Dennis M. McCrea
- 14
- reviews
- 11
- helpful votes
- 342
- ratings
-
The Founding Myth
- Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American
- By: Andrew L. Seidel, Susan Jacoby - Foreword
- Narrated by: Christopher Grove
- Length: 12 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Do "In God We Trust", the Declaration of Independence, and other historical "evidence" prove that America was founded on Judeo-Christian principles? Are the Ten Commandments the basis for American law? A constitutional attorney dives into the debate about religion's role in America's founding.
-
-
Just 2 Issues
- By VIPER G on 09-01-19
- The Founding Myth
- Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American
- By: Andrew L. Seidel, Susan Jacoby - Foreword
- Narrated by: Christopher Grove
Christian Nationalism is a perversion of mine and many other faiths.
Reviewed: 05-22-23
I read this book to better understand the growing strain of Christian Nationalism and the religion that supports it. I find signs of it in most fundamentalists and Evangelicals and even in those of my faith, Latter-day Saints. It is disheartening to observe how misguided, even under/ill-informed many are. The sense of religious revival that one encounters in the practitioner’s sphere only discredits any viability their arguments may hold. This book was to help me know to some sense what is going on. It only bolstered the knowledge I’ve gained from other similar recent readings, to include ‘Jesus and John Wayne’ by Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez and ‘The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism’ by Katherine Stewart.
Here is a quote by the author in the book that deeply affected me: “By seeking to graft his religion onto the structure of the American government, the Christian Nationalist is simply showing his religion to be a bad one. Not only bad, but also, according to Thomas Jefferson, erroneous, for “it is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.””
The author continues: “Christian Nationalists’ attempt to co-opt the power and prestige of the American Enlightenment (as demonstrated in The Constitution through the experiment of separation of Church and State) for their own ends says far more about their insecurity and the genuine blindness of their faith than it does about America’s founding.”
And then there is then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy, who in 1960 said this:
“I believe in an America where the separation of church and state is absolute - where no Catholic prelate would tell the President (should he be Catholic) how to act, and no Protestant minister would tell his parishioners for whom to vote - where no church or church school is granted any public funds or political preference - and where no man is denied public office merely because his religion differs from the President who might appoint him or the people who might elect him.”
“I believe in an America that is officially neither Catholic, Protestant nor Jewish - where no public official either requests or accepts instructions on public policy from the Pope, the National Council of Churches or any other ecclesiastical source - where no religious body seeks to impose its will directly or indirectly upon the general populace or the public acts of its officials - and where religious liberty is so indivisible that an act against one church is treated as an act against all.” (JFK, Remarks to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association, September 12 1960)
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
The Strange Career of Jim Crow
- By: C. Vann Woodward
- Narrated by: Sean Crisden
- Length: 6 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Strange Career of Jim Crow is one of the great works of Southern history. Indeed, the book actually helped shape that history. Published in 1955, a year after the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education ordered schools desegregated, Strange Career was cited so often to counter arguments for segregation that Martin Luther King, Jr. called it "the historical Bible of the civil rights movement." The book offers a clear and illuminating analysis of the history of Jim Crow laws, presenting evidence that segregation in the South dated only to the 1890s.
-
-
Worth listening too.... added to the bibliography.
- By Alednam A Uonopk on 01-18-21
- The Strange Career of Jim Crow
- By: C. Vann Woodward
- Narrated by: Sean Crisden
Jim Crow was practiced in the North I grew up in through the 1970’s.
Reviewed: 05-19-23
First published in 1955, a year after Brown v Board of Education and based upon a series of lectures the author delivered prior at U of Virginia, Dr. Martin Luther King endorsed it as “the historical Bible of the Civil Rghts movement.”
When I first read this MLK quote, it was really all I needed as an incentive to read this book. While much of the book was really no surprise to me because of prior exposure to points made, I did find it enlightening to have an author point out that Jim Crow wasn’t just practiced in the Deep South but in the North I grew up in. I experienced it reading/watching in the news the efforts to integrate the Boston School system through busing in the early 70’s. I saw and felt the distrust (Jim Crow) of many of my relatives and neighbors in Michigan as Detroit broke out in riots in 1967 and as Governor George Wallace won a large amount of Michigan votes in the 1968 General Election and won the 1972 Michigan Democratic Primary. I witnessed the derogatory/belittling comments of some of my relatives during this epoch. So Jim Crow was practiced in Michigan and many northern states and cities into the 1970’s and beyond.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Weapons of Mass Delusion
- When the Republican Party Lost Its Mind
- By: Robert Draper
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
- Length: 15 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a terrible day for American democracy, but many people dared to hope that at least it would break the fever that had overcome the Republican Party and banish Trump's relentless lies about the stealing of the 2020 election. That is not what happened. Instead, “the big steal” has become dogma among an ever-higher percentage of American Republicans. What happened to the Republican Party, and America, during the Trump presidency is a story we more or less think we know.
