Rating: 
Summary: Addressing Jews in America with Clarity and Balance
Review: Simply focusing on the subject of Jewish power raises suspicions of anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories. Goldberg dispels the fear by carefully and clearly separating statistical observations from irrational and erroneous conclusions.It is indisputable that Jews are represented far beyond their average population in the media and in Hollywood. It would be a terrible mistake to conclude that this means that they control the content, or worse that they use this power to intentionally attack Christian values or stereotype blacks. In fact the Jews in America are anything but united. Outsiders may see a single Jewish community but this is a common ethnocentric error. Jewish power in American politics is not the result of conspiracy, but the result of demographics and using their basic American rights. Jews are twice as likely to vote as the average population. That alone doubles their impact but still leaves them a small minority of the voters. They are also far more likely to fund their candidates and political causes, and to actively volunteer their time. But most importantly the Jews in America are concentrated in the eight states that account for almost half of the electoral votes. Goldberg points out how this very real power is felt in elections and in domestic and foreign policy, but also that it is not centrally controlled. It is ironic to note that aid to Israel increased far more under Republican presidents than Democrats even though the American Jews have been far more identified with the left and the Democrats (within a widely varying degree). The book contributes valuable insight into the dynamic between the Blacks and the Jews in America, and the changing relationship with Israel as the Jewish nation develops both more independence and their own internal frictions. "Jewish Power" ties statistics and data together with the author's perceptions and insights to give it real meaning and value. It is an excellent explanation of why such a small group has such influence. But more importantly Goldberg explains it is not from any conspiracy or secret agenda; it is from a profound respect for freedom and the American political institutions.
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