Rating:  Summary: In a world where "Partisan" is an evil word,can we read this Review: In a world where "partisan" is a dirty word, can we read anything with an actual point? Many may say, "no." They are explained in this book. Here Robert Bork, denied Supreme Court Justice, explains the birth of liberalism and for that it is well worth it. He, through both internal reasoning and empirical proof, shows how modern liberalism was born. It may sound like a simple thing and, at times, even Bork himself oversimplifies the matter, but it is nonetheless well explained. His main point is that there simply were too many people born in the "baby boom" for the socializing agents of society to socialize. And, for that argument, he may very well be correct. The problem with his argument is that he does not include within his reason the family as a socializing agent. Too bad. It is really the only glaring flaw in his viewpoint. His view may still stand, but by overlooking such an important thing he loses some credibility. But, the book continues and really earns its pay when it shows the effects of modern liberalism. Here there is much to be learned from this thought provoking book. I wonder what Prof. Putnam (Bowling Alone) would say about this book?
Rating:  Summary: Democracy the Dead End? Review: Bork writes as both an inciteful scholar of - and an active participant in - the culture he sees to be declining. Although he makes much of the 60s youth rebellion, by now a well-known whipping boy, he does recognize that our social troubles are much older than the Beatles or Kent State. In fact, as Bork well explains, modern liberalism is simply the American Way taken to the extreme. Freedom has become decadence, and equality (of outcome, not opportunity) needs authoritarian civil government to crush natural human differences in ability and achievement. The New Left can take up the slogans of the Founding Fathers with no re-writing; but without the restraints of traditional religion "liberty" leads to lawlessness, which then justifies totalitarian statism to create the utopia of "equality". The outlook, admits Bork, is bleak. As the Dark Age descends, we can retreat into cloisters or fight for a return to censorhip, self-reliance and morality. But it seems inevitable that voters on the dole will continue to choose growing socialism and anomie. Bork leaves us with only the hope of our *will* to change things. Perhaps the democratic ideals of our Founders are the problem, after all. If liberty needs to be restricted by Christian values to keep it from festering into corruption, then why not re-examine the value of liberty (and equality) in the first place? Perhaps Christendom was not so bad an idea after all! If we would build our socio-political house on the solid rock of Biblical Christianity, we would have the values as axioms and the freedom would follow after. Like too many "conservatives", Bork wants to build a pluralistic mob-ruled culture - then drag in some generic religion to hold it together. But blessed is the NATION whose God is the LORD.
Rating:  Summary: Unusually Shrill and Cynical Book Review: Quite simply put, "Slouching Toward Gemorrah" is Robert Bork's embittered parting shot at a society he doesn't forgive for its criticism of his ultra-conservative views. Unfortunately all Bork does is engage in shrill criticism of everything from contemporary music and television to the Catholic church. Unfortunately, there's not much to read about here other than hateful polemics from a bitter, shallow man whose outspoken and out of touch views cost him an appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. Bork is best remembered as nothing more than a footnote in American jurisprudence and a shining example of the utter nonsense that the Reagan era stood for.
Rating:  Summary: Underestimates Western Man Review: Judge Bork does a splendid job of articulating the many manifestations of the radical egalitarian movement in this country and its consequences, which he views as the decline of Western Civilization and its institutions, in particular the university, the corporation, government, the public schools. Judge Bork however underestimates the intelligence, resiliency and adaptability of the white male. After all it was the white male that gave rise to Western Civilization. The institutions being ceded to the feminists, blacks, and homosexuals have largely become irrelevant. A university education for example is not worth what it used to be precisely because of the decline in standards and the coddling of feminists and blacks. Most large corporations with their token women and blacks are under siege by smaller more agile companies dominated by white males. In general, new decentralized and independent institutions are rising to replace these old institutions and the white male dominates them. New and dynamic companies, home schooling, and conservative thought are all moving away from the past and toward a bright future dominated by wealthy white males. Despite the best efforts of the liberals and their allies, Western Civilization will go on and continue to dominate all other cultures and civilizations because by any measure the white male is the highest form of intelligent life on earth. It would be most interesting to see what Judge Bork thinks of these changes.
Rating:  Summary: Has anyone noticed... Review: that nearly every criticism and one-star review is written either in anonymity, or by someone ranting in caps-lock, or by a college student? I have nothing against college students. I am one myself. As a staunch conservative at New Paltz (the Berkeley of the East), the liberal college society has done everything to railroad me that they legally (and sometimes illegally) can. I'm still here, and so is Bork, and HE IS RIGHT ABOUT MY GENERATION. Keep badmouthing Conservatism, because when you're paying your own bills, you'll be giving this book a different review!
