THE LOCAL AREA WATCH

LONDONISTAN, ITS NOT JUST FOR ROYALS ANYMORE

Those of you who read this site on a regular basis know I have shown great interest in the Islamic terrorist movement that has touched us so profoundly on American shores and those lands across the seas.  I have reviewed books such as “America Alone – Mark Steyn”, “The West’s Last Chance - Tony Blankely”, ”Because They Hate – Brigitte Gabriel”, “The Truth About Muhammad – Robert Spencer”,  and “Now They Call Me Infidel – Noni Darwish (not reviewed in full, but given special credit in one article).

All of these books helped to analyze the threat that terrorism and extreme Islam pose to every American and every non-Muslim citizen in this world. These books helped to define what Islam is all about, what it means to those who are so called moderates or worse yet, infidels, what the message is to those who have gone extreme and what the future holds if we choose to not hear the message being sent loud and clear to the world by those who have hijacked this religion and want to change our current landscape drastically.

I would like to add two more books to your reading list for consideration on this topic;   Londonistan and Jihad Incorporated.  I will review Londonistan first and then do  a second entry for Jihad Incorporated. I hope you will consider buying these books, reading them and adding them to your personal library.  They are both well worth it.

Book Review  #1 

Londonistan
By Melanie Phillips
2006 - Encounter Books
Available at all major books stores- Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden, Schuster, etc.

Type of Book:

Non-fiction.

Background: 

Per Encounter Books, Melanie Phillips is an award winning columnist for London’s Daily Mail. She was educated at Oxford and won the Orwell Prize for journalism in 1996.  She is the author of All Must Have Prizes, The Ascent of Woman, America’s Social Revolution and a number of others books. She is a regular guest on BBC shows.   This book, Londonistan, is her latest offering.  Further information about this author can be found on Wikipedia.

General  Book Overview: 

Londonistan is a snap shot of British society in the modern world and the price it has paid by ignoring their newest foe in the 21st century – extreme Muslims and the jihad movement tied directly to the religion of Islam.

Ms. Phillips shares with the reader powerful thoughts such as, “What the free world has failed to grasp is the biggest threat we face is not terrorism. It is instead the ideology that drives it. It’s not enough to fight terror, vital though it is. The principal battle ground is the world of ideas. The Islamists understand this. They understand the psychological warfare – the fermenting of paranoia, resentment, hysteria and demoralization – is their most effective weapon.   They understand that if they can hijack the human mind to the cause of hatred and lies, they have an army; and if they can further hijack the minds of their victims, they will win”.

She lays out with devastating clarity how Great Britain fell into a deep slumber for the last few decades while the enemy made camp around and within. They drifted off even while continual suicide bombers, attempted high jackings, downed planes, blown up embassies/military compounds and innumerable wounded and dead citizens of the world happened throughout the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s.  Even with all these events, the British public remained blissfully unaware of the danger within and abroad.  September 11, 2001 and the impact of the collapse of the Twin Towers in New York, the destruction to the Pentagon in Washington D.C.  and the downing of Flight 93 in a Pennsylvania field which resulted in the loss of massive life altered world views  - short term.  Then Britain fell asleep again.   Bombings impacted Spain’s public safety and train system and killed numerous citizens and changed an electoral vote in 03’. The British napped yet again.  The gruesome murder of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gough in 2004, left the public stunned, but oddly unchanged. Once again, they drifted off.  Bombings happened on home soil with deadly results to London’s underground trains, tube and bus system in 05’.  Although many because upset and frightened by such a local tragedy, still British citizens and public officers denied the full ramifications of such deadly intentions.  It wasn’t until 2006 when home grown British Muslims were identified as operating out of London mosques and were involved in worldwide global terrorist movements which originated from small Hamlets throughout Britain that the public realized the reality of events - London had become the European hub for terror networks throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s.  They had their own ground zero.  It took over thirty years for Brits to finally recognize the horror of this movement in which they themselves had silently given their consent and approval. 

While the public looked the other way, terror networks quietly set up shop throughout the country in big and small villages alike. They imported large Arab populations from around the world. They wove into their fabric of  religious and cultural change naturalized citizens and UK born citizens as well.  The common denominator  - all were Muslim, all practiced Islam, all were either converts to the faith or born into the faith.  The Imams and Ayatollah leaders then indoctrinated these followers into the world of preaching violence, raising money, recruiting members for jihad and supporting suicide death and martyrdom for the sake of Islam and Allah.  They are very discriminate in their hate. If you are not a practicing Muslim, you are the enemy. It’s that simple. Even if it means taking out fellow U.K. citizens.

Britain’s governing class – its intelligentsia, its media, its politicians, its judiciary, its church, its police and its educational system not only allowed, but supported this deep and broad cultural mentality that allowed terrorism to breed, grow and devastate their own country and others as well.  The U.K. made it easy for this radical extreme Islam to grow. How? The country piece by piece relaxed immigration laws to bring in new citizens and fill job openings, they reduced security measures and strict laws in the name of tolerance and human rights – especially minority rights, they loosened the restrictions and standards when it came to education, religion and government benefits for the sake of being an enlightened society that takes care of it’s own and finally, they embraced diversity and multiculturalism as the answer to a being an advanced and modern society (does any of this sound a warning bell my fellow Americans?). Their goal, make everyone equal, no one better than anyone else. That is the progressive thing to do if you are a great nation in the 21st century.  The loss to the British public in regards to many of the basic foundations that make up a democratic, safe and orderly society, was traded in favor of extreme tolerance, diversity and extra rights that played perfectly into the hand of a silent and growing radical Muslim population. 

Ms. Phillips stresses to the reader with passion that, “The liberal West, which worships at the shrine of reason and makes such a fetish of the power of intellect, refuses to acknowledge that ideas can kill. As a result, Britain, Europe, America and Israel have all left the battleground of ideas totally undefended, allowing the unhindered advance of falsehood and hatred. Worse still, our intelligentsia and media often act as an Islamists’ fifth column”.

Numerous plots to maim and kill have arisen from these radicalized immigrant and home grown men, women and even children in Britain.  Some plots have worked. Some have failed. Too many remain in the planning stages. MI5 (The British Secret Service), MI6 (British Secret Intelligence Service – foreign intelligence) and other security minded organizations have stepped up, but too often, they are fighting a loosing battle inside their own country and sometimes, even with their own British countrymen. Why? They simply are acting late. Very late to a threat that has been in their midst for decades now.

This book covers important topics such as what is Londonistan, the growth of Londonistan, how jihad uses human rights to further it’s agenda, how jihad thwarts our best attempts at security, how we are paralyzed by the need for multicultural living, how British Muslims are alienated, how Jews are made to be the worlds scapegoats (again), how Brits, Americans and others are on their knees in regards to terrorism and how even religious people are appeasing jihad to keep the peace.   This book shows in short yet powerful form, radicalized Islam’s beginnings. From it’s European infancy all the way to its current deadly current state throughout Britain and the world. 

Ms. Phillips ends the book with these thoughts, “It is only if we act against the ideology that is spreading such falsehood and hatred, and stop its advance under the umbrella of minority rights, that we have any chance of successfully defending the free world.  This means, while showing respect to those Muslims who derive only spiritual sustenance from their faith, we must robustly reassert Western values, resist all the attempts to subvert them and engage with the enemy on the battleground of ideas so that truth drives out lies. Only if we take up this civilization gauntlet that has been thus thrown down at us will we stop sleepwalking to defeat”.

She makes it clear. The U.K. fell asleep at the wheel. Hopefully, America will not be such a passive driver and befall the same deadly fate. Her book is a wake up call for all those willing to hear the truth.  She believes it’s not too late for the United States to make a serious correction. But, we don’t have forever.

Personal Review:

This was a fairly short book - 214 pages. The hardcover version came out in 2006 and  contained an interesting foreword.  The copy I had was the soft cover that was published in 2007 and contained an even more interesting conclusion written months after the first publication. Numerous pages of footnotes and indexes of research background filled the back of the book.  This book has been very well received by those in the intelligence and counter terrorism community both in The UK, The US and other democratic nations who understand the war on Islamic extremism (once the shock wore off of course!).  On the other hand, the general public took longer to take to the initial message, but over time most have recognized its important message (after numerous successful as well as foiled bombings wasn’t it time after all?). 

Londonistan frequently makes reference to how Great Britain has transitioned from a once great democracy to a multicultural land where anything goes in the name of tolerance – including radical Islam. The U.K. was a place where the rights of the minority was once respected and honored, but blending into the mainstream was still expected. Unfortunately, we are now in a time where the rights of minorities trump all others. Where the separation of church and state apply to all - except those practicing Islam.   A place where everyone from the judiciary, to government/politicians and universities/school system have fallen prey to the seductive and sophisticated language of those in the elite admonishing everyone to go along to get along. For the sake of diversity and all that good stuff.  Londonistan showed in frightening detail how easy it was for Islamic operatives to overtake the minds, thoughts and morals of those in schools, churches, universities, medical establishments, seats in government, the legal system and charities country wide. This book describes how average Brits were  brainwashed along with powerful leaders of the country without their being aware of the events as they happened until it was simply too late.   

Even with America being oceans away, it is not a land immune to these critical and destructive changes. We are simply at the beginnings of seeing our society erode away as Great Britain did many years ago.   It’s shocking to see how the same evolution is happening here in America just as it happened in the UK.  If you want to see the America of ten years from now – look across the pond to Britain and read the shocking developments in this book. Let’s hope we wake up before the Brits did – else we will no longer be The United States of America. We will be The United States of Radicalized Islamic Extremists. In a nutshell, we will no longer be Americans. 

Daniel Pipes, Steve Emerson, Amir Taheri and other well know terrorism experts voice continual praise for the research, content and message contained within this book. It is an excellent reference source for those in America who want to see a course correction and soon.

Natan Sharansky, well known survivor of the Russian Gulag, former Israeli deputy Prime Minister and noted author says it best about Londonistan, “In the 1930’s, Britain was the leading appeaser of the world’s most intransigent foe, refusing to see the gathering signs of danger until it was almost too late. Today, the same tendency to appeasement and self-delusion is evident again – only now the threat is within. Britain refuses to recognize the clear and present danger of Islamism insides its own borders, which  steadily corrodes its social values and moral compass.  Once again, only the good sense of the British can save their country – and the same may be true of other democracies. This book is powerful and frightening, but also courageous. In dictatorships, you need courage to fight evil. In the free world, you need courage to see the evil”.

Well said, Mr. Sharansky, well said.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in knowing further details of how the cradle of European democracy – Great Britain  - was so easily infiltrated by extremists and became the hub of  modern terrorism. And how America is next in line.

Final Rating

I give this book five stars *****.  Expertly researched.  A powerhouse of information.  A plethora of details.  Easy to read.  A timely reminder that the threat among us remains alive and well.   Pick this book up – it’s a must.

Reviewed by: 

Bridget Dupont-Tingley
Editor
The Local Area Watch

JIHAD INCORPORATED - NOT YOUR AVERAGE AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS

Book Review - #2 

Jihad Incorporated
By Steven Emerson with foreword by Congressman Peter Hoekstra
2006 – Prometheus Books
Available at all major books stores- Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden, Schuster, etc.

Type of Book:

Non-fiction.

Background: 

Per Prometheus Books, Emerson is the founder and current executive director of the Investigative Project on Terrorism.  An award-winning journalist and internationally recognized expert on terrorism and national security, he is the author of six books, including New York Times best seller, American Jihad – The Terrorists Living Among Us.  He has testified before Congress numerous times on terrorism, extremism, and related matters.  He was one of a few experts before 9/11 who warned America of Osama bin Laden and the threat he and his organizations posed. More information can be found at Wikipedia.

General  Book Overview: 

Jihad Incorporated is the largest nongovernmental data and intelligence book available to the public regarding militant Islam both in the U.S. and around the world. It’s a one stop shop about the who, what, when, where and why’s of the business (and when you read this book and see how strategic and detailed they are in plotting and planning – you will call it a business too) of Islamic extremism.  As Mr. Hoekstra notes in the foreword of this book, “the global war against radical Islam will be long, and it will require the patience and perseverance of the American people.  That, in turn, will require broad awareness of just the sort of detailed, carefully researched, and substantiated information that this book provides”. 

Steven Emerson basically breaks this book up into a three part series: 

Part 1 is called al Qaeda Targets The U.S.  This section spends considerable time discussing al Qaeda and affiliated groups, historical information about the history of the organization, key players and different criminal activities they have been involved in since 9/11. 

Part 2 is called Other Key Terrorist Networks. It goes into detail about other Islamic organizations with ties in the U.S. such as Hamas, Hizzballah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and many others.  You’ll find out their origins, how they set up new shop and their activities both home and abroad.

Part 3 is called Unraveling The Support Network of Terrorists Within The U.S. It analyzes in great detail the support system to be found throughout the world to keep these organizations expanding their network of money, religion and hate via outlets such as charities, foundations, schools, mosques, business companies, jihad webmasters and more.

Most in the general public are aware of events such as the New York City multiple landmarks plot in early 1993, the late 1993 WTC initial garage bombing attack, the foiled 2000 Los Angeles Airport Millennium bombing plot and the terrible events in NY, DC and PA in 2001.  But, if you are interested in reading a book that gives interesting facts not discussed in the main stream media, this is a great choice.  For instance:

• Did you know that the formal fatwa calling for a holy war against the West began as early as 1992? The fatwa was originally issued by the Shura Council for al Qaeda.  This fatwa basically says that Americans are fair game for death because they have a government we like and they don’t support it. We are all in the bulls eye of their target unless we are Muslim, practice Sharia Law and adopt Islamic doctrines.

• Did you know that Egyptian Islamic Jihad merged into al Qaeda back in 1998? That bin Ladens group is made up of other terrorist groups and not just him and his original core backers?

• Did you know that the bombings in East Africa were all test cases to see what it took to pack a truck with explosives, how to drive it to a site and park it and see once detonated what the maximum impact would be? The first explosion at the embassy at Nairobi was a decent result, but not quite as good as they hoped.  The Dar es Salaam bombing followed thereafter with a better outcome.  Planning began as early as 1993 for these bombings. They concluded with deadly success in 1998 after they spent years doing test planning, research and finally understood payload delivery lessons. These well planned attacks cost 224 people their lives. 12 were Americans. Most were African Muslims. Even with fellow Muslims, who are not Muslim enough, their hatred shines through.

