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How I Accidentally Joined the Vast Right-wing Conspiracy
In a witty and provocative political memoir, the renowned ethics columnist and novelist recalls how he made the journey from 1970s liberal to 1990s conservative, discussing such topics as education, feminism, presidential ethics, and other controversial topics. Reprint. 35,000 first printing.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
62 people want to read
About the author
Harry Stein
77 books21 followersConservative author Harry Stein is known for his light touch on hard topics: How I Accidentally Joined the Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy (And Found Inner Peace): I Can't Believe I'm Sitting Next to a Republican; The Idiot Vote -- The Democrats' Core Constituency; etc. Now, with his comic novel Will Tripp, Pissed Off Attorney-at-Law , he does his bit to take back popular culture from the radical left.
Harry Stein is a veteran author and journalist who, in his earlier life as a liberal, regularly wrote for The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Playboy and Esquire, among other places he will never appear again. A contributing editor to City Journal, he written twelve books.
Harry Stein is a veteran author and journalist who, in his earlier life as a liberal, regularly wrote for The New York Times Sunday Magazine, Playboy and Esquire, among other places he will never appear again. A contributing editor to City Journal, he written twelve books.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 10, 2011
How a respected left winger with impeccable "liberal" credentials found himself leaving the side of historical blindness and moral cowardice and found himself reviled and hated by strangers and his former friends as he recognized common sense.
I can see why he went with a shorter title, but the above is fairly a accurate look at the book. With humor and aplomb Mr. Stein relates the story of his journey, his wife's part in it, and his "friends" reaction to it. He relates stories of his own epiphanies as he looks sees (and hears) the actions (reactions), beliefs, and views around him. He became aware of the mental and philosophical gymnastics people (including himself) went through to "stay on the correct side of things". For example studying Al Jolson one had to do a long disclaimer about how just because he appeared in black face he wasn't a raciest, only a product of his time. This was done to be sure everyone knew the "speaker" wasn't or wouldn't be considered a raciest.
Some of you will probably hate this book, but of those who don't already agree with Mr. Stein's new stance some may...may be able to force your minds open and laugh a bit. If you want to. Sacred cows of the left do get skewered here and the light of actual thought falls on a lot of convoluted, fortified liberal positions.
But hey don't worry. I doubt it will actually break through to anyone who's mind is sufficiently locked.
The author later wrote a book titled I Can't Believe I'm Sitting Next to a Republican: A Survival Guide for Conservatives Marooned Among the Angry, Smug, and Terminally Self-Righteous. He said he wrote it because when he wrote this one he assumed his "former friends" would look at his new position with an open mind and respect. They didn't. I recommend both books. Intelligent, cogent, humorous.
I can see why he went with a shorter title, but the above is fairly a accurate look at the book. With humor and aplomb Mr. Stein relates the story of his journey, his wife's part in it, and his "friends" reaction to it. He relates stories of his own epiphanies as he looks sees (and hears) the actions (reactions), beliefs, and views around him. He became aware of the mental and philosophical gymnastics people (including himself) went through to "stay on the correct side of things". For example studying Al Jolson one had to do a long disclaimer about how just because he appeared in black face he wasn't a raciest, only a product of his time. This was done to be sure everyone knew the "speaker" wasn't or wouldn't be considered a raciest.
Some of you will probably hate this book, but of those who don't already agree with Mr. Stein's new stance some may...may be able to force your minds open and laugh a bit. If you want to. Sacred cows of the left do get skewered here and the light of actual thought falls on a lot of convoluted, fortified liberal positions.
But hey don't worry. I doubt it will actually break through to anyone who's mind is sufficiently locked.
The author later wrote a book titled I Can't Believe I'm Sitting Next to a Republican: A Survival Guide for Conservatives Marooned Among the Angry, Smug, and Terminally Self-Righteous. He said he wrote it because when he wrote this one he assumed his "former friends" would look at his new position with an open mind and respect. They didn't. I recommend both books. Intelligent, cogent, humorous.
September 2, 2013
I discovered this book while working in the Alumni office at Pomona College, the author's alma mater. Given the intensely progressive nature of the campus, to describe me as intrigued would be an understatement. I HAD to know how a Vietnam-era alumnus of Pomona College, and a JOURNALIST, no less, had shed the rampant deep-seeded liberalism to become a conservative thinker AND have the courage to out himself.
This book provides an insider's look into not only how one's political philosophy evolves from the often liberal idealism of youth into mature, rational, conservatism, but also provides terrific anecdotes, both personal and professional, to illustrate that evolution and the disbelief that many conservatives experience when considering the absurdity of the liberal argument.
With topics including abortion, racism, and feminism, among others, I found the author's discussion of each to be rational and succinct, with the exception of the chapters on feminism, which I felt were too long-winded
Having been written more than a decade ago, and lacking any discussion about terrorism, the war in the Middle East, and the Presidency of Barack Obama, the book is certainly out-dated. May I suggest a sequel? I would love to hear anecdotes from the author's liberal inner-circle about the changes to the political landscape since the turn of the second millenium.
