Fatal Choice Written By Charles E Rickard

"Fatal Choice" is an excellent awakening of The United States as seen through the eyes of the author. It is frightening, alarming, eye awakening, thought provoking, and a look into your possible future life in The United States. Charles Rickard takes no prisoners nor does he hold back his punches. I read Fatal Choice with an open mind not knowing how bad, or good, things would get as the story unfolded in the near past, the present, and mostly the future. As you read from the first page on I guarantee you will shake your head as to how our nation is now playing into the hands of some of the actions Mr. Rickard described. Some of the authors thoughts might be stretched but how do we, the citizens of The United States, know what lies ahead seeing so many laws of our nation being, or attempting to be changed drastically? We don't, which makes the authors descriptive actions so worrisome. Liberals and Conservatives and anyone in between need to read this book with an open mind and then make up your mind as to how possible the scenarios might be in Fatal Choice.

The prologue gives us a good read on what to expect when a bizarre incident in Dallas just after a wedding where many important officials attended. As the wedding party left the church there was killing galore until all were killed. This leads into what goes on in the book. President Madison was a president that acted like he was a dictator, not a president of the world's largest republic. What he said or thought just had to be, and those that opposed would find themselves isolated from the government or possibly even six-feet under. He had been easing the nation into his ways over some time. He had those he considered close to him, those that he wasn't sure of, and those that had to be eliminated who still wanted our nation as it was meant to be. I am not going to fill this review with names. I choose to give the story of what is going on instead of giving you more names to distinguish.

There were those that recognized what Madison was doing and they were attempting local, area, and national organizations to try to combat the government takeover that was taking freedom from citizens constantly, even from elected officials if they didn't agree with Madison. Cabinet members meant nothing except for their rubber stamp of Madison's orders. Madison also controlled Law enforcement or, in some cases they had no power. Madison hired private agencies to enforce his ways. News media was reduced to several newspapers and several radio and television networks and even these were reduced farther until only Madison's word was placed out there for people to hear. No government was effective for freedom loving citizens, only Madison's government rule. His goons were there to control everything and everyone. Eyes and ears were everywhere. Privacy was gone as were the actions of people.

Some who were fighting Madison were slowly getting organized with much secrecy and with some methods that were used in past years because all new communications were blocked. Some areas of the United States were better able to organize mainly because of the ability of people in that area to come up with ideas of how to organize safely or, as safely as possible. Several nations assisted those opposing Madison in every possible way. Canada and Mexico were of the utmost importance with their adjoining locations. This still didn't mean the "underground" was safe. Many times they were discovered one way or another and were eliminated. One well known man, George Barnes, who had been so well known and liked with his news broadcasting, went to work broadcasting messages and news through a very secret communications setup. The network was almost impossible to stop due to its many areas in and out of the nation.

Don't get too connected with your heroes as you read. They might not be there in the next chapter. I think by now you have the gist of this powerful book. The irony of it is that much of the subject matter mentioned has been occurring or appears set up to happen. Our nation is a great place to grow up in and raise a family. We have freedoms that many people over the earth can only dream of having. They have never known what the word means. If we don't fight for what we have people like President Madison could take over our nation and take our freedoms away before we realized it. Don't let your government control you their way.

Thank you Charles Rickard for this book of warning. I look forward to the next book and can only hope this first book will awaken us all.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman of a book supplied by the author.

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Blessed Unrest - Insight Number One

Published in 2007, Blessed Unrest by Paul Hawken has not only maintained relevance over time, but has actually increased in importance as the world now struggles to deal with tough issues of hunger, poverty, social justice, warfare, climate change and economic crisis

The message of the book is two-fold. It details a set of initiatives that need continued and increased involvement from citizens of the world, and it also describes the miraculous movement that developed in support of those initiatives. Separate topics indeed, yet inseparable when we strive to understand the vital need for changing/saving the world.