•  Did you know that the attack on the U.S. naval ship the USS Cole in Yemen by two al Qaeda operatives was actually the second attempt against a U.S. destroyer? The first plot failed that had been launched against the USS Sullivans. The boat that tried to reach this ship had been overloaded with explosives and it sank, thus ending the first mission. They recovered the explosives, studied boat and explosive load bearing limits and learned from this failed attempted.  They came back for another round by strengthening the hull of their boat and adding fuel tanks for further stability which allowed the second attack to succeed.   The two al Qaeda operatives piloted a new vessel into the side of the USS Cole in October of 2000 and detonating a bomb which tore a hole forty foot wide in the side of the ship.  This attack ended up killing 17 American sailors and wounding 39.

• Did you know terrorist groups have infiltrated the U.S. in mass numbers – especially prior to the year 2000 - and have since pursued multiple plots involving critical infrastructure in the U.S. since 9/11? They have targeted federal buildings, transportation, commercial driving licenses, tunnels, bridges, subways, buses, passenger ferries, financial centers, forest fires, nuclear power plants, oil infrastructure, port, food/water & drug contamination plots.  Not to mention civilian casualty programs – airliners, shopping malls, apartment buildings, and well visited vacation destinations.  This book details all those plots foiled by capture of operatives and the information given up during their interrogations and subsequent trials.  The details being too numerous to mention here.

• Did you know how easy it was for suspected terrorists to gain a commercials drivers license to operate not only big rig trucks for hauling of hazardous waste, but also to drive school and city buses that transport the public? The public is advised that suspected terrorists that make watch lists are flagged in a computer system and become ineligible for these licenses. Rigorous background checks are considered the norm now.  At last check, of the 2.7 million truck drivers licensed to carry hazardous waste materials, 29 were found to have relationships with terrorist organizations.  It only took 15 crazed men to take down three major airliners with devastating consequences. Imagine what 29 drivers with a loaded weapon called a Mack truck filled with hazardous and toxic chemicals could do if they were having a bad day?

• Did you know that many of the suspected terrorists in the U.S. obtained entry via student visas, temporary work visas, asylum visas or were sponsored by a female U.S. citizen (or one they paid for assistance) with whom they married,  waited 3-4 to obtain their green card then divorced  these women once they got citizen status? For those who had temporary visas of any kind that expired, warnings to report for deportation happened, but few left. Most blended back into the population undetected and have yet to be found even today.  It’s impossible to count those who came here illegally and are not accounted for at this time.

Even the least attentive American has heard something over the years about some of the major players in these terrorist networks, but most are weak on details.  We have all heard of bin Laden, the late al-Zarqawi, Mohamed Atta, Richard Reid the shoe bomber, Ressam the millennium bomber, Adam Gadahn the American Muslim convert now an al Qaeda sympathizer and translator, etc.  If you don’t know who any of the major other operatives are such as;  Ramzi Yousef, Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, El Hage, Ali Mohamed, al Zawahiri, Khalid al-Fawwaz, al-Marri,  Kahn, Siddiqui and others, you should.  This book gives great details on all these men.

Americans should also be aware of the seriousness of all the different organizations that are carefully and deliberately producing tomorrow’s mass murders (oops, I believe they call them martyrs for Allah), organizations like Hamas, The Muslim Brotherhood, Hizballah, Palestinian Jihad, The Pakistani Jihadist Network, and many, many more.   Once again, this books spells out what you aren’t hearing elsewhere.

Jihad Incorporated shows how these operatives and groups are strategically positioned throughout the United States, often in places you wouldn’t expect like Peoria Illinois, Columbus Ohio, Baltimore Maryland, Des Moines Iowa, Dearborn Michigan, Minneapolis Minnesota, Seattle Washington, Portland Oregon and more. These current extremists have spent considerable time learning our customs, our laws and our way of life in order to blend in and not stand out. They went abroad for terrorist training and came back ready for business.  They conceived plots to alter life as we know it. Their objectives were simple – achieve mass casualties, create economic damage, destroy the infrastructure and create terror with the population at large. Fortunately, some plots never went past the planning stages. Others reached operational stages, but failed for one reason or another. Some cases remains classified so, the results are still unknown. For those that succeeded, we all know full well via cable tv., newspapers, magazines and often from first hand experience how deep their hatred is for this country, its customs and its people by the devastation their presence and actions caused to thousands.

Only by understanding who they are, where they are, what they have done so far and what they still plan to do, can we begin to truly safeguard our citizens and country and eliminate this never ending silent and deadly threat.

Personal Review:

This is a substantial book – over 487 pages. Each chapter ends with its own footnote section rather than placing all at the very back of the book. That helps for tracking and cross referencing sources early versus later.  The middle of the book contains about a dozen pages of black and white photos that help depict the major operatives in all their holy war glory, falsified documents that were used, maps and supporting plot materials that were seized and used in previous legal cases. This book is power packed with more names, places, dates, times and events then the average mind can possibly comprehend in one sitting. I would not call this easy reading as it’s extremely detailed, but it’s intriguing and interesting if you can keep up with all the information presented.   I chose to read this book in small sections one at a time and that seemed to help. 

Jihad Incorporated is not set up like a traditional work of fiction or laid out like a story with a plot. Rather, it is a serious reference source for those following the movement of Islamic extremists in the U.S. and worldwide. If you have a name or location and need details, this book is your source. I would call it the bible of project terrorism. A must for those in government, intelligence, security, the media and ordinary citizens who want “to get it”.

This group – The Investigative Project - began back in 1995 by Steven Emerson.  They  appear to be a treasure trove that few in the general public know about.  The IPT has apparently assisted law enforcement on many occasions to intervene on terrorist activity when evidence elsewhere was lacking, but desperately needed. It is said that key prosecutions have also come about due to this project. Mr. Emerson’s research group has been used to assist projects via The White House, the FBI, the DOJ, DHS border security agencies, Secret Service, Pentagon, Special Ops, Treasury Department  and others in their counterterrorism activities.   The project states that they now archive more than four million documents, thousands of hours of clandestine video and audiotapes of militant Islamic training, fund raising, recruitment gatherings, tens of thousands of original terrorist manuals, telephone books, periodicals and more. The project employs analysts, translators, audio and visual specialists and undercover ops as part of their exemplary staff.  This group is one of America’s most important arsenals against the war against Islamic extremists.  It’s one you should know about too.

In the end, average Americans and people of the West may not become experts on all the names or groups or locations but, we sure can make it a point to have some level of understanding about the enemy. Our government officials, intelligence community and military professionals need to know inside and out what the extremists want to accomplish in their final mission so, it can be stopped dead in its tracks.  Things like a world that includes the elimination of the State of Israel and all Jews, the indoctrination of the remaining world into the religion of Islam, showing reverence to the prophet Muhammad and the installation of Sharia law from sea to shining sea and every continent in between.

The extremists and top operatives believe they can use knowledge and ideas to weaken us from within, alter our society and force on us a set religion and common law.  Ultimately, those who resist could be eliminated. We have the ability to use diplomacy, but that has limited results when your enemy can't get past the thought of chopping your head off before discussions even begin. If you do negotiate with them, it's always questionnable as some Islamic doctrine allows for "stetching of the truth" for the good of Islam. So, how does one  complete a deal with a final handshake and feel confident that arrangements agreed upon were struck not with Allah, but possibly the Devil himself?  We have our military and they are the most technologically advanced, well run and accruate in the history of civilization.  Besides our mighty military, we also have knowledge as a source of power too. We have it and must use it wisely.  That is our greatest untapped tool in this battle though many don't realize it. This well researched book goes a long way to winning the psychological and technical part of a very long and hard battle today, tomorrow and long into our future.

We can oppose this ominous trend with our own facts, data and analysis to plan a counter strategy that will cancel them out or take them down completely. Jihad Incorporated does an excellent job of showing how.

Final Rating:

Three and a half stars for ease of reading ***. 

Five stars for research and content ***.

Reviewed by: 

Bridget Dupont-Tingley
Editor
The Local Area Watch

HER WAY - WELCOME TO HILLARYLAND

Book Review 

Her Way
By Jeff Gerth & Don Van Natta Jr.
June 2007 by Back Nine Books, LLC – Little, Brown & Company
Available at all major books stores- Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden, Schuster, etc.

Type of Book:

Non-fiction.

This book is an unauthorized biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Background: 

Per Back Nine Books LLC, Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta, Jr. were both investigative reporters for The New York Times for many years. Both have been awarded either group or individual Pulitzer Prices for their investigative journalism and written works.  Between the two, they have written a number of books and have taught at renowned universities such as Princeton. One lives in Washington D.C. and the other in New Jersey. Further information can be found on Wickepedia.

General  Book Overview: 

As she makes her historic run for the top job of first female President of The United States, this book lays out a complete portrait of the woman we know as Hillary Rodham Clinton. The authors of this book take you on a journey from her youngest years, through her undergraduate education, law school, years as a professional lawyer, first lady to Arkansas and the nation and finally, to current times.  She is a commanding force in the world of politics, both in her early days and well into the early 21st century. Whether you approve of her or not, whether you like her or not, she remains a leading candidate for the 2008 Presidency.  This book draws upon many sources, both disclosed and undisclosed, to paint a picture of a woman few truly know. Fortunately, this book provides a glimpse into who she really is, what she stands for and what she is willing to do to win the nomination and obtain the ultimate job – leader of the free world.

The authors noted early on in this book the following important items:

1) They approached Mrs. Clinton along with current and past aides, supporters, associates, friends and even fellow senators for input and research into this project. Most declined to speak on the record – some due to possible fear of retribution, others out of pure loyalty and yet others who had been advised not to cooperate per instructions from Mrs. Clinton herself.

2) Even without direct cooperation, the authors were able to conduct more than 500 interviews with current and former aides, confidants and other senators.

3) The authors were able to examine thousands of pages of documents – some previously undisclosed by government archives via FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) and the Library of Congress.

4) The authors examined more than a thousand of Mrs. Clintons own speeches, interviews and public statements.  The authors also tie into Mrs. Clinton’s own biography Living History for reference. Mrs. Clinton may not have spoken to the authors direct, but her voice remains loud and clear through documented mediums such as mainstream t.v/cable (interviews, sound bites, commercials and campaign speeches), books/transcripts (her written word) and audio clips.   

5) The authors attended a number of Mrs. Clintons’ conferences and campaign events for a first hand experience with the Senator.

6) Last, but not least, most of the information in this book is derived from named sources cited in the end notes. Dozens of people spoke to the authors but only under the cover of anonymity for fear of retribution if they got directly named. The authors honored anyone who was not willing to be identified as long as the source checked out and had credibility.

The authors are well aware that Hillary Rodham Clinton is many things to many people. To some, she is a pioneer and hero. To others, the sum of all fears. She is said to be forthright and open at times. She can be evasive and downright dishonest at other times. She pats herself on the back when she wants to take credit for something done right. She denies any wrong doing when dangerous mistakes are made as she does not want to empower her adversaries.  She often commands great loyalty and admiration in her direct core of supporters. On the contrary, she often triggers dislike and mistrust in those she uses and tosses aside once they are no longer valuable or are no longer considered her most trusted insiders.  Ultimately, she is complex and hard to understand, even to some of her closest friends and advisors. She is unique in that such a high profile candidate has occupied the spotlight for so long with so few knowing who she really is.

The book takes you on a full journey from Hillary growing up in Illinois to a middle class family, to her college years at Wellesley & Yale, her early involvement in political campaigns for Republicans (yes, the other guys), helping the Black Panthers during a turbulent time, speaking out against the Vietnam war and finally becoming an advocate for children (once she moved toward being a liberal Democrat).  We see further development and changes once she marries Bill Clinton and they move to Arkansas, as she becomes an active lawyer and partner at The Rose Law firm, becoming First Lady of Arkansas, First Lady of the White House and finally, the current Senator to New York.  The book ends with details regarding her current campaign to be President of The United States in 2008.

In between all of these major life events you will discover hundreds of facts about her public and private life, many not disclosed or analyzed by the mainstream media to date. Many issues are clarified in greater detail, as is deserving of a Presidential candidate. 

For instance, the book sheds additional light on some of the following topics:

 Her status as one of America’s most influential female lawyers (she failed the DC bar and only passed the Arkansas bar).  She pumped up her resume to look a little better than it really did, saying she was voted top or best – she was not per the organizations who nominated her.

 The 20 year plan Bill and Hillary discussed in 1973 to reform the Democratic Party and take over the White House. Eight years for him and then eight years for her.  Half of which  has come to pass so far.

 Her questionable legal work for the troubled savings and loan, Madison Guaranty in Arkansas.

 Her preventing disclosure of evidence that she padded her legal bills and had frequent business/legal dealings with state regulators who worked for Bill when he was governor of Arkansas in apparent conflict of interests. She either denied or stated inaccurately the work she did do. Records show differently.

 The questionable land deal called White Water and their relationship with Jim and Susan McDougal (one convicted of fraud, the other did time in jail in order to not speak out on the full truth of events).

 Hillary ignoring established rules in trading commodities and gaining large revenues in a short amount of time. Typical margins were not covered and standard trading practices seemed to be ignored. She didn’t disclose all gains on financial records.

 Hillary sitting on Wal Mart’s board of directors and gaining sizable profits from her investments  with them and also with big oil companies.

 The secret war room (the “defense team”) set up to manage the first 1992 election for Bill Clinton.  This special team had been organized to handle any and all charges that they would have to fend off to get the golden prize – the Presidency and what they did to get past the firing line.

 The concealment of Bill Clinton’s true draft record.

 The support she gave Bill during his numerous infidelities and his impeachment trial.  In the end, their shared decision that the goal of power, wealth and position outweighed marital rifts of infidelity, mistrust and lies.

 How Hillary’s poll ratings increased when she was “a victim” of Bill’s adulterous affairs. How her ratings went down when she tried to be the one in charge of everything and wore the family pants.

 The death of Law Rose Firm lawyer, Vince Foster, one of Hillary’s earliest confidents and closest friends. A man who stated at the end, “The Whitewater tax matter is a can of worms you shouldn’t open”.  He then committed suicide.

 Webb Hubbell, Hillary’s second buddy at The Rose Law firm, eventually convicted of defrauding his clients, his partners and imprisoned after intensive investigations.  The original three musketeers –  Foster, Hubbell and Hillary – were down to one. She was the last ‘man’ standing so to speak.

