Americans beware, read before visiting our "Motherland"!
591277
For those Americans who have yet to travel to the "Motherland", Bill Bryson offers nothing short of a comical yet accurate account of what they should expect if they do chose to vist.  Bryson explores the intricacies of such daunting tasks as:  learning to flush and English toilet and the etiquette associated with that, use of British transportation systems, searching for a Bed and Breakfast, English names and origins, storytelling among the elders, and certainly the most important aspect of Britain, pub life.  Through telling personal narratives of historical locations he visits and describing the incredible differences in what Americans and English emphasize in their day to day life, Bill Bryson makes you feel proud of the heritage of America (but not proud enough to pick up roots and move across the Atlantic).  Most strikingly, even though Amercians and Brits share the same language, there is a world of difference between our cultures.
3659778
The "editorial review" up above is just plain factually wrong.  Of the ADULTS, more than half were NOT U.S. citizens, which creates a problem in a war zone.  They were "enemy aliens" and every nation on the planet has always segregated those in times of war.  About 50,000 did not speak English.  Many thousands refused to sign a loyalty oath, or renounce allegiance to the emporer.  Several thousands of the Japanese-Americans renounced their U.S. citizenship (and were returned to Japan at the end of the war).

It was to their advantage and their own safety to be removed from a potential (and expected) combat zone.  There had already been at least two murders of ethnic Japanese in California in December 1941.  There had been a major spy ring bust just the prior summer in 1941, which included both non-citizens (aliens) and Japanese -American citizen members.  The Niihau Incident itself, at Pearl Harbor, gives proof that loyalty and disloyalty were unknown.  FBI Director Hoover is on record stating that he did not have the resources to investigate 112,000 people along the U.S. west coast, one by one under the emergency war-time conditions.

At the time, FDR could not disclose that the MAGIC intelligence intercepts went into his decision for Executive Order 9066, which did not even mention the word "Japanese," but gave the Western Defense Zone commander the authority to "exclude" and remove anyone he deemed necessary.  We now have a more complete picture of the network of Japanese espionage on the west coast.  The book by David Lowman, _MAGIC: The Untold Story_ is highly recommended.

The constitutionality of the emergency, war-time decision was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.  The entire legal position is well documented in the War Relocation Authority (WRA)'s own final reports published in 1946.
4363210
If I see another article or story about a Westener or European who goes over for a limited time to a "struggling country" of one that their country has destroyed and then returns to all of the advantages of his home but thinks that he or she has or is "billed" as having "saved the world of these poor, poor people," I will be sick.

And here we go. A whole book.
4763834
First of all I do not have the opportunity to read this book yet, but as The Economist has a book review on this week's edition, I would like to comment something I witness first hand and probably the author has not addressed.

During a recent trade show in Hong Kong, where a lot of manufacturers located in Guangdong province participate, you can see many grim faces because the economy is bad and there are not many orders around to feed the hundred of thousands of people in the manufacturing/export industry.

And in many occasions, I was told by factory owners/managers that foreign agents, especially Americans I have to emphasize, would come to your booth and try to knock 30% of your already discounted, really low manufacturing price.  In the process they would even "wave" the order in front of you in humiliating fashion.

You really have to wonder if these Americans really expect everything to be dirt cheap or even free of charge in China.  They would just come and order eight thousand of that model, three thousand of that model, and you have to deliver by this coming Monday otherwise this would be a breach of contract and they would sue you for any damage.  And in the meantime, you as a factory owner, are actually not making any money because you just want to keep feeding your three thousand poor employees who are the bread winners of they families, located in some remote villages thousands of miles away from Guangdong province.

In conclusion, I think the poor quality of SOME of Chinese made products is a result of a vicious circle in which Americans are chasing after ever lower production prices, and quite honestly, this vicious circle is as unsustainable as the ever higher US house prices.