Introduction

Paul Hawken, who also wrote The Ecology of Commerce, is a bestselling author, self-proclaimed environmentalist, entrepreneur, and journalist. As stated on the book's opening page, he has given nearly one thousand talks about the environment over the past fifteen years and has traveled the world in his quest to raise awareness of the human and environmental issues that plague this planet.

The two-fold message referred to above is best expressed on the inside of the book's dust jacket:

"The dawn of the twenty-first century has witnessed two remarkable developments in our history: the appearance of systemic problems that are genuinely global in scope, and the growth of a worldwide movement that is determined to heal the wounds of the earth with the force of passion, dedication, and collective intelligence and wisdom."

In the first chapter Mr. Hawken discusses his numerous encounters with hundreds of individuals and organizations who are working on a multitude of local, regional and global issues. Coming from all walks of life, and not realizing they were part of a much larger movement, they collectively provided him with countless bits of knowledge that, after a time, coalesced into the foundation of the book's premise.

As Mr. Hawken considered these encounters, and mentally connected the dots, it became apparent that there was a powerful movement of sorts underway, though not one that could easily be recognized as such. Wanting to understand the phenomena more deeply, he began counting the number of organizations, large and small, that were working on similar social projects. His conclusion is that there are well over a million such organizations, and what also became apparent was the direct connection between issues related to society and those involving the environment.

Insight #1

"A Native American taught me that the division between ecology and human rights was an artificial one, that the environmental and social justice movements addressed two sides of a single larger dilemma."

"The way we harm the earth affects all people, and how we treat one another is reflected in how we treat the earth."

These two quotes, which lay the groundwork for much of Blessed Unrest, resonated with me as cornerstones to the philosophy of Global Patriot, as our dedication to the planet, and our ultimate need to defend the planet, is fundamentally based on how we should treat each other, and how we should treat the earth. This interplay, that we can more easily see on a local level (assuming we pay attention) has been happening on a global scale.

The realization that technology - transportation, computers, communication - has bridged the gap between continents and cultures begins to illustrate how connected we all are. The fact that this blog can be read by anyone with access to a computer and a browser, regardless of location, is profound. There's no incremental cost, and (in most cases) no corporate or government filter in the way. And it is just this shift in technology that has allowed the worldwide movement described in Blessed Unrest to develop and flourish.

Blogs provide global access to information and opinion while email allows for instant communication with anyone, anywhere. And if you're on Twitter (twitter.com/globalpatriot.com) you know how rapid the flow of information can be, as news is broadcast long before the news media has heard about it.

In subsequent posts I will continue with highlights of Blessed Unrest and further Global Patriot commentary. I invite your comments and questions, especially from those who have read the book, and encourage those who haven't to do so soon.

Are you participating in a social movement dedicated to improving the world?

Mark Lovett is focused on promoting the belief that everyone deserves to live on a healthy planet, in peace and prosperity, using sustainability, compassion and respect as our guiding principles. Please visit the Global Patriot Blog and leave comments as a way to foster intelligent conversation on important topics. You can also join the Global Patriot Foundation on Facebook.

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Hate Crimes Book Review - Part 1

Specific hate crimes are usually tied to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, poverty, politics, sexual orientation, Anti-Semitism, environmental protection, and several other social conditions. The book touches on each of these issues and provides controversial and contradictory information so that the reader can have different points of view. Therefore, one can make their own decision and can start critically thinking about the various issues.

The author places importance on not only reasons for hate crimes but possible solutions such as expanding the current laws to include many types of hate crimes. In addition, the writer brings out the flip side of each argument by showing the opposing view point. For example, in the first chapter he stresses how serious hate crimes are in the world today. Then, in a later chapter he states these crimes may not be that serious and are over exaggerated. The writer explains that the Uniform Crime Reporting System (UCR) was formed to collect data against hate crimes. However, many enforcement agencies don't use the UCR. This makes it extremely difficult to get true statistics on these crimes. The author in this book has to base his arguments on many different methods since there is a lack of statistics. The book Hate Crimes was brought together by combining different types of research such as newspapers, periodicals, other books, government documents, and publications of organizations.