 The Travel-gate firings and incident at the White House while she was first lady.

 The attempts to nationalize health care and its disastrous demise.

 Failure to provide proper documents for the hiring of staff members and consultants per Senate rules, whether paid or voluntary,  full time or part–time. Hillary chose not to file documents on many occasions. Her team appeared to operate “unlike any other senator” according to a well known Senate ethics expert. She did as she wanted, not as she was supposed to do.

 Hillary muscling her way into meetings and onto bill’s that she had no direct part of, but needed for her growing status and Senate leverage.

 This is the power of Hillaryland and so much more.

In the end, the authors confirm what most analytical and thoughtful people think. Hillary Clinton is far from the only politician to exaggerate her past accomplishments (she was one of America’s supposed “top” female lawyers), to stuff the unpleasantness of the past into corners where few look (Bill’s dirty, dirty lady laundry), to make mistakes and pretend not to have done so (the Rose Law Firm padded bills and denials of work done for the state of Arkansas), as a politician to have said one thing and done another (the support of taking out Saddam Hussein and his WMDs and then changing the tune when the outcome was not perfect), to have left former friends and allies on the side of the road as she’s moved on (Vince Foster of the Rose Law Firm and Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund), and finally in the end, she is not the only politician in America with tremendous ambition and an affection for both power and money.  She is like many politicians on today’s public stage.

The difference is that Hillary wants us to think SHE is the smartest. 

She wants us to believe that SHE is the most qualified of the pack.

She wants to be a first for us. The first female President of the United States.   

Sadly, the star that her team makes her out to be does not shine quite so bright once the light of the sun illuminates her history and her record.

Previous books told of positive, charming and inspiring stories of Bill and Hillary as relayed by their friends, supporters and best allies. Two of the many books are by Bill and Hillary themselves.   The spin was required to go their way and to date, when it comes to books, articles, interviews, speeches and how the main stream media covers them, it has been all THEIR way.  There has also been released a number of other books that have told hair-raising stories about the dubious characters, the shenanigans, and even criminality of the Clintons. Those books often focused on the Clintons as a couple and the path their lives took together. These books got much less press coverage in the hope of keeping negatives away from public viewing.

This book, Her Way, tells another portion of the story.  Hillary’s story.  Hillary’s rise from a middle class American girl to the halls of the most power buildings and people in the world.  A look into her goal to be the first woman to hold the oval office in the history of the United States. What concessions she has made to get there so far and the additional lengths she will go to in order to obtain the final prize.

It’s not too late to get the full picture before you pull the lever in November of 2008.

Personal Review

I feel the authors did a solid job of trying to present facts about Hillary in this book based upon numerous reference sources. Their personal comments about her were few and far between.  They never seemed to kick in side comments that could be deemed nasty, mean or cruel.  They did not try to make you form an opinion based upon their opinions.   I give them much credit as so much more could have been said in response to specific events, articles, or evidence that was less than flattering to Hillary.  Many issues bordered on unethical and immoral and above all, was certainly nothing a person with honor and integrity would be proud to say they had done, yet Hillary does. They present the evidence, it’s up to each one of us to determine her innocence or guilt.  The authors tried to show all sides to her – the young and the middle aged, the innocent and the intentional, the good, the bad, the deliberate and the questionable and so on.  I believe the authors held back intentionally from stating exactly how they each felt so, Hillary’s own living history in written words, media events and interviews could stand alone for serious consideration by each one of us.  That’s a tribute to their restraint in this book. 

Hillary is a polarizing figure anyway you look at it. Many love her, yet really don’t know her. Many can’t stand her, yet really don’t know her. Many in the middle haven’t a clue about where they stand. If you are woman, a feminist, should you vote for her – a fellow woman? If you are a mother and wife, should you vote for her – a fellow mother and wife? If you are a man, do you vote for her and allow women to break the ultimate glass ceiling in the world of business, economics, politics and power? Do you vote for her based upon her historical record in law and business?  Do you vote for her based upon her congressional record alone?  Do you vote for her because you liked Bill Clinton and need some more Billie time?  Do you vote for her because you won’t vote for a Republican? Do you vote against her because of all the above? Questions, questions, questions….

My guess is that liberal and democratic supporters will instantly assume this is a book meant to smear Mrs. Clinton and avoid it like the plague.  I certainly saw the sharp knives come out on all the major shows (CNN, MSNBC, PBS, ABC, NBC, etc.) as this book made its early arrival to book stores around the country.  Even though almost none of the commentators confirmed they had read the book themselves or even spoken to the authors direct, the vast majority of the main stream media played down the importance of the book and assumed the very worst.

I chose to buy the book and read it just for those reasons.

Was the MSM right in their early analysis that this unauthorized biography was just to make Hillary look bad?  Was it a book meant to discredit all she had done to date?  Was it meant to take away the steam of her candidacy?  Or, was it a critical look at who she is, what she is and the legacy she has built to date?  Was it a true reflection of what we can expect if she becomes the next President? 

After 346 pages of information from birth to current times, and an additional 77 pages of end notes, I can say this book hit the right note.

To quote a major previous Bill Clinton donor and supporter, California multi-millionaire David Geffen in February of 2007, he said, “Everybody in politics lies, but the Clintons do it with such ease, it’s troubling”. He said this once he jumped ship and chose to support the Obama 2008 campaign and not Hillary’s.  This statement made headlines and was splashed along every cable t.v. news ticker and 15 minute news update around the country for days.  It made the Clintons and their die hard supporters very unhappy and they cried foul.  To those who know the Clintons well and aren’t afraid of them, or those of us who are standing on the outside looking in, the truth of his words rang out loud and clear. Many shook their heads in complete understanding.

Important marks against Hillary come in the form of issues like: The Rose Law Firm, Madison Guaranty S & L, White Water, Travel-gate, Bill’s true draft record, Bill’s constant infidelities and Hillary’s desire for more power and prestige which eventually trumped their earlier marriage vows.  These things were covered in the media at the time, but many of us have forgotten the fine details and the outcome. Prior to the next election, it’s critical the population revisit these cases so we remember who this woman was and how she made decisions on things. Of utmost importance is how she covered up possible truths so that her hopes and dreams could be realized.  Nothing was to get in the way of the ultimate goal. One of the most glaring questions we must ask is this…if we as a people and a nation value truth and honesty, many of her life choices beg us to question, should she really be applying for such an important job where truth and value are the cornerstones of the position and the nation she would over-see?  Her history is very clouded at best when it comes to truth and honesty.

I think the reason this book will upset supporters is that they don’t want to see the negatives in their candidate and their chosen party. They want to see, focus and promote only the positive.  The rest is disregarded, denied altogether or attributed to the right wing conspiracy. Human nature downplays the bad and acknowledges the good.  That’s understandable whether you are conservative, moderate or liberal. On the other hand, it’s not rational to refuse to read, understand and admit the dark side of a candidate that is as much a part of her as her favorable side just because you don’t want to. 

Most of what is secretive, evasive and disturbing in Hillary’s past is well documented in written reports, interviews, articles, legal proceedings and even her own words.  Democrats and liberals can choose to ignore these issues of concern, that is their choice. Republicans, conservatives, moderates and independents have an equally important decision to decide if they want to see the real Hillary and find out the truth the best we can before we make a decision for her or against her.  But, to ignore all sides to her  - both past decisions, currents decisions and possible future decisions -  is a major error.

As a well known psychologist always says,”past behavior is an indication of future behavior”.  Meaning, what we did before, we probably will do again unless we make very conscious work and effort to avoid repeating the past. In Hillary’s case and her most ardent supporters, change won’t happen as they refuse to acknowledge or discuss past mistakes.  Therefore, it is up to the rest of us to see the big picture and decide on what to do with her ambitions and decision making abilities (or lack thereof ).

On a final note, this review is being written by me, a woman, who for her first 33 years of life was born and raised into a very Democratic household and family unit. When I was able to start using the power of my vote, sometime in my early 20’s,   I always pulled the lever for Democrats across the board.   I wasn’t about to vote for those scoundrel Republicans, people I had heard about but never met (after all, they visit fancy restaurants, have stocks & bond portfolios, attend fancy schools, live in big, expensive houses  and drive cars we could never afford). Things my family and friends never experienced.   I voted with pride and made sure not to empower the “bad guys” – those for big business and never the little guy.  I voted for Bill Clinton 2x and Al Gore 1x.

Then the 2000 election happened.  Voters and pollsters went crazy and the courts had to intervene to get us a President because no one had the good sense to go back to basics. The crazies and the nuts on both sides were out in full force.

Then 2001 arrived. 

Then 9/11 happened.

Then Islamic terrorism and Islamic extremism reached a crescendo both around the world and especially in the U.K, Israel and the U.S. 

Then illegal immigration hit a major milestone – potentially 12-20 million here without legal authorization to do so. 

Then courts began writing laws for the people instead of interpreting and enforcing those on the books already. 

Then the precious nature of life started taking a back seat to medical milestones, life conveniences and the unwanted result of casual sex and the power of female reproductive rights.   

Then marriage became the butt of all jokes or should we say the great 50% divorce rate equally opportunity program.

Then God started to be removed from all public life with a vengeance– a court approved challenge to the first Amendment of The Constitution of the U.S. “ Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”.

And, many more issues then time and space permit being listed here.

All the above items at one time I found a way to justify and support. After all, I was given all the “reasons” these things were to be embraced if you were deemed an able bodied and rational modern person.  It’s all about human rights, it’s all about universal cultures and diversity, it’s all about the minority not the majority.  Right?  Right.  Or is it?   But, like all things times and people change.  The last seven years have seen me morphing from a die hard Democrat to newly discovered conservative tendencies and beliefs.  Like many in recent years, being a Democrat has been more out of out of habit and history than true convictions.  From hearing other people speak at conferences and on shows, I know I am not alone in wanting more details, more information and more insight before making tough decisions when it comes to politics, national and world issues and above all, Islamic extremism.   As a well known quote says, “if you are not liberal in your 20’s you have no heart…if you are not conservative by your 30’s, you have no mind”. Guess with this quote as reference, I realized I might have lost a little heart along the way, but I started gaining a brain in its place.

So, with my history in mind and my gradual growth, I tried very, very hard to read this book, Her Way and see the many positives to Hillary’s life and try to balance them against her darker side. I tried to put my old Democratic hat back on and see if it helped. I tried to focus on positive things such as:

Did Hillary have a fairly normal and enjoyable life growing up in a middle class American family? Definitely. 

Did she have an interesting early life beginning with her years at an all girl college, law school and into her early work life as a minority female in a male dominated profession?  Definitely. 

Did she touch many people with her feminist ideas, thoughts and actions, especially for the good of children and the impoverished?  Definitely. 

Did Hillary have goals and dreams and work hard to obtain them – beginning with being a highly regarded female lawyer, a partner in a law firm, 1st lady of Arkansas, 1st lady of the White House and now Senator from New York? Definitely. 

Was Hillary a good friend to a number of chosen people,  a loving mother and supportive spouse? Definitely

Is Hillary to be admired for taking on the task of running for the position of The President of the United States – the first female to do so?  Definitely.

Much like Hillary transitioned over the years from a young Republican to a liberal Democrat, the best thing this book showed is never be afraid to change who you are. You might have been one person in the past, but you can be someone altogether different later. Or you can continue on the same road as well. It is up to you. Go after what you want with all your energy and determination.  The sky is the limit if you dream and plan and work to make it happen.

Only difference between Hillary and a large portion of the world is that most of us try to go after what we want with honesty, integrity and truth as part of the success package. Do onto others and all that.  Somewhere along the way, Hillary tossed aside many important  things and people for the good of her final plan. That’s where she deviated and went off course. It is up to each one of us to determine if the positives of Hillary outweigh the negatives or if the negatives are too alarming to over-look. 

One way or another, we’ll all be dealing with Hillaryland now, the next 16 months and possibly years beyond that depending on which lever you pull in 2008.  Hillary has a number of good points, but she also has a disturbing past and serious ethical issues that deserve further questioning and scrutiny. When she’s up for the top job, additional auditing is a must.  She is unfortunately not alone on Capital Hill with negatives on their resume’.  Many have lost their way in pursuit of money, power and position. That’s an unfortunate end result sometimes of success that goes awry.  Bad behavior too often gets a pass in today’s world – especially in national politics.  The important question for 08’ is will YOU be one that let’s bad behavior pass or will you stand up and put a stop to it (that goes for the House, Senate and Presidential candidates).

Just be sure you read up on everyone in detail, including the front runners like Hillary before you cast that all important vote in 2008. Know not only who they are and what they stand for, but how they will handle the most pressing issues of our day. When it comes to Hillary, remember there are many sides to this woman, make sure you know her before you choose to vote for her.

This book, Her Way, goes a long way to completing the picture of candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Final Rating

Four stars.  ***  Solid, dependable, and interesting , but not earth shattering.

Reviewed by: 

Bridget Dupont-Tingley
Editor
The Local Area Watch

BOOK & MOVIE REVIEWS AT THE LOCAL AREA WATCH

Dear L.A.W. Readers:

We have been reviewing books and a few movies on this site for the last six months. Feedback has been positive and it has been enjoyable keeping up on the latest and greatest offerings to the public.  Reference our section on the menu bar titled "reviews" to enjoy an over-view of each book or movie, personal reflection and the final rating given if you haven't yet. 

Books & Movies Reviewed To Date Include:

Brigitte Gabriel - Because They Hate

Mark Steyn - America Alone

Tony Blankley - The West's Last Chance

Newt Gingrich - Rediscovering God in America

Movie - The 300

Movie - Amazing Grace

Bernie Goldberg - Crazies To The Left Of Me, Wimps To My Right

Robert Spencer - The Truth About Muhammad

Honorable Mention goes to:  * Noni Darwish - Now They Call Me Infidel * This has not been reviewed at L.A.W. but, is one we strongly recommend.  This book provides a snapshot into the REAL culture of Muslims and Islam in the Middle East by a woman who grew up there, was the daughter of a martyr and eventually saw the light and moved to The West, converted to a new religion and a new life. She sounds the wake up call too many of us refuse to hear or see.

