Customer Reviews

Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America

5 star:		(59)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

I received a pre-release copy of "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America" by Chuck Norris for professional review. Not being a huge Chuck Norris fan, I wasn't sure what to expect, even though I knew he was very patriotic and now writes a weekly syndicated column. I have to confess that I was quickly drawn in and captivated by the contents of the book and, actually, pleasantly surprised by its insight, depth, research, genuineness, practicality, and motivating nature--and is even very funny at several parts. Most of all, rather than just being a negative critique of American modernity, it is a remarkably pragmatic and inspiring work--having just finished it, I am truly quite motivated to do a host of things he outlines in his book, including taking better care of me. This is not just another political diatribe--it is a cultural manifesto.

The book begins with a summary of eight major problems threatening America, in the first chapter, "One Nation, Divided, and Without a Clue." Before detailing his and others' (including our Founders') solutions to our problems in the subsequent chapters, Norris opens up the book by explaining these major threats that are tearing apart the fabric we call America: (1) we've lost the connection to and sense of our Founders' America, vision, and legacy; (2) we've got no control over spending--and too much debt, nationally and personally; (3) America's borders and boundaries are still too fluid and unprotected; (4) we've lost our moral compass, and must relearn our Founders' path to civility; (5) we've devalued human life to the point that we've lost the sense of human wonder and awe--which has ultimately contributed to our mistreatment of one another; (6) we are failing our children and the younger generations by not being more intentional in passing down to them the baton of building a better America; (7) the dissolution of the traditional family; (8) Apathy--physical, mental, and spiritual.

The following eight chapters not only detail each of those problems, but give Norris' and others' practical solutions--which we can begin implementing immediately. The genius of the book is not found merely in Norris' practical wisdom and motivating altruism but our Founders' work and instruction for future generations. As a supporter of a strictly constitutional America(as proposed by such congressmen as Ron Paul), I've read quite extensively about the Founders and Framers of America. Norris does an exceptional job to include throughout each chapter significant (and in-context) excerpts from them, not merely trite Whitman samplers or overused quotes to suffice pseudo-history buffs. Norris includes insights from our Founders on a host of today's issues and problems (as Norris calls them, "old solutions for new problems"), such as those on restoring good government, reducing taxes and debt (national and personal), addressing border and immigration issues, raising youth, establishing morality and civility, and even enhancing good nutritional habits (yes, Thomas Jefferson spoke about that too).

Norris obviously has a great handle on cultural issues, pundicy, and research, as the reference works cited throughout the book are reputable and scholarly resources--well-known and widely-used in each particular field of study. (The End Notes alone are a veritable gulf of information and resources.) Norris does not disappoint in any respect, even in conveying plenty of personal stories as well, many told for the first time in this book, personal accounts with border agents and troops abroad to stories of American-heritage revisionism and his weekly work-out plan with his family's nutritional diet.

There are many pleasant surprises in the book, including what America's Founders thought about a host of issues we face today (including those one wouldn't typically think they would have addressed--like exercise and nutrition, or marriage and family), the best summary and pitch for the Flat Tax I've read, a remedy for the millions of illegal immigrants already living in the country, proofs of how we've been fighting Muslim extremists since the founding of our country, a battle plan concerning how to flank the enemies of today's youth, a fascinating critique of how we've devalued humanity in comparison to our Founders (and how to reinstill their higher value), some very inspiring faith-stories (and of course tough-guy stories too), Chuck's weekly workout program and eating plan (how that 68-year old stays in such great shape), one of the most fascinating and challenging readings (chapters) on the American family, and (for icing on the cake) a batch of new Norris photos at the center of the book.

The book concludes with a rallying call in chapter 10, "Reawaken the American Dream," then gives a few appendices in which are copies in entirety of the three documents that Norris says should be posted in every American home: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Ten Commandments.

Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America." Whether you are a Chuck Norris fan or not, or even an American, you'll be motivated over and over to not give up on America, Americans, our cultural wars, or your personal finances, faith, life calling, marriage and family, health, etc. Far more than just a typical book on politics and government, this is an insightful and inspiring cultural manifesto on rebuilding America and rediscovering the American dream. Well done Mr. Norris!

I have been a fan of Chuck Norris for years. His early movies helped motivate me to study martial arts, and now as an instructor myself, I respect and admire the accomplishments he has achieved, and especially like how he has helped so many kids through his youth programs. It was an honor to meet Chuck Norris, his wife, and the late Howard Jackson a few years ago when he was signing copies of "Against All Odds: My Story."

I also like that Chuck Norris has firm convictions and beliefs and is not afraid to stand by them. His entry into political commentary and endorsing causes and candidates illustrates that he is not content with sitting on the sidelines, but is more than willing to stand up and be counted and voice an opinion. Some people criticize celebrities for endorsing causes or candidates, but I don't. I respect people who stand up for what they believe in and take ACTION. Regardless if you agree or disagree with Norris, you have to respect the fact that he is taking action regarding problems he sees in America.

