Homage to Cataloniaby George Orwell© 2007 Robert D. Skeels. Reproduced with permission. Some of the passages when he speaks of what a classless society looks like are the most inspiring things I have ever read. Orwell's service in the POUM is indicative of his commitment to a better world. Vietnam: The (Last) War the U.S. Lostby Joe Allen© 2008 Robert D. Skeels. Reproduced with permission. Joe Allen presents a history of the United States' invasion and occupation of Southeast Asia never discussed in mainstream accounts. Aside from demonstrating several major factors which combined to end the war, the book shows the importance of movements influencing and overlapping each other. This is clearly laid out in discussing the impact the civil rights and black power movements had on the nascent anti-war movement. Another important thread in the book is the often ignored account of how brutal the intervention was. The revelations on the staggering amount of ordinance dropped on the Vietnamese people underscores the degree of violence the U.S. ruling class resorts to when imperial interests are on the line. In the struggle against the empire's current horrific occupations of Afghanistan and Iraq, the lessons laid out in "Vietnam: The (Last) War the US Lost" couldn't be more valuable. From fighting the endemic imperialist racism leading to My Lai and its modern counterpart Haditha, to linking social justice struggles to the enormous costs of the war, to supporting GI resistance in practice as well as principle. If there is any overarching lesson from the book, it is that an anti-war movement diminishes in the absence of an understanding of imperialism.
The Irish Soldiers of Mexicoby Michael Hogan© 2006 Robert D. Skeels. Reproduced with permission. !Viva los San Patricios! Wonderful historical account of how an oppressed people realized fighting for imperialists and Calvinists was against their own interests and switched sides. While the unprovoked aggressors ultimately won the war, slaughtered the San Patricios, and still occupy more than half of Mexico, the fact these brave Irish stood alongside the Mexican people is so inspirational. One day I have to visit Ciudad de Mexico to see the monument to the St. Patrick's Battalion, among other things. Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawalby Anthony Arnove© 2008 Robert D. Skeels. Reproduced with permission. Anthony presents a sober account of how calculated the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq was. Exposing all the rationales for the war as lies, "Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal" turns to the real reasons for the bi-partisan project in Iraq; to further imperial aims in the middle east. In the The Logic of Withdrawal chapter Anthony systematically nullifies all arguments against withdrawal, and the following chapter argues for the only principled stance -- troops out now! Targeting Iranby David Barsamian© 2008 Robert D. Skeels. Reproduced with permission. Very good. The Chomsky chapter gives basic historical information any progressive should already be familiar with. It is the Abrahamian, and especially the Mozaffari interviews that are of real interest. Nahid Mozaffari's paints a picture of vibrant women's and artist movements in the face of repression. One thing all three chapters make emphatically clear, the west needs to keep hands off Iran. Let the Iranian people determine their own future, unlike 1953! Next up, Revolution and Counter Revolution in Iran by Phil Marshall. The Meek And the Militant: Religion And Power Across the Worldby Paul N. Siegel© 2008 Robert D. Skeels. Reproduced with permission. While the first chapters of the book should find welcome acceptance among atheists, it is a little difficult and even condescending for those of us who have a belief system. When the book really hits stride are the chapters on the origins and historical roles of various religions worldwide. These chapters are invaluable in understanding the impact and role religion plays in society and politics. For example, the genocidal policies of 'manifest destiny' have deep ideological roots in Calvinism. The final chapter is also very important in that it explains the relationship between Marxist parties and religion. Far from the forced atheism and religious intolerance reactionary opponents of Marxism would have us believe, a Leninist party is completely tolerant of religion. Besides copious quotes from Lenin on the subject, the author give examples of religious freedom in Cuba, and political participation by priests in the Sandinista government. |
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