Book Review: A Patriot's History of the United States by Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen

A Patriot's History of the United States tells the true story of the USA.  The book tells the story of the USA without the modern bias or political correctness that ravages most modern American history books.  This book should be required reading for every high school student in the USA!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book, but be forewarned...this book is long.  It's not for the faint of heart.  It will take some dedication to get through the 829 pages.  However, the chapters are short, so it's the kind of book that can be easily picked up and put down frequently.  Several long plane trips, including one from New York to Singapore gave me my best opportunity to make a big dent in this one, and I was glad I did it.

I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in American history.  I especially recommend parents to try to steer their young adult children to this book.  It would certainly help them in their American history and world history understanding.  The book does an especially fine job of making connections to events in history that seemed unrelated.  Once you read the book, you come to realize that hardly anything of significance in world history happens in a vacuum.  You will learn a lot and enjoy the story.

Blog Status

I've determined that there's too much redundant opinion out there.  Therefore, this bog will only include opinions that provide a unique perspective.  Therefore, the number of posts will be controlled by this hurdle.

Reading and reviewing books is one way to provide a unique perspective.  Many of the posts on this blog have been book reviews.  Right now I am in the middle of reading a 900 page book.  Therefore, posts have been few these days.  Once I'm through this book, posts should resume more regularly.

Book Review: Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford

Shop Class as Soulcraft is an essay-style book that highlights the virtues of physical craftsman work (or work in “the trades”) while discussing some of the shortcomings of work in the “intelligence professions”, i.e. cubicle office work, utilizing philosophies from historical thinkers to bolster the author’s conclusions.


The book is humorous, entertaining, intellectual, and interesting. The author has quite a unique background. He is a former communist. Not to say he is a member of the party, but he was brought up on a commune. He is a classically trained philosopher, boasting a PhD. Yet he is also a licensed electrician. But more importantly, he is also a gear head. He spent his adolescence around speed shops, later transitioning from cars to motorcycles. I have no census data, but I think I can say with some certainty that he is one of the few motorcycle mechanics out there holding a PhD. The wide variety of experiences in the author’s background adds color to the stories throughout the book.

Although I enjoyed reading the book, and found the theories presented compelling, it is difficult to make a decision on how I feel about the author's conclusions. The subtitle of the book is “An Inquiry Into the Value of Work”. I agreed with many points made in the book. I agree with the author’s theories that so-called white-collar work can lack the satisfaction of seeing the direct results of labor that is offered by the so-called blue-collar professions. I also agree that people in the “thinking professions” underestimate the problem solving and mental skill required to skillfully complete trade work. Where the author falls short is in his discussion of the macroeconomics. Although the author shows no serious love for the left as it is defined today in American politics, it seems his communist upbringing comes through a bit when he discusses his view of unfairness of the money supply (the haves and have nots). In these arguments, the author strays from his core competency of understanding, and delves into areas that perhaps were not necessary to complete his book. In short, I liked everything in the book except the final chapter. It was a bit like a great movie with a bad ending.

I recommend Shop Class as Soulcraft. The author's writing style, unique thinking, and whit make it worth while, even if I did not agree with all the conclusions.  Even still, it will make you think in new ways.

President Obama is Wrong to Characterize Our Choices as One or The Other

President Obama and the Democrats are in political trouble, and they know it.  They are projecting to November and anticipating the difficulties their party will likely have, as they are at great risk of losing control of the House of Representatives, as well as lose significant seats in the Senate.

So the President is doing what he can to change perceptions.  He continues to use the unpopularity of the Bush presidency as a crutch.  He uses it to paint our choices as voters as a black and white choice between his policies, and "going back" to the Bush policies.  The President presents this as if there are no other policy choices out there.  This is not the case.
Nothing is static, especially in politics.  The Republican party is not the same.  The mistakes of the Bush administation, the tea party movement, and the aggressively radical policies of the left (lead by President Obama) are factors that have influenced the Republican party today.  The party today is no longer the party it was when Bush was in office.  Change is unavoidable for both parties.  Despite how the President sets the scene, nobody can go back, even if one wanted to go back.