Nobody wants to harm any American children by putting lead in the paint of the toys.  By the way, the factory owner of this incident was actually duped, and has committed suicide.  But when American has this author to tell their side of story, I wonder when the Chinese can have their chance to tell their side of, most often, terribly sadder stories.
3592435
The tile of this book is titillating and misleading.  Takes comments from people, many disgruntled. When reading a book you have to be able to know the author and from what position he is writing. I have traveled extensively and my main observation is that people from all over the world want to come to America! I have seen the lines in front of embassies in India China, the Caribbean, Mexico (they don't really apply). A Norwegian point of view is nice but criticism of violence in America when they have recently had the most horrible massacre of children is quite hypocritical, don't you think?
4716406
Must read for those who do not want their country to sponsor this behavior.
2477541
It is never pleasant to hear the truth,especially when it pertains to self-deception and dullness. I have become quite accustomed to this here in my home country (Germany) ,which has thrown sound jugdment and reason overboard a long time ago as has most of Europe. What really throws me,however,is that this liberal -leftist frame of mind seems to more and more grow through the very fibre of a once proud 'n ready U.S.A.,undermining the very foundation and principles which has made this country so great.

This book stands as a wake up call not only to sleeping and deceived Americans (who hold candle light vigils for mass-murderers while at the same time calling their own president a war monger-if you can believe it !), but more importantly to those misguided dreamers here in Europe who ,with their naive and self-destructive ideology of appeasement(which in truth is nothing else but cowardice ), have already to a large extent paved the way for the dream of Bin Laden and his crowd of a Sharia- controlled Eurabia.

May this book be made available in many languages and be widely read !
3677808
IF YOU'RE AFRAID OF THE TRUTH, DON'T READ THIS BOOK!
IN TYPICAL FASHION MR. MICHNO RESEARCHES, ANALIZES, DEDUCES AND THEN DISPASSIONATELY REPORTS ABOUT THE HORRORS EXPERIENCED BY THE SETTLERS OF SOUTHERN MINNESOTA IN THE SUMMER OF1862.
THE ANIMAL SAVAGERY EXHIBITED DURING THAT UPRISING SHOULD FOREVER REMOVE THE PHRASE "NOBLE RED MAN" FROM ROMANTIC DESCRIPTIONS OF THIS GROUP OF POEPLE.
BE PREPARED TO BE APPALLED BY THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEAR-TERM BABY CUT OUT OF A PREGNANT YOUNG WOMAN AND IMPALED TO A TREE , TO SQUIRM UNTIL DEATH!  BE PREPARED TO READ OF YOUNG GIRLS (MANY OF THEM) BEING FOUND DEAD "WITH THEIR SKIRTS LIFTED".  TO READ OF NEWLY-ORPHANED CHILDREN WANDERING AROUND WITH TERRIBLE WOUNDS FROM KNIVES AND CLUBS (THE INDIANS WANTED TO CONSERVE THEIR AMMUNITION).
 YOU WON'T FIND ANY OF THIS IN THE MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S VERSION OF EVENTS, HOWEVER.  EVEN THE INDIANS ARE EMBARASSED BY THAT TEPID DESCRIPTION.  IT APPEARS THAT MR. MICHNO GOT MOST OF HIS MATERIAL FROM RECORDS GENERATED FROM INTERVIEWS WITH THE SURVIVORS.
NO ONE WILL EVER KNOW HOW MANY DIED, BUT ESTIMATES RANGE FROM 400 TO 600 MEN, WOMEN AND CHILDREN--AND UNBORN BABIES...
THE GLARING, OBSCENE TRUTH IS THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS HORROR.  POLITICAL DANCING, INEPT PUBLIC EMPLOYEES, CROOKED MIDDLEMEN AND DELAYED PAYMENTS--SOUND FAMILIAR AMERICA??
PEOPLE DO IRRATIONAL THINGS WHEN THEY ARE STARVING; AND THE INDIANS HAD FAMILIES TO FEED TOO.
THE BOOK DOES A FINE JOB OF DESCRIBING THE TERROR FELT BY THECITIZENS OF THE MINNESOTA RIVER VALLEY.  GREG MICHNO DOES HIS USUAL EXCELLENT JOB OF CASTING ASIDE APOLOGY AND REPORTING FACTS.  HIGHLY ENDORSE THIS BOOK!
2399657
This book is probably wonderful and when I have my next vacation, I will be sure to think about reading it. I bought it because it was the least I could do as an American citizen. This woman had her career stolen from her by our own government and that aint right!
3681577
Andrew Hallam's book is a must-read for expats (and for locals), especially if they are new to investing.

