes itself evident throughout the work. Miller treats Truman with a great amount of respect which borders on outright fear of the man. And Truman is not above reprimanding Miller when the latter's questioning becomes too invasive. This book almost begins to tell a story within a story, as Miller recounts his own personal dealings with Truman at the time of interviewing, in addition to the narrative of H.S.T.'s life. The foibles and idiosyncrasies which come out over the course of these interviews make Harry even more lovable. Just sitting back and listening as Miller and Truman talk and interact is worth the price of admission.
One should probably pick up a copy of a full-length Truman biography before reading this book (try David McCullough's definitive work); not that Miller doesn't do an excellent job of putting his interviews with Truman into context. However, knowing a bit more of Truman's life and character adds infinitely to the enjoyment of Miller's book. The reader will appreciate Miller's questioning of Truman after knowing more about Harry's life.
Highly recommended. H.S.T. fans will rejoice.
GREAT READ!.......2007-03-18
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book. I had to read it as a summer reading book for my AP US History class and I didn't think I would like it because I don't usually like books assigned for summer reading. I read the whole book in 2 days it was so good. I recommend this book to anyone who is a Harry S. Truman fan, or who just wants to read about his life. It's quite interesting.
Highly Recommended.......2006-12-12
This book beautifully succeeds in accomplishing its primary goal: It gives us a meaningful look into the mind and character of President Harry S. Truman, the man who was given the thankless task of transitioning America from the Second World War to the Cold War. I'm not so sure if Truman is the great straight-from-the-solider sage that he has been cracked up to be, and so I wouldn't take the opinions therein expressed as being gospel (the biggest mistake of his administration was appointing Tom Clark to the Supreme Court? Come on!). Nevertheless, it really lets us in on the real Harry Truman, and that alone makes this book a worthwhile read.
An excellent biography and a great read.......2005-12-03
I can't believe no one else has reviewed this book! I was exposed to it as a boy, read it first as a teenager, and have found myself re-reading it every few years since. It's not perfect -- what book is? -- but I think it's excellent.
Harry Truman was the sort of man that was rare in his own day, and perhaps rarer these days -- a man of integrity and discipline, a man uninterested in lying about anything for any reason, a man determined to do what was right even if not a single person on Earth agreed with him. For various reasons, though, many of the biographies of him fall short.
Merle Miller, by his own account, was no particular fan of Truman when he first met him. But he conducted many hours of taped interviews, in the interests of producing a never-aired television show about the Truman years, and seems to have gradually learned to appreciate the man.
The result is a book of interviews, mostly with Truman but also with friends, relatives, and associates (Dean Acheson among them), painting a bright and warm picture of a much-misunderstood President.
Miller acknowledges Truman's gaffes and faux pas when they arise, and does his best to put them in context. (He acknowledges Truman's casual racism by today's standards, typical of the day, for example -- but he also points out that it was Truman who took the bold step of integrating the U.S. armed forces. Truman even had the guts to do it in an election year!)
In addition to all else, I found this book an easy read, suitable for cuddling up with a blanket and a fire in the fireplace. Highly recommended.
Customer Reviews:
HST was not a 4-eyed nerd!.......2006-11-23
-Twenty reviews are not enough for this book! HST deserves more and better!
HST was fortunate in that history offered him many opportunities to prove his skills and his greatness. (Most historians now rank him among the top five). For example, not every president gets to be a 2-time wartime president, or to replace an FDR (the nation's only 3-time and 4-time president that most Americans truly loved (regardless of how the Neocons now portray him), or to make the many critical decisions that HST was compelled to make.