Since we have gotten positive feedback to this review offering, we will continue to provide it on a regular basis. We welcome your ideas on movies and books if we haven't selected a current offering you think would be of great value to our readers. We especially enjoy your comments to our reviews and opinions - both positive and those not so positive so keep them coming.   The goal for now is to provide reviews on current books and movies of special importance in regards to current local, state, federal and world events.  We may mention at some point an item of relevance, such as the book by Noni Darwish - Now They Call Me Infidel,  but not go into a full review even if it's warranted.  Due to time and space constrictions, we may not always be able to review a book or movie even if it is deserving.

Above all, we want to keep supporting the importance of READING a book and learning about world issues that impact us all.   We hope you will go beyond just Internet blogs, websites with over-views of quotes, data and events or reading a short article in a magazine or newspaper. Although these newer and shorter modes of gaining information are relevant, we hope you will want to dive deeper into issues than these short cuts can provide. 

Pick up a book and spend some time reading, it's well worth it.

Submitted By: 

Bridget Dupont-Tingley, Editor

The Local Area Watch

FOUNDER OF THE WORLD'S MOST INTOLERANT RELIGION - PART 2

See previous entry for Part 1 of this book review. It includes type of book, publisher information and general over-view of book. This section, Part 2, will complete the review under my personal comments section.

Book Review 

The Truth About Muhammad
By Robert Spencer

Personal Review

Muslim – One who submits.

The Creed of Islam – ‘La ilaha ilallah wa Muhammadur rasul al-Lah’ – There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Prophet of God.

For a short book, only about 194 pages long. It sure packed a powerful punch and contained a bounty of important details. The start of the book provides a nice two page chronology of Muhammad’s life.   The author gives a list with bullet points that helps the reader see a quick over-view of the basics from birth to pilgrimages, to wars and finally to death. A snap shot of his life if you will.  From there, Spencer provides a four page list of important names and places.  Again, a nice over-view for the reader to get acquainted with important leaders, followers, battles, tribes, wives, locations and other references that might be hard to follow without this handy reference list. Please bare in mind that in both books by critics and apologists, there are multiple spellings for many of the major cities, places, people and battles encountered in Muhammad’s journey. For purposes of this review, I have chosen to spell things as deciphered by this author alone.

The Truth About Muhammad is easy to read and an excellent resource. It is by no means the only book out there on this topic and is not meant to be a complete guide to understanding Islam or Muhammad, but it is an excellent companion to other readings. I would consider it a primer to the man, the religion and his teachings. It was informative, educational and seriously eye opening.

I believe this book did a wonderful job of NOT making fun of the Prophet or his religion.  Rather, it opens the door for lay people across the world to grasp the basic facts of Muhammad’s words, actions and life, even if they themselves are not experts.  This book was painfully honest, but extremely respectful as well. The words in the Sunnahs are just that, words. It is the faithful followers who choose to use the words and commands as a catalyst for purposes of violence and anger, and inspiration for a holy war.

Unlike Jewish and Christian manuscripts, scriptures and doctrine that have been allowed to be analyzed, dissected and critiqued over the years – for the good of each religion by the way - the Sunnah has not had such attention. Not because it is not warranted, but because of the backlash to those who dare to question anything in or out of the books of the Qur’an, the Hadith or the Sira.    You will find it difficult to find researchers and authors who are willing to pen an honest and critical look at Islam so, you can learn about the issues at hand. You will not find it so hard to find apologists for Islam. There is a plethora of researchers, authors and activist groups who are willing to make excuses or complete denials on behalf of the religion - Armstrong, Haykal, Lings, Rodinson, numerous University Middle Eastern Studies departments, CAIR and more.  It’s important to bear in mind no reform can come without complete analysis and input from both sides of an issue. So, the apologists are welcome to their side of things. But, they should be equally open to those willing to critique Islam from the other side.

Islam is serious in all things.  There is no free speech.  There is no free thought.  It is often a lifestyle of restraint, resentment, isolation, anger and limited happiness for the masses. Because of these restrictions, analysis will be hard to find as few are willing to cross this imaginary boundary for fear for their own safety or for those they love as dire consequences often follow any critical commentary in this area. 

An amazing thing you will find is that many Islamic scholars as well as lay people will deny any of the   negatives seen in the Sunnah – they will deny Muhammad harmed a hair on any persons head let alone frequent beheadings, that he only preached only peace and love never war and death, that he was tolerant of all religions, that he never married his daughter in law, that he didn’t really go to 27 battles as the texts say and more. They will deny these things outright, claim you don’t understand the religion and if you quote verses and suras, they will get mad, inevitably angry and possibly threatening.  Anyone who has studied the Sunnah will be astonished by these extreme levels of denial, ignorance and limitless excuses to be found.  Illiteracy rates remain shockingly high in parts of the middle east and many people (especially young men and women) never read the Sunnahs in their lifetimes (remember, it’s supposed to be read only in Arabic, the language of Allah). They simply rely on what they have been told over the years and what is preached to them in schools, mosques and homes by Imans, Mullahs and practicing family members.  Granted, on the flip side, many Christians have never read the Bible in full either. But, we don’t see world wide movements with conversion or death as an option in Christianity as we do with militant Islam at this time in history.

To understand this mind set goes to the heart of differences between Christianity and  Islam. God is the only one to take vengeance per the Bible (Romans 12:19) when it comes to Christianity.  But, in Islam, Muhammad says Allah commanded the faithful to do this. Thus, Christians ultimately understand when challenges come to their religious faith it is not for them to bare the sword. They can speak the truth and share the word, but it up to individuals to believe by choice. They have free will.  Only God can judge them later for denying the truth.  Muslims are not quite so, easy going. They take it upon themselves to be defenders and not wait for Allah to do so. The Qur’an, The Hadith and quotes from The Sira is clear, the only true faith in God’s sight is Islam and most Jews and Christians and non-Muslmis are wrongdoers.  Thus, Muslims believe avenging a wrong must be done now.  And, they are doing it in ever increasing numbers.

Though some deny it, or simply don’t recognize it, militant Islamic extremists appear to be the most serious issue of our time.  They fervently wish to kill Americans, Israelis and even fellow Muslims who are not Muslim enough.  Until one becomes familiar with this religion and it’s leader and the words used to inspire – both good and bad – you can’t speak with authority on the issue.  Unlike Rosie O’Donnell and other conspiracy and denial minded citizens, this issue is REAL and it is NOT going away because we want another answer and wish for another outcome.

Because of the surge in jihad around the world, long before 9/11 happened, and many more incidents since, I felt compelled to research this issue further and try to understand what in the world is really going on? I didn’t want media – t.v., cable or newspapers to censor the information I got and give me the politically correct bumper sticker style answer a few lines long for such a complicated issue (ie, Death to Israel, Palestinians R Great, America is the Great Satan, Muslims 4 Peace). I certainly didn’t want politicians up for house, senate and presidential seats to be my avenue to reason.  Due to my need to understand the issue further, I began reading books like: Because They Hate – Brigitte Gabriel, America Alone – Mark Steyn, The West’s Last Chance – Tony Blankley, Now They Call Me Infidel – Nonie Darwish, and now, The Truth About Muhammad by Robert Spencer, so that I could understand more completely the history of Islam, the practice of the faith and the growing threat of Islamic extremism around the globe. The who, what, when and why’s if you will.  These books all did a great job of looking objectively at the world wide crisis at hand. They reviewed what caused the difficulties, what we can do about it and what will happen if we don’t. 

Many Americans and others around the world argue we know why they want to harm us.   We are told repeatedly by politicians, media outlets and harsh critics of the West that  the reason they attack us is we make too much money, have good lives and we live in an opportunist society and they don’t like us because of these reasons.  We are told that it’s all about our massive need for huge oil reserves that we get from the Middle East that makes them feel violated and angry.  We are advised it is our foreign policy they don’t like. They insist that the world doesn’t approve of America being active around the globe helping to keep peace and democracy alive in regions that wish for those things.  We are frequently told that the Jewish statehood enrages the Arab world and that suppression of the Palestinians by Israel and the west is really what triggers Muslim anger.  The last argument is that America invaded Afghanistan and Iraq – clear violations of U.N. rules they say.  We have gone to war and now occupy innocent countries without reason. 

Too many refuse to look further, to probe deeper and find out the bare bones truth. The examples cited above are really just excuses, not the reason why.   Boiling below the surface is something darker and much more frightening.  Too many claim WE are the answer.  We are told, it is OUR fault, not theirs.  No further investigation needs to be done. Inspector Clouseau has solved the crime.

One thing is abundantly clear once you do some honest homework and piece together the facts of the case.  Islam, as it is followed today by fervent and devoted followers, is an ever growing threat to the non-Muslim world. Just look at the radical nature of young Muslims between the ages of 15-35 not only in the middle east, but all over Europe, Africa, Asia, America and more. Both native born and immigrants. The violence, the destruction and the death threats are not going away because we wish it away. It will not go away if The U.S., Western countries or Israel were to leave the region.  The problem is not occupation or military intervention. The problem is not attempts to spread democracy or capitalism. The problem is not the world buying their oil and their leaders not sharing the wealth. The problem is not us.

Islam, as it is practiced by the passionate faithful, is the problem. We are not Muslim enough. We need to be converted to the only true religion, Islam. Once we covert, then Sharia law needs to dominate the world. Only then will a form of stability reign. But…read the Qur’an, The Hadith and The Sira, even then real peace, freedom, love and brotherhood will NOT reign.  Sharia law is cruel to women and children, it is devastating to societies, it is not even good for men. It does not support human dignity and rights as we know it in the West.

I, like many, have a hard time supporting the statements made by many diplomats in The U.S., The U.K. and other countries whom have stated over and over again about Islam.  That it is a religion of peace, joy and love.  We are told by apologists that Muhammad spoke with mercy for humankind and believed in brotherhood. With the research and reading I have done so far, the evidence is weak.  Muhammad may have begun his journey with some favorable thoughts and ideas, but by mid stride, his message morphed into something dark, ugly and very dangerous. Apologists always go back to Muhammad’s early period and discuss the time frame where he spoke kinder words, was more accepting and open of other people’s, lifestyles and faiths. True enough.  But, they fail to discuss the darker period, the later years of his life as well. It’s too convenient that those who support the good in Islam, also refuse to acknowledge the abundant darkness there too.  It’s almost like they are in denial about the dark side.  Until they acknowledge and discuss both, their arguments are empty.

As we can see with our own eyes and hear with our own ears, it is not the period of peace that young extremists and jihadists quote and act upon in their current terror campaign.   When jihadists bomb a building or market, when they behead someone from the West, when they use innocent Arabs as protection against getting bombed themselves and more, they quote directly from the Qur’an, Hadith and Sura for support and inspiration.  Their actions are NOT supported by a foundation of love, peace, respect and tolerance. Mosques and madras around the world are not preaching love thy brother. They are preaching hate and kill thy brother the infidel.  We must continue to probe deeper, so we can begin to identify and understand the anger, resentment and dislike being nurtured in the middle east against Israel, America, The West, and other non Islamic countries.  Hatred, destruction and death cross all water ways, all air space, all borders and all peoples of non-Muslim status.

This book, The Truth About Muhammad, needs to be considered our newest wake up call.  We’ve had about thirty years worth of wake up calls, but it seems too few are paying attention or listening to the message being sent to us.  When these extreme groups tell us what they want to do and why, they mean it. As a reminder, here are some previous warning signs we may have missed or simply avoided what they meant…

Late 1970’s The Iranian Hostage under the Ayatollah Khomeini (names like Terry Anderson, Terry Waite & William Higgins should ring a bell)

1985 TWA Flight 847 hijacking, Egypt Air flight 648 hijacking – 60 killed,  Achille Lauro cruise ship hijacked by the PLO –  one passenger shot dead

1986 TWA flight 840 bombed on approach to Athens airport – 4 Americans shot dead plus an infant, Berlin disco bombing – 3 killed, 230 wounded, Pan Am flight 73 hijacked-22 died when plane is stormed in Pakistan

1988 Pan Am flight 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland – all die

1989 Suitcase bomb destroys UTA flight UT-772 en route to Paris-171 passengers/crew dead

1993, WTC first bombing-6 dead and more than 1,000 hurt, failed NYC landmark bombing plot

1994 Bombing of Jewish center in Buenos Aires-86 dead and 300 wounded, Alas Chiricanas flight 00901 bombed -21 dead, Israeli embassy attached and Jewish charity car bombed-20 wounded, Air France flight 8969 hijacked

1995, Bombings in France-7 killed and more than 100 wounded, bombings of military compound in  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia-7 killed and dozens wounded

1996, Khobar Towers bombing in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia- 19 servicemen died and hundreds wounded

1997 Luxor, Egypt massacre-62 killed

1998, U.S. embassy bombings in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya-225 died and over 4,000 wounded

1999 2000 millennium attack plot foiled between US and Canadian border

2000 Numerous attacks against Israel, over 37 attacks - 44 dead and hundreds injured, USS Cole bombing-17 servicemen died, many wounded, Jerusalem restaurant bombing-7 dead and over 120 wounded

2001 Numerous attacks against Israel again - 203 dead and hundreds injured, 9/11 attacks WTC NYC, Pentagon & PA-approximately 3,000 died and thousands injured, Richard Reid attempts shoe bombing attempt to an American Airlines plane & Paris embassy bombing – both plots failed

Since 2001- The Bali Indonesia bombings, The Madrid bombings, The London bombings and others.  Many dead, many wounded.  Don’t forget the many foiled attacks around the world since as well.

(A comprehensive list can be found via The Islam Review, writer Abdullah al-Araby).

These bombings and murders have been done by many groups – call them al Qaeda, The Taliban, Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, PLO, Muslim Brotherhood, fringe groups and underground activists in nations like Syria, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Iran and more.   They may all wear different uniforms and play on different teams, but they are in the game for the same outcome. A home run for Islam. A touch down for the faith.  A puck in the net for Muslims around the world.  Score, score, score.

The greatest danger is places like the last few countries noted as their governments pretend they aren’t directly supporting or involved with these fringe movements yet the work is being done secretly with their blessing and cash assistance (and sometimes not so secret like Iran).  Since these extremists don’t wear a national uniform, operate in a single location or report to one commander in chief, they are seen as off shoots from real militant armies of a national structure.    These groups fly under the radar of traditional warfare practices, so they get to operate in secret with the blessings of the highest of national officials.  Many want to grant them Geneva rights protection even though they themselves don’t follow anything required to get those benefits.   Bottom line, the group names change, but the ideology and inspiration come from the same original source – the Sunnah, it’s writers and their Prophet Muhammad.    

