Rating: 
Summary: Honest look at America's faults and strengths by a wise man.
Review: After watching an interview of Mr. D'Souza a few days ago. I was so impressed with his answer, presentation and his intellectual prowess that I put aside my copy of John Adams and my edition of the "Qur'an", a translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali and picked up his book. I started the Ali translation because as a fan of Sun Tzu I wanted to know the enemy who wanted to make war on my country and me as well. After watching this interview and the unique outlook that Mr. D'Souza brought to the issue of America and its foreign and domestic enemies I picked up "What's so great about America." I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the time I finished. That I could finish it in only two days meant that it was gripping and an easy and interesting read. What an amazing, rational and reasoned view of America from a past, present and futuristic position. Mr. D'Souza holds a mirror up to all of us from both an outside and an inside perspective and makes us see some unpleasant truths, yet shows us the silver lining as well. Unfortunately most Americans cannot even imagine what we here in this great country look like to the rest of the world. Unless of coarse one has traveled, it is difficult to judge the bounty, in comparison to so many we all, I say again WE ALL, black, red, yellow, white and other, have here in America. Being a military career retiree I have been blessed with that unique opportunity to see the world and develop a healthy respect, admiration and love of country which Mr. D'Souza speaks of. I think that graduation from high school should include a weeklong survival trip to a third world country to open the eyes of our young people. Mr. D'Souza has a decidedly unique perspective on so many issues that face us in the global arena today. It is sad that our TV talk shows host and Newspaper editors have lost this talent for true unbiased reporting and his simple honesty on so many issues. It is just impossible for the Chris Matthews and Bill O'Reilly's of the world to address these issues as candidly and honestly as Mr. D'Souza seems to do. Of course the most refreshing part of this book was that Mr. D'souza was not flaunting any political or particular ideology like most of us do. He was truly being fair and balanced, applauding and condemning both sides equally I think. This impressive "tell it like it was and is" book at first made me a little squeamish, nearly putting it down and going back to my previous reads after the first 10 pages or so. That was because I probably had the same reaction most people do after reading the first chapter. I started to think hey, this guy is just knocking America and is nothing more than an advertising agent for Osama Bin Laden or some other Middle Eastern anti-American wacko and hate monger. Who does he think he is! But I stuck it out and read a little further and then realized with humble reevaluation that he was right in all that he was saying. It was my own ego and personal pride that had flared up in premature indignation at being called so many bad things, which were simply his relaying of what was in the minds of some of those on the outside looking in. I realized after a little more self-critical evaluation as a member of a larger society, and after putting my temper on hold. That what he was saying was true down to the last point. We are a representation of those sinful, deviant, hedonistic and disgusting things, in some parts of our culture, like Hollywood and the film Industries, the Porn Industries and various other institutions, which other cultures see when they evaluate America. Even if we as individuals, families and/or communities do not participate in those degrading acts or industries, it is a part of the American culture and that is what the Islamic and Muslim societies find disgusting and intolerable. In a sense they hate today's excessive liberalism and unethical progressiveness, which seems to have no more of a moral compass than a rabbit or a bunch of Gardner snakes. But what Mr. D'Souza finally begins to make clear is that this is the tendency others have to only see the tarnished brass and pewter fixtures of our society and by doing so ignore the silver and gold that ornaments the American people and many of our institutions as well. There are still plenty of Tocqueville worthy individuals and communities left our there to respect and 9-11 also proved that there is a grand and good spirit in America that rest just beneath the surface in great and vast numbers, just like the Fremen' in the movie "DUNE". We are better in so many areas than most think and we should not be ashamed of it. If I had been advising Mr. D'Souza however, I would have recommended his last statement be a saying from John Steuart Mill, which would have fit our post 9-11 character beautifully. Slightly modified for the 21st century, it goes like this, "War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings, which thinks that nothing is worth fighting for is much worse. A citizen who has nothing for which he/she is willing to fight, nothing they care about more than their personal safety, are miserable creatures who has no chance of being free...unless made and kept so by the exertions of better beings than themselves." It would have fit his premise perfectly that America is worth supporting, defending, cherishing and being proud of. Great job Mr. D'Souza and I promise not to say, "I am also writing a book" if I ever get the honor to meet you...