The President is wrong.  The choices for direction of the country is not a straight line, either A or B.  It's an array of choices in infinite directions.  The President wants us to believe we have to either support his policies or support the old Bush policies, a kind of either-with-me-or-against-me credo.  This is not so.  Americans are wiser.  Republicans are wiser.  Conservatives are wiser.  We have all learned from the failings of the previous big government administrations, whether they were Republican or Democrat.  My fear is that it's too late.  We've gone too far down the Big Government road to reel it in.  Perhaps.  One thing of which I am certain; the Obama-left-big government direction of the country can not be sustained, and the direction will eventually change.
 

Book Review – Conservative Victory by Sean Hannity

National TV and radio host Sean Hannity has released a timely book chronicling the deficiencies of the Obama administration and suggestions for conservative leadership to repair the tyranny that Obama and the Democrats have ushered into America.

Hannity is donating all profits for the book to charity.

As opposed to some other conservative books recently reviewed on this blog, Conservative Victory is not intended to change any minds. A liberal reader of this book will likely not be swayed. The subtitle of the book is “Defeating Obama’s Radical Agenda”. Hannity is obviously targeting the conservative majority in the United States with this book. Hannity is an unabashed conservative, so this book is targeting people that politically agree with Hannity’s philosophies.

The book does a find job of summarizing the failures, un-Americanism, and danger of the Obama administration. Hannity then gives some suggestions for Republican conservative leadership.

Most of Hannity’s suggestions are reasonable, yet somewhat unimaginative. Hannity focuses mostly on re-tread ideas like the renewing a Contract with America. Such ideas may be valid, but they are hardly novel.

The book was generally an interesting read, but as an instruction manual for the average person to “defeat Obama’s radical agenda” it came up short. The book was more of a suggestion manual for conservative political leaders rather than an action plan for individual conservative citizens.

Conservative Victory is worth a quick read. Expect a good summary of the issues, but don’t expect Conservative Victory to be life-changing.

Consider Good Holster with Any Handgun Purchase

I recently purchased a Ruger SP101 revolver in .357 magnum. 

I like the gun, but I'm having a heck of a time finding a practical holster for it. 

Yesterday, I went to Hoffman's Gun Center in Newington, Connecticut to try to find a suitable holster.  I was looking for something that offers maximum concealment with a good fit.  Hoffman's had plenty of holsters, but none for the Ruger SP101.
Cabelas in East Hartford had a good selection of holsters (not as many as Hoffman's, but still a large selection), but still nothing specifically made for the Ruger SP101.

I bought a generic belt holster, and it works OK, but is far too bulky for normal carry.

I wanted to avoid ordering something without first being able to see it, but I think at this point, the internet is my only option.  I found the following websites to have a good selection of holsters:

http://www.safariland.com/

http://www.usgalco.com/ 

Of course, there are others, but I found that these two have a good selection and reasonable prices.

A Visit to Wolf’s Indoor Range and Shooting Center – Bristol, CT USA

Where: 597 Middle Street (Route 229), Bristol, CT 06010

Website: www.wolfsrange.com
Phone: 860-585-0447
Hours: Monday 2 PM – 9 PM, Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 9 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM – 9 PM, Sunday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: It cost me $19 and change for ½ hour and 5 targets
Details: 15 bays, 50+ feet indoor facility. Small shop.

I’ve never visited a shooting range before, so I was not totally sure what to expect when I visited Wolf’s Indoor Range and Shooting Center in Bristol, CT. The experience was stress free. The staff at Wolf’s was no-nonsense, but still friendly. They explained all the range etiquette and rules, and most importantly, welcomed any questions.
Wolf’s has 15 bays available. The range goes beyond 50 feet, which is plenty far for handgun shooting. They have a small store that sells targets, ammo, and various accessories.

If you are visiting a range for the first time, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• If you have them, bring ear and eye protection. If not, Wolf’s has some available to borrow.
• DO NOT “expose” your firearm in the office. It needs to be kept in a case until you get out to the range.
• If you don’t have targets, you can buy them at the range. The targets I purchased were $.30 each.