One of the author's main debates is whether stricter laws should be enacted against hate crimes. By enforcing stricter laws against hate crimes, minority populations would be more protected. As a result, less people would be victimized. On the contrary, enforcing these laws would be unconstitutional because it goes against our freedom of speech. The author points out that people can have prejudice thoughts and speak their mind. That is part of our First Amendment. Thinking, believing, and even hating is not something government can punish. Yet, on the other hand, people may believe that the expression of hateful and prejudice ideas causes harm to others even if there is no criminal misconduct.

Stricter hate crime laws may actually increase prejudice rather than reduce it. This happens because a person won't change their bigoted ways after being convicted of a hate crime. Many times that person is now viewed as a hero or martyr among their peers. Now, others will follow suit and show hatred against other groups to increase their standing among their friends. So this vicious cycle continues and produces more hate crimes rather than eliminate them. More importantly, sending people to jail without reform doesn't create positive change. Jails are the most prejudice places in our society.

Another main contention is about the extent of hate crimes and violence against women. Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA) was passed in 1994 to protect women from violence. Since men are typically stronger, women are more vulnerable and needed this act to protect them. The author then showed that the VAWA Act was anti-male. Some women made false claims but were atomically believed. Many feminists tried to play on people's emotions and allege violence when in many instances it didn't occur. The worst injustice is that millions of dollars were given to VAWA to help provide free legal assistance to victims but accused men could not receive assistance. Our Constitution is based on innocence until proven guilty. Men did not receive this right.

Whether you're buying a Nickel Shower Faucet or outfitting your bathroom with a fully Brushed Nickel Shower you want to make sure you do as much research and due diligence before following through with a purchase or contract worker to ensure you're happy with the end result. With so many products and options floating around, it can be difficult to make the right choice, but if you do enough looking around, then you're bound to make the right one!

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Glenn Beck's Common Sense - The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine

I recently read Glenn Beck's Common Sense: The Case Against an Out-of-Control Government, Inspired by Thomas Paine and I found the book to be a thought provoking read. Conservative political commentator Glenn Beck hosts a talk radio show and a television show. He's an author and an entrepreneur who has become well-known for his polarizing and controversial views but his book is filled with his own brand of common sense.

Thomas Paine was an author, inventor and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. In January 1776, he published Common Sense, a pamphlet that called for colonial America's independence from Great Britain. He thought government was a necessary evil. That British oppression was inevitable as was American independence. A copy of his pamphlet is included in the book. Glenn Beck compares that crucial time in history to the erosion of our freedoms today. 

His narrative is a reminder of how our rights are being constantly stripped away. Beck talks about unparalleled spending, special interest groups and insider corruption. He asks that we leave the Republican Party and the Democratic Party and devote our time and money to those who represent our values. He calls for a second revolution, but one that takes place in our minds and hearts. His book makes a case for getting involved and taking a stand for democracy and hopes his book will be a starting point for Americans to learn more about our country. A list of additional reading is included.

Glenn Beck's apocalyptic view of the future of America fuels his writing. He doesn't trust our elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, to represent the people properly - the people who elected them and pay their salaries. In today's political climate, many people agree with him. Even if you don't agree with everything he says you may be inspired to take a closer look at our political parties and their role in government today.

Publisher: Threshold Editions; 1ST edition (June 16, 2009)

ISBN: 978-1439168578

Paperback: 192 Pages

Price: $11.99

Gail Pruszkowski reviews for "Romantic Times BOOKreviews" magazine and her work has been published in the "Cup of Comfort" Anthologies.