Rating:  Summary: How does more involvement equal a smaller entity? Review: I read this book a couple years ago -- just for the sheer entertainment. I also wanted to better understand some of my conservative friends. What I found was both funny and frightening. Basically Bork advocates more governmental censorship and more governmental control over the lives of Americans. How would this result in a smaller government? I guess if Bork and his ilk had their way -- they would do a great diservice to mainstream conservatives. Most of his arguments have very little sound logic. His savaging of evolution and what he calls "radical" individualism are two good examples. He's way too emotional here. Yes, let's forget about evolution and accept the creation story -- eventhough 100 years of scientific evidence would indicate otherwise. Also, the themes of the Bill of Rights are largely due to a strong and proud individualism that has always existed in our country -- but I guess we should just throw that document away. Be warned: Bork's bitterness shines through.
Rating:  Summary: OUTSTANDING! Review: Let's thank God for people like Mr. Bork who see beyond the wool that liberals try to pull over America's eyes. I couldn't put it down. I knew that liberals were wackos, but this book opened my eyes even more. Anyone who watches the news and reads the paper knows that this wonderful country is headed for a downfall. It needs people like Mr. Bork, who points out the evils that infest our society. He is brutally blunt, which is just what this society needs. There is an angry tone to the book, but that is understandable. He cares a great deal about his cause. That comes through as clear as daylight. Anyone who is concerned about America should get his or her hands on this book. PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE, AND MORE PRAISE FOR THIS BOOK.
Rating:  Summary: Bork tries to keep a once great country together Review: Unfortunately I had to say "once great country" in my titlebecause I am convinced the United States is overrun with modernliberals who want to keep people stupid and happy in their own ignorance. Robert Bork showed me that he is committed to making the US a proud and powerful nation not only in stature but in spirit. How could Bork be wrong for wanting the American family strong and moral citizens praised for their actions in society? But, today this is politically incorrect talk. Today hardcore homosexuals and criminals and unwed pregnant women and the ones who are felt compassion for and admired. Why, because of their actions which are either unnatural or just plain ignorant. I am tired of all this. A white, middle-class, heterosexual man who shows any kind of pride is now considered racist, homophobic, and anti-woman. But, those who disagree with me all just think Bork's work is laughable and cold-hearted. No wonder we are in the position we are today. Unless the morality in this once great country improves, we are destined to suffer a fate that is unimaginable. Hopefully modern liberals will see the error in their ways and use common sense. I do not want to offend classical liberalism, just this modern liberalism that has engulfed the country. Do I want everyone to become as conservative as Bork? No, but don't you modern liberals want a country based on morals and wise judgement. I guess not, and future generations will suffer because of it.
Rating:  Summary: Overblown Review: Though I consider myself a conservative and someone sympathetic to Bork's treatment during his confirmation battle, this book becomes more ridiculous every time I pick it up. What is tiring is Bork unrelenting negative tone throughout the book and the way he attempts to depict the most extremist of liberal positions as the norm. There are times when you have to wonder if Bork is really serious about the arguments he's making or if he's just trying to put one over on the reader. One saving grace is that the author does have a pretty wry sense of humor (which is more than one can say for his critics). Moreover, some of the books chapters, such as those on religion, make logical, credible arguments. Unfortunately, the chapter on the Supreme Court, which Bork is probably most qualified to discuss, is taken almost verbatim from his previous book, "The Tempting of America." Granted, this is not meant to be a legal treatise, but it would have been nice to see some fresh analysis of these issues, since criticism of the current Surpeme Court is hardly without any foundation. Sadly, Bork took the easy way out. Finally, while I did not care too much for this book, some of the more hysterical reviews here have taken a hit-and-run approach to Bork's views on certain issues, epecially as to censorship (actually, he really only talks of censorship in the context of the most brutal images on the Web). No doubt these are controversial and questionable proposals, but he lays out arguments that are more nuanced than it may seem from reading the reviews. Of course, since much of this book is dedicated to attacking strawmen, that may be fair medicine for Bork.
Rating:  Summary: violent racisim and blatant threats against wemyn Review: How can any American take this neo-nazi seriously? Between spewing racist invective and demanding that all wemyn throughout the world immediatley surrender their abortion rights, the 'good judge' finds time to suggest that only white males should continue to run for elected office and that 'gun violence' is the best 'solution' for 'uppity coloreds' and 'queers'. This is a pig only Ronald Regan could love. SMASH GUN VIOLENCE! HANDS OFF ABORTION FREEDOM! END WHITE MALE ECO-TERRORISM!
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