Polictical – Page 2 – Ryan’s Book Blog

Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction

October 25, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in January of 2003, “Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction” is a concise book by Marc Mulholland that examines Northern Ireland’s complex history, including the rise of republicanism, the civil rights movement, and the growth of significant political groups like Sinn Féin and the DUP. The book brings the reader up to date with Northern Ireland’s history, drawing on new sources to provide fresh perspectives.

My Thoughts

A very short introduction is a little misleading. It seemed like a lot for me to take in as most of it was new information. Yet again, proof that there is so much more to the world than I have seen from this corner of it.

Recommendation

Very informative. A good read.

Washington: A Legacy of Leadership

October 23, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published on April 18, 2011. “Washington: A Legacy of Leadership” is part of “The Generals” series and offers insights into George Washington’s leadership style and achievements, focusing on how his strategies and decisions shaped the United States. If you’re looking for a comprehensive analysis of Washington’s leadership and legacy, this book likely explores his role as a military leader and the first President of the U.S., highlighting the qualities that have cemented his status as a pivotal figure in American history.

My Thoughts

This book was full of information which was not part of my elementary history book. Paul Vickery does a good job trying to look through General Washington’s eyes and tries to empathize with his decisions. He links life events to specific decisions that shaped the military career of our first President.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it.

Tyranny of the Minority

October 21, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published on September 12, 2023, Tyranny of the Minority, is a book by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt that delves into the current political landscape in the United States, examining how the country is transitioning towards a multiracial democracy while facing an authoritarian backlash that jeopardizes its democratic foundations. The authors explore why democracy is under siege in the U.S. and not in other similar nations, offering insights into the unique vulnerabilities of the American constitutional framework to minority rule and the potential solutions to safeguard democracy. They draw comparisons with various global instances to illustrate how political parties can turn against democratic principles and how outdated institutions in the U.S. contribute to enabling minority rule, contrasting this with reforms in other democracies aimed at eliminating such outdated systems.

My Thoughts

The book had some interesting points and made clear that we are in trouble in terms of our politics. I agree with that assessment. My personal thoughts is we, as Americans, have allowed the system to devolve into partisan bickering. While that has always existed, the parties were able to work together from time to time. Now it is seen as a sign of strength to not discuss anything with the other party. It is a new level of ridiculous.

Recommendation

It didn’t make a lasting impression.

Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General

September 6, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2022, “Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General” is a biography of James Longstreet during the Civil War. An argument is made that he was a greater general than history portrayed him and, if General Lee had followed his recommendations, several battles would not have been fought or would have worked out much better in the favor of the Confederacy. (E.g. Gettysburg.)

My Thoughts

I love a good Civil War book in general. However, this one went a little bit further in the weeds than I would have liked. He did make a compelling argument about Longstreet’s ability but I don’t have the expertise to fact check him. Still, it seemed very detailed and I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

It was a tedious read but worth my time.

Countdown to Dallas

June 30, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2013, “Countdown to Dallas” is by Paul Brandus exploring the events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The book examines the lives of both Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald, and it debunks various theories about who was responsible for the assassination. Brandus argues that the assassination was at the hands of Oswald and gives compelling evidence of the series of events that led to that day in Dallas.

My Thoughts

I never saw the movie “JFK” by Oliver Stone but Paul Brandus doesn’t seem to have a high opinion of it. In fact, he takes every opportunity to show where it was in error. I also had no idea of the time Oswald lived in Russia or his communist ties. I didn’t know he idealized Cuban Marxism or that he was so far down the end of his rope. I was gratified to hear that the Marines kicked him out. He sounds like a real piece of work.

However, if all the above were true, I can certainly understand why it wouldn’t be such a great idea to inform everyone of exactly who this guy was and what he was about as it would certainly cause issues. Of course, it did anyway and that is a worthy story in of itself.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. The book seems to be well researched and written but there is still some tangible bias in his language. It’s enough that makes me want to delve further.

Back to Work

May 20, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2011, “Back to Work” is a book that examines the economic challenges faced by the United States and suggests potential solutions for improving the nation’s economy. Drawing on his experience as the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton analyzes the factors that contributed to the economic downturn and proposes measures for recovery. With a focus on job creation, education, innovation, and infrastructure development, Clinton argues for the government’s role in promoting economic growth and ensuring a prosperous future for Americans. Clinton presents a vision for revitalizing the American economy and restoring its global competitiveness.

My Thoughts

I find most of the points made in this book to be valid. I believe people are more alike than different and that we can come together on many issues. However, we have devolved so much that we can’t seem to have a simple conversation and get anything done.

I attended a local school board recently and was appalled by what I saw. Our board members took 35 minutes of squabbling just to agree on the agenda. Most of it was posturing and egotistical members trying to claim credit for who “passed in the motion”. (As if that mattered in the slightest.) However, this seems to be what passes as politics these days. I enjoyed that this book wasn’t along that vein.

I’m not a fan of former president Bill Clinton in a few ways but I do like that he balanced the budget during his presidency and promotes the dignity of work. I also like his work with another former president H. W. Bush in promoting dialog between the parties. I felt there were a number of assumptions made but at least he had practical ideas which would likely appeal to a broad swath of our society.

Recommendation

Dry but not a bad read.

Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter

January 6, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in September of 2022, Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter is the biography of our 39th President and his wife.

My Thoughts

At over 900 pages, I had been working on this book for some time. Most of it happened well before I was born but it was a pleasure to learn some of the backstory and gaps in my knowledge.

This bio seemed to be pretty balanced and was exhaustive.

Recommendation

If you can stick with it, do it!

Overdue

August 19, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in March of 2020, Overdue was represented as a book on libraries. However, it really just boiled down to one young woman’s 9 months in a DC public library.

I was really disappointed in this book. It was really just non-stop whining and complaining about the author’s life and her issues. It also included every buzz term we hear these days regarding any and every group that isn’t white and male.

She spends all of 9 months in a library in Washington DC and feels like she is qualified to throw rocks at the system. Of course, she has no alternatives. She has no solutions. She just has her entitlement and “confirmed PTSD” because she had to interact with the public. So like all of her contemporary social warrior peers, she gets as far away as she can from the problem (literally moving to California) and starts writing about the problem with her perception of the world.

Of course, she is offended on behalf of the people she is championing while simultaneously ignoring their opinions and getting as much distance from them as possible.

I kept hoping there would be some resolution, some moment when she understands how ridiculous she is but it never came.

Yes, there are problems in the world. (That isn’t a surprise.) If you want to impress me, have an idea of how it would be better and do something about it. Tell me what would be better and really think through how that would be possible.

Franklin and Washington

July 8, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in February of 2020, Franklin and Washington: The Founding Partnership, is the biography and comparison and contrast of our founding fathers George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.

My Thoughts

A very enjoyable read and a novel approach to subject matter that has been well documented. I really enjoyed the comparisons and the narrative of the relationship between these two men.

Recommendation

Worth the time to read. Great book.

Killing Crazy Horse

July 7, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in September of 2020, Killing Crazy Horse is the history of several notable native Americans (e.g. Sitting Bull, Chief Joseph, Cochise, Black Hawk, Red Cloud) and the Indian Wars through the 1800’s.

My Thoughts

The author has a very distinctive style of getting right to the point that I enjoy. I feel this book did a great job of staying out of the commentary and just went for the facts, as well as can be known.

This was an embarrassing time for our country. I believe most people really tried to do the right thing and there were stories of people on both sides we really tried to make a lasting peace. However, there was so much confusion and prejudice it all just kept falling apart. Hopefully, we can all learn from this tragic time.

Recommendation

Great read.