Glenn Greenwald was not a political man. Not liberal, not conservative. Politicians were all the same and it didn’t matter which party was in power. Extremists on both ends canceled each other out, and the United States would essentially remain forever centrist. Or so he thought. Then came September 11, 2001. Greenwald’s disinterest in politics was replaced by patriotism, and he supported the war in Afghanistan. He also gave President Bush the benefit of the doubt over his decision to invade Iraq. But, as he saw Americans and others being disappeared, jailed and tortured, without charges or legal representation, he began to worry. And when he learned his president had seized the power to spy on American citizens on American soil, without the oversight required by law, he could stand no more. At the heart of these actions, Greenwald saw unprecedented and extremist theories of presidential power, theories that flout the Constitution and make President Bush accountable to no one, and no law. How Would a Patriot Act? is one man’s story of being galvanized into action to defend America’s founding principles, and a reasoned argument for what must be done. Greenwald’s penetrating words should inspire a nation to defend the Constitution from a president who secretly bestowed upon himself the powers of a monarch. If we are to remain a constitutional republic, Greenwald writes, we cannot abide radical theories of executive power, which are transforming the very core of our national character, and moving us from democracy toward despotism. This is not hyperbole. This is the crisis all Americans—liberals and conservatives--now face. In the spirit of the colonists who once mustered the strength to denounce a king, Greenwald invites us to consider: How would a patriot act today?
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Glenn Greenwald is a Constitutional law attorney, and author of the political blog, "Unclaimed Territory." Greenwald has written for American Conservative magazine and appeared on a variety of television and radio programs, including C-Span's "Washington Journal," Air America's "Majority Report" and Public Radio International's "To the Point." His reporting and analysis have been credited in The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Salon, Slate and a variety of other print and online publications.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
241 of 253 people found the following review helpful
By D. Books
Format:Paperback
How Would A Patriot Act? is, primarily, about the radical claims of total presidential authority made by the Bush Administration's radical lawyers, with the ostensible aim of fighting terrorism and the effect of discarding the Constitution.
As Greenwald clearly sets out, America defeated the Communist threat from the Soviet Union without losing sight of the Constitution; fewer sacrifices will be necessary to defeat a few disorganized Islamists.
So why has Bush's Administration been allowed to get away with torturing prisoners to death, "disappearing" and detaining American citizens without trial, and Big Brother-like surveillance of telephone calls and internet traffic (in violation of countless laws and the 4th Amendment?) Why has the Republican controlled Congress failed to assert its powers of oversight?
At the core of these failures, Greenwald argues, is fear. While Franklin Roosevelt told us "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," Republican leaders have stoked our fear of another 9/11, in part out of cowardice, and in part for political expediency.
This book will fortify the spine of the American people, so that we can elect leaders who will emphatically restore Constitutional government, instead of the current batch of corrupt Republican cowards.
In sum, "How Would a Patriot Act?" is both timely and relevant, cutting through the noise of traditional media sources. (The latest NSA phone records scandal took place after the book was printed, but up-to-the-minute discussion can be found at Glenn's blog Unclaimed Territory.) It's squarely in the tradition of great pamphlets; buy it, read it and pass it along to your friends.
As Greenwald clearly sets out, America defeated the Communist threat from the Soviet Union without losing sight of the Constitution; fewer sacrifices will be necessary to defeat a few disorganized Islamists.
So why has Bush's Administration been allowed to get away with torturing prisoners to death, "disappearing" and detaining American citizens without trial, and Big Brother-like surveillance of telephone calls and internet traffic (in violation of countless laws and the 4th Amendment?) Why has the Republican controlled Congress failed to assert its powers of oversight?
At the core of these failures, Greenwald argues, is fear. While Franklin Roosevelt told us "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," Republican leaders have stoked our fear of another 9/11, in part out of cowardice, and in part for political expediency.
This book will fortify the spine of the American people, so that we can elect leaders who will emphatically restore Constitutional government, instead of the current batch of corrupt Republican cowards.
In sum, "How Would a Patriot Act?" is both timely and relevant, cutting through the noise of traditional media sources. (The latest NSA phone records scandal took place after the book was printed, but up-to-the-minute discussion can be found at Glenn's blog Unclaimed Territory.) It's squarely in the tradition of great pamphlets; buy it, read it and pass it along to your friends.
72 of 73 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Greenwald has written this scathing indictment of the un-American and Unconstitutional power grab of this administration which has claimed the power to:
Arrest U.S. Citizens on U.S. Soil, declare them "Enemy Combatants" and lock them up indefinitely without charge or access to council.
Violate Federal Law without Congressional or Judicial oversight.
Violate signed International treaties against torture or rendition.
Spy on American Citizens without Warrants in direct violation of the Fourth Amendment.
Greenwald builds his case and cites sources from across the political spectrum including a blistering opinion from Justice Scalia that U.S. Citizens can not be declared "Enemy Combatants" because they should instead be charged with Treason and processed by the justice system.
"How Would a Patriot Act?" is a quick read (123 pages) and is an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to understand how our present Constitutional Crisis evoled and how it compares to previous episodes in our history (Alien and Sedition Act, The Civil War, McCarthyism, Watergate). Greenwald cites The U.S. Constitution, The Federalists Papers, Supreme Court Rulings, and Federal Law to explain and build his case against the Presidents actions.
After reading this book you will understand why the Presidents appologists have been reduced to defending the administration with the absurd notion that the President is above the law.