I've been looking forward to "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America" ever since I learned it was coming out. Being a black belt and a patriot, I love the title. But more importantly, I respect Chuck Norris and his views, not just because he is a fellow martial artist, but because he is sincere, honest, and makes a lot of sense. I've been looking forward to his insights and suggestions on how to rebuild our country and ensure the pursuit of the American Dream is available for everyone. The book was released yesterday and I left work and immediately stopped at the bookstore to pick up a copy.

I was not disappointed!

I spent the night reading "Black Belt Patriotism" and was quite impressed. It was not what I thought it was going to be. It had much more research than I expected. In fact, there are over thirty pages of notes, containing more than three hundred references from the text. Norris did his homework!

Before I go any further, I'll address the elephant in the room. (pun intended) It is no secret that Norris is a conservative. On the cover of the book, he is described as a martial arts master, actor, and political activist. This book falls in the political activist realm and the solutions that Norris provides are rooted in his Christian faith and belief in the Constitution and those Constitution Framers and founders of our great nation. If you share his conservative views, you are going to love this book. You might even stand up and yell, "You tell `em Chuck!" If you are liberal, you are going to disagree with many of the solutions Norris provides, and you might even be insulted because he pulls no punches with his beliefs. If you are an independent, or fall somewhere in the middle, you will probably learn a few things and ponder on others. Regardless of which camp you fall into, I believe the book has value in pointing out the problems that Norris does. If you don't agree with his conservative solutions, so be it. Figure out solutions that you back. But think about the problems and work toward solutions!

The first line of this book is, "I love America: always have, always will." It is clear from reading this text that Norris really does love America and the principles it was founded upon. He has researched the history of our country and government much more than the average person, and goes so far as to include in the Appendices; The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, and The Ten Commandments. If you study the more than three hundred references I mentioned earlier, without a doubt you will have a better understanding of our country and government, and a better understanding of where Norris is coming from. I applaud his inclusion of such material, rather than him just saying, "this is what I believe, so there." He gives us the why behind what he wrote. That still does not mean you have to agree with him, but it will most certainly education you and open your eyes to the conservative perspective in a different light.

The first chapter then goes on to lay out eight problems with America that Norris believes something must be done about. Then, it the next eight chapters he goes into solutions to these problems. These problems he addresses are: 1. Norris believes we have forgotten our roots and have drifted from the principles and beliefs that our country was founded upon. 2. America's debt. The dept by Both by the government and individuals is a major problem and as Norris points out, we must not spend what we don't have. 3. America has failed to enforce our nation's borders. Norris shares some of the Founder's recommendations regarding immigration as well as some of his own recommendations for the illegal immigration problem. 4. Norris believes the fourth major problem is that America has lost its moral compass. This is probably one of the most "religious" chapters because Chuck's moral compass is guided by his Faith. 5. The next problem is that we have devalued human life. Again, this chapter is influenced by his faith, but we must also remember that in his early movies, life was not valued that much with the high body counts of the 80s action genre. But then Norris has changed since then and is the first to admit it. What I like is that he does not try to change or hide his past, and he openly discusses that he made mistakes in his past and is ashamed of some of what he has done. 6. The sixth problem Norris takes on is what he claims is the failing of our children. Children bear the brunt of cultural decay and Norris sets out to help protect our children from predators as well as provide for them and teach them values. 7. The next problem he sees is the dissolution of the family. This chapter again focuses on a Christian model for family, and Norris also makes a case for homeschooling. 8. The eighth problem of America's is apathy: physical, mental, and spiritual. In this chapter Norris takes on the declining health and obesity of Americans and calls for healthy living including nutritious eating and exercise. He also very briefly adds that he believes people need to feed themselves spiritually as well.

As I stated, if you share conservative beliefs with Norris, you will love his solutions, if you don't, you won't find this book nearly as enjoyable. However, regardless of your beliefs, you should find this book educational.

The book is more than educational, it is also motivational. The love for our country that Norris holds is clear, and he is optimistic that Americans can solve the problems the country is facing. This is not a doom and gloom look at troubles. This is a call for action to make our country better, to make our country stronger. Norris wants all Americans to get involved. He closes the book by saying, "I've committed the rest of my life to assure that the America of yesteryear becomes the America of tomorrow. My wish is that you will now join me, and encourage others to do the same."

I highly recommend this book to all Americans. You don't have to be a Chuck Norris fan like I am to gain some valuable insights from Chuck's research into our country's history and government. You don't have to share conservative values and ideals to still learn and be motivated by his optimistic view that we can continue to make America great despite the problems we are facing as a country. You don't even have to agree that these eight problems are the primary problems of the country, even though we must admit they are issues that need to be addressed.

Chuck Norris did an impressive job with this book. It was much more researched than I thought it would be, and it has encouraged me to do even more regarding getting involved. Read this book and become a Black Belt Patriot!

Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks.

I purchased this book primarily because I am a black belt in Mr. Norris' martial arts system--an international organization called United Fighting Arts Federation. I have purchased his other books that are all biographical or about martial arts. After hearing about this book, I was skeptical because Mr. Norris has never done anything like this before. I admit I didn't know what to expect, and was worried. However, I was surprised at the insight and depth of the book. It really does offer real solutions to many of the problems America is faced with today and in the future. It offers history about our Founding Fathers and the Constitution and how we, as Americans, need to get back in touch with our roots to solve problems that worry us and the book suggests many ways we can take matters into our own hands rather than depending on the government to solve all the problems. Before reading it, I expected an extremely "conservative" viewpoint and many aspects of it are, however it also leans toward an "independent" viewpoint as well. It has a large reference section and many appendices. It is a book worth reading!