The book's table of contents pretty much summarizes the major problems that HST had to deal with during his long political career and his 2 terms (minus 3 months) as president: two times he had to fight hard as the underdog for his seat in the Senate and once, in 1948 - likewise, as the underdog against Dewey, he had to overcome great odds to win his presidential re-election fight. Many times he had to render major, often unpopular, decisions: for example, he endorsed the establishment of the new state of Israel; he ordered the dropping of A-bombs on Japan; he ordered the integration of the armed forces; he halted a steel strike that threatened the unbroken supply of war materials; he ordered the implementation of the post-war, multi-billion dollar economic recovery plan for Europe (called the Marshall Plan - but actually Truman's plan); he endorsed the creation of the U.N.; he endorsed the creation of NATO with U.S. participation; he ordered U.S. troops into Korea in 1950 to halt communist aggression; he `fired' the highly popular 5-star General MacArthur when the latter challenged the authority of the president; etc., etc.. HST said that hard decisions were easy for him; he simply did what he thought was right!
Many reviewers confess that prior to reading this book they had no sense of HST's presidency, or that he was significant or even great. After reading this book, however, many of them now feel that HST was both a great man and a great president. Is there any better example of what a little reading can do for a person's judgment - or, expressed another way, is there any better example of how 'ignorance can breed contempt' - or indifference?
A good look at an interesting man.......2005-06-15
This was my introduction to HST and his role in history. It was also when I figured out that he saved me personally. In that my Father joined the Army in 1946 so if Harry had not dropped the big one on Japan. Then you probadly would not be reading this right now. Enough said
ADD THIS ONE TO YOUR LIBRARY.......2005-06-10
I first read this work in 1980 and recently gave it a reread. I was actually more impressed with the second read than I was at the first. For the amature student of President Truman, this is a must read. It gives us a view of the man that many biographies simply miss. It fills in details others miss and gives some meat to the actions Truman took as president which are pretty well known. How did the man think? How did he come to the conclusions he came to? What was his thought process behind his actions? This work goes along way in answering some of these questions. I collect books on and abut Truman and this is certainly on of my center pieces. Recommend it highly.
A Truman Biography With A Different Twist.......2005-04-23
"Plain Speaking" is a Truman biography with a different twist. Based on interviews of Truman by Merle Miller in preparation for an anticipated television series, it is expressed, largely, in Truman's own words. As such, it is as Truman saw himself and the world.
Arranged chronologically, the reader is taken through this remarkable life, the challenges Truman faced and his views on issues and personalities. On these pages we read Truman's uncensored opinions on MacArthur, Ike, Marshall and generals in general, Dean Atcheson, Richard Nixon, the presidency and a host of other topics. Here we learn his conviction that the U. S. has never had a crooked president and that "The only thing new is the history you don't know."
There are other, better, first biographies to learn the facts of Truman's life. Turn to "Plain Speaking" to meet Harry Truman.
Candid and Engaging Biography.......2005-03-22
This candid biography was drawn from never-aired TV interviews filmed in early 1962 when former U.S. President Harry Truman was 77 and retired nine years. Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) had character, courage, and strong views, as is evident on each page. Truman provides straight answers to questions about his childhood, military service, and days as County Administrator, Senator (which Truman liked best), and President (1945-1953). Truman easily discusses tough issues like dropping the bomb on Japan, the Marshall Plan, and Korea. He praises associates Omar Bradley, Dean Acheson, Herbert Hoover, and especially George Marshall. He also shows scorn for wealthy special interests, Douglas McArthur ("Mr. Brass Hat"), Dwight Eisenhower ("difficult"), Richard Nixon ("Shifty-eyed...Liar"), and sees President Kennedy as capable but too young. Truman lacked a college education, but we see how his prolific reading in history and literature proved invaluable. The author/interviewer speaks with some of Truman's friends and relatives, but no critics, and he seldom challenges the President's responses as a good interviewer occasionally must. As a result, this highly engaging book is a bit thin and one-sided.
Merle Miller (1919-1984) admitted that during the course of these interviews he went from Truman skeptic to fan. This is an engaging and revealing look at one of America's better President's.
Customer Reviews:
The HoboPhilosopher.......2007-09-12
This is one of the best Harry Truman books ever. Harry said it the way he saw it. He said Rockefeller was a traitor, Eisenhower was a coward, Billy Graham was a phony. He threatened to throw Joe Kennedy out a window. He said he should never have allowed the CIA to happen. Harry was a one of a kind. He may have been a three of clubs and not an ace of spades but he was nevertheless a one of a kind.
