Customer Reviews

Politically Incorrect: The Emerging Faith Factor in American Politics

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There seems to be a movement in the US to silence any political opinions that are informed in any way by religious faith, especially if that faith is a Conservative version of Christianity. Those who would silence people of faith from speaking out politically may be a very small group, but their numbers may be growing, and they will certainly become more vocal as President Bush begins his second term. This is one of the key issues Reed addresses in "Politically Incorrect", a book that is timely in many regards even though it was written about a decade ago. Reed points out that the great social movements of the last few centuries had a strong religious dimension, and in many cases were spearheaded by persons motivated by their religious faith. Reed goes on to lay down a common sense prescription for some of the ills he sees in society, and effectively argues that the right to pursue these goals should not be denied to people simply because they are guided in part by religious faith. Some humor inserted somehow would have been welcome in Reed's work, but his book is otherwise a solid effort worthy of the reader's time.

An excellent resource for anyone of any faith becoming involved in the political process. Also handy for those interested in starting or enhancing their own grassroots political organization.

Reed's book comes across as the effort of an ambitious angry young man who being frustrated with the course of political and social events in the US, has decided to take it upon himself to mold the nation in his imagined image of what it should be at any cost.

Reed appears to have great potential but his sentiments are misplaced. Reed (a professing Christian) drifts from Christianity to Capitalism as if they are one in the same. He is a true reflection of the upper middle class Sunday Christian who is in church on Sunday and out for his personal conquest and gain the other 6 days of the week.

In my opinion the book is the long version of any political talk show where folks put forth their side at all costs while disparaging those who oppose them no matter how vaild their points may be.

Reed is a man of controversy. Found guilty of plagarism while at the University of Georgia, Reed was fired from the school newspaper the "Red and Black". He has also in the past been accused of election rigging, and has close ties to casino gambling.

Maybe Reed and others best put forth the case.

"I want to be invisible. I do guerrilla warfare. I paint my face and travel at night. You don't know it's over until you're in a body bag." Ralph Reed.

"His M.O. is to tell evangelical Christians that his cause of the moment, for which he has been hired, is their religious duty, and therefore they need to write regulators, turn up at meetings, or whatever. As an evangelical myself, I resent Christianity being used simply to help Reed's business." - Bob Irvin, former Republican leader of the Georgia House of Representatives

"I used to tell people he was going to be either President of the United States or Al Capone. Whatever he did, he was really good at it." - his mother, Marcy Reed