This book provides an insider's look into not only how one's political philosophy evolves from the often liberal idealism of youth into mature, rational, conservatism, but also provides terrific anecdotes, both personal and professional, to illustrate that evolution and the disbelief that many conservatives experience when considering the absurdity of the liberal argument.
With topics including abortion, racism, and feminism, among others, I found the author's discussion of each to be rational and succinct, with the exception of the chapters on feminism, which I felt were too long-winded
Having been written more than a decade ago, and lacking any discussion about terrorism, the war in the Middle East, and the Presidency of Barack Obama, the book is certainly out-dated. May I suggest a sequel? I would love to hear anecdotes from the author's liberal inner-circle about the changes to the political landscape since the turn of the second millenium.
February 16, 2008
I don't think I've ever voted for a Republican running for a major office (maybe Secretary of State once), but I found this book quite humorous and if you can take your political views with a grain of salt I think this book does a pretty good job of pointing out the foibles and inconsistencies in any belief system. Did it make me more conservative? No. Did it make me laugh? Yes, and for that I am grateful. Just don't expect a bunch of stats and policy-wonkish ideas from Stein to back up his claims...
July 17, 2009
Does this reveal too much about me? I was also raised in a deeply Democratic home and came to my new conclusions much the same way Stein did.
August 20, 2012
Some interesting insider info about the media.
August 6, 2023
2.5 stars. I found Stein's inside knowledge of the journalism industry interesting (but not surprising), and he had some pretty funny zingers about the hypocrisy of the far left (which undoubtedly could also be applied to the far right), but overall found his writing style rambling and without adequate structure.
Some items to remember:
His dedication sets the tone: "To those celebrities who, against all odds, have selflessly kept their policial views to themselves."
On the religious right:
"Old me: A bunch of crazed zealots out to impose their repressive, intolerant, theocratic values on the rest of us. The greatest threat to our freedom.
New me: A bunch of crazed zealots who pretty much kept to themselves until 'progressive' zealots started imposing their values on them and theirs via popular culture and the schools. The second greatest threat to our freedom."
In response to pushing ideology in schools: "Children today know much more than they understand...for al their pseudo sophistication, they still feel and think like children."
On extremism: "Those in the sensible middle are always at a disadvantage, because most of us just want to go about our lives. We don't really understand extremism. But extremism generates fanaticism, and fanatics get a lot done."
On the closing off of intellectual freedom in universities: "Until a generation ago, higher education's mission was crystal clear, unchanged since the founding of Harvard in 1636: to preserve and defend the essential truths of the past while providing a safe haven for open debate on the wrenching questions each new generation must face in an evolving world."
Some items to remember:
His dedication sets the tone: "To those celebrities who, against all odds, have selflessly kept their policial views to themselves."
On the religious right:
"Old me: A bunch of crazed zealots out to impose their repressive, intolerant, theocratic values on the rest of us. The greatest threat to our freedom.
New me: A bunch of crazed zealots who pretty much kept to themselves until 'progressive' zealots started imposing their values on them and theirs via popular culture and the schools. The second greatest threat to our freedom."
In response to pushing ideology in schools: "Children today know much more than they understand...for al their pseudo sophistication, they still feel and think like children."
On extremism: "Those in the sensible middle are always at a disadvantage, because most of us just want to go about our lives. We don't really understand extremism. But extremism generates fanaticism, and fanatics get a lot done."
On the closing off of intellectual freedom in universities: "Until a generation ago, higher education's mission was crystal clear, unchanged since the founding of Harvard in 1636: to preserve and defend the essential truths of the past while providing a safe haven for open debate on the wrenching questions each new generation must face in an evolving world."
January 9, 2019
Many left-wingers will hate this book, because Harry Stein is the embodiment of what they fear. Stein is someone who was once a dedicated follower of the Democrats in the US and the left, but he realised he was on the wrong path and turned his back on them. It is a must-read for anyone feeling disillusioned with the self-righteous, trendy left-wing establishment which nowadays seems to kid itself that it's still the counter-culture. They aren't, they've become the establishment and a somewhat puritanical one at that. Harry Stein writes in an entertaining and accessible way. He dashes off in multiple directions but remains coherent, he sometimes left me confused as to what he was aiming to do as a whole, but he still kept my interest going and pulled things together in the end.
However, that said, Stein is most relevant when he's exploring the mainstream media, which is something he really knows inside out. He also has some enlightening insights into the culture wars at the end of the 20th century and stretching into the present century. He is very well acquainted with many prominent politicial figures in the US and their foibles, especially in the case of the Clintons, who he fearlessly dissects. Not to their advantage, shall we say.