I have already written a review for this book on my blog, TheRapeOfHongKong (dot) com. Look for the post titled, "Bestselling Author Slams Insurance-Linked Donkeys and Commission-Hungry Rip-Offers in Latest Book on Investing".

Offshore pension providers like Zurich International must hate Hallam. It's rumored that Hallam's articles single-handedly destroyed Zurich's business in Singapore. If you have never been to Hallam's website, definitely check it out.

Hallam's haters, the "rip-offers", will no doubt be leaving negative reviews soon. Just ignore them.
2264569
David, Just finish reading your very fine book. Enjoyed it vey much, though it carries some very distressing and depressing facts. I really appreciate the deep work that you and your sources obviously put into this dissertation. Some task!  I think you and Ralph Nader should get together and do a PBS Frontline and/or C-SPAN program. How about a tour together throughout this great country (Colleges and other forums), getting the word out to everyone. When I travel back to visit family in Western New York, I'm surprised how low the available internet speeds are there compared to here in Florida. I like France's Internet, Cable and phone bundle you describe in this book. How come we don't have it here in the good old USA? The answer is in the book. Sebastian McGarigle
2234651
Remember when you first realized your  mom was not a virgin, how shocked you were!  Prepared be shocked!  You will no longer be able to wonder through life singing Kumbayah after reading this very will researched and thought out analysis of the period in American history when we lost our innocence as a nation.  West shows in compelling form how our institutions let us down by buying into the lie that was the socialist, communist, fascist fantasy world.  Why did we overlook all the horrible atrocities of the Soviet Union while condemning the horrible atrocities of Nazi's?  The answer is a complex mix of the times, and the events that brought us into the WWII, and the FDR government's total subversion by Soviet agents, spies, and dupes.  West makes a great argument that the idea of socialism was flooding over the intellectual elite in the 20's, coming via European socialists, the 'wonderful reports of the successes' of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, and the Great Depression.  We were denied the truths of the Famine Terror of the 20's that was actually caused by the Russian leadership, even thought America, under the leadership of Herbert Hoover lead an effort to feed millions of Russian peasants left to die by their own, ruthless government in the early 20's.  The Soviet Union, needing recognition, began infiltrating the American institutions of higher learning, Hollywood and the Press in an effort to control the impression America ( and the world) held of the success of the Russian Revolution.  America held her nose, and lied to the world and to herself and recognized Russia.  That started the lies.  Event the Russian-German pact to start WWII and take Poland did not affect America's perception of Russia, because our cultural and and political leaders continued to support Uncle Joe Stalin and his experiment.  (After all, you have to break some eggs to make an omelet.  Durante, a one time NY Times reporter who covered Russian during this period.)  Those lies were controlled from Moscow, and Stalin used many very well placed Agents, Spies, and Dupes to push America into a War with Japan, to push for massive Lend Lease to support the creation of the Russian Empire, and to push for a policy of Unconditional Surrender so that the war would last at least an addition year and a half in Europe, allowing Russia time to occupy Eastern and Central Europe and spread its influence throughout Asia.  This extra year meant D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, bombing of German Cities and the total destruction of Germany and the subjugation of Eastern Europe by the Soviets.  Had the war ended sooner, millions of people would not have been lost, Russia would not have expanded its empire throughout most of the world with its amoral philosophy, and Hitler would have been removed.  We probably would not have fought Korea nor Vietnam!  Think about it.  All of this loss to America was gain by the USSR.  West makes a compelling statement that the USSR won the war with the help of USA and Britain. America was duped, and much of that was due to the role played in the American government by an extensive network of Soviet Agents, Spies, and fellow travelers.  The traitors reached into the White House, State, Treasure, the OSS and even the Defense Department.  Playing a supporting role were the agents in Hollywood and in the Press.  Everyone needs to read this book.  We need to understand the truth and the facts of that situation, and that may help us to understand what is happening to us as a nation today.  You will be amazed.  This is excellently researched, well written, and extremely well thought out.
4551408
Greg Palast may be the most patriotic American living in England.  This book is an expose' of just how corrupt this Republican dominated nation has become.  He does the legwork and backs up every fact with proof of the depth of corruption.  From stealing the last 2 presidential elections, selling our defense, and infrastructure to the highest bidder, and corrupting the justice department, he shows how steps have already been taken to steal the 2008 election!  Read this book now; notify your family and friends, and wake up America.  It is almost too late already.
3018928
While the author does point the finger of this lack in national pride at the New Left (partly), he also points fingers at American society as a whole, for not having the pride necessary of America's successes. American bashing is just as dangerous as blind patriotism. Rorty is not calling for nationalism, but national pride. He reminds us that to do that, we must first accept ourselves and our nation--good and bad. Do yourself a favor, and pick up this book. Everyone will get something out of reading it.
16458
Definitely something more Americans should read and be aware of.  Then they should at least do some basics to prepare their family for this eventuality.
2046589
While this book clearly is written with a strong anti-American bias, it has some value. The authors actually get part of the answer correct, but essentially by accident. Much of the book is rather illogical (for instance, the authors continually talk about how little Americans know about other cultures and nations, yet in the next breath talk about how Americans have been incredibly successful in exporting our ideas to these cultures - a feat that would be IMPOSSIBLE without a deep understanding of them).