-
-
If you had told me ...
- By kimberly stewart on 10-30-22
- Weapons of Mass Delusion
- When the Republican Party Lost Its Mind
- By: Robert Draper
- Narrated by: Paul Boehmer
A reality check on today’s GOP and her passage into inconsequentiality, especially if Trump is the 2024 nominee.
Reviewed: 05-17-23
This book documents the latest (the 2020 national election forward) iteration of what the GOP has become. There are many who declare that Trump/Trumpism is a recent phenomenon. But to me, they’ve forgotten that this is what the GOP has gradually come to represent since at least the era of McCarthyism of the 1950’s.
Pre/post 2020 election President Trump, AZ Congressman Paul Gozar, GA Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green, FL Congressman Matt Gaetz, CO Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, former NC Congressman Madison Cawthorn, former WY Congresswoman Lynn Cheney, former Mi Congressmen Peter Meijer and Fred Upton are all discussed in this book and their influence on the direction the GOP is taking today, whether it be to increased MAGA wackiness or away from it. In short, this book in reality is a cynical look at how the GOP is floundering and could very well become inconsequential after 2024,
especially if Trump is again the presidential candidate.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Propaganda
- By: Edward Bernays, Mark Crispin Miller - introduction
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 4 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A seminal and controversial figure in the history of political thought and public relations, Edward Bernays pioneered the scientific technique of shaping and manipulating public opinion, which he famously dubbed the "engineering of consent". During World War I, he was an integral part of the US Committee on Public Information, or CPI, a powerful propaganda apparatus that was mobilized to package, advertise, and sell the war to the American people as one that would "Make the World Safe for Democracy".
-
-
SKIP THE INTRODUCTION
- By Scott A Kessler on 04-28-20
- Propaganda
- By: Edward Bernays, Mark Crispin Miller - introduction
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
An enlightening book.
Reviewed: 03-20-23
Often referred to as “the father of public relations,” Edward Bernays in 1928 published this seminal book: Propaganda, in which he argued that public relations is not a gimmick but a necessity. A nephew twice over of Sigmund Frued, he was a early utilizer of the term propaganda, from a psychological standpoint. I personally was first exposed to the term propaganda via the many books I read some 50 years ago (early 70’s) in my quest to understand all related to WWII. Then it was Goebbels and Nazi related propaganda. Since this book came out in 1928, Goebbels’ Ministry of Propaganda and Public Enlightenment widely referred to and utilized it through the end of the Nazi regime in 1945.
Before I read this book I had never associated the term propaganda with the idea of commercial advertising to sway and encourage the masses’ purchasing decisions. Quite the literal personal culture shock for me to learn that this was a Bernays’ principle application. Because of the Goebbels/Nazi’ negative connotation of propaganda, the term had always held a negative relationship to me. Yet actually, I can personally still safely declare that the common advertisement techniques, our modern day propaganda, has little to no influence on my purchase decisions. In fact, it is a favorite pastime of mine to mock everyday commercials and wonder to whom such and such a commercial is directed and how much of a snuck one must be to respond to the varied messages.
Most importantly I read the book to better understand our country’s latest and in reality successful propaganda campaign- the Trump/Trumpism/Conservatism/GOP united grift since 2016, if not many years, even decades earlier.
One final thought. Back in Bernays’ period of reference, a company founder and CEO also practiced important propaganda by the way they maintain high mores and standards in their sense of social contract to the communities they reside in. How this sense of responsibility has changed in the last 40 plus years. Today? It would seem even the most educated and enlightened business leaders now now to the concerns of the stock and bond holders, the general societal wellbeing be damned.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Dear White America
- Letter to a New Minority
- By: Tim Wise
- Narrated by: Tim Wise
- Length: 3 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
White Americans have long been comfortable in the assumption that they are the cultural norm. Now that notion is being challenged, as white people wrestle with what it means to be part of a fast-changing, truly multicultural nation. Facing chronic economic insecurity, a popular culture that reflects the nation's diverse cultural reality, and a future in which they will no longer constitute the majority of the population, and with a black president in the White House, whites are growing anxious.
-
-
A Primer on Racism for White People
- By Susie on 07-11-16
- Dear White America
- Letter to a New Minority
- By: Tim Wise
- Narrated by: Tim Wise
Sad to read the negative reviews of the cognitive dissonant.
