A book for all political cynics
930396
I started reading Amazing Grace last night could not put down.  It's deeply inspiring and yet the humor and wit sparks on almost every page. I wish every member of Congress and every student could read it. The author has a great grasp of the historical context, but is never pedantic or overly pious. You feel like you are joining in on a dinner party, sitting on a bench in Parliament or conspiring with a friend in a long carriage ride. The book exposes the dark underbelly of British society and yet for once there is a hopeful ending. You'll wish every idealistic young person (and some weary folks too) will read.
1433115
Do you really want to pick up a book about DC politics right now? With all the fire and fury, the daily Twitter barrages, the endless punditry and speculation, this might seem the least appealing topic for a pleasure read these days, but what if there was a book that could remind you of the humanity inside the capitol and convince you that some, no matter how world-weary and bureaucracy-trodden they may be, strive to make actual good in the world?

This is a well-crafted, quirky book (if you love lengthy footnotes and spoofs of bureacracy-speak, this book is for you) that careens between a fictional present day (with a fictional, well-meaning president) in the life of a not-very high level Department of Defense staffer, Joel, and his formative experiences growing up as a mechanic's son in Texas. The chapters are almost poetically brief, a page or two long in places, the Texas scenes are gorgeous and bittersweet (nothing especially trigger-warning worthy though) the DC scenes, comedic. The characters are all working through their stuff, no one is perfect, no one can quite see their way through the maze of opinions and interests to know exactly how best to serve the American people, or really, humanity writ-large, but they all want to - and that right there is what is so powerfully refreshing. The desire to serve, to protect, to actually create humane and logical policies, to genuinely help people comes through loud and clear, honestly and earnestly - with all the flaws and confusions intact.

For me, the book loses its tightness and bogs down somewhat towards the end, as Joel is spinning his wheels a little and a philosophical nemesis comes out of the woodwork. I could have used a little less lecturing from the nemesis and hand-wringing from our Joel, but I appreciated his soldiering on and striving to find a way forward through the morass. I suspect that every life has those bogged-down times and there's an honesty to seeing it in print, despite the momentum-drain.

In all, I have found myself returning to this book and its message of honest, hopeful, flawed government workers during this cynical, filled-with-fakery political season. It's a reminder that "the swamp" has many denizens, among them earnest people who believe in good and seek to do it. For everyone who's caught up in rewatching the Bartlet White House staffers do their thing on the West Wing, or who listen avidly to the podcast, this book is for you.
2406094
I did not read this book for the joy of it, nor did I expect it to reveal anything other than salacious gossip. I read Fire and Fury as because I strive to be an informed citizen. Love it or hate it, let's face it, the book itself has entered the national political discourse. It was apparently the final straw in the political ex-communication of Steve Bannon, and much ado is being made about it. In order to have an opinion about it myself, I had to read it. I encourage you to do the same. Keep a bottle of Bromo next to you and tuck in for a wild--if predictable--ride.
856155
This book has often been described as Machiavelli for the '90s and beyond.  One might even joke the cynical side of Dale Carnegie's "How To Win Friend's and Influence People" - - A brilliant story teller, Chris Matthews has written a book that to this day if actually read transcends his controversial personality and is an indepth study of how people get ahead... its not just a book for politicians - - everyone should read it - - whether viewed as a study of greed, or a guide to how to get ahead in life, Matthews makes some brilliant observations - - learned from a wide variety of political personae on all sides of the ideological coin, and proving the one thing that every political ideologue in Washington has in common - - a modus of operendi relating to their success based on their ability to pull people's strings. - - In essence, Hardball is a study of just this - - the art of pulling people's strings by understanding what makes them tick, incuring favor, indebting them to you (often by having *them* do *you* favor !) and playing by certain rules.  - - People politics are key to the game of life in any field (whether or not you like the game.)
On his TV show, Chris Matthews comes across as a cranky anti-intellectual motor mouth - - one who can have 7 guests, and not a single one will get a word in likewise...  The myth of Chris Matthews is best characterized by SNL's Darell Hammond's routine where he's always cutting people off with that hillarious, "Yeah... yeah... yeah... yeah.. shut up !"
In fact, it was through SNL that I actually began tuning into Chris's show - - and I actually took a liking to him...  Rather than finding him to be "anti-intellectual", I found him "anti-rhetoric" - - On the surface it sounds like he's hostile, rude and won't let his guests get in a word likewise, but if you listen in closely, what he does is not allow his guests (who are ALL in the P.R. game some way or another) to lay on their carefully rehearsed soundbits...  He listens when they shoot straight, but all hell breaks lose when they start to launch into the same diatribe that they delivered on "Meet The Press" - -  when he questions them, rather than eliciting the rhetoric talk show hosts are expected to do, he often lays their own rhetoric on them  and cuts them off when they go for their carefully rehearsed speeches.  - - After reading this book, it seems clear that Chris Matthews isn't Darell Hammond's cranky old big mouth... the truth is, he knows the game and is having fun throwing side pitches - - in reality, few will fluster or break down and cry (most simply resort to doing little other than repeating themselves over an over), but I think being able to outmouth any powerhouse with a big ceeeeeeegar is somewhat of a fete in itself.
Incidentally, despite the rumors, its hillarious to find out that he was actuall Tip O'Neil's right hand man, and practically learned the game from the old Democratic sage of Capitol Hill ! ! !
Long after Chris's stint as a popular cable TV show talk show host is forgotten, this book will be mandatory reading at high schools, colleges and in the game of life (of course, played hardball style !)
912458
It takes a great agitator to elicit such strong sentiments from both sides of the political debate. When half the people are clamoring about how great the book is and the other half are talking about how awful it is, that means it strikes a nerve. And GODS OF RUIN does exactly that.