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A Disagreement In Idaho Written By Holt E Glenn

I can compare this book with the circumstances that have occurred in Arizona mostly during the past year regarding illegal immigration even though the bulk of "A Disagreement In Idaho" took place in the future. The story begins describing The late Governor Seabon Wilson of Idaho who, when in office, was faced with the ever growing problem of far too many illegal immigrants, along with many others in Idaho and elsewhere throughout the United States fighting or backing the illegals. An old time girlfriend of the governors brother, Josey Lawson, was running to escape those trying to find and destroy all records of the late governor so as to make that period in Idaho's history disappear. Josey was a very experienced backwoods person and that expertise is what allowed her to escape those tracking her down.

After a very descriptive beginning we move ahead to the time when Seabon Wilson was the governor of Idaho. He was a staunch believer in governing the way our forefathers had laid out in the constitution, including immigration. Seabon was well aware of the deepening problems created by so many illegal immigrants living in Idaho, working hard and sending much of their earnings back to their families in Mexico. Many employers, mostly farm owners, knew their help was illegal but since the labor was cheap they felt they were only helping the employees families in Mexico to survive. The constant battle between those that supported and those against illegal immigrants working in Idaho spread throughout the state and adjoining states also.

Juan Horanto was one of the hard working illegals that had been working as a laborer in Texas until the local authorities started a severe crackdown to find those that did not belong. This drove many either back to Mexico or to another state where pressure was not as strong. Juan was earning $15.00 an hour in Texas where in Mexico he would have been paid only about $2.00 per hour for the same work. He moved to other areas but eventually ended up in Idaho thanks to a friend. Realize that Juan was only one of many illegal immigrants working in the United States. As long as they could get away with it they would. The citizens and many organizations in Idaho started rebelling against losing employment of their own residents and the push was on to legislate and enforce laws to eliminate the illegals.

The book is intensely and extremely well written. There is so much discussion in the United States today on the subject of illegal immigrants. Most oppose the millions working in our nation, freely taking advantage of our own welfare system, medical facilities, Social Security, while hurting all of those that do pay for and provide all of these government programs. "A Disagreement In Idaho" gives a great perspective where a governor and some in his state leadership agree with controlling the illegals but the few that fought for the illegals caused a huge conflict that became dangerous and deadly. The incidents brought the President of the United States along with the Attorney General into the action whether they wanted to be a part or not.

I think that much of what occurred in Mr. Glenn's book is still ahead for the United States. The battle to give or not give amnesty has been an onward strife and will no doubt continue well into the future with much clashing between many citizens and government bodies. I have given you plenty of incentive to read this book and get engrossed as a participant on either side or down the middle.

Reader review by Cy Hilterman of a book supplied by the author

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Is it Even Possible to Get Rid of the Bureaucracy? - A Book Review

When kids take classes on government in high school and college the picture painted is not actually what's really going on. Yes, we wish our citizens to submit to at least some authority, so we can run our civilization correctly, so everyone is on the same page, and that we all trust the government which we have created.

Still, the reality is that much of our government is inefficient, and it has become an overbearing bureaucracy. This happens with any large complex system, whether it is a corporation, agency, nonprofit, or even an army.

If you've ever wondered about all this, and wondered what we can do to fix the problem, there is a very good book I'd like you to read. This is book that I own personally, and one that I have had a chance to read several chapters and skimmed through the rest. The name of the book is;

"Banishing Bureaucracy; the Five Strategies for Reinventing Government" by David Osborne and Peter Plastrik, Addison Wesley publishing company Inc., New York, New York, 1991,(397 pp); ISBN: 0-201-62632-2.

You may recognize David Osborne's name, as he was also the co-author of; "Reinventing Government" and he has served as a senior advisor for VP Al Gore. This book is broken into three parts; "Part One; Is Finding Your Leverage, Part Two; Is the Five Strategies, in Part Three; Using the Strategies." In part one the authors discuss this similar principles of Sun Tzu for instance know yourself, and know your enemy, or in this case the challenges you face.

