In God's Country: The Patriot Movement and the Pacific Northwest (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Rather than simply demonizing or directing outrage at self-proclaimed "Patriot" and militia organizations -- which is often the approach of those who oppose them -- David Neiwert allows Patriot extremists to speak for themselves and largely on their own terms. His critical journalistic dialogue, placed in the context of the Northwest's regional milieu, allows us to better understand the socioeconomic and philosophical/religious complexities of how and why these otherwise ordinary citizens have come to think the way they do.

There is little question that strains of racism and paranoia characterize many of these people's beliefs and behavior, but the Patriots -- often blue-collar people, economically and socially challenged by changing times -- are desperately responding to feelings of having been marginalized, and disenfranchised, from the American Dream.

The saga of the Montana Freemen, explored here in detail for the first time, provides a framework for exploring the larger phenomenon of the movement throughout the four states -- Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon -- that comprise the Pacific Northwest. In presenting a broad overview of the movement and its history, Neiwert presents a case for maintaining a dialogue with Patriot believers, particularly the average people next door who so often are its recruits -- and for meeting the challenge the movement presents by addressing the root issues of rural decay.

About the Author

David A. Neiwert is a fourth-generation Idahoan who now lives in Seattle. A veteran, award-winning journalist, he has worked at newspapers in Idaho, Montana and Washington since 1977. He currently works as a writer-producer for MSNBC on the Internet. His work has appeared in Salon magazine, the Intelligence Report (SPLC), Montana Law Review, the Freedom Writer, and a host of regional and international publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 357 pages
• Publisher: Washington State University (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874221757
• ISBN-13: 978-0874221756
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #929,452 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Accurate, August 23, 2002

By	Dutch (USA) - See all my reviews

I am one of the Deputies David wrote about in the Chapter titled "Roundup". David wrote an excellent book and I can assure every reader that the information David wrote is true. Every american citizen should read this book. The information will certainly make you take another look at how divided this country really is and how some Americans will do anything to make you see that "their way" is the only way regardless who may suffer their wrath along the way.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very readable, expertly researched, interesting and relevant, November 12, 1999

By A Customer

This book is a must read for anyone interested in the "Patriot" movement and the reasons sincere and well-meaning people get caught up in the world of conspiracy theory and its attendant paranoia. Neiwert has unprecedented access to all of the major players and tells the story in a very engaging "journalistic" style that belies its publication by a university press. It should be a popular book sold at airports rather than one which will probably be (unfairly) overlooked as "academic". The fact that it is so well written shouldn't be misunderstood as condemnation from this reader. It is well written AND well researched. "Aterword/Ashes on the Sills" alone is worth the price of the book. Kudos

35 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A primer of the extreme right, in their own words., May 31, 2001

By	August J. Chiausa "augiec" (Hyattsville, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

David Neiwert is an extrodinary investigative reporter. His work uncovering the lies of Ted Olson shows the man's work ethic. As others have said, he allows the so called Patriots to speak for themselves. This book is a primer however. It never approaches the rank and file paranoids and racists. It deals well with those who market themselves, looking to draw in more rubes, to their extremist fold. I don't expect David to go into the Aryan Nation camp, or their satellites in the American prison system. For what he did, I congratulate him.