I try to see things from both sides of the debate, so I wouldn't place myself squarely in favor of the author's ideologies. But I think it's intellectually shabby and immature to vote down a book just because you disagree with its main tenants. The fact is JSB Morse has produced a fun, quick-paced novel that explores the great ideas of our political-economic situation. That's not easy to come by these days. Anyone who is willing to think about those great ideas and evaluate their own ideology should find this book worth while. Everyone else will feel agitated and even intimidated by it. But that only goes to show how good it is at its central aim--to make the reader think.

Bravo Mr. Morse. I look forward to more from you.
2726163
I got this book as a gift from a friend, and it really opened up my eyes  And make no mistake about it the Republicans are just as guilty as the Democrats. We have a two party mafia  running America into the ground with incredibly stupid trade policies and endless wars. The Russians are not our enemies despite what both parties say, China is the real enemy. Of course you won't see this in the mainstream media, nor mention of this fantastic book. So I recommend you buy it and read it.  Im libertarian and a nationalist, America first but I admire some of the things Sanders stand for, I believe he wanted to do the right thing  but I am disgusted by his silence now, a pox on both political parties
1588328
A excellent book to be read for the politician of all the world, about the folly of the majority of politician
2870226
If you've ever thought, "Oh my Lord, the things they teach us in civics simply don't match with reality," then this is a book for you. From the none too subtle Randian touches to the naughty sexual bits, it is what political satire should be.  And all too seldom has been.  To those in the "government is evil camp," read this book, it's a larf!  For all others, ditto.  And to the author, my condolences on your loss.

