History & Politics
These books may be scholarly, or they may be read just for information and fun. This is Pete's favorite category and he could read all kinds of history, morning, noon and night.
Suicide of the West by James Burnham. This book, originally written in 1964, could be picked up today, read for the first time, and you'd think it was written yesterday. Burnham exposes the faults of Liberal Ideology. In his estimation the West is in decline and Liberalism is the main culprit for the decline. I don't pretend to know if he's right, but the book will leave you wondering what can be done to save Western Civilization. After reading it you could feel as I did; a little ambivalent to modern calamities and perhaps a bit pessimistic about the future.
Running on Empty by Peter G. Peterson. If a corporation ran its books the way the federal government does it would be indicted for massive accounting fraud; yet this is what happens year in and year out by our elected officials. The funds required to keep Social Security and Medicare solvent are enormous, but nothing changes with regard to these federal behemoths. Peterson contends that we must come to grips with not just these two programs, but with other methods that the federal government uses in spending taxpayer money. An excellent look at the dismal science and, possibly, a dismal future.
Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman. (Placed here because there is no category on education) Why it took Pete twenty years to get around to reading this book he'll never know. A searing indictment of television as a means of trivializing news and discussion and presenting it as 'entertainment'. Shut down the television and read what is relevant to your life instead of falling under the influence of the corporate moguls and their advertising brethren. A must read for anyone concerned not about the possibility of Orwell's '1984', but by Huxley's 'Brave New World'. also, 'Technopoly' by Postman.
Her Way by Jeff Gerth & Don Van Natta. The most balanced look at the life of Hilary Clinton that I've read to date (and I've read of lot of them so far). They give credit when credit is due her and question her judgment and motives when necessary. A must read before the 2008 election.
A Nation of Sheep by Judge Andrew P. Napolitano. Are we a nation of sheep, or a nation of wolves? Judge Napolitano presents a compelling case for the former. A chilling look at our lost freedoms, this book will challenge your belief in the methods that the government uses in the 'war on terror'. A wake up call to all truly patriotic Americans to defend their freedoms as elucidated in the constitution. A MUST read.