Summaries of books about Political Ideologies:
Stonewalled
My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama's Washington
Sharyl Attkisson
The book is a personal account by investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson, detailing her experiences with pushback and challenges she faced from government, corporate, and special interest groups while trying to report on sensitive and controversial issues during the Obama administration. It explores themes of media bias, the struggle for journalistic integrity, and the obstacles reporters encounter when uncovering truths that powerful entities would prefer to keep hidden.
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The Elephant in the Room
A Journey into the Trump Campaign and the “Alt-Right”
Jon Ronson
The book explores the author's firsthand experiences with key figures in the Trump presidential campaign and the controversial "Alt-Right" movement. It provides insights into the personalities, strategies, and ideologies that influenced the political landscape during the 2016 election.
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How Fascism Works
The Politics of Us and Them
Jason Stanley
The book analyzes the tactics and principles that underpin fascist politics, including the creation of a mythic past, propaganda, anti-intellectualism, and the division of society into groups of "us" and "them." It explores how these strategies are used to gain and maintain power by fostering social divisions and undermining democratic institutions.
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The Deep Rig
How Election Fraud Cost Donald J. Trump the White House, By a Man Who did not Vote for Him
Patrick M Byrne
The book presents the author's claims of widespread voter fraud during the 2020 United States presidential election, alleging that such irregularities affected the outcome. It details his personal involvement in investigating and challenging the election results, which he believes unjustly favored Joe Biden over Donald Trump.
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Capitalism and Freedom
Milton Friedman
The book presents a strong argument for the role of economic freedom as a necessary condition for political freedom, advocating for free-market principles and limited government intervention. It discusses topics such as the importance of monetary policy, the role of government in education, and the case for flexible exchange rates, among others, to promote individual liberty and economic prosperity.
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Democracy in Chains
The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America
Nancy MacLean
The book investigates the influence of economist James McGill Buchanan and his public choice theory on the American political right, arguing that there is a covert movement to reshape democracy according to libertarian ideals, which prioritize the wealthy and restrict democratic participation. It traces the strategic efforts to implement this agenda through think tanks, academic institutions, and political strategies, suggesting that these efforts undermine democratic institutions and exacerbate social inequality.
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Life Inside the Bubble
Why a Top-Ranked Secret Service Agent Walked Away from It All
Dan Bongino
The book provides an insider's perspective on the protective operations of the Secret Service and the challenges of securing high-profile government officials. It also delves into the author's decision to leave his career due to his growing disillusionment with the bureaucracy and politics he witnessed within the federal government.
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If You Can Keep It
The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty
Eric Metaxas
The book explores the foundational principles and virtues that underpin American democracy, emphasizing the importance of active citizenship and moral responsibility. It delves into historical narratives and figures to argue that the survival of American liberty depends on individuals embracing the nation's founding ideals and actively participating in its preservation.
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Devil's Bargain
Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Nationalist Uprising
Joshua Green
The book delves into the partnership between Steve Bannon and Donald Trump, exploring how their collaboration and Bannon's influence on Trump's campaign strategy helped shape the 2016 presidential election. It provides an in-depth look at the rise of right-wing populism and the political and cultural factors that fueled the nationalist movement leading to Trump's victory.
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How the South Won the Civil War
Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America
Heather Cox Richardson
The book explores the paradox of American democracy that, despite the Union's victory in the Civil War, the ideology of the Confederacy survived and thrived in the American West, where oligarchic structures of power took root. It traces the influence of this oligarchic legacy through American history, examining its impact on politics and social norms, and the ongoing struggle between the values of democracy and oligarchy.
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