Rating: 
Summary: This Book Is the Reason Why The World Hates Us...
Review: Unbeknownst to Chris Matthews, it is possible to love America and yet criticize the horrendous contradictions that America represents. The greatest democracy held blacks in chattel slavery. The country that is "slow to fight" sure didn't demonstrate that when fighting Mexicans in the Mexican American War or even Vietnam. And someone needs to tell Chris that Hollywood is MAKE BELIEVE, I resent this book because it is intellectually dishonest. It is jingoistic, xenophobic, and cloaks itself in empty patriotism. And I think it was Mark Twain that said it best: Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel. Mark Twain was right and this book proves it.
Rating: 
Summary: On Target - But. . . .
Review: Very easy, fast read, and right on the mark. Makes you remember that as Americans, we each have the opportunity to create and live the lives we choose. I was disappointed a bit in that he repetitively referenced the same historical figures throughout the book - it was as if there were no other Americans of significance to note as examples. The constant reference to George Washington, Tom Paine, Lincoln, JFK, became too obvious - as if he couldn't think of anyone else. The reference to the movie characters Jefferson Smith, and Rick Blaine though insightful became too repititous, as is there were none others. It wasn't a bad book, but not a great one. As I finished reading it, I realized that Chris is also living and pursuing the American dream - by writing this book. When complete, and upon reading his references - what a simple premise for a book. It focuses on the obvious, reminds us of who we are, and where we come from, without digging very deep. It is knowledge every American should, if not already has. The research must have been done over a weekend, and the writing on the next weekend. Why didn't I think of it first.
Rating:
Summary: A big ego but nothing to say
Review: What could I expect from the host of a cable tv show who spends the bulk of his time shouting over his guests rather than engaging in any kind of meaningful dialogue. There's little of interest here: a re-warming of Matthew's rather tepid intellectual history of the American way. The Gore "analysis" is incredibly insipid and I have no love for Al Gore. Avoid this at all costs. It's a complete waste of time.
Rating: 
Summary: America and Americans at their best
Review: What makes America the greatest country and Americans the greatest people? Chris Matthews of Hardball fame takes those attributes and concepts of Americans from Abraham Lincoln to Jerrerson Smith (of Mr smith goes to Washington movie). There are real life people and fictional characters like Bogie's Rick Blaine from Casablanca. What makes America what it is? and how are we unique in the world? In this compelling and thought provoking story Chris Matthews tells us about ourselves. In this world particularily since 9-11, the warm feelings of Patriotism are appreciated. If I said this was a history lesson, perhaps a lot of people would be turned off. but this book is better than that its a history books that's not dull or boring and gives us, dare I say, a historical prespective without being the dull and boring "H" word.
Rating:
Summary: America and Americans at their best
Review: What makes America the greatest country and Americans the greatest people? Chris Matthews of Hardball fame takes those attributes and concepts of Americans from Abraham Lincoln to Jerrerson Smith (of Mr smith goes to Washington movie). There are real life people and fictional characters like Bogie's Rick Blaine from Casablanca. What makes America what it is? and how are we unique in the world? In this compelling and thought provoking story Chris Matthews tells us about ourselves. In this world particularily since 9-11, the warm feelings of Patriotism are appreciated. If I said this was a history lesson, perhaps a lot of people would be turned off. but this book is better than that its a history books that's not dull or boring and gives us, dare I say, a historical prespective without being the dull and boring "H" word.
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