Average customer rating:
|
Imagining America at War: Morality, Politics and Film
C. Weber
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 History & Criticism
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| 20th Century
| United States
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Military
| History
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Politics
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Relations
| International
| Politics
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
U.S.
| Politics
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
International Security
| Freedom & Security
| Politics
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Culture
| Sociology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Way Hollywood Tells It: Story and Style in Modern Movies
ASIN: 0415375363 |
Book Description
This book seeks to understand the emerging American moralities and their implications for national and international politics through an examination of 10 films released between 9/11 and Gulf War II.
Exploring the cinematic representations of American morality, family, nation and globalization in the films Pearl Harbor; We Were Soldiers; The Quiet American; Behind Enemy Lines; Black Hawk Down; Kandahar; Collateral Damage; In the Bedroom; Minority Report and Fahrenheit 9/11, Cynthia Weber presents a stimulating new study of how the American identity is being constructed and the moral values that inform US foreign policy. The author details US foreign policy formation in relation to traditional US narratives about US identity 'who we think we were/are', 'who we wish we'd never been', 'who we really are', and 'who we might become' as well as in relation to their foundations in nationalist discourses of gender and sexuality.
Addressing the question of 'what does it mean to be a moral America(n) and how might such an America(n) act morally in contemporary international politics? Imagining America at War will be of great interest to students of American Studies, US Foreign Policy, Contemporary US History, Cultural Studies, Gender and Sexuality Studies and Film Studies.
Book Description
This book offers a general discussion of a wide range of political reforms by addressing how the American political system would be different if various reforms were adopted. Advocating a wide menu of proposals and weighing their good and bad effects, this book does not attempt exhaustive analysis of a single topic. Rather, it gives general introductions to each issue. It examines some of the most important rules that shape America's electoral landscape, assembling the best evidence available to anticipate what would happen if certain rules were changed. Designed to make readers think and analyze the current electoral status quo in the U.S., this book covers electoral reform and American politics, the public's attitudes, problems with congressional elections, electing the Congress and the President, ballot selection, campaign finance, and the mechanics of running an election. An appropriate and thought-provoking book for any reader who wonders about the current electoral process in the U.S., and is interested in learning about the possible effects of the current reform movement.
Customer Reviews:
A guide to moving beyond partisan deadlock.......2004-10-26
Although this is a serious book written by serious scholars, don't let that scare you away. This slim and readable book is packed with enlightening facts and figures, at the same time that it lays out a simple, compelling, and nonpartisan thesis: that the rules by which we conduct our elections not only shape our elections, but shape our democracy as well. Without offering any quick fixes or easy solutions, Donovan and Bowler convincingly demonstrate that the rules of voting, districting, and holding elections matter, and that the reformation and revitalization of American democracy is as much a matter of electoral reform as it is a matter of policy and politics.
The book begins with the perceived problems with the American democratic system: voter dissatisfaction and low voter turn-out, partisan deadlock, increasing polarization of political discussions, a sense of distance and lack of influence on our elected officials, the apparent unresponsiveness of government, the excess influence of special interests via campaign contributions, to name but a few. The authors then discuss the oddities of congressional and presidential elections - not the least of which is the spectacle of the 2000 presidential election in which the winner of the popular vote lost to the winner of the electoral vote.
