Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
185 of 203 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The world's ultimate tough guy delivers a 5-star motivational critique of America, August 28, 2008
I received a pre-release copy of "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America" by Chuck Norris for professional review. Not being a huge Chuck Norris fan, I wasn't sure what to expect, even though I knew he was very patriotic and now writes a weekly syndicated column. I have to confess that I was quickly drawn in and captivated by the contents of the book and, actually, pleasantly surprised by its insight, depth, research, genuineness, practicality, and motivating nature--and is even very funny at several parts. Most of all, rather than just being a negative critique of American modernity, it is a remarkably pragmatic and inspiring work--having just finished it, I am truly quite motivated to do a host of things he outlines in his book, including taking better care of me. This is not just another political diatribe--it is a cultural manifesto.
The book begins with a summary of eight major problems threatening America, in the first chapter, "One Nation, Divided, and Without a Clue." Before detailing his and others' (including our Founders') solutions to our problems in the subsequent chapters, Norris opens up the book by explaining these major threats that are tearing apart the fabric we call America: (1) we've lost the connection to and sense of our Founders' America, vision, and legacy; (2) we've got no control over spending--and too much debt, nationally and personally; (3) America's borders and boundaries are still too fluid and unprotected; (4) we've lost our moral compass, and must relearn our Founders' path to civility; (5) we've devalued human life to the point that we've lost the sense of human wonder and awe--which has ultimately contributed to our mistreatment of one another; (6) we are failing our children and the younger generations by not being more intentional in passing down to them the baton of building a better America; (7) the dissolution of the traditional family; (8) Apathy--physical, mental, and spiritual.
The following eight chapters not only detail each of those problems, but give Norris' and others' practical solutions--which we can begin implementing immediately. The genius of the book is not found merely in Norris' practical wisdom and motivating altruism but our Founders' work and instruction for future generations. As a supporter of a strictly constitutional America(as proposed by such congressmen as Ron Paul), I've read quite extensively about the Founders and Framers of America. Norris does an exceptional job to include throughout each chapter significant (and in-context) excerpts from them, not merely trite Whitman samplers or overused quotes to suffice pseudo-history buffs. Norris includes insights from our Founders on a host of today's issues and problems (as Norris calls them, "old solutions for new problems"), such as those on restoring good government, reducing taxes and debt (national and personal), addressing border and immigration issues, raising youth, establishing morality and civility, and even enhancing good nutritional habits (yes, Thomas Jefferson spoke about that too).
Norris obviously has a great handle on cultural issues, pundicy, and research, as the reference works cited throughout the book are reputable and scholarly resources--well-known and widely-used in each particular field of study. (The End Notes alone are a veritable gulf of information and resources.) Norris does not disappoint in any respect, even in conveying plenty of personal stories as well, many told for the first time in this book, personal accounts with border agents and troops abroad to stories of American-heritage revisionism and his weekly work-out plan with his family's nutritional diet.
There are many pleasant surprises in the book, including what America's Founders thought about a host of issues we face today (including those one wouldn't typically think they would have addressed--like exercise and nutrition, or marriage and family), the best summary and pitch for the Flat Tax I've read, a remedy for the millions of illegal immigrants already living in the country, proofs of how we've been fighting Muslim extremists since the founding of our country, a battle plan concerning how to flank the enemies of today's youth, a fascinating critique of how we've devalued humanity in comparison to our Founders (and how to reinstill their higher value), some very inspiring faith-stories (and of course tough-guy stories too), Chuck's weekly workout program and eating plan (how that 68-year old stays in such great shape), one of the most fascinating and challenging readings (chapters) on the American family, and (for icing on the cake) a batch of new Norris photos at the center of the book.
The book concludes with a rallying call in chapter 10, "Reawaken the American Dream," then gives a few appendices in which are copies in entirety of the three documents that Norris says should be posted in every American home: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Ten Commandments.
Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America." Whether you are a Chuck Norris fan or not, or even an American, you'll be motivated over and over to not give up on America, Americans, our cultural wars, or your personal finances, faith, life calling, marriage and family, health, etc. Far more than just a typical book on politics and government, this is an insightful and inspiring cultural manifesto on rebuilding America and rediscovering the American dream. Well done Mr. Norris!
|
|
|
68 of 78 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get Involved and Become a Black Belt Patriot!, September 10, 2008
I have been a fan of Chuck Norris for years. His early movies helped motivate me to study martial arts, and now as an instructor myself, I respect and admire the accomplishments he has achieved, and especially like how he has helped so many kids through his youth programs. It was an honor to meet Chuck Norris, his wife, and the late Howard Jackson a few years ago when he was signing copies of "Against All Odds: My Story."
I also like that Chuck Norris has firm convictions and beliefs and is not afraid to stand by them. His entry into political commentary and endorsing causes and candidates illustrates that he is not content with sitting on the sidelines, but is more than willing to stand up and be counted and voice an opinion. Some people criticize celebrities for endorsing causes or candidates, but I don't. I respect people who stand up for what they believe in and take ACTION. Regardless if you agree or disagree with Norris, you have to respect the fact that he is taking action regarding problems he sees in America.
I've been looking forward to "Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America" ever since I learned it was coming out. Being a black belt and a patriot, I love the title. But more importantly, I respect Chuck Norris and his views, not just because he is a fellow martial artist, but because he is sincere, honest, and makes a lot of sense. I've been looking forward to his insights and suggestions on how to rebuild our country and ensure the pursuit of the American Dream is available for everyone. The book was released yesterday and I left work and immediately stopped at the bookstore to pick up a copy.
