Customer Reviews

50 Ways You Can Show George the Door in 2004

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Whatever your political stripe, it is easy for the ordinary voter to feel that there is nothing they can do to affect political change. It outlines ways that almost anyone can get involved in national campaigns and make a difference. This book happens to be for those who favor re-defeating Bush, but it could be used by anyone by just substituting names. Each idea comes with suggestions for 3 different groups; busy people, people with a little time on their hands, and partisans with lots of time, motivation, and energy.

With campaign finance out of control (despite McCain-Feingold) and Florida 2000, many feel that individuals don't have a voice. This book may change their opinion.

I'm already putting one of their ideas for busy people to use. We are inviting people to a party in honor of Bush's military service. If you send a donation to John Kerry, you don't have to actually attend the party, but we'll provide a scrap of napkin to support your claim that you did.

This is a great source of ideas for those of us think it is time for a new regime in the White House.

The book is full of ideas on how to give your friends and acquaintances a gentle nudge towards the voting booth. As some singer once observed: "A##holes get elected, 'cause A##holes get to vote." The book pushes the idea that if more eligible voters went to the polls, democracy, and probably Democrats, would thrive.

The book offers something for everyone, from busy practical people to committed political "guerillas" who share the goal of putting a new president in the White House. It is also very funny, full of Bushisms, limericks, and parody song lyrics that are irresistable.

When you are done with your copy, put it in the lunch room at your office, and spread the word.

Most current affairs tomes are dense and daunting. This one's hilarious and helpful at the same time. While exposing the president's record, it offers specific how-to's on what people can actually do to dump Bush. Not just the standard struff like voter registration, but innovative activities like organizing a "Pub Crawl" or chalk stamping the sidewalk. Fun and useful, from the guy who brought us Cherry Garcia.

After months of anti-Bush books(Franken, Moore, Ivins) and books that layout the failed policies of this administration (Clark, O'Neil, Woodward), finally a book that tells people to stop complaining and focus that energy into action.

With the same creative whimsy that Ben Cohen marketed ice cream, he and Salzman encourage people to get involved in our democracy in fun ways. Sure this book has the typical, put a yard sign up type of stuff, but it also gives many creative ideas that I haven't seen before in a political book, like doing a pub crawl (chapter: Bars for Social Change).

I really enjoyed this book and it makes a wonderful guide for anyone wanting to make a difference in this election season.

This book does for activism what Cherry Garcia did for the ice cream industry. It's taken everything hardcore, traditional activists know, combined it with updated and creative strategies, and added the fun-loving, humorous attitude that could only come from someone crazy enough to develop Chunky Monkey. The book is well written and contains excellent research, such as an expanded appendix with voting regulations for each state, that will be useful long after George W. Bush is defeated. The ideas range in both commitment and orginality, from writing a letter to the editor to singing anti-Bush Karaoke songs that anyone from the "practical, concerned and busy person" to the "anybody-but-Bush guerilla" will enjoy. One thing is for certain: Cohen and Salzman are passionate about showing George the door and they need our help to do it!

I know that it may seem unusual that a conservative would actually purchase a book like this, however as a Bush supporter, I was interested in seeing what I could expect from those that are activists on the left in this election. To be honest, what I read didn't surprise me at all.

Firstly, among the various recommended methods of convincing people to vote against Bush, was a simple bit of advice: pretend to be a disgruntled Republican. Write letters, or call in to talk shows, and pretend to be a Republican disgusted with Bush's ultra-conservatism or warmongering. Never minding the commandment that this suggestion breaks, this is an example of pure disgusting dirty tricks that I would expect of win at any cost leftys.

Also, a few ideas are pure garbage. One was dressing up as a rabbit, and sitting around telling people you are `hopping mad' at the Bush administration. If you don't mind being made a fool of, I say go for it.

There were other usefull suggestions, building email lists, online campaigning and registration guides, but the average angry radical will find this book wanting. And unconvincing.

Pretense is the basis of this book. Pretend to be homeless, pretend to be Republican, pretend you like the Democrat more than Nader. It's a good example of what bare bones intellect the average liberal activist puts into winning the hearts and minds of USA voters. This book at least gave me some optimism, if Bush makes people this mad than he's doing the right thing. As for winning elections, try being honest with people and winning the war of ideas. That war is difficult to win while wearing a bunny suit.

So it's come to this. After reading through this book I realize that the people who write these books are really serious, and that is beginning to scare me because they actually have an influence on people with books like this who are ready to be told what to think without actually thinking for themselves. Once again it's always easy to see how Conservative and Liberal books are written. The Conservative writers try to explain world events and bring out facts. Books like these have cute insults and goofy parodies and half-truths filled with hatred and intolerance, but under the banner of being a concerned citizen. After reading this book I decided to toss my last pint of Phish Food into the trash and switch ice cream companies altogether.