Customer Reviews

Mexifornia: A State of Becoming, Revised Edition

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Having grown up in California I can relate to what Hanson is saying... his expose of the Mexican government's use of California as a "relief valve" for Mexico's problems (i.e., abuses of their own people) jives with what friends -- from Mexican upper classes -- have told me. Unfortunately California HAS changed so much since 1970 we are considering leaving... the influx is just too much. This is not a racist book at all. This book explains what I notice every day. If anything I feel MORE understanding of Mexican/Indian peoples' issues. But I also wonder whether or not I'll remain in my home state as it is being overwhelmed. We are indeed, the canary in the coal mine.

Hanson is a 4th generation Californian who grew up under the old assimilationist model of the 50's and 60's when English was the official language. Any cockiness from a Latino migrant would have been answered this way: "If it really is so good over there, why don't you go back?" That doesn't happen anymore.

He describes the irony of Latino migration northward to freedom, only to assume here the same tribalist, statist values they fled. These values are enforced by the Movimiento and assisted by American benevolence and self-loathing. "Malinchismo," the supposed American betrayal of the Mexican people, is readily believable to an American public indoctrinated with guilt in their own public schools.

Although I'm not finished with this book, so far, it's fascinating and well balanced. Anyone interested in getting a fresh perspective on what's happening to our country because of illegal immigration and our politically correct giving in to illegal aliens' needs without in return demanding them to assimilate into our culture should read this book.

What an amazing account of what has/is occurring to our once great Nation. Dr. Hansen attempted to warn us in 2002 as to the invasion of our borders. I can remember those wistful days of uncrowded streets where street gangs were seen only in the "big city". He documents the illegal invasion accurately and without bias. This book is now destined to become a historical account of the greatest problem to ever face our Nation.

Book flows very well. Reader's interest is constantly engaged. Victor Davis Hanson is one of the best military history writers ever; however, this book is both a personal contemporary acccount as well as an excellent overview of the many issues and controversies regarding immigration. He writes with genuine compassion for the Mexicans who have entered the U.S. ---illegally or otherwise. Numerous individual stories and anecdotes are rendered. He holds nothing back in detailing the tremendous cost in lives and resources wasted due to the policies and greed of many on both sides of the border. "Mexifornia" is an enlightened way to understanding what is going on today. He could write an updated book on the subject and truthfully state "I told you so" or "Thought I was kidding, didn't You?"

More than a casual update, this is a substantially improved book. The concluding musings on where our country might go from here are absolutely first rate. Discussion of this version is sparse, but discussion of the original, <http://www.amazon.com/Mexifornia-Becoming-Victor-Davis-Hanson/dp/1594030561/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t> is spirited and thought provoking.

I ordered this book because I wanted to read about immigration from the viewpoint of someone who remembers California before it became Mexifornia. Hansen's book was a good aid to my own memories of this period in our history. Like Hansen, I like Mexican people, and only wish they had a little self-respect showing up in a knowledge of English and our laws. A lot of our problems could be solved overnight if there were an easier way for Mexicans to come and stay legally. Read this book!

This wasn't as good as it was hyped on my morning radio show. It was pretty much what I already knew. I was looking for better arguments for my east coast sister.

The ideas that the author posits as facts are not documented. There is not a survey or a statistic, not a footnote or a bibliography. It appears to be his personal biases, which seem to have been formulating and brewing for many a year.

Reading this book is like sitting in a locked room with an articulate, but slightly drunk, right wing crank. Oh, if only things were like they used to be when all the Mexicans were deferential to white people and stayed in their place.\The book does set out the problems of illegal immigration well, and, occasionally offers some insight. You may find yourself agreeing with the author about language issues and assimilation, but your bound to be exacerbated by his righter than thou tone. A rather windy rant from a 4th generation Californian who longs for the old days.