Cheers,

RK Jones
1815134
I confess I was given the book as a gift and was aware of it by reputation. I recalled one reviewer say "there is at least one error on nearly every page".
Even liberal reviewers said things like it is "over rated". I perused the book and boy is it obviously a gem. It is a complete collection of left wing clap trap. The kind of one-sided view of history that only the highly uninformed could be fed and swallow. It is likely a good summary of the beliefs of Obama, thus offering some insight into his strange behavior. Since our kids have been fed this stuff, it explains why the under thirty voted for Obama the first time and since they have some common sense they jumped ship on him the second time.
What I say about this book is Yikes! Jim Benefiel
932627
One should ignore the "One Star" reviews.  Most reviewers clearly did not read the book.  The book provides an analysis of issues shaped current crises and the political philosophies of past administrations. The author clearly expresses his solution preference of small government, opportunity for all, personal responsibility, and private sector solutions.  The overall goals of the respective political philosophies are identical whether one's political perspective is far left or right--freedom, opportunity, safety, liberty.  The respective paths towards these goals are the source of discourse between conservatives and the Progressive Movement's frustration and descent into name calling, divisive identity politics, ridicule, revisionist history, and lying by omission and/or bald faced lying over objectively verifiable facts upon which to debate the issues.  The book gives substance to the ironic pervasive intolerance of Progressives/The Left for any dissenting opinion or for objective debate with a focus on resolving issues in a bipartisan collaborative fashion.  Recall Obama's answer to any dissenting opinion..."I won"...the response of an immature bully, not a leader. A pervasive attitude that reflects the mindset of his acolytes.
2241664
If you consider yourself a moderate Democrat or Republican, do us all a favor and read this book! Let me explain why...

Almost every current article that mentions Ayn Rand starts with one of two a-priori points of view: leftists label her as radical right, and rightists will typically say they found her inspiring in their youth, but have since outgrown her. Most people have read one of her novels in high school or college, and assume that it portrays a historical reality of some past and irrelevant era. That her heroes were too idealistic. That the ills of western society, which she describes so powerfully, must have since been fixed. Very few readers actually graduate to reading her philosophical books like "Capitalism, The Unknown Ideal", "The Virtue of Selfishness", "Philosophy, Who Needs It", "The Romantic Manifesto", etc. where she derives, from first principles, the only true foundation upon which a free and moral society can function.

This book is perfect for those who have read one of Ayn Rand's books long ago, and wonder whether and how it applies to today's political, economic and moral reality.

In fact, I would say that most readers will gain a completely new perspective on today's economy and politics from this book. I bought the Kindle version first, but then I bought a physical copy as well, just to have on the shelf, to leaf through for reference.

Brook and Watkins start out by analyzing the true causes of the financial crisis. If you bought into the shameless propaganda of the last few years that sought to vilify and scapegoat the "greedy unregulated bankers" as the creators of the crisis, and the government as the "rescue squad" that has saved you from their claws, then please give these two great writers a chance to prove to you just how detached that view is from reality.

But don't rush to write this book off as a "Republican Manifesto" either. Far from it! Ayn Rand's philosophy is the true foundation upon which a moral and just capitalist society can be constructed, and the authors show, step-by-step, how her philosophy applies to very concrete current issues like: Taxes, Welfare, ObamaCare, Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, etc. The book is clear, concise, it flows well, and does not sweep any issue under the rug.

The main point I want to make here is that the view of Ayn Rand as "far right" is actually very misleading. If you look up her views on any given issue (which you can easily do at aynrandlexicon.com), you will find that she is way way to the left of most Republicans. Her views on Gun Control, Abortion, Freedom of (and from) Religion, Women's Rights, Gay Rights, Minority Rights, etc. fit much more into the Democratic camp than even the moderate part of the Republican camp (let alone the far right). In fact, I believe that an Ayn Rand political party, if one were to ever emerge, will grow out of the right of the Democratic party (those who abandon socialism) and from the left of the Republican party (those who abandon conservatism). This is why I view Ayn Rand as "The New Middle".

So, like I said in the beginning, if you consider yourself a moderate Democrat or Republican, do us all a favor and read this book!
4517470
Even a tertiary reading of Mark Twain can give one a good perspective of America's cynicism for politics. More divided than ever, we debate points of policy and beliefs with the utmost fervor. We are stubborn to the point where entertaining the idea of changing one's point of view on an issue is tantamount to cowardice and idiocy.  Beliefs are sacred; politicians are disposable and, Democrat, Republican, or other, often equally detestable.

