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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2007 > December > 26 > Entry
Ain’t My America
Notes from the Book Nook mail room… I’m starting to get books in the mail that are addressed to: Vick Mickunas-Blogger.
The advance galleys for the upcoming year are piling up like yesterday’s gift wrap.
I just got a title that intrigues me: AIN’T MY AMERICA- The Long, Noble History of Anti-War Conservatism and Middle-American Anti-Imperialism by Bill Kauffman (Metropolitan Books-April 15, 2008) promises to pique and tweak the memories and minds of some readers.
Here’s an excerpt from the pre-publication blurb:
The current political atmosphere feeds into the notion that conservatives love war, empire, and the military-industrial complex. Kauffman makes clear that true conservatives have always resisted the imperial and military impulse because it drains the treasury, curtails domestic liberties, breaks down families, and vulgarizes culture. He traces the actions of true conservatives from their opposition to the War of 1812, to their resistance of American involvement in the Korean War, to the current conservative critics of the war in Iraq. Vilified by George W. Bush supporters, these peaceful, decentralized, and non-interventionist conservatives represent the true beliefs of a now misunderstood political ideology.”
Does anybody know the true definition of a “conservative?” What do you think a “conservative” really is? What do “conservatives” stand for? Enlighten us, please.
Vick Mickunas
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: confessions of a galley slave
Comments
By Dan R
January 2, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Working at a book store I get to review hundreds of books a years. Some I read the jacket, some I read a chapter, and some I read the publishers hype only. This year I read many books from cover to cover. The best was a short book by a new author called “Where the water is Cold” by James Ryhal. Stop what you are doing and go get this book. This true story 92 page book will give you a great feeling. A story about a boy, his dog, his best buddies in small town America. This is a heart warming sometimes heart pounding always sincere story that is written to make you know Bum the Dog like he was your best friend too. I really enjoyed this book. So much I could not stop reading it until I finished the whole story. This is a true story told by a son through his fathers eyes. You just have to read this book that will put a smile on your face as well as in your heart. “Where the Water Is Cold” by James Ryhal ( isbn 0805972811) Dan R Barnes & Noble BeavercreekBy Pete Rose
December 31, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Conservatism, liberalism, socialism are all terms that have been “highjacked” as Mr. Delaney states. When a journalist or just a common citizen has the temerity to point out the absurdity of socialist healthcare for government employees only, or lost civil rights and national treasure to aid the “war on terrorism”, we/they are mocked as part of the liberal media or weak on the defense of our nation. What we need in this country is a Thomas Paine or Sam Adams to plainly state that our republic is being ruined by the very people elected to represent and protect us. All of us, not just the Corporate military industrial fascists who pay for there palaces with the blood of others. Like Max, I’m looking forward to the book. I’m also looking for people who have the courage to say enough of this new world order.By max delaney
December 27, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
To me, a conservative has always been one who prefers that the government stays out of his life and his pocketbook. Frank Zappa defined himself as a conservative. They support low taxes. They tend to be pragmatists, often letting to see how things evolve rather than throwing money at a problem to fix it. Sadly, the conservative movement has been hijacked by blood lusting, Bible-flagellating busybodies. Don’t mistake John McCain or Mitt Romney or their ilk as conservative. It sounds like an intriguing book, Vick, and I can’t wait to get my grubby, coal-stained mitts on it.