A recurring but unspoken theme of this book is that the old, tried and true ways of doing things - such as one person-one vote, winner-take-all elections - are only one way of doing things and not necessarily the best way. Moreover, the solutions may not be particularly extreme. Let's take one example:
Under the current system of electing congress, the person who receives the majority of votes, wins. This seems eminently reasonable, but one consequence is that most people did not actually support the winner. Moreover, the winner can often succeed by playing to a partisan base, ignoring or antagonizing the opposing end of the political spectrum. In other words, the polarization of politics into a two party-deadlock can be seen as a direct consequence of the winner-take-all voting rule. One solution is multi-member districts rather than single member districts, in which the two or three or four highest vote-getters are elected. (Basically, single-member districts could be combined to make a larger, multi-member district; voters would be able to caste votes for more than one candidate.) In this way, most voters would be represented by a person for whom they actually voted. Moreover, moderate candidates are no longer at a disadvantage, but may actually be at an advantage. Politicians know how they are elected, and to whom they are beholden for their election, and they act accordingly. Thus, another consequence of electoral reform is a change in the behavior of politicians after they are elected, as well as before. If they know that they were not elected primarily on the basis of a partisan "base," then they would not feel compelled to play to this base. If they know that they do not need to destroy their opponent in order to win, then they may act accordingly. A change in the electoral rules is also a change in the incentives, and therefore a change in political behavior.
Multi-member districts are just one of many fascinating and powerful topics touched upon in this compelling book. Although loaded with footnotes and the evidence of surveys and studies from across a range of topics, this is one of the most exciting non-fiction books that I have read in recent years. Although the authors do not take sides and counsel against one-size-fits-all solutions, the beginnings of answers are clear for all to read. I came away with the feeling that our democracy is not inherently sick and beyond repair. Instead, it is a comprehensible system of rules, and we can change these rules, not for petty or arcane reasons, but for the best of reasons: to better create the kind of society in which we would chose to live with our families and our neighbors. It's that important. Read it and you will see.
Average customer rating:
- Fabulous book on the "hidden" animal rights fanatics.
- Flawed, manpulative reasoning.
- Releasing the Truth about Animal Rights Humaniacs
- The truth about "animal rights"
- Horrible!
|
Animal Rights: The Inhumane Crusade (Studies in Organization Trends, #13)
Daniel T. Oliver
Manufacturer: Merril Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Ethics & Morality
| Philosophy
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Sociology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
| AIDS
| Abuse
| Adults
| Aging
| Children
| Class
| Communities
| Culture
| Death
| General
| History
| Leisure
| Marriage & Family
| Medicine
| Men
| Occupational
| Race Relations
| Religion
| Research & Measurement
| Rural
| Social Groups
| Social Situations
| Social Theory
| Suburban
| Urban
| Women
General
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Wildlife
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Research & Ethics
| Zoology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Animal Rights
| Nature & Ecology
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Conservation
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Wildlife
| Conservation
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Reference
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Redemption: The Myth of Pet Overpopulation and the No Kill Revolution in America
ASIN: 0936783230 |
Book Description
This book exposes the track record of deceit, fraud and terrorism of animal rights groups. It is a hard-hitting account of the individuals and organizations that will go to any lengths to stop the human use of animals for food, clothing, medical testing, entertainment and pets. It is must reading for every animal lover.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous book on the "hidden" animal rights fanatics........2007-09-25
Mr. Oliver's book is one of the best on the background of the fanatical animal rights movement and those behind it. He reveals FACTS about the sources for their money and their true agenda and it's NOT about the animals. Money, Power and Control is the true goal. Read this to learn about this dangerous underground cult. Another good book to read is "The Hijacking of the Humane Movement" by Patti and Rod Strand. Learn now before it is too late for those of us who truly love animals and care about their WELFARE and not some imaginary "rights".
Flawed, manpulative reasoning........2004-03-22
This book is highly flawed and manipulative. Instead of attacking the reasoning behind animal rights as a philosophy, Oliver chooses to attack extreme members of animal rights groups in an attempt to somehow discredit the movement. Pointing out the most extreme members of any movement as a method of attack is a trick, and not a valid basis for any moral decision. For instance, if Hitler was a believer in animal rights, he also claimed to love children. Should that mean we should deny rights and protection to children, because an evil man (or group) promoted it as a positive idea? It's a ridiculous argument. Positive, loving philosophies do not lose their strength because extreme individuals happen to adopt them and then proceed to ignore the values of compassion and love which they are based.