The authors get it right, however, in their assertion that much of the hatred of America arises from a complicated love/hate relationship between developing nations and the most powerful nation in history.

Developing nations at once resent us greatly (for having great wealth and power) and envy us (for having great wealth and power) yet strive to be like us (because we have great wealth and power).

The authors talk about how damaging the exportation of McDonald's is, yet fail to mention that the REASON there are McDs everyehere is because people BUY THEIR STUFF. The point (which the authors didn't intend, since the point isn't anti-American, while the rest of the book clearly is) is that many people despise America and denegrate it while sitting eating a McDonald's hamburger, watching American entertainment, on an American TV, and surfing the (American-made) internet.

The authors don't state it as such, but America is the 'Wal-Mart' of the world. People in Iran and Indonesia and Guatamala talk about how horrid the US is, all the while coveting the US lifestyle and US production. This is very similar to the way that many people talk about how horrid Wal-Mart is and that Wal-Mart eliminates small local business, yet are perfectly willing to shop at Wal-Mart to save money, which THEY don't spend at the small local business.

The analogy is very apt. And the book is worthwhile reading, as long as one keeps in mind that the authors are among the very people they try to explain: people who don't like the US very much. It isn't unbiased, or particularly well-written, but it is interesting.
432802
Today, the entire foundation of American society is under assault by a Progressive-Islamist alliance that hasn't neglected reshaping our entire immigration policy.  Were no longer a land of opportunity for ambitious, talented immigrants looking to escape social democracies with large welfare states.  Were now a land of government handouts for waves of immigrants, both legal and illegal, who come here for the generous welfare benefits our progressive government keeps increasing.  page 158

Over the past twenty years there have been two voices in the wilderness warning of the ramifications of unchecked illegal immigration--Pat Buchanan ("Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025") and the controversial conservative radio talk show host Michael Savage.  Over the past decade the pace of our decline has been accelerating at breakneck speed.  The consequences of the suicidal policies espoused by progressives, big business interests and radical Islamists are now becoming all too apparent.  And it may already be too late.  The push to flood America with illegal immigrants essentially means that in an increasing number of communities in this nation your vote no longer matters.  Dr. Savage lays out it all out in his explosive new book "Government Zero:  No Borders, No Language, No Culture".  Dr. Savage believes that America desperately needs to identify a leader who will stand up for American Nationalism.  It just might be our last best hope.  Michael Savage pulls no punches in this hard-hitting expose.  He writes We are supposed to be a nation where the government is of the people, by the people, and for the people'.  Instead it is a government of itself, by itself, and for itself, run by lobbyists. In short, Government Zero is absolute, unchecked government power and zero representation of the people.  It becomes abundantly clear that the elite in both political parties are systematically selling you, your children and your grandchildren right down the river all the while being shielded by their co-conspirators in the mainstream media.  And Dr. Savage is not afraid to name names.

While I find his radio show a bit hard to take at times I have to admit that Michael Savage has been absolutely consistent over the years.  He has been warning of the dire consequences of open borders, multiculturalism and other dubious governmental policies such as bilingual education.  Indeed, he chickens have come home to roost.  With the 2016 elections just around the corner America may have one last chance to save itself.  In "Government Zero: No Borders, No Language, No Culture" Michael Savage offers some solid recommendations to help turn the situation around.  This is a very interesting read.  Recommended.