Reviewed: 02-11-23
I’ve just taken a few moments to read the reviews of those who left negative reviews. How sad yet understandable given the high level of under-informed there are in today’s political electorate. How can one fall for the dog whistles of Trump, Trumpism and today’s political conservatism and White Christian Nationalism? The naysayers of this book are but evidence number 1.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
American Pharoah
- The Untold Story of the Triple Crown Winner's Legendary Rise
- By: Joe Drape
- Narrated by: Aaron Abano
- Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
History was made at the 2015 Belmont Stakes when American Pharoah won the Triple Crown, the first since Affirmed in 1978. As magnificent as the champion is, the team behind him has been all too human while on the road to immortality. Written by an award-winning New York Times sportswriter, American Pharoah is the definitive account not only of how the ethereal colt won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes, but how he changed lives. Through extensive interviews, Drape explores the making of an exceptional racehorse, chronicling key events en route to history.
-
-
Narrated like a Pre-School Teacher
- By Michael on 05-06-18
- American Pharoah
- The Untold Story of the Triple Crown Winner's Legendary Rise
- By: Joe Drape
- Narrated by: Aaron Abano
And the author is a journalist? Really?
Reviewed: 12-12-21
This books passage through the events preceding the Triple Crown and the actual winning was at times very hard to follow. Very disjointed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Yuval Noah Harari
- Audible Sessions: FREE Exclusive Interview
- By: Robin Morgan
- Narrated by: Yuval Noah Harari
- Length: 19 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Professor Yuval Noah Harari is a lecturer at the Department of History at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Gaining his PhD from Oxford University, he has published several books and articles. His most recent works comprise the international bestseller Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind and, most recently Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow.
-
-
Interesting! Intelligent! Makes you think!
- By SB on 03-17-17
- Yuval Noah Harari
- Audible Sessions: FREE Exclusive Interview
- By: Robin Morgan
- Narrated by: Yuval Noah Harari
A great intro to his triad book series
Reviewed: 06-11-19
A great intro to his triad book series. I feel comfortable now buying all 3
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Heads Will Roll
- By: Kate McKinnon, Emily Lynne
- Narrated by: Kate McKinnon, Emily Lynne, Tim Gunn, and others
- Length: 4 hrs and 6 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Heads Will Roll is an Audible Original from Saturday Night Live star Kate McKinnon and her cocreator/costar (and real-life sister) Emily Lynne. Produced by Broadway Video, this is not an audiobook - it’s a 10-episode, star-studded audio comedy that features performances from Meryl Streep, Tim Gunn, Peter Dinklage, Queer Eye’s Fab Five, and so many more. Please note: This content is not for kids.
-
-
More like this please
- By Anon893 on 05-03-19
- Heads Will Roll
- By: Kate McKinnon, Emily Lynne
- Narrated by: Kate McKinnon, Emily Lynne, Tim Gunn, Meryl Streep, Peter Dinklage, full cast
I loved it!
Reviewed: 05-15-19
Outstanding production but requires a 2nd listen to capture all the nuances. SNL fans will love...a cross with Monte Python and Search For the Holy Grail.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Live from New York
- The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests
- By: James Andrew Miller, Tom Shales
- Narrated by: Christina Delaine, Paul Woodson
- Length: 28 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When first published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, Live from New York was immediately proclaimed the best book ever produced on the landmark and legendary late-night show. In their own words, unfiltered and uncensored, a dazzling galaxy of trail-blazing talents recalled three turbulent decades of on-camera antics and off-camera escapades.
-
-
The First Forty Years ... and Counting
- By Dubi on 10-21-18
- Live from New York
- The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests
- By: James Andrew Miller, Tom Shales
- Narrated by: Christina Delaine, Paul Woodson
For the SNL Fans Out There!
Reviewed: 08-06-18
I simply love this book. I love the minutiae, the background, the small details that have filled out this fan’s understanding of the hows and whys of the show.
The book has not disappointed me!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Van Halen Rising
- How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal
- By: Greg Renoff
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
- Length: 11 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After years of gigging everywhere from suburban backyards to dive bars, Van Halen - led by frontman extraordinaire David Lee Roth and guitar virtuoso Edward Van Halen - had the songs, the swagger, and the talent to turn the rock world on its ear. The quartet's classic 1978 debut, Van Halen, sold more than a million copies within months of release and rocketed the band to the stratosphere of rock success.
-
-
Truly Outstanding!!!
- By Edgar F. Whitaker on 08-14-16
- Van Halen Rising
- How a Southern California Backyard Party Band Saved Heavy Metal
- By: Greg Renoff
- Narrated by: Sean Runnette
Great book
Reviewed: 10-19-16
I have always loved Van Halen's sound since the first time I heard them on the radio. And it was fun with this book to follow their development from obscure band to rock phenomena.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!