What's So Great About America

Rating:
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: Loved it, but I agreed with the premise from the outset
Review: While I skew towards the conservative side, I don't read a lot of politically conservative books. Most books about politics are so one-sided that they don't tend to present a realistic view of the world. I read this book on the recommendation of a friend who is fairly level-headed and I really enjoyed the perspective D'Souza shares.

D'Souza begins the book with a fairly deep look at what he defines as the three "schools" of hating America that are most prevalent in the world and acknowledges the credible points in each one of the arguments. He spends the rest of the book systematically explaining why he believes that America offers something wonderful and unique in the world.

I enjoyed his arguments because he stuck to logical paths which a reasonable person could follow from one point to the next. It isn't that there aren't counter-arguments to D'Souza's points, but that they warrant counter points because they maintain coherence and logic where so much political rhetoric just leans on the pre-existing agreement of its audience.

Whether you agree or disagree with D'Souza's conclusions on America, I believe this book offers a tight logical explanation of what you are arguing for or against.

Rating:
Summary: Objective and profound
Review: I was impressed. This was the first D'Souza book I read--I was hooked from the first page. I'm not one that goes around buying up political books...and that's why I bought this one. It's a book of history and philosophy written in plain and simple language. I couldn't put the thing down.

He gives some powerful analysis which, being a university student, I have seen proven around me again and again.

I'm tempted to buy more copies so I can loan them out--all I have is the hardback.

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: 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.