It’s clear that moderate Muslims, which we hear make up the majority of Islamic followers, are not speaking out or acting out against such atrocities just because they are afraid of the ramifications to themselves or their families.  To the contrary, the evidence seems to support that many remain silent because they support the actions of those who are radical even if they themselves are not. If you read the Sunnah, believe the faith and follow the Prophet, you can’t help but support the commands and revelations revealed and commanded to the believers.  That translates to emulating the Prophet fully. Including extremists, radical jihadists and everyday practicing Muslim men, women & children.

Spencer clarifies this best, “The quest for the historical Muhammad, while fascinating and important, is not what will determine the course the Islamic world will take in coming decades. Any such investigations are extremely unlikely to gain any significant audience in the Islamic world.  What is certain to be influential, however, is the figure of Muhammad as he appears in the Qur’an and other accepted Islamic sources – especially the Hadith, the traditions of the Prophet that have largely determined the bases of Islamic practice and piety. This battle is already raging”.

It is not until books like this one are allowed to become more main stream that reform can occur.  Christianity has had periods of deviance over the centuries that went too far (Crusades, Inquisition, Pedophile, etc.).  In time, Christian groups were able to identify a wrong and right it to become better people. They self-corrected even if it took great trial and tribulation to get there. Just because a wrong is done, people don’t have to feel they can’t admit the bad deed done AND still stay true to a faith and make it better. Erroneous ways can only be corrected by blatant honesty. 

I try not to loose hope that Muslims themselves will finally be able to take a critical look at what they    believe and follow as their golden rule. The change must begin within.  They do not need to keep living in a world of hatred and destruction and ultimately, blaming everyone else for many of their own ills. Islam should be a peaceful and loving society that respects all men, women and children regardless of age, sex, faith, nationality or country.  They should support and embrace the humane parts of Islam and speak out against and defy the inhumane and destructive parts.  They need to live this, NOT just speak this.  Until such a shift occurs, they will be at odds with much of the developed world.

I recommend this book highly to all citizens of The United States and countries in the West.   Few Americans know anything at all about Muhammad or what he commanded his followers to do on behalf of Allah.  If you read this review and knew little of what I shared, I hope you will be inspired to do further homework on this timley and important topic.

Until we research and understand, we cannot form an opinion.

Until we research and understand, we cannot form a plan. 

It’s possible in the end that we recognize a serious change may be impossible among true believers and impassioned followers of Islam.   Due to this, we should all be very alert and very concerned.  It is wise and prudent that we take any and all measures to protect ourselves until a dramatic shift occurs. If we don’t, who will? 

Final Rating

Five stars for this book. *****   It covered it all – informative, interesting and motivating.

Reviewed by: 

Bridget Dupont-Tingley-The Editor
The Local Area Watch

FOUNDER OF THE WORLD'S MOST INTOLERANT RELIGION - PART 1

* This book is a MUST for anyone who knows little to nothing about Islam.  It is for anyone who wants to understand the War on Terror.   It is for anyone who wants to understand the enemy in our midsts.*

Book Review 

The Truth About Muhammad
By Robert Spencer
Regnery Publishing, Inc.  2006
Available at all major books stores- Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden, Schuster, etc.

Type of Book:

Non-fiction.

The first portrait in almost half a century to speak uncomfortable truths about the world’s largest growing religion, the Muslim faith and it’s Prophet, Muhammad. A critique by an author who is willing to discuss the hard facts of the Prophet’s life unbounded by fear and political correctness. The book covers the birth of Muhammad, his first revelations, his pilgrimages, his war battles, his many wives and finally, his final day of death. Extensive documentation from all the most reliable sources used by Muslim scholars themselves is used to portray a man and a faith that touches the 21st century and every citizen around the globe. This is a book about the true nature of Islam, not the ideal version.

Background: 

Per Regnery Publishing, Inc., Robert Spencer is the director of Jihad Watch, a program of the David Horowitz Freedom Center and author of the New York Times bestseller The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (And the Crusades), as well as four other books on Islam and terrorism, including, Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions about the World’s Fastest Growing Faith and Onward Muslim Soldiers: How Jihad Still Threatens America and The West, as well as eight monographs and hundreds of articles. He lives in a secure, undisclosed location.  Further information can be found on Wickepedia.

General  Book Overview: 

Spencer begins his book with some powerful thoughts:

“Five years into the War on Terror, it is still   common place to hear Islam called ‘a religion of peace’.  It is now also common to hear that term used derisively or ironically, in light of continued acts of violence committed in the name of Islam…Mounting evidence that jihadist violence is actually quite popular among Muslims worldwide has not made Western officials reconsider their view of Islam…As both reform minded Muslims and bloodthirsty jihadists invoke his example to justify their actions, the question of which group is likely to prevail in the future, and which will guide an Islamic world that is it the grip of a religious revival and increasingly hostile toward America and the West, will be largely determined by Muhammad”. 

With those opening thoughts, Spencer moves on to the beginning of his book noting that this is not meant to be a comprehensive biography of the Prophet of Islam. It is also not meant to be the definitive analysis of the Qur’an or the Hadith. On the other hand, he did write this book to still be a very solid examination of the life of Prophet, his journey, travels, words and life as told by an author and expert in Islam from the Western world. It shows what is problematic about Islam and how Muslims justify violent actions or behavior in order to follow their most revered Prophet.  Unfortunately, much of these actions and behaviors are not in accord with Western notions of human rights or dignity of person.

Spencer states he was very hesitant at first to write this book, share his knowledge and views in light of violence and death that seems to follow those who speak out against Islam.  Example reactions to date:

- The Danish cartoon artists and the world wide backlash that caused 139 deaths and over 823 wounded
- The filmmaker Theo Van Gough and his gruesome murder
- Pope Benedicts speech and the resulting youth violence world wide
- Active violence in the U.K., France  & other countries due to “perceived” Muslim discrimination for jobs, government welfare and housing
- Many scholars like Christoph Luxenberg, reform minded writers of Islam such as Hassan Shahid and Tarek Fatah and many others who have to be in hiding or go under  pseudonyms in order to speak out else they will be subject to death threats or murders attempts on their lives. 

Spencer notes after much deliberation, he decided this book had to be written. Undefended, we will loose our rights to free speech.  Without intervention, we will also loose our rights to free thought. The subject matter is provocative he says – lethally so.  The question of Muhammad, who he was, what he did, and what he believed is keys to understanding the global conflicts all citizens of the world are currently facing.  Until we know the man, his words and his commands, we cannot begin to comprehend the jihadists and their motivations and ultimately, the clue as to how we can control, contain or eliminate the threats.

Spencer makes a point of saying, it is not necessary nor it is his intention to insult Muhammad, to deride him, to lampoon or mock him or to write anything except a scrupulously accurate account of what he said and did. Even with that respect level in mind, tempers run hot quickly as we have seen so often in the last two decades.   If no one is willing to take risks like these, freedom as we know it will swiftly become a relic of history. This is not a Democratic, Republican, liberal or conservative issue. It is not even just an American issue. It is something of great importance to the entire world.

Spencer confirms that he relied exclusively upon Islamic sources for the life of Muhammad.  The Sunnah is the gold standard for the Islamic faith – it includes the Qur’an, the Hadith and the Sira.   In these books and writings, he was able to use the earliest biographical material available in the Islamic tradition, that which the best Islamic scholars use as well.

To elaborate further, the Qur’an (English spelling is Koran – I will spell it as this Islamic scholar does in his book) details a good part of particular incidents in the Prophet’s life, but it is not a continuous narrative.  Often, things are written as if the reader knows the outline and outcome of the story already. Spencer refers in all cases to the deity of Islam as “Allah” (the same person that much of the rest of the world calls “God”).    Allah, according to the traditional Muslim view point, spoke each word in this book to Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel (although some accounts state the Angel Seraphel came to him for the first three years and then Gabriel visited thereafter).    Gabriel then visited Muhammad on and off for over 23 years with revelations during his journey as a Prophet. Spencer relied upon the English translations of the Qur’an made by M. A. Usuf Ali and M. M. Pickthall.  Spencer does justice to his analysis and viewpoints in that whenever he notes an issue of importance, he provides a specific verse or sura in it’s original form for the reader to see first, then he makes separate commentary to support a position.  This is much better than just giving a view point without the original text being able to be viewed. I believe this works best so, readers can decide if they want to have a different interpretation than the author. Keep in mind that writings are also placed in the Qur’an according to their length thus, later passages from the Medina time frame are often found first and those from his Mecca time frame are later as they are shorter.

Moving on, the Hadith is a complement to the Qur’an, as it elaborates on the traditions of the Prophet.  This is second only to the Qur’an in authority for most Muslims and contains large amounts of information about the Prophet.  It is from this work that most of the laws that distinguish the Western world from Islamic society have been taken (family, marriage, fidelity/infidelity, polygamy, business, schooling, trade, taxes, punishment, etc). Some feel it has some form of divine inspiration as well. Fairly early in the history of Islam, faithful Muslims assembled collections of the accounts of the Prophet’s words, deeds and stories that they weeded through to determine what was more or less authentic. Scholars grade traditions according to designations of sound, good, weak, forged and others. The Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim are the highest and best collections in the Hadith. There are other collections (something like forty or more), but these two are considered the highest quality and are often the most cited.

Finally, there is the Sira, or biography of Muhammad. The first full length biography of the Prophet is by Ibn Ishaq and was done about 150 years after Muhammad’s death.  This was the first attempt at providing a continuous narrative of the Prophet’s entire life.  This original book is lost to history and exists in revised and more limited versions by the second biographer, Ibn Hisham who wrote his biography another 60 years after Ishaq died. Of interest, this second book contains some quotes and writings by other Muslim authors as well.   Hisham is noted as saying that in his version there may be slight differences due to, “things which it is disgraceful to discuss, matters which would distress certain people, and such reports as perhaps not trustworthy” – translation – some areas have possibly been fine tuned, changed or omitted altogether. Ibn Sa’d is also cited as one of the earliest biographers of importance as well.

These are the three main books and collections that have influenced Islamic history and society.  They are read and respected by scholars and followers today.   Islamic apologists often state that the Qur’an has never been altered and there are no variations to it.  It is in a pure state from Allah to Gabriel and then to Muhammad.  Some outside scholars and critics do not feel this is the case based upon inconsistencies and some items they felt have been removed and/or altered.  Thus, they feel these books may not be as pure as some apologists say they are. Regardless of how accurate all the documentation is, it is more important to understand that Muslims generally accept what has been written and told to them versus what actually happened, and this is what forms the foundation for their Muslim belief, practice and laws today.

A little background for you (numbers are as accurate as can be via historical information)…Muhammad was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia in 570 CE.  His father Abdullah, died before he was born. He was raised by a foster mother and nursemaid as was the norm until he was six and then he died as he was to be returned to his birth mother. From there, his grandfather helped raise him first and then his uncle Abu Talib raised him through manhood.  Muhammad’s family was known as the Quraysh tribe, they were well known, seemed to be well off and they were pagans in Arabia.  Muhammad traveled to many towns in the region via his uncle over the years as he was growing up.

According to tradition, stories abound saying during these travels that Muhammad was identified more than once by a Christian Monk, a local Jew and others as the Prophet foretold in Christian and Jewish religious scriptures.  One thing to note, the testimonies by these Christians and Jews helped support Muhammad later when he tried to use doctrine to identify that he was the Prophet not only to his own people, but peoples of others faiths as well. This identification went on for years and even Muhammad supposedly recognized that he was special from an early age.  Outside of these travels and periods of identification, Muhammad’s life was fairly normal. 

Once he reached the age of 25, his life began to change. At that time, he became a salesman and sold trade goods for a wealthy older woman named Khadija in Syria. Two angels shielded Muhammad from the scorching sun and heat during one  trip per a slave in attendance and thus, Khadija was impressed enough to marry him. She was 40 and he 25.   Khadija had a cousin named Waraqa who was a convert to Christianity from Judaism and she was close to him. She told Waraqa of the angels visiting Muhammad and he immediately recognized him as the Prophet as well. 

It would be awhile before Muhammad, Khadija and Waraqa finally realized exactly what the revelations from the Angel Gabriel meant.  Both Khadija and Waraqa had profound impact on Muhammad’s middle life and to the evolution of the early Muslim faith as well.   Many feel without their intervention on Muhammad and his life, Islam may never have evolved.  Muhammad had to weather through the early years trying to understand what the revelations were all about, who they were really from and what he was to do with them. He was often confused, upset and close to suicidal at times per the historical testimonies.   Muhammad wouldn’t declare himself as the Prophet of Allah until he was about 40 years old and only after he devoted himself to many years of long prayer and reflection.

The early periods of Muhammad’s development of the Islamic faith were fairly quiet and peaceful – the years 613-621.  This period of growth and development does not seem to have a formal name, but for purposes of this review I will refer to it as, the Mecca period. 

Muhammad began preaching Islam publicly by the year 613 in Mecca. For the next few years, he shared his revelations and his commands with people who slowly began following the Prophet’s ways. By 619, Muhammad’s own people the Quraysh, did not believe his visions and often challenged him. The Quraysh were firm in their pagan worship and would not accept Muhammad and his revelations.  That same year, Muhammad’s first wife Khadija died and he was visited by another angel  -  Satan this time – and he gives the approval for Muhammad and the Quraysh to worship their pagan gods for one full year as long as a year later they recognized Allah and Islam. Muhammad didn’t realize until after he fact that it wasn’t Gabriel but Satan who gave him this incorrect information and revelation.  This is known as the satanic verses incident (made famous by Ayatollah Khomeini & Salaamed Rushdie – the death threat). By 620, Muhammad believes he has been taken overnight to Paradise and meets all the previous prophets who came before him – Adam, John The Baptist, Jesus, Joseph, Moses, Abraham, etc. This journey is known as the ascension, Night Journey or Miraj and occurred on the now famous Temple Mount in Jerusalem.  In the year 622, Muhammad and the Muslims flee Mecca and go to Medina in the event known as the Hijra. They left due to ongoing problems with the Quraysh and their rejection of the Islamic faith.  They also wanted to make haste to other areas that would be more accepting of the word of the Prophet and Allah. 