I will definitely visit Wolf’s again.

 

Equipment Review: Gunvault Minivault Standard Gun Safe

The Gunvault minivault gun safe is a small size safe intended to hold one or two handguns. The safe is small enough to fit under a bed or in a drawer. It is made of heavy gage steel, and lined with foam. The foam protects the internal contents of the safe. The safe features a spring assisted latch door. When the safe is opened, the door springs open unassisted. The safe features two unlocking methods. One is a standard key entry, and the other is a keypad made to mimic the position of fingers. The keypad runs on AA batteries, which are installed inside the safe. The safe has a low battery indicator light. The safe also includes mounting hardware and a template to allow the user to secure the safe to a floor or other solid surface.

The safe has an optional security cable available. It does not come standard with the safe. It must be purchased separately.
The deluxe version of the safe includes an internal light, an audible warning signal, and an AC connection for power. There is also a more advanced version that includes a biometric (fingerprint) reader to open the safe. This version is significantly more expensive than the standard and deluxe version.
The safe is large enough to fit 2 small guns. I was able to fit one revolver, plus two boxes of ammo in the safe.

I purchased the standard version. The safe appears to be a good option for firearm security in the home. The keypad is quick and easy to use, yet provides strong security. There is a key entry to back up the keypad, so even if batteries run out, the safe can be entered using the key. Additionally, the battery indicator light should remind the user to change the batteries. The spring-loaded door allows for only 1-step opening. As soon as the key is turned or the code is entered, the door springs open. No latches or hinges to operate.

I bought the Gunvault safe at Cabela’s for about $100. I am happy with the purchase.

Gun Show Disappoints

I made my way to the gun show at the Easter States Exposition in Springfield, MA this past weekend.  It was not what I was looking for as a new gun shopper.  I was expecting several booths where one could view and hold different guns.  I was expecting salesmen trying to sell potential buyers on the virtues of their firearms.  While there were some booths selling new guns, the majority of tables were devoted to antique items.  All but one of the tables selling new guns had them behind glass.  The one booth that had the guns available to handle was the most crowded booth at the show.  One would thing the other sellers would catch on.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but the show was closer to a flea market than a convention.

If you are in the market for a new gun, in my opinion the show is not the way to go.  The selection at a store like Cabela's is likely better than the show.  Additionally, there is no entry fee for Cabela's, and all the accessories you need are available in one place. 

For the new firearm buyer, go to your local store.  For antique items, check out the show.  

West Springfield Gun Show

I've never been to a gun show before, but I plan on attending one this weekend.

This weekend there is an NRA sponsered gun show at the Easter States Exposition (Big E fairgrounds) in West Springfield, MA.

The link for the show poster is below:

http://users.erols.com/fasttrack/loc/w-spr/SPRINGFIELD-FLYER-MARCH-10.pdf

There is also a coupon online for $1 off admission. You can print that coupon here:

http://users.erols.com/fasttrack/loc/w-spr/w-spr-coupon.gif

Feel free to visit and exercise your Constitutional right

Book Review – Going Rogue by Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin spends a lot of time setting the record straight in her book Going Rogue. If you followed the campaign in 2008, you will recall that there were times when Palin seemed to be stymied by the fear of saying the wrong thing. Palin owns up to the deficiencies of her campaign performance, and does a fine job explaining the behind-the-scenes reasons why the campaign proceeded as it did. Palin sheds light on some of her mistakes, staff mistakes, as well as reinforces some of the actions she believes were handled well during the campaign.

In a format that’s pretty standard for a memoir, the book starts by recounting Sarah Palin’s early years. She explains the upbringing that contributed so much to her present beliefs. The book then gets into the meat of the story, revisiting the 2008 US presidential campaign. The book concludes with Palin’s vision for the future.

Palin does not present herself as having all the answers. She does not present herself as being always right, nor does she believe that everyone should agree with her. She states her beliefs, the reasons for her beliefs, and lets them stand on their own.

