LISTENER

Scoticus

  • 6
  • reviews
  • 8
  • helpful votes
  • 30
  • ratings

If you care to know the truth...

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 10-01-24

I have tremendous respect for conservative Republicans who have faced certain exclusion and threats of violence by simply doing what our constitution and our democracy require of ethical public servants. But more than that I wanted the back story of the phenomenal work this committee did in bringing mountains of evidence to the public in a digestible non-political way. This book does that.

The vast perponderance of evidence is from Trump Republicans. Liz no doubt helped the real Patriots feel more comfortable in coming forward. It was an important act of patriotism. Knowing what we know, How is it possible that tens of millions of Americans consider Donald Trump a good option for President? I prefer to think they do not know the facts and the truth. Plenty of both in this book. Read and spread the word.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent, a reminder of the importance of kindness

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-22-24

More relevant now in 2024 than when it was published. When someone stands before you, telling you why you should hate. RUN!!!!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A little more balance please

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 07-01-21

Loved the first half. The constitution building was particularly good. The three phases concept is completely valid. Madison's political phase has some balance but is judged as a necessity to save democracy. I have been struck by Madison's and Jefferson's duplicity in attacking Washington"s presidency secretly for policies that both of them would later embrace as they became President. Few historians seem to understand how important the economy is and how money shapes events. Thus the founding father who wasn't part of the American aristocracy, who was an abolitionist, understood money and economics and who put America on solid financial footing is often vilified. Washington,the greatest man of the age, didn't place so much trust in Hamilton because he was an amoral monarchist. Although this is how Madison saw it. Fair enough,but we have the benefit of 250 years of perspective. Hamiltons economic schemes put America on the path of unrelenting growth. Washington's judgement and integrity both helped win the Revolution and secured an environment for Madisons constitution and Hamiltons financial framework. Team Madison and Jefferson were so wrong about so much but benefitted from England and France's preoccupation with each other and the basic framework of government that was in place when they got there. The reasoned gymnastics that leads us to conclude that America surviving the War of 1812 is an affirmation of Madison's brilliance is just simply crazy talk. He had no plan, made a bunch of wrong moves but despite all that we sort of won and he left office as our most popular president. This biography. despite its flaws is far superior to Cheney's. It reads like a Madison pep rally. Give me an M!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Disappointing

Overall
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Story
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 05-20-21

240 years of perspective bring nothing to this. Madison is no doubt a rock star but clearly on the wrong side of history on a number of important issues yet here we get no exploration of foibles or expansion of greatness. Its Madison as he would have liked to be remembered had Madison not observed the events of the last 240 years. Having finished wonderful recent biographies on Washington. Jefferson, Hamilton and others I was expecting more.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Important

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 03-15-21

Seattle, the man spoke universal truths, still too rarely understood. The currents, prejudices and small mindedness continue. This book is another strong contribution in the conversation of how can humans be better. It fits for the race discussion. It fits for the man vs nature discussion. It fits for the discussion about what is moral and ethical. With the Puget Sound teaming with native villages and people with unfamiliar names and a dialect that takes a bit get use to, it sometimes lost me but I found it well worth the effort. And for crying out loud, can we give the Duwamish the recognition they deserve?

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

Excellent & Important

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-25-19

Foundational Information to understand our age and how we got here with plenty of examples of fortitude against enormous odds while also capturing the hearts and minds of generations.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!