Martial Arts Master Chuck Norris is more cultural leader than kickin-machine these days. Norris is a devout beleiver and motivational speaker. And in "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America" (yes Norris' support of Mike Huckabee in 2008 was a test of his political focus and stamina as he instantly earned media respect with his public presentation and performance), he has written "a critique of what is destroying our country."

He contends that America should:
- Let freedom ring!
- Reawaken and build a positive revolution
- Follow the strategy of Christ and George Washington in fostering a productive movement
- Follow simple and dynamic solutions through the practical directions he offers.

Chuck Norris' penetrating insights are remarkable and salient; they are workable, sound, galvanizing, inventive, fruitful, motivating, and life-changing. This updated work is not just a political jeremiad forasmuch as it is a call to action to revive and reform our country: one person at a time.

Chuck Norris truly cares for people and for his country. He offers marvelous solutions for real change and personal growth, not through mere political means, but through application of time-tested truth.
There Are Moral Absolutes: How to Be Absolutely Sure That Christianity Alone Supplies

I've always had a great deal of respect for this American icon, although I was never an adamant movie/TV fan until now. If we had more folks like this running our country, we wouldn't be in the fix we're in now. Chuck Norris is brilliant in his knowledge and use of American History. His common sense approach to current issues is wonderful. This is a true American and humanitarian, giving a new light to problems that seem to plague our Politicians. Lets make him Secretary of State!
America needs a reawakening, and We The People are where it needs to start! Thank you, Chuck Noris.

Chuck Norris did a great job with his book (Black Belt Patriotism)Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America in describing how great America is, thanks to our founding fathers who had a strong belief in Deity. I have a deep love for the United States of America, so intense that my eyes still tear up everytime I hear or sing the National Anthem. I was born in 1938 and never knew my birth father, but learned early in life to pull myself up by my bootstraps. After high school I joined the Navy, which was the best decision I ever made.Friends I met in the Navy are still very loyal friends fifty two years later.Thanks to the GI bill I graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with AAS and Bs degrees, and worked for thirty five plus years as a successful engineer and manager. Only in America can this happen! I, like Chuck Norris, have a firm belief in God, and and attribute this to the primary reason for the success of the American system. My heart beats wildly when I think of how our new governing politicians are violating the very Constitution that our forefathers worked so diligently to formulate. If every American would read this book, I am sure they would all pull together to defend the Constitution Of the United States of America and do all in thier power to ensure its longivity. Thanks Chuck Norris, thank you very much.

Black Belt Patriotism includes all the essential elements of American life, and shows how some of those elements have fallen by the wasteside. But the good news is there's hope, like never before, to reignite passion for this great country, and see it's principles return as the foundation for every decision made, starting in the home and ending in Washington. Reading this great book is only half the equation however, the other half must begin and end with further education and action. American citizens are no dumbies, they realize their most basic freedoms are slowly eroding away and they hate it and are ready to stand up yet again to defeat the persistent growing arms of tyranny! Thank you Mr. Norris for this insightful and inspiring book.

Ok. I read the book because I have an interview with Mr. Norris next week. I wanted to write this review on the book and not the interview, so I am putting my review in now.

The first half of the book is a well thought out presentation of Chuck Norris' political philosophy. He takes great care to research and present his opinions. It is also a very easy read.

My problem isn't with the book but the premise of his politics. Not that he is a conservative Christian, but that his research is all primarily and solely based on quotes from the founding fathers. It is entirely libertarian, calling for a decentralized state controlled country with minimal federal authority.

He calls for the return to "old timey" family values that never really existed anywhere but in the editing minds of people who remember the golden days better than they were. That is, no one ever divorce in our grandparents era, kids were all above average, bad guys were bad with mustaches and black capes.

I applaud Chuck on his clearly thought out convictions, but I feel that he offers no solutions for a more complex and global world. Our universe is changing at the speed of thought and his solution is to build a time machine.

Now the second half of the book is wonderful. Great advice on health and good living. I love the inclusion of the Constitution as well as the Declaration of Independence. I respect his faith and his support of the troops.

Most of all, I respect that he wants to make a positive change with his celebrity by first thinking and educating himself on the issues before he starts speaking.

You don't have to agree with his politics to agree with his patriotism-- Chuck earned his black belt on this one.

Chuck is very honest and quite frank about describing the problems with this great country of ours, yet he also offers practical solutions affording individuals to take action. As a political Centrist I read both Liberal and Conservative news and literature; and I find his arguements persuasive with reference to the Constitution and our founding fathers. I highly recommend this book to people who take action in correcting social problems.

Yes, this is one of Mr. Norris' best -- and he's written some really good ones. This practical, common-sense book about preserving our freedom and independence is a well written, engaging read needed more now than ever before!