During the campaign, liberals liked to take shots at Palin’s intellect and worldliness. The book demonstrated that Palin is well educated, well informed, well intentioned, and a woman of action. She gets things done. She believes in common sense and integrity over party loyalty.
Regardless of the perceived intellect of any candidate, one does not have to be a genius to be a good leader, or in this case, president. One only needs to have a sound foundation and commitment to the core principles of the founding documents of the United States. As is said in the oath of office, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. The recipe has been created by the great leaders of the past. Men like Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, and the many other unmentioned founding fathers created the recipe with the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence. Despite the wishes of the left, these documents are the law of the land. Subsequent leaders have a much less difficult task. The path has been cut. Subsequent leaders don’t have to blaze new trails (in fact, they are legally forbidden to it unless by amendment); they only need to follow the existing path. If someone asked me to create a cake from scratch, I would not be able to do it. However, give me a recipe to follow, and I can make a cake just as well as Betty Crocker. If the public can come to understand that “change” in the United States is limited by to the constraints set in the US Constitution, leaders will fall in line, and freedom will reign. Any deviation from the recipe represents a reduction in freedom. Freedom (not equality, success, fairness, or any other idea) should be the driving principle of any action the government takes. Does anybody remember freedom?

Anthem Blue Cross Owes You NOTHING President Obama

http://www.dailynews.com/ci_14357792?source=most_emailed

By Erica Werner, Associated Press
Updated: 02/08/2010 10:45:44 AM PST

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Monday asked California's largest for-profit health insurer to justify plans to hike customers' premiums by as much as 39 percent, a move that could affect some 800,000 customers.

===============================================================

Question: Who is the President to tell a business in the private sector how much to charge for their services? What’s next? Is Obama going to go to Costco and tell them they are charging too much for paper towels? How about going to Yankee Stadium and telling them that the $8.75 beers are over priced? Where does it end?

This kind of stuff from the White House is the stuff of dictators.

This is Hugo Chavez in Venezuela.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the CEO of Anthem Blue Cross were able to call a press conference and tell President Obama straight up that Anthem Blue Cross does not have to justify ANYTHING to him? The CEO and his staff can run their company how they want to run it. They are accountable only to customers and shareholders, not to a despotic wannabe. Despite the best efforts of President Obama, the United States is still a land of laws – Laws that do not allow the president to bark orders. The last I checked this was still a representative republic, and not a monarchy, dictatorship, or empire.

President Obama – Keep your nose OUT of the private sector and worry about governing, not ruling.  Who am I to tell the president what to do?  I'm a citizen and voter, and that's enough.

Massachusetts Delivered Us in 1775 and Massachusetts May Have Delivered Us in 2010

Hope is not lost!

I'm speaking of Scott Brown's Senate race win in Massachusetts. 

This past year plus has been a depressing time for lovers-of-liberty.  How refreshing to learn that even in uber-progressive Massachusetts, there's still that undercurrent of liberty that was not able to be held down.

Some thoughts about the events in Massachusetts:

• Is this win actually a positive in the long run for the Democrats?  It seemed like there were a lot of sighs of relief from many Democrats (especially those known as the "Blue Dogs").  This Republican victory means the Democrats now have an excuse not to have to vote for a health care reform bill the American people don't want.  If the Democrats retain this Senate seat in Massachusetts, the Democrats would be saddled with approving this fiasco of a bill, and would pay even more dearly in 2010 and 2012.
• Scott Brown is not exactly a conservative Republican.  It remains to be seen if he can stay true to his campaign promises and avoid a progressive agenda.
• Does this loss cause any soul searching among Democrats, or will they still continue to be a party courting fringe groups of society (unions, minorities, wealthy urbanites) while ignoring "middle America"?
• In an ironic twist, was the Barack Obama win in 2008 exactly what this country needed to wake up and appreciate liberty?  Barack Obama may have been the best thing that could have happened for the liberty-movement.  Think of how events would have progressed had John McCain won.  Things would be mostly business as-usual.  There would be no Tea Party movement.  No awakening throughout the country.  Progressive statists likely would have won in Massachusetts and New Jersey.  Perhaps Obama was the shock the country needed to finally be able to identify the anti-American statist progressive agenda.

             
Yes we can!