READ THIS BOOK AND PASS IT ALONG...
Arrest U.S. Citizens on U.S. Soil, declare them "Enemy Combatants" and lock them up indefinitely without charge or access to council.
Violate Federal Law without Congressional or Judicial oversight.
Violate signed International treaties against torture or rendition.
Spy on American Citizens without Warrants in direct violation of the Fourth Amendment.
Greenwald builds his case and cites sources from across the political spectrum including a blistering opinion from Justice Scalia that U.S. Citizens can not be declared "Enemy Combatants" because they should instead be charged with Treason and processed by the justice system.
"How Would a Patriot Act?" is a quick read (123 pages) and is an outstanding resource for anyone who wants to understand how our present Constitutional Crisis evoled and how it compares to previous episodes in our history (Alien and Sedition Act, The Civil War, McCarthyism, Watergate). Greenwald cites The U.S. Constitution, The Federalists Papers, Supreme Court Rulings, and Federal Law to explain and build his case against the Presidents actions.
After reading this book you will understand why the Presidents appologists have been reduced to defending the administration with the absurd notion that the President is above the law.
READ THIS BOOK AND PASS IT ALONG...
300 of 324 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I thought we decided not to have a king back in 1776. But no.
Glenn Greenwald demonstrates with precision how the current King, sorry, President has decided we don't really need a Constitution.
Article I? Obsolete. War powers were once under the control of Congress, but now the King can declare war on anybody (Iran??) without the consent of our elected representatives. The executive can bomb anyone anywhere, because He Knows Best in the everlasting War On Terror (trademark).
Fourth amendment? Unnecessary, we no longer need warrants to examine letters and personal effects. We need only trust Big Brother in the great War On Terror (trademark).
Congress can disband, because any legislation they pass can be overruled with a signing statement. The courts no longer provide any checks and balances, as the King can go forward with any executive action he wants. Why? The War On Terror (trademark).
This *egregious* usurpation of power by the executive branch is unprecedented in American history. The author urges citizens to take action before America is only history.
I strongly recommend that all patriotic citizens, from libertarian to progressive, read Greenwald for a devastating analysis of a nation on the edge. "A republic...if they can keep it."
Glenn Greenwald demonstrates with precision how the current King, sorry, President has decided we don't really need a Constitution.
Article I? Obsolete. War powers were once under the control of Congress, but now the King can declare war on anybody (Iran??) without the consent of our elected representatives. The executive can bomb anyone anywhere, because He Knows Best in the everlasting War On Terror (trademark).
Fourth amendment? Unnecessary, we no longer need warrants to examine letters and personal effects. We need only trust Big Brother in the great War On Terror (trademark).
Congress can disband, because any legislation they pass can be overruled with a signing statement. The courts no longer provide any checks and balances, as the King can go forward with any executive action he wants. Why? The War On Terror (trademark).
This *egregious* usurpation of power by the executive branch is unprecedented in American history. The author urges citizens to take action before America is only history.
I strongly recommend that all patriotic citizens, from libertarian to progressive, read Greenwald for a devastating analysis of a nation on the edge. "A republic...if they can keep it."
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A President as King
Glen Greenwald writes from a non-partisan point of view.
The title is a rhetorical question while comparing the Bush violations of the Constitution versus what the Founding... Read more
The title is a rhetorical question while comparing the Bush violations of the Constitution versus what the Founding... Read more
Published on August 11, 2010 by J.L. Populist
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow
Glenn Greenwald should be the official conscience of this country. He sees the problems so clearly and relates them in high definition. Read more
Published on April 14, 2008 by M. S. Whitmore
4.0 out of 5 stars
How would a Patriot act?
I am enjoying this book and I highly recommend reading it and taking appropriate action to end the criminal transgressions upon our national constitutiion.
Published on March 30, 2008 by Dennis H. Cosley
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Patriot Would Read This Book, and Vote in 2008 and Thereafter
Glenn Greenwald documents some of the criminal activity of King (er, President) George III. 231 years ago American patriots fought off the English King George III and later... Read more
Published on November 29, 2007 by watzizname
5.0 out of 5 stars
Acurate and well researched!
Great book, very well researched and documented. Greenwald does a great job identifying the root causes of the Authoritarian Presidency.
Published on October 3, 2007 by Mr. Lowkey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Packed With Facts
Written by an apolitical person, this book chronicles a disgusting abuse of power. A must read for every American citizen... Read more
Published on October 2, 2007 by P. Angell
5.0 out of 5 stars
We Owe This to Ourselves
This is a book for all those who believe that we must be behind our president 100%, for those who think criticism of the president is mindless bashing, for those who think that... Read more
Published on September 12, 2007 by Edwin C. Pauzer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative but depressing
Greenwald explains with clarity and precision the various ways the Bush administration has been abusing the power of the presidency. That's the informative part. Read more
Published on April 16, 2007 by Thomas Kalinowski
1.0 out of 5 stars
Worse Than a Monday Morning Quarterback
After reading a copy of this borrowed from the library, I see why its price has been slashed to $5.40. This book is an excellent compilation of thoughts that are "in vogue". Read more
Published on April 12, 2007 by ICBM
5.0 out of 5 stars
The emperor is wearing no clothing
Much like the little boy in the fable who simply spoke the obvious, this author says what we all should have been wise enough to say. Read more
Published on March 13, 2007 by SlowButSureThinker
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