The years 624-632 until Muhammad’s death are violent years and the messages from Allah began to   change dramatically.  This was a time filled with over 27 war battles, taking of children and women as slaves, imposing a non-Muslim poll tax called the jizya, reducing the rights of women, the expulsion of pagans, murder of dissenters, taking food, homes, clothing, jewelry and precious metals as booty for the victors and Muhammad marrying additional 10-12 wives (including a nine year old girl named Aisha-his favorite, killing the Jewish Chief of Khaybar and taking his beautiful wife Safiyya as a spoil of war and many others along the way. There also appears to be some concubines in the mix too).  He was proudly called the master of all of Arabia during this time of warfare, destruction and death. 

Muhammad finally met his fate and died at the age of 63 due to natural causes in the year 632.  He left behind no sons (the only one he had died early in birth), only daughters and eventually his legacy was continued by Abu Bakr as the first caliph.   The largest body of Muslims remains the Sunnis (so called because they adhere to the Sunnah or traditions of Muhammad faithfully). Sunnis account for about 85% of the worlds’ Muslims. The remaining 15% are called Shi’a Muslims.   They are a small faction that split from the main body of Muslims under another leader named Ali who felt he was the rightful descendent to Muhammad as he was a cousin and son-in-law by marriage to Muhammad.   This group of Shi’ites evolved expressions of Islamic piety that at times are markedly different from the norms of the Sunni’s. More radical if you will. Ali was the fourth caliph but, was eventually assassinated years later. The Sunni-Shi’ite fault line still divides the Muslim world well into the 21st century.

During Muhammad’s nearly ¼ century Islamic journey, many of his revelations laid the foundation that would become Islamic law and doctrine.  A foundation so strong it influenced followers 1,400 years ago and well into the modern world.   Incidents such as:

• Praying 5 times a day (at one point Muhammad said Allah commanded 50 prayers per day. He got it reduced to lessen the burdens of his followers).
• Avoid  Hasad or envy.  The evil eye from others can take away the good things in life that Allah provides. So,beware.
• Insistence upon the veiling of women as the sight of an unveiled women is distressing and sinful (not to wear it and reveal skin, body parts or hair is a crime in many countries with serious punishment).
• That it takes four witnesses (male only) in order to establish a crime of adultery or related indiscretions (thus it is nearly impossible to prove rape in areas that follow Sharia law, many women who admit to rape are then charged with adultery as they admitted to sex with a man and witnesses can’t be proven thus, large numbers of women in middle eastern countries are jailed for these reasons only).
• That adultery should be punished by public stoning of the couple involved in the indiscretion (although the Qur’an doesn’t physically state this). It only commands lashes for adultery and the woman being confirmed to their homes until they die.
• Theft by a thief means cutting off a man or woman’s hands.
• Borrowing of ideas and concepts from Christian writings (The Bible/ New Testament) and  Jewish writings (The Torah), even some gnostic and/or heretical sayings as well (incorrect information about Christ being crucified, who crucified him, ideas about heaven (paradise), Adam & Eve, other Prophets besides Muhammad, who are designated God’s chosen people, etc).
• Preaching of Monotheism - Islam is the only acceptable religion (practicing Muslims should only do so in Arabic.  To speak/write/read in Arabic is the only true language of Allah). 
• Revelations that Allah gave approval for Muhammad to marry his adopted son’s wife –his daughter in law.  Muhammad asked for direction and Allah commanded this marriage.
• Allah declaring to Muhammad that it is fine to go to war during the holy times providing it benefits Islam. Many things are allowed as long as it benefits Islam.
• Allah declaring to Muhammad that piety will bring military victories.
• Allah declaring to Muhammad that he alone gets the booty of war and can divide the spoils as he sees fit thereafter.
• Allah gave Muhammad multiple revelations that People of the Book (Jews & Christian) were not to be trusted, were enemies and not to be befriended.   They are said to be friends and protectors of each other only.  Muslims are taught to reject Jews and Christians as friends and protectors.
• Allah gave Muhammad approval that People of the Book must pay a jizya (tax) as they are the guilty/protected people or dhimmis. They were believed to have received genuine revelations from Allah but, they rejected Muhammad as Prophet and distorted the revelations they received. Thus, they were guilty. 
• The final veneration of Muhammad in the teachings that advise followers to be faithful, devoted and obey his words and actions as the human ideal.

Spencer raises many critical questions in this book that everyone should be asking:

Is Islam really tolerant of other religions?
Was Muhammad a real Prophet?
Did he have a gentle and peaceful side or just a side dedicated to warfare?
Were his visions and revelations really from Allah or something else altogether?
Was he a pedophile or a misogynist?
Why did he tax non-Muslims and reduce them to second class citizens?
Did he murder those who spoke out against him?
Why do jihadists imitate Muhammad and his reign of terror?
Is the rest of the world simply misunderstanding this religion?
What is Muhammad’s legacy into the 21st century and beyond?

It’s important to get these questions answered, for as Spencer notes, “Muhammad became more controversial than ever before in the Western World after the 9/11/01 jihad terror attacks. Numerous analysts and commentators made assertions about him and the religion he founded without ever bothering to investigate the actual record.   Since knowledge about Muhammad in the West has always been sketchy, they can be excused; however, many of the questions on which his example was invoked and discussed are still relevant to the War on Terror and the relationship between Muslim and non-Muslim worlds”.

Although Muhammad had some early periods of kindness to his companions and his followers, he also invoked great mistrust, dislike and contempt for non-followers as the years and revelations went on.  One only has to quote directly from the Qur’an, The Hadith and The Sira to see the evidence of the Destruction his legacy invokes. 

Spencer advises the reader that we cannot claim ignorance any longer on this issue. Jihadists and even everyday Muslims use Muhammad as their perfect human example and use his words, actions and recommendations as their example and guide. Only by understanding Muhammad can we in the West understand what he said and how it can affect each one of us.    He continues these thoughts stating too many Western governments and officials dismiss the twisting of this religion by a crazy few or the hijacking of Muhammad’s message for their own good as isolated instances.  Even many non-Muslims refuse to accept the reality of what Muhammad did and taught because the real analysis and implications are terrifying.  Many assume that identifying the parts of Islam that are problematic will add to the current jihad violence.  Many leaders fear we will end up in a clash of civilizations – West against the entire Islamic world if we dare to challenge the elements of Muhammad’s life that cause Sharia environments to spread. 

Spencer is strikingly clear, if we refuse to confront these deadly challenges, that lack of confrontation will NOT stop jihadists and extremists and even some moderates from their ultimate goal.  Islamic rule.

Spencer ends his book discussing that there are some things that can be done to stop this growing wave of suppression of human dignity and rights, on-going destruction and threats of suicidal death bombers:

1. Stop insisting that Islam is a religion of peace
2. Initiate a full scale Manhattan project to find a new energy source
3. Make Western aid contingent upon renunciation of the jihad ideology
4. Call upon American Muslim advocacy groups to work against the jihad ideology
5. Revise immigration policies with the jihad ideology in view

He reminds the reader, “The words and deeds of Muhammad have been moving Muslins to commit acts of violence for 1,400 years now. They are not going to disappear in our lifetimes, nor can they be negotiated away…If no Western politicians can be found who are courageous enough to grasp this nettle, Western countries will eventually pay a stiff price, when the jihadists they have admitted carry out successful jihad attacks, inspire native born Muslims to do the same or when they advance Sharia provisions by peaceful means as in the campaigns in the U.N. and several European countries.”

Only active participants who learn about the REAL man and his religion can form a solid plan to avoid a collision course with history.  The sooner someone stands up, the better.  If this problem continues or is ignored, “Muhammad will continue to inspire his followers to wield the sword in his name."

On a side note, Mr. Spencer is beginning an interesting process this month on Michelle Malkin's website HOTAIR.  He is going to be reading the Qur'an from front to back and posting his readings and review over the next few months.  He has decided to do this as many apologists have come to him and challenged what he has read in deciphered documents.  Mr. Spencer wants to share with the world what apologists refuse to read and accept themselves. I highly recommend all readers consider checking out his postings on a monthly basis if they are interested in this topic.

Part two – the personal review section and the final rating to follow separately due to length of review.

Reviewed by:

Bridget Dupont-Tingley
The Editor
The Local Area Watch

EDITOR'S REVIEW: HOW ONE SIDE LOST ITS MIND & THE OTHER LOST ITS NERVE

Book Review:

Bernard Goldberg, Crazies To The Left of Me, Wimps To The Right

Harper Collins Publishers – 2007

Available at all major books stores - Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden, Schuster, etc.

Type of Book:

Non-Fiction. A solid book that will appeal to ANY fed up liberal, moderate or conservative who feels that their principals and ideas have been sold out on BOTH sides of the isle when it comes to the Democratic and Republican parties. A quick and short read that properly tars both parties – Republicans who are afraid to be conservative and Democrats who have gone beyond the pale with liberal nuttiness.

Background:

Per Harper Collins Publishing, Goldberg is the number one New York Times best selling author of Bias, 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America and Arrogance. He has won eight Emmy Awards for his work at CBS News and at HBO, where he now reports for the acclaimed program Real Sports. In 2006, he won the Alfred I. E. duPont-Columbia University Award, the most prestigious of all broadcast journalism awards. A more complete history of this author can be found in the Wikipedia.

General Overview:

Mr. Goldberg starts off his book with a bang, chapter one lays it all out, “Just My Luck, I’m on one side and they loose their minds…I go to the other side and they loose their cojones”.

He spends the early part of the book giving some historical background to his own situation. Growing up in the 50’s in the Bronx New York to a middle class family where everyone was a Democrat and no one had ever met a Republican. He notes the terms liberal and conservative hadn’t come much on the radar yet. He discusses how his grandfather and his father were all staunch Democrats – the party for the little guy, the working man if you will, the party that gave rise to great men like FDR, JFK and others. The party that made little money, but always took care of the wife and kids and kept a roof over their heads. Blue collar backbone was the Democratic party and everyone was darn proud to be part of it.

He notes, Republicans were heard about, but no one had actually ever met one. They were known for big business, like General Motors, snooty country clubs, expensive meals at fancy restaurants and high powered jobs. Republicans didn’t represent Goldberg, his family, his friends or even the country he knew and loved.

Bottom line - Democrat good. Republican bad.

In the early 60’s, Goldberg notes how the Goldwater Presidential race impacted him as a young college student. He and his Democratic friends all talked about leaving the country if he won the election. They felt he would blow up everybody in Vietnam, drop nukes on the commies and work against civil rights. This man was conservative crazy as far as they were concerned. Fortunately, Goldwater lost and all the young Democrats so hot to trot were able to stay in the U.S.

Goldberg notes looking back at this time, he realized it was an early warning to him that Dems were becoming less and less tolerant – something this party had prided itself as one of it’s important main characteristics. What he and his friends had been saying was that not only did they know better then everyone else, but they were better then the rest too.

He notes that for the next 20 years he kept his Democratic credentials, but realized in hindsight he had just been going through the motion of being a true blue Dem for many years. As elections passed, Humphrey, McGovern, Carter and so on, he realized Democrats had been changing in fundamental ways. They were becoming elitists. By 1972, it appeared the affluent, well educated liberals – the new elite - were in and the blue collar, hard working man from the factory was out. Goldberg believes Democrats – primarily liberalism – took a hard left turn around the time of Vietnam. It wasn’t enough for liberals to protest the war. No, they had to go one step further and actually demonize the American Military and The U.S. He understood even then it was one thing to be against the war and another thing altogether to be against your own country. He also said the feminist movement went beyond the norm – asking for equality in ways that bordered on crazy. The country was in turmoil and liberals – the new kind – were angry. They were becoming closed minded and forgot how to be liberal altogether. They went from being a party that made real things – cars, steel, houses, food stuff, drilling for oil, fixing automobiles, and so on, to being a party of fads and fashions - actors, actresses, directors, singers, artists, professors, and the like.

Goldberg says he stayed true to the Dems through the 80’s and 90’s as he worked at CBS News. He felt it was still in his DNA. He said as he got older and wiser, he realized it was nurture not nature that kept him allied with this party. It took the events of 9/11, leaving CBS News and writing his first book Bias about the media that made him see the light by the late fall of 2001. That’s when his break with the left took place. He said he couldn’t take the darkness, the constant cynicism, the toxicity over Bush and the constant anger of the liberal party any longer. He said growing up, liberalism was something to be proud of in the Democratic party. The terrain of the modern liberal landscape was unfamiliar and growing more uncomfortable by the day. Thus, it was time to move on.

Goldberg moves into the next chapter dealing with his conversion to conservatism (although he notes that he’s heavily libertarian on many important issues over-all). His liberal friends felt he had gone to the dark side. He notes, “The whole idea strikes them as preposterous, too crazy to be taken seriously. After all, they figure, I’m not a racist. I can read and write. I’m not married to my sister. And I don’t drool on myself. So, how in the world could I possibly be conservative?”

With tongue in cheek, Goldberg notes it’s a good thing liberals remain open minded and hate stereotyping.

He notes he felt more attuned as he grew older to the conservative movement as it appealed to him on many levels; smaller government, restrained spending, closed borders, being left alone and operating more efficiently at the state level, keeping the family unit intact, being allowed to practice or not practice your faith of choice, etc. He liked their honesty, integrity, intelligence and faith.

Unfortunately, over the past few years, Goldberg notes his turn to the party of restraint has been no easy task either. Too many Republicans forgot how to be conservative and sold out their principals in recent years for political power and personal gain. Over-spending, not cracking down on open borders, not standing up on affirmative action and marriage issues and more have caused him serious frustration.

Goldberg feels strongly that Democrats AND liberals have reached a point where they have lost their minds.

Goldberg also feels strongly that the current Republican party foolishly tried to hang onto power by cashing in on their traditional values. In a nutshell, they wimped out.

He feels that true conservatives still believe in important and critical things and that may be the redeeming factor for this nation in the long run.

He wonders if Election Day 2006 was a wake up call for everyone.  Perhaps it was well past time to take a look at the baggage of our personal histories and decide what stays and what goes.

The rest of the book is short chapters of say 4-5 pages that talk about current issues and events of importance and how each party differs on the issues. Such as Don Imus saying dumb things, Sharpton, the NAACP and our status on affirmative action, Fox News Derangement Syndrome, Ann Coulter free speech limits, San Francisco style liberal actions, Mel Gibson drunken videos and religious movies, other political issues like immigration, abortion and English as our unifying language. He remains tough on both parties when they falter and supports them when they remain stable and sane.

