Scott

Clear, grounded in Christ and supremely relevant.

Revisado: 11-23-24

A beautiful account of Jesus’ revolutionary life and teaching rooted in scripture and Jesus’ historical life. Much to contemplate, challenging us to take up the cross as intended.

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Absolutely essential for decoding today’s political dynamics (& dangers)

Revisado: 10-27-24

This is a very well-organized and clear description of the incessant and all-too successful misinformation that has led about half of our country to embrace a charlatan and his many sycophants in congress and the media. - even as doing so is bringing about our own demise. We - all of us - are products of our informational ecosystems. The book looks at both the false narratives created by the Trump camp, as well as the mainstream media which has soft pedaled their response and often thereby lent legitimacy and cover. When those ecosystems are further limited to networks which actively collude in disseminating the lies, myths and false narratives (such as Fox and Sinclair, as many concrete examples in this book describe), we too easily fall under the spell of those manipulative narratives and the associated cultish and wildly unqualified leader. Rachel Maddow’s narration is great - as always. Not mentioned on the book, but relevant, these incessant lies have the same gaslighting effects of all cult leaders and domestic abusers - they first cause the recipients to doubt themselves and then bring the victim under the abuser’s spell through a combination of fear and a twisted (relative) sense of security. It’s classic. And today, it’s destroying our democracy - the democratic political and legal system as well as the citizenry upon whom a functioning democracy depends. Spread word of this book - it is an essential inoculation!

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A wonderful exploration of the core of Christ’s teachings.

Revisado: 02-25-24

Powerful insights; critical analysis of the power and revolutionary teachings and modeling of Jesus Christ - for the ages and particularly for the present time. What stood out most for me is the description of forgiveness as the very essence of Jesus’ teachings. Forgiveness, like many elements of The Way provided us through Jesus’ teachings and sacrifice, demand effort and a willingness to question one’s own conceptions and comforts; perhaps more radically, to depart from dominant social expectations as did Jesus, and embark on the difficult but ultimately beautiful path of embracing His teachings in everything we do. It’s never easy, and has never been. Also - as ever - forgiveness, compassion, and the guidance given us in the Sermon On The Mount, can create the Kingdom here.

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Foundational insight for our current and largest challenges

Revisado: 10-06-23

The information and analysis presented in this detailed and profound audiobook holds the key to so many of our problems. By providing thorough historical exposition and perspective we learn in detail how the argument (now gospel for most) that “…government IS the problem” was a manufactured myth - manufactured for specific destructive and corporate aims. I remember when Reagan came into office, I was conducting social science research evaluating the efficacy of a host of governmental programs including the National Health Service Corps among many others. The NHSC was extraordinarily successful and provided essential health services to scores of communities. The new administration forbade us from disseminating or publishing the (government-funded) results because they so clearly contradicted the fallacy the new administration was working diligently (& quickly, successfully) to inculcate in our political culture.

This book not only describes the process of creating this popular myth throughout the 20th century, but it’s analysis puts it in the larger historical, political and cultural contexts. We should all be armed with this understanding so we can read the falsities (like the “necessity” of de-regulation) currently being propagated to prevent us from addressing the most consequential ills of our time: climate change, economic inequality, declining public and environmental health, etc. and thereby more effectively articulate and work for a future.

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Essential reading

Revisado: 03-01-23

This is an essential read/listen for all who desire to stay abreast of the true history of 20 of some of the most consequential myths in our country today - myths skillfully crafted by those who seek to distort our understanding of history and social, political & economic reality to maintain inequity division and fear. Should be in all high school and college history programs not only for the myth-busting but also to expose the manner in which these myths are created and absorbed by so many.

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Succinct, powerful, historical-grounded & critically important

Revisado: 02-11-23

This book couldn’t be more timely and important. We’ll-documented description and analysis of where and how white fear has exerted itself continually to bring is to yet another critical juncture where we act to seize opportunities or fail to and allow the forces of white fear and privilege to further entrench this destructive and heinous system.

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Excellent & timely

Revisado: 02-05-23

Should be required in all civics classes to allow citizens a more complete understanding of the constitution and legal foundations of our government and rights. Oh; wait: we need to reinstate civics classes in schools as well. So until that happens, the book should simply be read, discussed and reflected upon by all citizens. It’s critical particularly as the war on democracy is in full swing but hasn’t yet succeeded.

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Inspiring, reflective look at the road up which we must travel

Revisado: 12-28-22

This is a remarkable historical, analytical and reflective look at ways of organizing ourselves as communities and as a political society (and ways states and various actors have worked to block various idealistic and practical attempts to create more effective ways) at a time where the current structures are clearly falling apart due to their being antithetical to our survival - as individuals, communities, and as a species. A great source for conceiving alternatives that have never been more essential.

And the narration is fabulous - clear, conversational, and with just the right emphasis to promote great comprehension and thought.

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Vital analysis; vast perspective

Revisado: 12-10-22

This book is critically important, bringing nuanced perspective to both our plight and our possibility as humans at this juncture.

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Essential insights and a path forward; never more important than now

Revisado: 10-29-22

The portraits of people making real and lasting social and political change through connection, listening and dialogue -across seemingly implacable divides - and the analyses of their work, provided so clearly and beautifully in this book, show us that change is possible; all hope is not inevitably lost. It’s not an easy process, but Anand Giridharadas lays out the evolution of the step-by-step processes that make this work successful, and takes us into the lives and work of the people who have taken it on. And it’s not a spectator sport - we’ve never been in a situation where precisely this work is more critical. When we are faced with a fantastically resourced machine sowing division and animosity for their own gain and the destruction of our democracy, this book demonstrates how to confront that division with meaningful and practical dialogue. It’s both refreshing and encouraging. And as a bonus, Anand Giridharadas’ narration is wonderful. If you really want to see our country come together to confront the serious challenges we face, you must read - or listen to - this book.

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