If the Third Reich had sympathies towards animal rights, then so did Gandhi, Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer, Einstein, Alice Walker, Jimmy Stewart, Mark Twain, Pythagoras, Leo Tolstoy, Thoreau, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, Abraham Lincoln, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Saint Francis of Assisi as well as many others.
Animal rights is not anti-human. To love one thing is not to cancel out love for another. When we understand this perhaps we will aquire some peace in the world. To extend our love and compassion to all creatures (and that includes humans of course) can only stregthen in us the best of human nature. It is no benefit for us to indulge our every desire at the expense of another creature's suffering. Hurting animals may make our lives easier, fulfill our basest desires, and even extend our lives, but in the end it robs of us of what is most important in being human - love, compassion, respect, and the privilege of using our strength to protect and love all the weak. This is honor.
It is man's sympathy with all creatures that first makes him truly a man. -- Albert Schweitzer
A human being is a part of the whole, called by us the 'Universe', a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest - a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. Nobody is able to achieve this completely, but the striving for such achievement is in itself a part of the liberation and a foundation for inner security." --Albert Einstein
You do not settle whether an experiment is justified or not by merely showing that it is of some use. The distinction is not between useful and useless experiments, but between barbarous and civilized behavior. Vivisection is a social evil because if it advances human knowledge, it does so at the expense of human character. --George Bernard Shaw, 1856-1950
The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. -- Gandhi
Releasing the Truth about Animal Rights Humaniacs.......2002-05-17
I found this to be an extremely informative book. This was not just based on the authors opinions. He offered facts to back up his information. Every person donating money to an animal rights group should read this and SEE where their money is really going. Bravo to Daniel Oliver for such an eye opener to the groups that the FBI now classifies as our home grown terrorist.
The truth about "animal rights".......2002-02-20
At last, someone who is not afraid to tear the mask of hypocrisy. Vaccinated humans have no right to deny vaccines from others. Well-fed people have no right to deny food from others. Medical experimentation on animals is good. Adulation of animals as sacred cows is a religious perversion. If medical students will be forbidden to practice on animals, we'll either have bad physicians or practitioners that have studied their trade on humans. The first animal rights laws were enacted in the Third Reich by the Prussian minister. The rationale was that most animals have more rights than most people. The goody-goodies that have tired of fighting for human rights and have taken leave of their senses should remember that Einstein was not a vegetarian, Hitler was. "The Inhumane Crusade" is a valuable book for people who still value human life above the pseudo- and quasi-rights of rats, cockroaches, and the malaria plasmodium.
Horrible!.......2001-12-02
How can a man so self concerned write a book concerning the rights of others?
Books:
- President Kennedy: Profile of Power
- Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, & Priorities of a Winning Life
- Raise Your Hand if You Love Horses: Pat Parelli's Journey from Zero to Hero (Western Horseman Books)
- Ruth, A Portrait: The story of Ruth Bell Graham
- Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton
- Stanley Kubrick: Interviews (Conversations With Filmmakers Series)
- Stealing God's Thunder: Benjamin Franklin's Lightning Rod and the Invention of America
- Stonewall Jackson: The Man, the Soldier, the Legend
- Ten Things I Learned from Bill Porter
- The Autobiography of Butch Jones Y.B.I. Youngs Boys Inc.
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word
- History: Fiction or Science
- Glengarry Glen Ross
- Gardens of the Moon : Book One of The Malazan Book of the Fallen
- How To be A Baby . . . By Me, The Big Sister
- Heat Transfer
- Nelson's Victory: 101 Questions & Answers About HMS Victory, Nelson's Flagship at Trafalgar 1805
- The Portrait of Dr. Gachet : Story Van Gogh's Last Portrait Modernism Money polits Collectors Dealer
- Food Chains And You
- Slipper Orchids of Borneo
Where the Buck Stops: The Personal and Private Writings of Harry S. Truman
The Wit & Wisdom of Harry Truman: A Treasury of Quotations, Anecdotes, and Observations
Truman
T.R: The Last Romantic
American Experience: Truman