Goldberg is able to produce some sassy little zingers now and then to keep things moving along such as:

”There’s an old line about how politicians are like diapers. They both need to be changed, a lot, and for the same reason. This of course, is unfair. Diapers serve a useful purpose”.

“Republicans like to spend like crazy, but not raise taxes. Democrats like to spend like crazy and raise taxes. Why do I keep thinking of the Jim Carrey movie Dumb & Dumber?”

“Without hard questions it’s too easy to fall back on the old feel good liberal platitudes about how “racism” is the root of all our troubles and about how more “diversity” is the solution. The only way to put an end to this cycle of dishonesty and denial is to begin asking uncomfortable questions and speaking uncomfortable truths.”

“As for liberal intellectuals, they think that because they’re well educated and supposedly enlightened, then by definition they can’t possibly be bigots. That’s what makes them so dangerous. They hold important positions at important universities and because of that they have the power to make bigotry (at least seem) more legitimate. If it’s coming from some goober in overalls, that’s one thing. If it’s coming from a professor at prestigious university, well, that’s something else entirely”.

“Real men say kill every last one of those bastard terrorists and I don’t care how you do it. Thus, real men vote for Republicans”.

Goldberg ends his book pondering the 2008 election.

Will Democrats stay hard to the left and keep being who they are and thus, show the rest of America how insanity really looks? Or will they morph again and take advantage of another open opportunity they didn’t earn, but were wise enough to take advantage of as they did last fall? Better yet, will they get in touch with their roots from 50 years ago and represent again a hard working class of Americans from all over the U.S. and not just the elite coasts as they did from our father and grandfathers generations? Time will tell.

Will Republicans seize a new opportunity and remember what they stand for, what is their core beliefs and not allow themselves to be compromised?  Will Republicans be smart and savvy enough to take advantage of Democratic weakness and as Rush Limbaugh notes, “you can always count on the Democrats, at some point, to revive conservatism in this country by being just who they are”. Or will Republicans continue to sell out their principles and thus, take another “thumping” in the poles and give the Democrats all three houses of government? Time will tell.

My Personal Review:

I was looking for something political to read without the usual destructive grenade tossing so early into a pre-election cycle. The title alone captured my attention as what better to read than someone with enough perspective to poke a little light fun at BOTH parties, their current strengths (few) and weaknesses too (many).

I’m confident many will relate well to Goldberg’s journey from Democrat and Liberal to Conservative/Libertarian. His background, evolution and growth will resonate with many I’m sure. I would recommend this book to anyone open to light political reading.

I'm sure some far left, overly sensitive liberals will cry and weep in horror that they are made to look bad (“where’s my protest sign, it’s time to march, you’ve said mean things to us”!).

Far right, overly aggressive conservatives will reach for the second amendment as they are made to look equally bad ("sir, we need you to step away from the vehicle and drop your weapon...”).

But, come on, that’s half the fun of the book.  Being mature and wise enough to REALLY see the good points and the bad points to each party and trying to figure out where each of us stand. Not just where your family stood on politics, faith and our nation, or where your college professors influenced you to stand, or where the local cable, t.v. and newspaper outlets want you to believe, but where YOU stand after extensive research, reading and soul searching. Anyone who has taken a journey of self discovery will appreciate this book.

I give Goldberg kudos because he gets his point across crisp and sharp without a lot of fluff in the middle. I like a guy who gets to the point and doesn’t put a lot of tail spin on important issues. He speaks from experience and the heart and thus, his points are well taken. Even if you don’t agree with all his conclusions, he reminds the reader we can all have discussions and agree to disagree without going bonkers. He points out so well that, “We no longer speak the same language, liberals and conservatives. We don’t listen to each other. We have different ‘facts’, which we use to come to different conclusions. Maybe it’s always been like this, but it feels worse now than ever”. I concur.

Maybe a book like this, one that provides with sharp clarity what’s wrong with each party as much as what’s right, is perfect for the current election season. It might make some curious and interested people take a new look at what they really think. And, maybe change some minds along the way too.  At a minimum, those who have taken his journey (and I'm sure they are in the millions) won't feel so alone. (I include myself here!)

I give him 3 ½-4 stars (3 1/2 for writing style and length of articles, 4 for content) out of 5.

Reviewed by:

Bridget Dupont-Tingley

Editor, The Local Area Watch

EDITOR'S REVIEW: WILLIAM WILBERFORCE WANTS YOU! A STORY OF AMAZING GRACE

Title:  Amazing Grace

Time:  Around two hours.

Moving Rating:  “PG”, a family film although there are some disturbing scenes depicting the cruelty of the slave trade.

Synopsis:

This is a historical film depicting the true story of William Wilberforce, scion of a wealthy merchant family and member of the British parliament, and his political campaign two centuries ago to ban the African slave trade throughout the British Empire.  Chattel slavery was the backbone of the labor force in many British colonies, especially the lucrative sugar cane plantations of the West Indies.  Many in England made fortunes from this, and the vile enterprise of slave trading fueled it at a horrific cost in human lives.  The movie chronicles Wilberforce's uphill battle as a member of the House of Commons to outlaw the African slave trade by (along with a little parliamentary gamesmanship) changing the hearts and minds of his fellow Britons who had accepted with little thought the unseen brutality and carnage of the African slave trade.  It is a movie that renews the spirit for the pursuit of justice by reminding us that even the hardest hearts against the human dignity of others can be overcome. 

Movie Review:

Amazing Grace takes us along William Wilberforce’s journey from a young man early in his political career whose faith called upon him to put an end to the slave trade through the dispiriting defeats as a middle-aged man to his eventual victory over that great evil in his later years.  The film shows what a commonplace slavery was even in England itself, not just its empire, two hundred years ago and the general indifference of the British public to it.  It also showed how many prospered from slavery supplied by a slave trade at the cost of Africans beaten, shackled, caged, and starved to death by the hundreds of thousands during the cruel and perilous passage across the Atlantic from Africa to the Caribbean.  Interestingly, it also showed the guilty knowledge of the ship owners plying this evil trade, who tried to keep the huge loss of life an industry secret.

Your heart rises and sinks with the advances and retreats of Wilberforce’s campaign to vanquish the slave trade.  You are roused when Wilberforce transmutes his personal disgust with slavery into a call to arms against it as he sings “Amazing Grace” to his astonished card-playing comrades in parliament.  You despair when Wilberforce calls a conference of those comrades to battle the slave trade and walks into a nearly empty meeting hall.  You feel how Wilberforce steels himself for that battle when consults with his mentor, John Newton, a slave trader haunted by the ghosts of 20,000 Africans who died in the bowels of his ships who became an Anglican clergyman and penned “Amazing Grace” as a powerful hymn that no one is beyond redemption.  You also feel how weak a vessel Wilberforce physically is as this battle makes him a bed-ridden wreck.

But there is victory for Wilberforce in the end, and the parliamentary machinations by which he achieves it provides unexpected suspense.  Just as unexpected is the satisfaction of the final scene in which the viewer is treated to a parade of a Highlander military unit in full kit playing the hymn “Amazing Grace” on their bagpipes.  While it is difficult to show through writing how absorbing this film is, it does pull you in, as evidenced by the fact none of the theater-goers left as the credits scrolled over the final scene.  All stayed, but then that is the power of both the hymn and the film Amazing Grace, the power of redemption.

Final Opinion:

Few can walk out of this movie and not be moved by the story, the history, and the song.  It was inspiring on many levels.  This movie will appeal to history buffs and those who like stories of redemption.  This movie was heartbreaking and heartening all at the same time.

Few Americans know the story of William Wilberforce who ignited the abolitionist movement that eventually exploded in this country as the Civil War and united the Royal and U.S. Navies as the military force that exterminated slavery throughout the world.  Even fewer Americans appreciate the soulless indifference of most people two hundred years ago to the misery of their fellow man until Wilberforce stirred consciences not only against slavery and the slave trade, but the abuse of women and children, grinding poverty, and the inhumane conditions of prisons and insane asylums.  Society’s pitiless cruelty, poverty, and brutality towards the young, the weak, and the old that we take for granted as outrageous is a lesson we have the benefit of learning from men like Wilberforce who shook his fellow citizens out of their complacency towards such depravity.

So leaders do matter.  One man can make a difference.  We can take a page from history, and like Wilberforce, fight against the darkness, destruction, and cruelty that indifference allows to inhabit our souls.  Amazing Grace reminds us that we can redeem ourselves in this way.

My Recommendation:  Definitely go see Amazing Grace.  It is appropriate for people of almost all ages.  It is certainly an important history lesson for the young and old alike.

Rating:  Four plus stars!

Reviewed By:  Bridget Dupont-Tingley, Editor L.A.W.

EDITOR'S REVIEW: FLICK OF THE MONTH, "THE 300"

Title:  "The 300".

Time:  Around 2 hours.

Movie Rating:  R – contains graphic violence, blood and nudity (not for the young).

Synopsis:

A robust and highly stylized re-telling of the famous Battle of Themopylae and the honor and heroics of the Spartan warriors who ultimately suffer a bloody slaughter at the hands of the massive Persian army.  It’s a motivating movie that reminds the viewer of how the underdog may lose, but through sheer brawn, bravery, and pride is not defeated and so sets the stage for victory in the end, toughing the hearts of people for centuries to come.   

Movie Review:

The themes of “The 300” reminded me of a recent movie, “The Last Samurai” starring Tom Cruise.  Like the brave and out-numbered Spartans facing the massive killing machine of the Persian army who preserved honor and achieved (ultimately) victory, the last samurai and his men were greatly out-gunned by a modernized imperial army and so defeated, and yet in defeat conquered the new Japanese war machine which adopted the samurai ethic.  “The 300” to the best of my knowledge, is the first modern movie of the Battle of Thermopylae, and though fictionalized is dedicated to the themes of honor that motivate soldiers to defend what they love. 

First, the cinematography and graphics were incredible in this movie. It appears much of this was done with green screen technology, so most of the desert scenes, mountains, bluffs, oceans, animals, massive armies etc. were are all created by a computer. The amazing quality of the computer animation took the viewer away to another time and another world - incredible. The colors were dark and grainy with only touches of color which set the mood for the carnage to follow.  The well-known military historian Victor Davis Hanson was consulted on the movie to help inject a history lesson for the viewer. In turn, a comic book writer and illustrator was employed to craft scenes and how they would look/play out when you blended history with legend. Finally, directors and producers put the final touches on the scenes created by live actors and off-site sets with computer animation to come up with the final product.  As is true for most movies these days, the director took much artistic interpretation and stretched events for the sake of story-telling.  There is an obvious deviation from the real Battle of Thermopylae in “The 300”, but that’s OK as you at least get the picture for what might have happened and the impact of the Spartan last stand on their fellow Greeks.

<< MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD! >>

This is the story.  The Spartan city-state was unique.  Although there were many Greek city-states, few had standing armies as the Spartans did.  Boys were taken away from their mother’s side when they were very little and spent years in warrior training to be a lean, mean fighting machines. They were taught to fight, use their wits, stand their ground, and stay in prime physical, mental, and spiritual health.  “The 300” reveals the Spartan warrior culture to us by showing the military training of Leonidas, who would become king of Sparta and lead his troops to their final stand against the Persians at Thermopylae.

The action goes into high gear when King Leonidas, constrained by law and custom against rallying the entire Spartan army against the invading Persians, has three hundred of his best men suit up as a personal “personal body guard” for a “stroll” to the Hot Gates (i.e., Thermopylae).  [Chick talk:  When I refer to the Spartan army suiting up – I mean simply a leather loin cloth, a scarlet red robe tied around their shoulders with a bronze clasp holding it in place, a deadly sharp spear in one hand, a bronze shield in the other, and a helmet.  Oh, and maybe a pair of leather sandals as well.  The traditional Greek warrior with their finest on display.  Nothing else.  Very spartan.  Although historically this isn’t accurate – Spartan warriors usually had no foot gear but did have more body armor covering themselves – the director must have decided less is more.  Guys couldn’t care less what they had on, but the women in the audience were pleased at this minimalist fashion twist that exposed the Spartan warrior in all his glory.]

Once the Spartans and some of their fellow Greeks from neighboring city-states establish their defenses at the opening the narrow seaside canyon of Thermopylae, through which the Persian army must pass to invade Greece, we get to see a surreal stylization of the Persian host.  First there is a flotilla transporting the invaders stretching to the horizon.  Then there is the landing of thousands of military units from all corners of the Persian empire, all with strange uniforms and bizarre weapons.  Plus there are giant beasts of war, including a dinosaurian rhinoceros and magnificent elephants, used like ancient versions of mechanized infantry.  Leading this otherworldly war machine is a ten-foot-tall Xerxes, self-styled god and emperor of the world, borne across the battlefield in a great pyramid by dozens of slaves.  Not what history holds is true, but quite an eyeful.

We watch Leonidas outwit the Persians with his tactics, as his Spartans repel wave after wave of Persian attacks in battle scenes that are interesting to watch.  We watch Xerxes move from contempt to admiration of his enemy as he tries to cajole Leonidas with everything a god-emperor can command, including the Spartan king’s own glory as ruler of Europe.  But Leonidas will have none of it, even in the face of certain death, because that glory would cost him his honor.  And so comes the final stand.  The Persian commands, “Spartans, put down your swords.”  King Leonidas of the Spartans replied with venom in his voice and eyes, “Come get them”.  (According to military historian Victor David Hansen, these quotes are historically accurate.)  And the last battle is on, with all but one of the Spartans falling in battle to buy the rest of the Greek city-states time to muster a defense against the Persians.

The lone Spartan warrior who survived had been sent ordered back to Sparta by Leonidas to tell the city leaders of the desperate battle being fought so that they would release the full weight of Spartan military might to defend Greece.  Through we learn about the three hundred warriors who would become legend.

<< END OF SPOILERS >>

Final Opinion:

There is no doubt that this movie is geared toward teenaged boys and guys of all generations. It’s loaded with military preparation, battle scenes, blood, gore and all the usual carnage that ensues in war (and some sex scenes to boot).  It’s not for the faint of heart.

