Customer Reviews

When I Was a Kid, This Was a Free Country

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

Anything that makes America's (no, make that the world's) liberal elites whine puts a wide smile on my face. This book has caused me sore facial muscles from the dozens of times I cracked wide smiles and laughed aloud at the unvarnished presentation of truth on many issues--notably, women in combat roles and the mixing (literally) of men and women on naval vessels for weeks at sea. Reading the words of a man unfettered by political correctness is most refreshing. His critics (including those on this site) delight in referring to Mr. Liddy as "convicted felon," as if he had knocked over a convenience store, or bludgeoned an elderly lady for her handbag. Read for yourself why he did hard time, and decide if you would delight in such a description for a man who traded years of his life for the preservation of his personal code of honor. I doubt that his critics have the guts to lay it all on the line for their goofball agendas.

I like reviewing books written by conservatives about as much as eating staples, since I have to survive the conservatives rogering up to everything with the same stupid lines and the liberals calling the conservatives fascists or racists or Bhaal-worshippers or something similar.

However, I like G. Gordon Liddy. I have listened to his radio show since I was in high school, and I can state wholeheartedly that people need to read his book all the way through (and preferably his autobiography 'Will' as well) before explaining how much they hate his guts. If they do, they might find that he is an extraordinarily intelligent man who has thought every one of his philosophies through in great detail. It amazes me how little people seem to know about him. Liddy used to be an atheist, for example, but he simply found belief in God to be the rational thing to do. He actually supports PETA's campaign against animal experimentation because animal testing is simply pointless! One of his best friends is Lanny Davis (formerly of the Clinton White House and a frequent liberal guest on Liddy's radio show), and he was good friends with THAT Dr. Timothy Leary. He is drastically unlike so many conservatives today, even though he shares many of their positions.

That's why his writing is so good. Liddy doesn't try to sugar-coat anything he believes. He doesn't stoop to any type of political correctness, and he doesn't pull any punches when he tackles an issue. Forget Hannity, Limbaugh, Thomas, or any other conservative writer - Liddy is absolutely fearless. He insists that men and women are different because they are. He decries the lack of freedom in the United States not because he's some reborn Simon Legree trying to bring back slavery, but because he sees *all* citizens of the nation being oppressed by the government with its taxes, regulations, and invasions of privacy. He blasts the state of public education in the United States because the state of public education is about as good as surgery with a rusty chainsaw and every halfway responsible parent realizes it (even if the NEA doesn't).

I disagree with him on some issues, but even then I must admit his position has been carefully formulated over his life and through the many careers that he has had - including that of prisoner. What makes liberals angry is that Liddy refuses to back down on anything, and this mentality played a major part in his conviction for refusing to sell out anyone in the Watergate trials. You Susan McDougal fans ought to love him for this.

And as always, his grammar and composition is flawless. Mr. Liddy is one of about 40 people in America who can spell 'definitely' correctly.

The only problem with this book is that it recycles much of what the G-man has said on his radio show and in his past books, but it does contain some of his most memorable quotes (whether you applaud them or burst a blood vessel in fits of Trotskyite rage).

In any case, do not stereotype Mr. George Gordon Liddy as a typical conservative. If you read his book and still hate his guts, fine. You can even explain it to him in detail - call his radio show, talk to him yourself and explain your position. Then your position will go down in flames - not from rhetoric, but from logic. That's the reason nobody messes with the G-man. Worth a read from liberals, conservatives, moderates, and just about anyone that gives a flip about politics.

This is a straight-forward, shoot to kill, double-barreled dose of the G-Man. Even the Washington Post gave him a decent review.

For the many fans of "the G Man" (including myself), alot of the issues covered in this new book will be intimately familiar and the arguments for and against them will probably not sound new, but this book serves as a tool for conservatives to remind themselves and keep their debating skills with liberals alive and well. Anyone who has been an avid listener to the G-man's popular radio talk show will also note that Gordon Liddy positively does have a "historians critical skills" in fact, history seems to be his forte, and anyone who says otherwise doesn't listen to or know the G-man at all, and they certainly haven't read any of his books. Where this new book really shines however is the final appendix: Key To Watergate. That's all I can say - no spoilers!

After reading his comments on political correctness in America today it made me more aware of our current socities decline due to this wave of correctness. Liddy hits the perverbial nail right on the head in this latest book. I was intrigued by the additional information, and theories put forth in this recent publication concerning the "Watergate" break in. I would highly recommend reading this book for an evening of enlightenment.

This book is an eye-opener to say the least. This book is great. The author is a concise and entertaining writer and the information couldn't be more timely.
I am an old-fashioned reader. I want to 'know' something. This book is in-depth and full of history. The evidence of our history begs to be recognized. We can fix what we've created but in order to do so we'll need strong people with strong opinions. Gordon Liddy is one of the hero's of our century. It is due to men like this that we still enjoy what few freedom's we have left. Thank you, Mr. Liddy.

This is a worthwhile read regardless of your political views. While I didn't agree with 100% of what he wrote, I did find myself empathizing with the majority of his 'complaints' about our society. Liddy's style and humor make the book very readable -- I read my copy in two days.

Highly recommended.

I have heard Liddy on his radio show a few times, I considered myself a fan. This book has upgraded my opinion of him to the point that I consider him a true American hero...standing up for common sense and American values with the kind of stubborn indignation that has made him a true leader. If you read this book, you will enjoy it thoroughly, even if you don't share his thoughts on education, the military, and the environment. Liddy is an dynamic and fascinating self made man.

I read "Will" years ago and listen to Mr. Liddy's radio show when ever it is available in Northern Calif. This book details Liddys views on the subjects that are of most concern to him: education, the environment, the Second Amendment, the military, and men and women. These are the same subjects that he discusses with his many daily callers. His opinions are based on personal experience and historical fact, presented in an informative and often funny manner. I am an admirer of Gordon Liddy and his way of thinking.

After I've read this book, I've come to the conclusion that there used to be a way for hard working people to make it in this country. It didn't matter what color you were, or where you came from; if you had the drive, there was a path to success for you. Unfortunately for those who gave this book 1 star, not only did they NOT read the book, but they missed a chance at some insight and wisdom that isn't taught like it used to be. You can see how they live by blame and dependence, even in thier so called "reviews" of this book.

This book is a gem, and a window into a generation that's close to extinct. I'm sorry Gordon, but it's true. My grandfather's generation is dying at close to 1,000 a day. We're losing this link to a wise generation that could, and should be raising today's children.

I highly recommend this book. It's a pretty short read, but it's long on insight and wisdom.