I was not disappointed!
I spent the night reading "Black Belt Patriotism" and was quite impressed. It was not what I thought it was going to be. It had much more research than I expected. In fact, there are over thirty pages of notes, containing more than three hundred references from the text. Norris did his homework!
Before I go any further, I'll address the elephant in the room. (pun intended) It is no secret that Norris is a conservative. On the cover of the book, he is described as a martial arts master, actor, and political activist. This book falls in the political activist realm and the solutions that Norris provides are rooted in his Christian faith and belief in the Constitution and those Constitution Framers and founders of our great nation. If you share his conservative views, you are going to love this book. You might even stand up and yell, "You tell `em Chuck!" If you are liberal, you are going to disagree with many of the solutions Norris provides, and you might even be insulted because he pulls no punches with his beliefs. If you are an independent, or fall somewhere in the middle, you will probably learn a few things and ponder on others. Regardless of which camp you fall into, I believe the book has value in pointing out the problems that Norris does. If you don't agree with his conservative solutions, so be it. Figure out solutions that you back. But think about the problems and work toward solutions!
The first line of this book is, "I love America: always have, always will." It is clear from reading this text that Norris really does love America and the principles it was founded upon. He has researched the history of our country and government much more than the average person, and goes so far as to include in the Appendices; The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, and The Ten Commandments. If you study the more than three hundred references I mentioned earlier, without a doubt you will have a better understanding of our country and government, and a better understanding of where Norris is coming from. I applaud his inclusion of such material, rather than him just saying, "this is what I believe, so there." He gives us the why behind what he wrote. That still does not mean you have to agree with him, but it will most certainly education you and open your eyes to the conservative perspective in a different light.
The first chapter then goes on to lay out eight problems with America that Norris believes something must be done about. Then, it the next eight chapters he goes into solutions to these problems. These problems he addresses are: 1. Norris believes we have forgotten our roots and have drifted from the principles and beliefs that our country was founded upon. 2. America's debt. The dept by Both by the government and individuals is a major problem and as Norris points out, we must not spend what we don't have. 3. America has failed to enforce our nation's borders. Norris shares some of the Founder's recommendations regarding immigration as well as some of his own recommendations for the illegal immigration problem. 4. Norris believes the fourth major problem is that America has lost its moral compass. This is probably one of the most "religious" chapters because Chuck's moral compass is guided by his Faith. 5. The next problem is that we have devalued human life. Again, this chapter is influenced by his faith, but we must also remember that in his early movies, life was not valued that much with the high body counts of the 80s action genre. But then Norris has changed since then and is the first to admit it. What I like is that he does not try to change or hide his past, and he openly discusses that he made mistakes in his past and is ashamed of some of what he has done. 6. The sixth problem Norris takes on is what he claims is the failing of our children. Children bear the brunt of cultural decay and Norris sets out to help protect our children from predators as well as provide for them and teach them values. 7. The next problem he sees is the dissolution of the family. This chapter again focuses on a Christian model for family, and Norris also makes a case for homeschooling. 8. The eighth problem of America's is apathy: physical, mental, and spiritual. In this chapter Norris takes on the declining health and obesity of Americans and calls for healthy living including nutritious eating and exercise. He also very briefly adds that he believes people need to feed themselves spiritually as well.
As I stated, if you share conservative beliefs with Norris, you will love his solutions, if you don't, you won't find this book nearly as enjoyable. However, regardless of your beliefs, you should find this book educational.
The book is more than educational, it is also motivational. The love for our country that Norris holds is clear, and he is optimistic that Americans can solve the problems the country is facing. This is not a doom and gloom look at troubles. This is a call for action to make our country better, to make our country stronger. Norris wants all Americans to get involved. He closes the book by saying, "I've committed the rest of my life to assure that the America of yesteryear becomes the America of tomorrow. My wish is that you will now join me, and encourage others to do the same."
I highly recommend this book to all Americans. You don't have to be a Chuck Norris fan like I am to gain some valuable insights from Chuck's research into our country's history and government. You don't have to share conservative values and ideals to still learn and be motivated by his optimistic view that we can continue to make America great despite the problems we are facing as a country. You don't even have to agree that these eight problems are the primary problems of the country, even though we must admit they are issues that need to be addressed.
Chuck Norris did an impressive job with this book. It was much more researched than I thought it would be, and it has encouraged me to do even more regarding getting involved. Read this book and become a Black Belt Patriot!
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks and the dvds: Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking Essentials series and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer. Alain Also wrote a series of articles called Lessons From The Apprentice.
|
|
|
25 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Surprised by the insight!, September 15, 2008
I purchased this book primarily because I am a black belt in Mr. Norris' martial arts system--an international organization called United Fighting Arts Federation. I have purchased his other books that are all biographical or about martial arts. After hearing about this book, I was skeptical because Mr. Norris has never done anything like this before. I admit I didn't know what to expect, and was worried. However, I was surprised at the insight and depth of the book. It really does offer real solutions to many of the problems America is faced with today and in the future. It offers history about our Founding Fathers and the Constitution and how we, as Americans, need to get back in touch with our roots to solve problems that worry us and the book suggests many ways we can take matters into our own hands rather than depending on the government to solve all the problems. Before reading it, I expected an extremely "conservative" viewpoint and many aspects of it are, however it also leans toward an "independent" viewpoint as well. It has a large reference section and many appendices. It is a book worth reading!
|
|
|
Most Recent Customer Reviews
|
by Mark R. Levin
by Dick Morris
by Ted Nugent
by W. Cleon Skousen
See all Editorial Reviews
