The Sorrows of Empire, by Chalmers Johnson.

[raccoon]

I finished reading it recently and strongly recommend it.


"…Four sorrows, it seems to me, are certain to be visited on the United States…First, there will be a state of perpetual war, leading to more terrorism against Americans wherever they may be and a spreading reliance on nuclear weapons among smaller nations as they try to ward off the imperial juggernaut. Second is a loss of democracy and Constitutional rights as the presidency eclipses Congress and is itself transformed from a co-equal "executive branch" of government into a military junta. Third is the replacement of truth by propaganda, disinformation, and the glorification of war, power, and the military legions. Lastly, there is bankruptcy, as the United States pours its economic resources into ever more grandiose military projects and shortchanges the education, health, and safety of its citizens." (p. 285)

Any of this sound familiar? :-(

[endarkenment]

1. Excellent book.

The book is over two years old now, but Johnson has proven to be very accurate in his analysis. He also documents everything in his book, providing an excellent resource for further research.

Your cited paragraph pretty much sums up our current situation.

[sinkingfeeling]

2. I started it two years ago, but just couldn't finish it. It was heart-

breaking for me to read. I do remember that paragraph.

[NYC]

3. Popular book.

I couldn't find it at the library. I'll have to try again soon.

A friend also recommended Blowback: The Costs and Consequences of American Empire by Chalmers Johnson.

[raccoon]

4. That one is worth reading, too. I read that one, but

I wouldn't mind reading it again.

[scholarsOrAcademics]

5. scholar and academic comments on 60's activists

I would have to reread it to give a full comment on it.What I immediately remember is his comments on the anti-war movement of the 60's. He was critical of it;so was I, but I did attend meetings at the University to learn what was going on. In those days, what I remember was the socialist's trying to interpret it, some coherent to me,some I could not follow. So, to that extent I was critical. Once out of the University, I did not give as close attention to South Africa, the People's movement in the Phillipines,El Salvadore, the anti-war movements of the younger students. As, as major in the social sciences I started to give attention to other fields, the sciences.To learn what preoccupations others can have.
the scholar and academic referred to is,of course, Chalmers Johnson

[scholarsOrAcademics]

7. has he read Sterling on the underpining of the LDP

I am searching for any reference to the underpining of the LDP by the Japenese undermuscle, mentioned by Sterling in the Yamato Dynesty.

[Mr Rabble]

6. Most important book so far this century.

Johnson makes it abundantly clear that our governments version of reality is misguided on many levels, most importantly as a now militarized society.

Alone this book is a real eye opener. With prior knowledge of peak oil as well as corporate influence of american politics, this book becomes a seminal work in the history/post mort em of american democracy.