Rating: 
Summary: What he loves most about America is what he HATES!
Review: Dinesh D'Souza grew up in India in a Christian family and found his way to the United States at age 17. His first impression of the United States was how easily things were accessible. He is still awed by the fact that he, a foreigner, was permited so much liberty within the U.S. Capital where he worked for the Reagan administration as an intern. D'Souza soon understood why America attracts over 1 million immigrants per year. It's more than just its wealth and abundance, it's the OPPORTUNITY to follow your own path, regardless of the "common good," and the easy access to so many enrichening things. Many of D'Souza's observations warrant a "Duh!" (although those "Duhs!" are rarely reflected by the mainstream media--so it's refreshing to read them in print, nonetheless) but many more of his perceptions are insightful and make you reflect on how lucky we are as Americans, even during times of conflict and divisiveness. But what makes D'Souza's portrayal of America unique is that he, a conservative Republican, praises the United States not merely for what he likes about it, but for what he HATES about it. Yes, he praises America for the things he finds vile in it. Keenly aware of his liberty, D'Souza realizes that if he is allowed to raise his family within the confines of his own Christian ethics, then he must also tolerate a green haired, tongue pierced, anti-Christ. In other words, if your neighbor is not free, then you cannot be free either. Despite being a conservative, D'Souza doesn't preach against the Left. Yet, in his praise of America, one cannot help but see the Left's irrationality in its historic attempts to socially engineer society by limiting speech and other forms of individual liberty. We can also see the "danger" signs of George Bush's neo-conservatie ideology, which has blended socialism with religious moralism. "What's So Great About America," written by a Christian conservative, is a unique and rare celebration of diversity. D'Souza celebrates what he considers "vile" because he knows how precious his own freedom is. Regardless of your political views (unless you are a radical Marxist or religious fanatic), you will find this celebration of individual liberty refreshing and even joyous--and you will long to protect it! D'Souza's book is long overdue. Thank you, Dinesh, for writing it.
Rating: 
Summary: A Myopic Book
Review: Dinesh D'Souza has the gall to defend colonialism and racism in this text. He was born in India and basically fell under the sway of Coca-Colonialism: this book is a clear product of this phenomenon. He is a brainwashed, racist, myopic idiot and all of his books are poorly written.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Dinesh D'souza provides a wonderful portrayal of what America truly stands for, and calls on her citizens to stand up for her in this time when she needs the most support. D'souza is extremely insightful and objective, and explains why America is so worthy of our sacrifice. If you have ever doubted America's greatness, or pondered why she has attracted so many people to her shores, I highly suggest that you read this book. Actually, I suggest that you read it anyway, it is well worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: I Bet the Right Hates this one
Review: Finally, an excellent book has come out by someone who actually knows what he's talking about. I bet the neo-conservatives are running for cover from this one. Dinesh D'Souza restores my faith in America. He's a breath of fresh air after all the raunchy political pornography that's being churned out by people like Ann Coulter and Michael Moore. This is what America's about, about telling the truth, and this guy knows the truth. Don't you guys see how refreshing and invigorating it is to tell the truth? Pull the black veil off your hearts and ENJOY America, our beautiful country. Nothing is as patriotic in America as the TRUTH, why can't the bickerers learn that. This book really tells what's right about America. I was wondering if it could be done anymore. Lay down your broomstick and black hat Ann Coulter, I bet you hate this book!
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Summary: Natural Law versus Rousseau
Review: First, it must be stated that Dinesh D'Souza is the best conservative author on the planet in terms of persuasive discussion. I like the mud-slinging of the likes of Ann Coulter as much as the next conservative (so delicious is it!), but there are polemic mud-slingers on the other side of the argument, too, who delight all those with an appetite to tear down traditional America; such "argument" is not likely to persuade one convert: it is just preaching to the choir.
