Blood on the Tracks: The Life and Times of S. Brian Willson

by S. Brian Willson, Daniel Ellsberg (Foreword)

After serving in the Vietnam War, S. Brian Willson became a radical, nonviolent peace protester and pacifist, and this memoir details the drastic governmental and social change he has spent his life fighting for. Chronicling his personal struggle with a government he believes to be unjust, Willson sheds light on the various incarnations of his protests of the U.S. government, including the refusal to pay taxes, public fasting, and, most famously, public obstruction. On September 1, 1987, Willson was run over by a U.S. government munitions train during a nonviolent blocking action in which he expected to be removed from the tracks. Providing a full look into the tragic event, Willson, who lost his legs in the incident, discusses how the subsequent publicity propelled his cause toward the national consciousness. Now, 23 years later, Willson tells his story of social injustice, nonviolent struggle, and the so-called American way of life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Historical, Activism

500 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Mark E. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books in print for US citizens. Small wonder Willson is a hero to much of the world. Brian risked his life and lost his legs for the truth--but he gives it to us intact and unvarnished for the mere price of a book. Life doesn't have any better bargains than this.

[Jrohde · Rating 4 out of 5]

a remarkable story of a brave and principled man - born just months before me with a similar upbringing. Radicalised by his time in Vietnam, he has spent his life trying to expose American duplicity and lies. He lost his legs sitting on the rails in front of a train ferrying ammunition to the docks in San Francisco Bay - the train had been stopped numerous times before and had a speed limit of 5 mph - this day it speeded up and purposely ran him down. the story is one of great bravely and principle - I wish I had a smidgeon of his moral fibre.

the book gets a bit tiring, but then, so must his life on constant confrontation with the truth of American lies and exploitation of innocents in Vietnam, Nicaragua, Salvador, Cuba, Haiti..... it becomes very trying, but I have felt I must not hide from the truth, so clearly described by this man. should be read by all

I have on Kindle - so I can loan if you want it

[P.J. Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An All-American boy steps out of a Norman Rockwell painting and discovers the truth about his country. This book is about his “waking up process,” which led him to some very sobering conclusions. Conclusions that all Americans should consider.

His war experiences in Viet Nam were life-changing revelations. Here he decided that his own government was “not only criminal but psychotic.” He likens the war to the genocide of Native Americans. Later insights came from his work in what he called the American “criminal injustice system.” And in Central America, which was “Viet Nam all over again.” Working for change within the system will never work, he decides, because “the system is the problem.” So he becomes a dissident, a rebel, a tax refuser. Another insight came in 1987, when his government almost killed him.

This book is an indictment of the American way of life, which the author casts off in favor of a more fair and eco-friendly lifestyle. “The American Way of Life is inherently violent,” he concludes. It “has taken a criminal departure from our deepest humanity.” America’s affluence is based on genocide, slavery, and “theft of the world’s resources.” It is unsustainable and will destroy us all in the end. He dedicates himself to nonviolence and global justice, to living lightly on the earth.

This is autobiography, but rich in hands-on history and social commentary. Plus ecology, philosophy, and economics. His own personal journey of discovery within the context of history. Not a pleasant read, but provocative and enlightening. Good insights into American foreign policies. Many pages of glossy illustrations. Indexed and annotated.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever met anyone who has the conviction, sense of purpose, and integrity to stand up to a moving train and get run over for a cause he believes in? Meet S. Brian Wilson. "Our lives are not worth more than theirs." An extraordinary human being who has written about his experiences in the U.S., Vietnam, and Latin America to bring awareness to the death and destruction that U.S. foreign policy introduces in the world wherever it goes.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving memoir that mixes the political history of the era with Wilson’s personal life, that almost Gump-like touched on many of the fundamental experiences of his generation. The type of integrity and commitment to principle Wilson possesses is beyond admirable, it’s awe-inspiring. When the good society is built, the statues and plazas will be named for him.

[Heidi]

http://hastingsnonviolence.blogspot.c...

[Wayne Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clarion call - essential reading for every person in the 'developed' world.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who doesn't know the story.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful memoir about a man coming to his senses re/ the American government. The sections about Vietnam are eye-opening and horrifying.

[Jansen Estrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine story well told - many around the world have led such honorable lives but they are such a small percentage they are easily ignored by 'the powers that be' ... 'noble sacrifice' is a term all too often reserved for the visible, uniformed PR warrior ... Willson's deserves a place alongside and above those who serve unwittingly international corporations which determine US 'national interests' and who define our 'sacred freedoms' as the right to take and use whatever we want by force from around the world ... highly recommended!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a man with astonishing courage, a strong passion for justice and a indefatigable spirit. S. Brian Willson chronicles the most engaging aspects of his decorated life; from his involvement in the Vietnam War, to his experience as a lawyer, to life as an activist in its highest sense. I was deeply moved by Willson's resonating points; which I believe should be required reading in our educational system.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring!

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book.