Recommended Readings From Michael Barone
Reader Comments
"Work Hard. Be Nice."
He should definitely read the Jay Mathews book as should everyone else!
And if President Obama has any trouble understanding religion or God, reading about the Catholic church will hardly help him.
Book Recommendation
"Terror and Consent: The Wars of the 21st Century," by Philip Bobbitt. This is the most exceptional book I've read in years.
Challenging, stimulating and enlightening.
An Uncommon Marine Memoir Everyone Should Read
Mr. Barone,
I highly recommend you and your readers pick up a copy of Once a Marine, by Nick Popaditch (late 2008). The official website is www.onceamarine.com
It is one of the best memoirs I have read, some combat, and a lot about the human soul of a shattered and blinded warrior, family, kids, and how one recovers his dignity.
I cannot recommend it enough. This Marine should be on every radio and TV show. I am really surprised he is not.
Semper Fi
Marty
Book for Obama
He needs a background in history.
"From Dawn to Decadence" 500 Years of Western Cultural Life. 1500 to the Present by Jacques Barzun
Read it All...
Mr. Obama should get ideas, information, and advice from lots of different sources -- especially on the economy. If he must read Galbraith, it is incomplete without reading Friedman and spending a lot of time with Budget expert Peter Orszag. We cannot afford to have a President who is one-sided at this perilous time for our country.
May I suggest
"The Forgotten Man" by Amity Shlaes. Please... no New New Deal!
Another Book or Two
"Sorrows of Empire", by Chalmers Johnson, and any other book he has written. A great overview of American government presence in countries throughout the world. The reader will have a better picture of what we are doing and the strategies that brought us there.
Read about the policies and alliances of Otto von Bismark - a Prime Minister who strengthened his nation on many levels and provided incredible vision regarding domestic programs to improve the lives of the people. He had his bad sides, but his poltical skills are probably unrivalled in the modern period.
Regarding religion: Read the Beatitudes - over and over again. It can help anyone realize what a true Christian's prioriries should be. Read something on every other major religion. Understanding the faith of others in the world helps a person better understand others in Asia and the Muslim world - their motivations and values. Part of success in diplomacy is truly understanding your friends and those who are not. You may have more in common than you think.
Read John Kenneth Galbraith, and anyone else who sees the Keynsian view in a positive light. Until this economy is stronger, Keynsian economics is necessary.
MAY I SUGGEST....
Since Obama certainly has trouble understanding religion and God, an enlightening read of "Triumph - The Power and the Glory of the Catholic Church" by, H.W. Crocker, might just be the ticket. It covers the 2000 year history of The Church.
In any case, I'm sure it would be a nice change of pace from 20 years of Ranting Reverend Wright and his Afro-Centrist, subjective religion. Who knows, Obama might even come to realize that Christ is not "Pro Abortion" or good with, Infanticide. And, find other valuable insights into the mind of God as well.
Ummm...Perhaps erstwhile Catholic, Lady Caroline, might find it informative as well.
