Rating: 
Summary: Hits the Nail (W) on the Head!!!
Review: Paul Begala, a Texan, knows whereof he speaks. This writer is extremely knowledgable, witty and articulate. And best of all, he knows his politics. And even better than that, he is well acquainted with Bush the Younger and paints a picture which shows clearly what a lightweight we ended up with as Commander in Chief. Enjoyable political fare, highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: EVERYONE IN THE USA SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!
Review: This is an eye opening book into the facts behind our current President. Based on factual information this book should be "must read" material for all Americans. You will see just who is behind Dubya and who is really running the country (NRA, big oil, Poppy, Cheney, big business) and who doesn't have a voice in the Dubya administration (poor, middle class, elderly). It will make you think and it is ALL FACTUAL! The conservatives will hate it but they hate anything that tells the truth anyways. Open your eyes and see the light!
Rating: 
Summary: Read it... but with a grain of salt
Review: I'm not an American, so my view of this book is probably rather different than that of the average American, at least insofar as I'm less interested in character and party issues, and focusing more on questions of policy, especially international (i.e. foriegn) affairs and enviormental issues, as well as issues in which the world is quick to follow US leadership.Begala's book is an enditement of Bush. It has several major short-commings, some of them issues of methodology and some of content. First, Begala is clearly biased. I don't mind that asmuch as some others - I prefer a person who admits his or her biases and allows the audience to judge his words given the biases, than people who preach while pretending to be neutral. More troubling, though is his lack of consideration of the Republican or pro-Bush campaign answers to his argument. At least in one issue (minimum wage), Bush's position has an economic basis and argument behind it that Begala completely ignores. One must wonder in how many other issues the Republicans have a reasonable argument that Begala fails to mention. Begala's research is fairly poor, too, generally based on newspaper clipping. I don't necessary object to that, and I appreciate time related problems narrowing this book's depth, but sometimes Begala can make an attack at Bush based on a single quotation from a newspaper. This seems unappropriate. Issue-wise, Begala's chapter on foriegn policy is far from satisfactory. I realise that most Americans don't really care about this, but US policies regarding International Organizations such as NATO, the WTO and the EU, towards countries like Russia and China, and to areas like the Balkans, the Middle East and Africa, are vital for the lives of hundreds of millions of people, and yes, they also effect the US. Nuclear War, for example, would cause some disturbance to the US way of life. What does Bush intend to do foriegn policy wise? How reliable are hisw advisers, people like Colin Powel and Cordelia Rice? From Begala we get very few issues discussion and many Bushisms. Finally, the last chapter discusses Bush's intelligence. This is the most unsatisfactory of all parts. In essence, it amounts to what people who don't really know him talking about him, to Begala discussing Bush's definition of inteligence (whatever for?), and to a great deal of Bushisms. He concludes that Bush suffers from 'Intelectual Lazyness' . This is the place for research. Talk to Bush's professors, read his university papers, review his writing. TELL US HOW BUSH GOT INTO HARVARD! Begala seems to suggest is was only because of Bush's father. But than he quotes a Harvard classmate who says Bush was average in his Harvard class... and he brings no evidence to his claim. He demonstrates no case of Bush's failure to analyse issues. At the ends, he resorts to establishing that, ' the very existence of the question says something on Bush'. Oh really? But for all of this, you should read this book. First, because it's fun - Begala writes well, in a very conversational, humorous tone. He sometimes shows great gifts of communications, explaining difficult ideas easily and effectively. Most important, though, this book does cast many doubts on Doublu. Especially when talking about his alligance to rich corporations, the NRA, his lack of support for enviornment issues, and his policy about death penalty ( I'm not against it - but Bush spends FIFTEEN minutes reviewing cases of death penalty before signing them on, and he literally allows sleeping lawyers to rest still). Be cautious and skeptical when you read this book, but read it, because it will tell you who the most powerful man in the world right now is... and shed light on what he might do in the future...
Rating:
Summary: If only they could read...
Review: I have just started reading this book and already I am much more scared of Dubya that I was before. If only he, or the people who voted for him could actually read books, then maybe our nation woulnd't have him as a president right now. Very scary...
Rating:
Summary: We should all be embarrassed, ashamed and scared.
Review: This book confirmed what I believed about George W. As a long-time Democrat I was more than a little embarrassed by Clinton's antics, but at least he knew his policies and could discuss anything with anyone at any time. I believe my Republican friends should be even more embarrassed about this lame excuse for a President. I know "charming" used car salesmen who are more informed.
Rating:
Summary: We misunderestimated GWB
Review: This book is so funny that it's sad (that GWB is in the White House now). But still a great read! Paul Begala is hilarious. I recommend this to any reader.
Rating:
Summary: For the Good of Society!!
Review: This book informed me of how dumb George Bush really is. I was once a supporter but I read this book. Even though it may seem like propaganda, it is all true. Right-wingers don't like to see it and do deny that it is true, but it is true. You are doing a good deed just passing the word about this book. Look for other books like Shrub by Molly Ivins.
Rating:
Summary: please read this book.
Review: i am recommending that everyone in ameriKa SHOULD read: Is Our Children Learning? : The Case Against George W. Bush by Paul Begala it is fast, funny, and SCARY... In actuality, everyone should have read this BEFORE the election...
Rating: 
Summary: I don't know. Is they?
Review: "Is Our Children Learning?" The title for this book says it all. Democrats will love it. Republicans will hate it. Independants or those of us who live outside the United States will read and giggle. The book is, without a doubt, a smear against the second President Bush. Does it accomplish its goal? Why yes, yes it does. It's by no means fair and unbiased. By extension you could say that it's propaganda - it's unclear how much is fact, how much is assumed and how much is an outright fabrication. I wouldn't recommend it to those who have yet to form an opinion on GWB. But, for those who already dislike him or are indifferent and plan to stay that way, it's perfect. The style of writing is informal, the structure of the book meant to make it an easy read. The pages are full of embarrissing quotes from the man himself, and more than a couple of references to Dan Quayle. In short, the purpose here is to make you laugh. Regardless of whether or not it is actually a fair, accurate depiction of the man. I'm reminded of these words: never let facts get in the way of a good story.
Rating:
Summary: Must Read For Americans!
Review: Should anyone believe that GW is going to restore 'dignity' to the Oval Office, they need to read this. This is one scary man and Begala documents it with glaring accuracy. God Help America.
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