This cynicism and constant suspicion of politicians often belies the motivations that drive individuals to serve the public and become politicians to represent their community.  What Mr. Thigpen has done with On Point is bring politicians to your dinner table to have a discussion, not about policy or beliefs but about experiences.  These experiences are as human as you will find, and it does a great deal to soften one's disparaging perception of politicians from the woman or man behind the title.  To simplify, we could distinguish "politicians" and our negative connotations from Mr. Thigpen's choice words of "elected official".  Jeff knows this all too well.  As an elected official himself, the outset of the book is him inviting himself to your dinner table to explain the life experiences that led him to enter public service. Chapter after chapter, other stories of young individuals beset by hardship or difficulties or seeing injustice rise to the occasion to serve their fellow citizens.

This book will allow you to set aside policy debate and the general disdain for politicians that so many have, and appreciate the humanity and courage behind these young officials.
110623
I am giving this book five stars to counter all of the hatred this book is getting from close-minded conservatives who feel nobody should be allowed to have political beliefs contrary to their own. Seriously, this is book three of a trilogy and you are just now figuring out Follett has a liberal perspective? Well, your party is not really known as the intellectual party. Should this book be read as a textbook? Probably not. Will it educate you? Yes! Is it entertaining? Yes! And for the record, why do conservatives always bristle when people are critical of Reagan? The guy was a mental midget that had no grasp of what was going on around him. If you really feel his master strategy was to drive the USSR in to bankruptcy by breaking our budget on defense, you are incredibly naive.
4774716
Don't confuse the accusations of rant, anger, and a rich man's tantrums with Iacocca's indignation of America's ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL attitude, impoverished governance, and lethargic politicians. The book is laced with humor, irony, insight, advice, and judicious warnings only an elder American of his caliber and experience can offer.
2971593
If you're questioning whether or not this book is for you, dont. It is for you, no matter what. If you think socialism is a good idea, buy the book. If you voted for Donald Trump to MAGA, buy the book. If you think all those who defend their country are baby-killers, read the book. If you and every member of your family has served their nation, read the book. Atheist, Agnostic, Catholic, Coors Light, Boy Scout, Delta Force, Whiskey Tequila, whichever of these is your preference and you don't care for people who enjoy the opposite, buy the book and then give it to someone who you don't like for opposing viewpoints. Read the freaking book.
1225152
I think this is one of the most important books I've read in a number of years. Today, liberals are being equated to Democrats in a sweeping generalization that does a great dis-service to a historically diverse political party. This is much the same as equating the word "Red" with the word "Rainbow". It's unfortunate that many Democrats view this book in such a negative light because I feel it really defines what sets apart working class, Truman-era Democrats from goofballs who actually believe what they hear on Air America.

Ann Coulter has crisply defined the far left with admireable intellectual honesty and disipline. Her treatment of topics such as Darwin's theory of Evolution, Abortion, Embryonic Stem Cell Research and the general double standard that exists between liberals and conservatives is based on the notion of skeptical inquiry; an ironic turn of the table on some intellectual liberals. Further, it's always a good sign when writers cite other writers who base their work on verifiable facts, with everything right out in the open.

Regardless of your political or idealogical persuasion, in today's rapidly changing and complex world, the truth is easily obfuscated and you should care about that a great deal. I believe that questioning what you hear and read will help protect you from those whose agenda flys squarely in the face of what's best for most of us and our children. For these reasons, I think this is a book for almost everyone.
400496
This is a great book. Don't let anyone in here fool you.
Rush Limbaugh has a few problems, yes (who doesn't).  But not what many of these reviewers in here want you to believe.  Rush has constantly over the years talked about the "politics of hate" that the liberals have used time after time to try to destroy conservatives (because they can't do it using reason).  Well, many of the reviews of his book on this sight, prove his point.  Further proof of this is the propaganda by the liberal media to milk his problems.  And though the lies they have added to this equation are coming to light, they will sweep them under the rug and pretend they didn't happen.  All the while relying on the impressions their lies have already made on some innocent persons opinion.  Like their predecessor Mr. Lenin, they want to shame you into not listening to the opposition.  Otherwise, God forbid, you might possibly disagree with them.  Tremble tremble.