Glenn Greenwald was not a political man. Not liberal, not conservative. Politicians were all the same and it didn't matter which party was in power. Extremists on both ends canceled each other out, and the United States would essentially remain forever centrist. Or so he thought. Then came September 11, 2001. Greenwald's disinterest in politics was replaced by patriotism, and he supported the war in Afghanistan. He also gave President Bush the benefit of the doubt over his decision to invade Iraq. But, as he saw Americans and others being disappeared, jailed and tortured, without charges or legal representation, he began to worry. And when he learned his president had seized the power to spy on American citizens on American soil, without the oversight required by law, he could stand no more. At the heart of these actions, Greenwald saw unprecedented and extremist theories of presidential power, theories that flout the Constitution and make President Bush accountable to no one, and no law. How Would a Patriot Act? is one man's story of being galvanized into action to defend America's founding principles, and a reasoned argument for what must be done. Greenwald's penetrating words should inspire a nation to defend the Constitution from a president who secretly bestowed upon himself the powers of a monarch. If we are to remain a constitutional republic, Greenwald writes, we cannot abide radical theories of executive power, which are transforming the very core of our national character, and moving us from democracy toward despotism. This is not hyperbole. This is the crisis all Americans--liberals and conservatives--now face. In the spirit of the colonists who once mustered the strength to denounce a king, Greenwald invites us to consider: How would a patriot act today?
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Wow:
Glenn Greenwald should be the official conscience of this country. He sees the problems so clearly and relates them in high definition.
I started with this book and progressed to "Tragic Legacy" followed by his third book "Great American Hypocrites". It has been a journey of consciousness raising.
I can now verbalize the unease I have felt in my gut for many years. It is caused by the chipping away of the fundamental tenets of our Constitution and our Democracy. It is the result of dealing... more info
How would a Patriot act?:
I am enjoying this book and I highly recommend reading it and taking appropriate action to end the criminal transgressions upon our national constitutiion.
A Patriot Would Read This Book, and Vote in 2008 and Thereafter:
Glenn Greenwald documents some of the criminal activity of King (er, President) George III. 231 years ago American patriots fought off the English King George III and later elected our own President George I, who was a vast improvement. 19 tears ago we elected President George II, who was widely considered the worst president of the twentieth century. Now we have George III, whom the people never elected President (he stole the office from the men the people elected in 2000 and 2004) and he now claims the... more info
Acurate and well researched!:
Great book, very well researched and documented. Greenwald does a great job identifying the root causes of the Authoritarian Presidency.