Part two discusses "the Five C's" which are "core strategy, consequences strategy, customer strategy, control strategy, and culture strategy." These strategies could work in almost any type of business, nonprofit or government agency. They might even work for a sports team, and perhaps this is why the book is so profound. The core strategies for any government organization are pretty cut and dry, and they have to do with the "mission statement" or the reason for the existence of the agency.

Unfortunately, there are many government agencies at many levels that are so far away from their intended mission statement that one has to wonder why they exist, what they are doing, and what their purpose, or usefulness really is anymore. The authors address this very issue.

The consequences strategy obviously has to do with what you hope to achieve, and all too often government agencies make rules and regulations or set forth procedures that are diametrically opposed to their mission, worse they are almost impossible to follow, and they end up tying the agency into a situation where they become ineffectual. Luckily, after the authors explain this they give strategies to overcome it too.

When it comes to customer strategy, the authors suggest that since a government agency is working for the people, the taxpayers, and the constituency, that it needs to listen, and there is no sense on providing what is not needed, wanted, or ill afforded. The authors give case studies to address these points. The control strategy are mechanisms that must be put in place but cannot be overbearing, which brings us right into the culture strategy of working to change the mindset of the employees in the agency.

It is my belief that you should read this book, and also follow it up with some philosophy from Ludwig Van Misses, and his famous work called; "Bureaucracy" and in doing so I believe, you will begin to understand why government is needed, why it's not working, and what we can do to fix it. Indeed, hope you'll please consider all this.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in efficient government.

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A Nation in Shadows by Michael Q Irwin

A Nation in Shadows by Michael Q Irwin, is a refreshing departure from the evangelical "apocalyptic" calva-baptist banter but is a work that should interest Christian, Jew, or anyone with a spiritual side that is interested in current events. And curious about the possible future of the United States. As political opinion and indictment seems to be raging back and forth these days, this opens a new arena in the debate of ideas. After all, the US was actually a spiritual revolution before it became a nation and its no great revelation that the first settlers (puritans) arrived to escape persecution for their religious persuasions. So why not go back to the roots of American civilization to find out what is going wrong today? As nobody seems to know how to solve our social and thus political problems, any opinion is worth considering.

The book is well researched, at times preachy but balanced with many unconventional yet credible insights. It has a few typos due to being a self published work but while verbose at times is well written. It seems Irwin attempted to include many avenues of thought when researching his subject and he does succeed in making it completely irreligious or non denominational. The knowledge of the Almighty is subconscious instinct not political religion he states. He confronts skepticism, secularism, anti-Semitism, racism, and historical totalitarianism.

There are chapters on Nostradamus, Shoah, social issues, and uses alot of history to compliment the theme of the book. He does little to differentiate between governments born of socialist maxims. Nazism and Marxist regimes are the same to him of which might seem absurd on the surface, but he makes a respectable argument explaining their philosophical parity-and equal degeneracy. While not scholarly, he does display a respectable knowledge of history, religion and the bible in particular with a clear sympathy for Judaic philosophy. It's a scary narrative at times and makes it clear as to what is responsible for the breakdown and madness in western particularly US government.

The book is more of a quasi-philosophical/spiritual treatise and he makes an effort to condemn ideas as opposed to people themselves. Nevertheless it is written to "pick a fight" if read by insecure people. Regardless of spiritual or non religious orientation, its an interesting read and would be of some lasting use in a personal library. His bibliography is interesting too. Its a recommended read and has some inspirational guidelines and advice to "save America" in the later chapters. Its definitely NOT the typical evangelical read (most would probably disagree with much of what he says) but he does accept Jesus -he calls him Yeshua- as Messiah and the Son of the Eternal but most churches might have problems with his messianic/rabbinic Judaism. There is no visible attempt to proselytize or convert and has some humanistic overtones that encourages the reader to use his/her own moral honesty when confronting spiritual issues. He shows considerable admiration for the Jews and is clearly a Zionist although he has some warm words for Arabs of which he calls the other "covenant people of Abraham".

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