First of all, this is a long introduction to my review. I am neither a Democrat or Republican. I have always voted for the person I felt was the most qualified. My family background is middle class with Dad being a HS teacher and Mom a Nurse. I don't remember politics being discussed in our family at all.I do remember with great clarity the day President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963 as I was a Jr. in High School. I also remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's assassination followed a few months later with that of Robert Kennedy in June of 1968.And, of course the Civil Rights movement in the US. Somehow, despite this turmoil in our nation (including the Viet Nam conflict), I enlisted in the United States Navy in 1971 and remained on active duty for 20 years retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. Each time I raised my hand and took the Oath of Enlistment, I swore to obey the orders of the President and of the Officers appointed over me. It was an oath I took most seriously.So, here I am 27 years later...and wondering what in the world is going on in our country. I am trying to understand what has happened to the moral compass in the US and the pure hatred and venom that is being spoken on both the Republican and Democratic side. Rancor, a lack of civility and derisive descriptions are everywhere. Respect has gone out the window. I like to remember the days of President Reagan and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill. In 1980, it was a divided government and Tip said 'We will cooperate'.As an individual, I decided that I could educate myself more and have started reading political views. Hopefully, this will give me a clearer understanding of both sides of the aisle. So, I read with objectivity and a desire to learn.'Ship of Fools' is an outstanding book that is written in great detail. Tucker Carlson explains the reasons that America is the country it is today. For me, it is an invaluable lesson in history backed up by facts. And, this is exactly what I was searching for in my quest.It contains a plethora of information including the reason that a democracy doesn't exist except in middle class countries. And, according to the author the US ceased being a middle class country in 2015. The rich became richer .The immigration problem was addressed, once again with facts, including in 1970. less than 5% were immigrants. Fast forward to 2018, and it is up to nearly 14%.For me, an extremely engaging read as well as interesting. The historical portion really jogged my brain including the Manhattan Fire in 1911 when 150 died. WW I is mentioned, Amazon Uber, and Apple, as well. Chelsea Clinton also has quite a few pages written about her...For more recent events, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan as well as other foreign countries are included. The most recent political races are included as is President Trump's election.A surprise to me was Cesar Chavez and his 1960's United Farm Workers stand. I should have remembered that he was not for illegal immigration but I had forgotten.A couple of my greatest worries.... Free speech is going down the tubes and the United States has lost its middle class.I have a much greater understanding now of the reason the press is so against Trump which I certainly knew existed. The author provides the reasoning for this, as well. Finally, an explanation for some of the hatred and animosity.For me, lots of information to digest and I feel as though I am well on my way to figuring this mess out that is enveloping our country today.Most highly recommended.