For instance, all those important battle preparation scenes where walls were created to keep out the enemy – the walls were constructed from pebbles, rocks and boulders and of course, mortar was made up of dead human heads, legs, arms, torso and bodies. It’s interesting to see army men being beheaded with sharp swords and watching a human body stand alone for a moment before it realizes it’s died and falls to the ground headless. This chop-chop process happens so often that you become numb. Instead of being repulsed, it becomes  slightly amazing over time.  Same with seeing man after man speared in the head, torso and heart.  You start focusing on wanting the Spartans to win more than the carnage and death to be found everywhere.  Fortunately, strong gal that I am, I appreciate history, military battles and the process of war so, I handled it with a certain level of understanding and respect even if I was a wee bit grossed out now and then.

Although many of the battle scenes in this movie were fantastical for making the viewer sit up and take notice and feel the shock and awe…which by the way, you can’t help but do in “The 300”…the movie didn’t do much for educating the viewer on the real history of the aspirations, envy, rivalry and eventual irritant to war that occurred for over two centuries in this region. It did not inform the viewer about any important historical issues from this region and era such as;  who were the great generals of antiquity, what battles had geographical and intrinsic strategic value,  what infantry tactics were used, what were the rules of war in this time, how were bodies of the dead handled, what communities were nearly erased off the planet, which became those that future nations would envy for centuries, and how did all these battles affect art, poetry, playwrights and philosophers of the times, etc. So…for those history buffs who crave more than two hours of battle bliss, consider getting the dozen or so books out on The Battle of Thermopylae and others on the history of the Peloponnesian Wars and other Greek tragedies that can be found at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden and other book stops.

One thing that’s important to clear up is the title of this movie, “The 300”. Historically, it’s actually off. A quick snap shot of history shows the movie took the high drama route here rather than shooting for accuracy. Victor Davis Hanson notes much about The Battle of Thermopylae in his book, “Ripples of Battle” and some other books he has on Greek military and battle history.  When the Spartan offensive was discovered, everyone did not leave and only 300 men were left behind as this movie seems to imply. Rather, many Thespians and Thebans stayed along with about 300 Spartans. Some did leave, but not everyone. History is accurate in that most scholars and documents seem to support that all that had remained were annihilated at the end of the battle. Of the 1,400 Greeks who stayed behind with King Leonidas, the Thespian dead was estimated to be 50% of the casualties.

VDH notes in his book that this is a remarkable proportion because when we remember that they composed only about 10% of the original Greek force of about 7,000 hoplites. Sparta lost about 4% of its landowning citizens at this battle. The Thespians and Thebans provided a larger contribution and smaller resources in their sacrifice, but history loves a good story. In the end, the Thespiaes lost most of their own and several generations ceased to exist not many years after this battle and one other a year later.  “A single afternoon can doom an entire people,” VDH notes so profoundly.  History enjoys recalling the bravery, brawn and manliness of 300 Spartans.  Unfortunately, history seems to often forget or be remiss when it comes to twice that number of Thespians  died that same day in history. So, VDH, military historian and professor of the classics feels “The 300” should be more accurately, “The 700”.

On a side note….an Iranian official recently lashed out at this movie in press conferences shown on cable t.v. and noted in newspapers for insulting the Persian civilization.  Javad Shamgadri, an art advisor to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, accused the new movie of being “part of a comprehensive U.S. psychological war aimed at Iranian culture.”   Shamgadri was quoted to say, “following the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Hollywood and cultural authorities in the U.S. initiated studies to figure out how to attack Iranian culture. Certainly, the recent movie is a product of such studies”.  Who knew a war that was over a millennium old before the Prophet Mohammad was even born would eventually cause modern day Iran to believe it and we are part of a sinister plot to take them down.  Since they deny the holocaust, I’m sure they’ll find a way to re-write history regarding the Spartans too. Can’t have a handful of thugs in loin clothes make them look bad. No, they do that so well all by themselves. I think everyone should see this movie just to spite Ammy at a minimum (you think he would be happy they made the military leader of the Persian army, Xerxes look twice the size of the average man and about 10 feet tall – still not good enough! That’s not God-like enough for them!).

In the end, Victor Davis Hanson says it well in his book, “Between War & Peace”, he notes, “Isn’t going into battle just a bad idea? Every war is a bad idea. When are there ever attractive options in risking soldiers in times of national crisis…Preemption may be saner than reaction… we need not embrace the idea of collective punishment and war to accept the truth that sometimes entire peoples can go off the deep end and require military defeat to be brought back out of their trance…”.  Well said Mr. Hanson, well said.  It appears the Spartans, Thebans and Thespians, those before them and those after them, have had to make the same difficult choice for the survival of their citizens and their nation.

My recommendation:

I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys military history and/or war movies. It is definitely a motivating story that reminds humans that 1) sometimes we fight when we don’t want to 2) that someone who fights for the good of others can sometimes do amazing things that were never planned or intended from the start, 3) that sometimes we can’t choose the path of least resistance, it’s just not an option and 4) the final ending may not always be perfect or what we would like, but it’s the process of getting there that can make the difference.

The Spartan nation lived to fight another battle in the future by loosing some of their brightest and best at The Battle of Thermopylae.  Hopefully, movie viewers will take the message from this movie of more than blood and gore. It’s a movie of pride, respect and dignity for one’s self, one’s family, one’s community and one’s nation.

Enjoy!  I give this movie 4 out of 5 loin cloths (it’s not my fault they are wearing so little).

Signed, Bridget Dupont-Tingley, Editor L.A.W.

EDITOR'S REVIEW: GINGRICH ON FAITH IN OUR NATION'S HISTORY

Book Review:

Rediscovering God in America
By Newt Gingrich
Integrity Publishers, a Division of Integrity Media, Inc. – Copyright 2006
Available at all major books stores- Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walden, Schuster, etc.

Synopsis:

Non-Fiction.  A walking tour of our nation’s capital and it’s glorious architecture and unending beauty. It is coupled with the history behind many of D.C.’s great monuments and the ideas that shaped our beliefs.  It’s a book that’s a reminder of who we used to be and  who we currently are.  It’s ultimately a reflection on the role of faith in our nation’s history and our future.  Small size and handy for on-the-go travel.  Fast and easy reading.

About the Author:

Newt Gingrich was Speaker of the House.  He has been a prolific writer and has published eleven books to date. He has been seen on t.v., cable news and radio. He is a sought after national speaker. He is married with children and also grandchildren and lives in Virginia. A complete biography can be found in the Wikipedia.

About the Book: 

This is a small, but power-packed book. It’s not quite pocket sized, but it is compact enough to carry with you on trips and visits to the capital.  The book is 137 pages long of general text and then an additional 22 pages of maps and photos of all the monuments, memorials and buildings cited.

Gingrich notes that a walking tour of our nation’s capital is a timely and important thing for all Americans – young, old, man, woman or child.   A scenic walking tour is noteworthy as it allows Americans to revisit amazing men and women and their important accomplishments to our nation, the critical events that shaped our country’s history, the incredible documents that identify who and what we are as a nation and finally, the great institutions that showcase how a democracy can work with and for it’s people.

Gingrich wisely recalls the words of the founding fathers to sketch a poignant picture of how this nation of ours came to be:  “The early colonists were clear that they did not believe the power flowed from the king down to the subjects.  Jefferson turned on its head the idea that power came ONLY from God, then to the monarch, and then to the people.”

This book reminds us of “Jefferson’s immortal words about ‘unalienable rights coming from our Creator’ echoed the thinking of so many of our founding fathers (including Franklin – one of the least religious of the founding fathers).  Franklin even proposed that the Constitutional Convention begin each day with a prayer. Franklin insisted as he aged that “The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth – which God governs in the affairs of men”.   Jefferson may be recorded in history as a Deist and one who stressed the importance of questioning all things but, he also made clear in his writings that he himself had a deep conviction that American liberties area a gift from God.”

Gingrich has a PhD in history so, it is no coincidence that his grasp of the past is so profound and astute. He notes:  “The founders had a very straightforward belief that liberty was the purpose of a just government but, that the maintenance of this liberty among free people would require virtue.    If virtue was to survive, it would require “true religion” which was any religion that cultivates the virtues necessary to the protection of liberty. Any religion deserving of the respect of government, which would include the freedom to express in public the moral principles of such a true religion. For the founders, it was abundantly clear, religious liberty and freedom of religious expression would be indispensable supports for our democratic traditions of government and our pluralistic society.”

And so they have for over two hundred years.

As Gingrich notes so accurately:  “The benefits of these supports accrue to people of not just one faith but, those of all faiths, and for all people of goodwill, whether religious, agnostic, atheist or secularist. … A steadfast commitment to religious freedom is the very cornerstone of American liberty.”

Gingrich’s book provides numerous quotes throughout the centuries from Washington to Adams, Hamilton to Carroll, Lincoln to Jefferson, Morrison to Rush, Roosevelt to Eisenhower, and Regan to King. Quotes too numerous to note here but, immensely powerful and motivational.  They are well worth reading and understanding. These historical references remind each one of us that the history and faith that is God and the infusion of the Creator in the formation of the American public square are not exclusive of one another.

Gingrich’s book besides providing historical quotes and passages, is also a simple exploration of all the main monuments, memorials and building sites of interest in the Capital.  From the National Archives and The Declaration of Independence to the Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, to the WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials to the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, Capital Hill and on to The White House….a tour through these sites is a memorable visit through our nation’s lengthy, complicated, courageous yet, hope filled history.

Gingrich believes you will find these monuments and memorials provide support for an America that has always understood that the existence of a Creator in our public square is a part of our fabric – not apart from it.  As you tour the sites and re-read the quotes, you will see that those who seek to re-write history and write God out of our history are clearly in the wrong.

Gingrich sounds a clarion call for us to rediscover that America’s greatness is firmly rooted in our ongoing history as truly one nation under God.

My Review:

Put on those walking shoes!

This small pocket dynamo book was a very enjoyable read.  My guess is if you like history, you like architecture, you are open to faith…this book is right up your alley.

I have been to D.C. numerous times – my high school senior trip, business trips and general vacations as well over the last few decades. I have toured most of the sites and always attempted to see the newest exhibits as they were created.  Next time I go back, I'll check out some of the smaller details I've never heard before but, enjoyed finding out  due to this book.  D.C. is without question a great city with endless potential, opportunity and historic memories.

I enjoyed reading historical quotes from our founding fathers, their thoughts, ideas and wishes as they created this great nation of ours. Gingrich discussed briefly their struggles and hardships they all went through on their voyage of discovery to help form this nation.  There is also some insight shown regarding their attempts at critical planning as they were wise enough to know we would also have future struggles trying to keep this wonderful nation of ours intact for generations to come.

Gingrich points out some of those hardships we are experiencing now – schools no longer teaching history to students so they have no clue as to our nations origins; the court system ruling against faith and religion in any sector less private homes; news and print medias attempts to secularize the information we receive and; the elite working hard in all these areas to make sure we are purged of all religious expression from public life either due to fear, lack of understanding or simply being too sophisticated to have faith.

Many people in our country today are choosing to forget the past, re-write the past or worse yet…deny the past.  If they prevail, we are destined for very troubled times indeed. 

To paraphrase what Jefferson noted wisely so long ago, Americans need to know where this country came from in order to know where it is going. Our President, our Congress, our Court system all are sworn to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.  Each citizen bears the same responsibility to uphold and not destroy it.

This book gave snippets and glances of important historic speeches, quotes and book references so, expect to do further reading and research on your own if you want greater depth to these items. The tantalizing glimpses this book gave of our history was meant to re-fire your imagination and invigorate your mind to look back again at the past so, that as we better understand yesterday we can fulfill a brighter future.

The book has simple yet, helpful black and white photos of each memorial, monument and building. You can flip easily back and forth between the written passages and the corresponding photos at the end of the book to supplement what you are reading. You get the basics of when and why each site was created but, also interesting side notes that the average visitor might miss such as:

[1] The Ten Commandments engraved in bronze on the floor of the National Archives;

[2] The thousands of mementos left at the base of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that are now on display at the Smithsonian Institution for the masses to see.  A visual sign of love and loss that is never ending;

[3] A copy of the Gutenberg Bible, the first mass produced book, at The Library of Congress - only one of three perfect copies still in existence today;

[4] The exhibit in the basement of the Jefferson Memorial dedicated to his writings – both religious and secular;

[5] The amazing religious imagery on display in the Rotunda of The Capitol Building -eight different historical paintings of varying people and scenes from the past. 

All of these properties come together at the end of the book to paint a picture of a truly spectacular nation - its documents, its buildings, its institutions, its history and its people.  There is clearly good and bad to our history but, above all, it’s been a history with great heart and soul.

Gingrich makes note that “self-government is the most difficult way in which human beings organize themselves so, we must make it a national priority to study American history – the most profound and successful experiment in ordered liberty in all of human history, founded upon a conviction that our rights come from God.”

The special detail that Gingrich pointed out to readers  in the book that I thought was the least known tidbit was about the Washington Monument. It’s the tallest building in D.C. at 555 feet high. It is a monument dedicated to the father of our country.   He notes poignantly that the first rays of the sun illuminate the nation’s capital each morning and hits the top of the monument.  Inscribed on the eastern side of the four sided aluminum capstone to The Washington Memorial are the Latin words – “Laus Deo” – or “Praise Be To God”.  Washington’s deep conviction that the securing and maintaining of American liberty is owed to divine blessing, for which most Americans humbly give thanks.  This monument is erected in tribute to him and that gracious thought.

In the end, this book makes no excuses of where it is coming from. Point blank, it is meant to make you reflect on the role of faith in America, our nations capital and in our past, present and the future. What our founding fathers did with it set our nation in motion.   What our important leaders and politicians did with it over the past two hundred years was equally critical.   What our current and future generations do with it deserves equal merit and serious consideration. As Gingrich notes so earnestly at the end of the book, “Our values and history should not be ignored, minimized or ridiculed. We need to act to reverse this trend or our next generation may grow up with no understanding of core American values. This will destroy America as we know it, as surely as if a foreign conqueror had overwhelmed us.”

My Recommendation:

This book is a must for anyone who believes in this country, understands its past and prays for its long and prosperous future.   Retracing the footprints of our past really helps give concrete credence to the words, “God Bless The USA” that our President says at each State of The Union speech.  After you read this book and consider reading others that discuss the past in even greater detail, you’ll appreciate again the deep meaning behind that simple yet profound statement.

Gingrich has a winner here.  Only drawback - it was too short and I wanted more.  Read this book and see if you don’t support me on that one.

Enjoy.

Signed, Bridget Dupont-Tingley, Editor L.A.W.