Dinesh D'Souza, however, gives the liberal arguments fair treatment, with historical explanation, and acknowledges both the virtues and vices of those positions. Then he systematically proceeds to demonstrate why the conservative viewpoint is superior. If you could actually get a liberal to read this book with an inquiring mind (no small task!), there is a good chance that his/her political viewpoint will be changed -- if not reversed.
To me, the most illuminating revelation of this book (which I believe he also alludes to in his book, "Letters to a Young Conservative") is the guiding principle behind all liberal arguments that conflicts with the guiding principle behind all conservative arguments. Until you understand these underlying philosophies, you can not really hear what the other side is saying -- even if you are listening to them. D'Souza's argument is that Conservatives base their world-view on the Judeo-Christian ethic (no surprise there), or, if you prefer, the "Natural Law" view clearly relied upon by our Founding Fathers. According to this view, there is such a thing as "truth" and "morality" and a right form of governance among men -- to which we must all aspire. The modern-day liberal view was formed in the 1960s and was taken from Jean-Jacques Rousseau's incitement that "truth" is relative to each person -- that we only need to be true to our inner selves. For this reason, liberals can have "rights" without responsibilities (as in, "don't try to impose your morality on me"). While conservatives generally propose that abortion, homosexuality, adultery, etc. are "wrong," liberals truly believe that those things cannot be wrong if the person is being true to his/her inner self. Likewise, while conservatives -- in line with our Founders -- view capitalistic democracy as the highest form of government, liberals truly believe that the dictatorial imposition on a country of communism, fascism, socialism, etc. is just as good as a government which has the "consent of the governed."
I highly recommend this book. I intend to purchase every D'Souza book published.
Two Cheers for Imperialism!!
Rating:
Summary: This book greatly changed my life for the better.
Review: I first came across this book while browsing the politics section at B&N. I initially laughed at it because of its simple title and the American flag it had drapped across its cover. That alone didnt cause me to laugh however. The real reason I laughed was because I was then a young college student who was being bombarded with only negative information about my country's current culture as well as it's past history by the supposed "educators" in charge of my intellectual development. This book completely shattered the worldview they had worked to create in me. Thank you Dinesh D'Souza.
Rating:
Summary: This book greatly changed my life for the better.
Review: I first came across this book while browsing the politics section at B&N. I initially laughed at it because of its simple title and the American flag it had drapped across its cover. That alone didnt cause me to laugh however. The real reason I laughed was because I was then a young college student who was being bombarded with only negative information about my country's current culture as well as it's past history by the supposed "educators" in charge of my intellectual development. This book completely shattered the worldview they had worked to create in me. Thank you Dinesh D'Souza.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome read!!!
Review: I just loved this book! I am going to recommend it to some friends. D'Souza writes with such clarity, logic, insight, and his style is very engaging to boot! This book is a great antidote to the mainstream media's and liberals' pessimism and "blame America first" syndrome. I highly recommend people read this--young people included. It's so interesting!
Rating:
Summary: Another good book
Review: I like this guy D'Souza. His books are not only interesting but also educational. This book is no exception. D'Souza challenges the equalitarian viewpoint that all cultures are equal. He makes the case that in many ways American culture is a superior culture and society and we should be proud of it and not apologize for it, but he does acknowledge that not all is perfect and he points out some of the criticism are justified. This book covers many contemporary topics including race relations and Affirmative Action (he recounts an interesting debate he had with Jesse Jackson) and he gives his perspective on the 9/11 tragedy and its aftermath. He gives his perspective on how we are viewed around the world and his perspective on why some of the criticisms are unjustified (or in a few cases justified). It is refreshing to read a book like this that isn't mindlessly denouncing America or our free society. Considering he is an immigrant, it is astonishing how well informed D'Souza is about American history. He covers some world history and how American Ideals developed. He not only has a deep understanding of world and American history, but he also grasps the transition America has gone through in the 1960' and 1970's. D'Souza is not only a scholar, but he has a great sense of humor (he made me laugh in a couple of areas). This book is a pleasure to read.
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