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Offers tongue-in-cheek insight into American democracy with coverage of such topics as the republican qualities of ancient Rome, the antics of our nation's founders, and the ludicrous nature of today's media.
DistortedSmile: If you like Jon Stewart's humour, but want something from a little different angle, you can tackle this book by Glenn Beck. I'd never heard of him before and decided to read this....I was pleasantly surprised at his take on major political/economic/personal issues and found his sense of humour subtle, but refreshing.… (más)
I read this book towards the end of 2003. I do remember liking it, and now that I look back, I still think it is a lot better than Colbert's book, which I reviewed here as well. ( )
While humorous, there are some very cringe-worthy moments in this book. Mostly the overemphasis on using r*tard as an insult, and accusing people they don't like of being "secretly gay" (as we know, the worst possible insult to a straight). It just got tiring.
It does give a succinct look at American Democracy, from the different branches of government to the history of the nation. The book helps explain the functions of the executive branch, the checks and balances of the Senate and Congress, and the judicial branch. There is a brief look at the possible future of America. The final chapter consists of infographics covering the rest of the world, and why, in the writers' opinions, it's not worth going.
Even though the book is now dated, being from 2004, there are still some poignant facts through the haze of rude punch-downs and occasional poorly executed jokes. Still worth a read, I think.
I do like how the whole book is laid out like a classic school textbook. ( )
Stewart and his co-authors (there are 18 of them!) have few illusions about transforming the American electorate with this instructional tome.
But they aren't altogether pessimistic: "Even if there isn't a Jefferson or Hamilton among you," they conclude, "if you just smash together the basic ideas of this book you're bound to wind up with something better than North Korea."
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
"It is true that we are called a democracy, for the administration is in the hands of the many and not the few." — Pericles
"Yes, Pericles, but have you gotten a load of the many?" — Socrates
"Jefferson, you're on the two. Hamilton? You get the ten. I'm calling dibs on the one. That's all me, baby. What's that, Adams? You wanted the one? All right, that's it: You don't get to be on anything. That's right, I'm taking back the quarter. Anyone else want to complain? I didn't think so." — George Washington, 1789
"[expletive deleted]" — Richard M. Nixon
"...the previous question shall be considered as ordered on the concurrent resolution and amendments thereto to final adoption without intervening motion except amendments offered by the chairman of the Committee on the Budget pursuant to section 305(a)(5) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to achieve mathematical consistency. The concurrent resolution shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question of its adoption." — H. Res. 574 [Report No. 108 - 446]
"Jesus, talk about a sausage-fest." — Sandra Day O'Connor, 1981
"I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore."
"...In the 2184 race, Neptune is looking like the critical swing planet." — The Judy Woodruff 9000™ CNN's Inside Politics: Galaxy Edition
"Do...you...speak...English?"
Dedicatoria
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
To the huddled masses,
Keep yearnin'!
Primeras palabras
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
Foreword When America (The Book) first approached me about penning the foreword to their tome, I was surprised.
It is often said that America "invented" democracy.
Citas
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
Quipped a jubilant Hamilton, "The only way it could fail is if one party gained control of not just the Executive, but also the Senate and the House chambers and upon doing so, proceeded to bring in like-minded judges!!!!" And then the Framers all laughed and laughed and laughed.
Últimas palabras
Información procedente del conocimiento común inglés.Edita para encontrar en tu idioma.
Answer: C.
The Pad Thai was actually made in a Greenwich Village restaurant by Mexicans. People from Thailand would find it bland and unfamiliar.
Offers tongue-in-cheek insight into American democracy with coverage of such topics as the republican qualities of ancient Rome, the antics of our nation's founders, and the ludicrous nature of today's media.
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What a wit. Found myself giggling on almost every page. Fun read. (