He writes at length and cuttingly about the serious weaknesses of the French, having lived and worked in France for several years. His assertion is that far from being a nation of free-thinking nonconformists as they like to imagine, they're really hemmed in by their own rules and conformity. He very tellingly quotes Charles Gombault who said
"In France, Watergate would have been forgotten in three days... Censorship is unnecessary, and so is ordering people around. Everyone just knows what they're supposed to do and so, without even thinking about it, they self-censor. "
This is typical of the sort of refreshing light that Stein likes to shine into all sorts of the corners that he explores. I found reading his book gave me some fresh insights and overall it is a very enjoyable and entertaining read especially for those who have transitioned from the left to a more conservative position or anyone fascinated by politics. I'm puzzled as to why Stein's books seem very difficult to find in an Amazon search, I needed the exact title to find anything at all. Very odd! Should I be suspicious?....
However, that said, Stein is most relevant when he's exploring the mainstream media, which is something he really knows inside out. He also has some enlightening insights into the culture wars at the end of the 20th century and stretching into the present century. He is very well acquainted with many prominent politicial figures in the US and their foibles, especially in the case of the Clintons, who he fearlessly dissects. Not to their advantage, shall we say.
He writes at length and cuttingly about the serious weaknesses of the French, having lived and worked in France for several years. His assertion is that far from being a nation of free-thinking nonconformists as they like to imagine, they're really hemmed in by their own rules and conformity. He very tellingly quotes Charles Gombault who said
"In France, Watergate would have been forgotten in three days... Censorship is unnecessary, and so is ordering people around. Everyone just knows what they're supposed to do and so, without even thinking about it, they self-censor. "
This is typical of the sort of refreshing light that Stein likes to shine into all sorts of the corners that he explores. I found reading his book gave me some fresh insights and overall it is a very enjoyable and entertaining read especially for those who have transitioned from the left to a more conservative position or anyone fascinated by politics. I'm puzzled as to why Stein's books seem very difficult to find in an Amazon search, I needed the exact title to find anything at all. Very odd! Should I be suspicious?....
July 9, 2016
Harry Stein was an idealist and liberal as a young adult. This work chronicles his evolution into a person that is more right-leaning. He credits the beginning of this process with the birth of his children as he pondered on the kind of America he wanted them to inherit. He presents his conservative beliefs sucintly and in a very compelling manner. The following are the areas that he covers:
Honor: It is lost. How lying is not just tolerated, but almost respected.
Media: How it is biased to liberal thinking.
Political correctness. How it stifles open debate of different ideas.
Victimhood: How it is a good excuse for just about everything.
Feminism: Has it gone too far? A double standard?
Education: The teaching of revisionist history. What happened to our colleges and universities? 6.
Higher Education: What ever happened to our colleges and universities? Why is open debate no longer? mission to preserve and defend the essential truths of the past while providing a safe haven for open 7.
Racism and affirmative action. It does not do what it really supposed to.
I found this to be a very good read. At first, I expected to get a bit more humor ala P.J. O’Rourke. Still it is entertaining and fearfully prophetic. Written in 2000, it was a mere harbinger of things to come.
Honor: It is lost. How lying is not just tolerated, but almost respected.
Media: How it is biased to liberal thinking.
Political correctness. How it stifles open debate of different ideas.
Victimhood: How it is a good excuse for just about everything.
Feminism: Has it gone too far? A double standard?
Education: The teaching of revisionist history. What happened to our colleges and universities? 6.
Higher Education: What ever happened to our colleges and universities? Why is open debate no longer? mission to preserve and defend the essential truths of the past while providing a safe haven for open 7.
Racism and affirmative action. It does not do what it really supposed to.
I found this to be a very good read. At first, I expected to get a bit more humor ala P.J. O’Rourke. Still it is entertaining and fearfully prophetic. Written in 2000, it was a mere harbinger of things to come.
July 11, 2015
Stein shows himself capable of what most people are not: actual intellectual evolution. This book is about how a man matured, retained his sense of humor, and came to understand how the world really works. And yet...I think the author still has some growing to do. No, Harry, The American Spectator and The Weekly Standard are not good magazines -- not much more so than The Nation or Utne Reader. You most likely enjoy reading them -- as I sometimes do -- because they offer warmth and comfort to the conservative camp and they give hell to the other side. Yes, they are witty and occassionally insightful. But, let's face it, they can be every bit as puerile and almost (though not quite) as predictable as the dull political magazines of the left.
January 12, 2016
3.5 stars - Very interesting read. I picked this one up while in the middle of "The Girl Watcher's Club." There were some informative and intriguing parts - I especially liked the revisiting of Bill Clinton's checkered past considering the current election year. I also loved his inclusion of Sullivan Ballou's letter to his wife Sarah which I had never read before. It was a truly moving and beautiful letter and if you haven't read it, I recommend you stop reading this review and go read that instead: http://www.civilwar.org/education/his....
Anyway, this was an interesting and thought-provoking book if a bit rambly. There were parts I skipped, but overall I'm glad I read it.
Anyway, this was an interesting and thought-provoking book if a bit rambly. There were parts I skipped, but overall I'm glad I read it.
December 29, 2012
Published in 2000, this book seems very dated now. No 9/11, no Barack Obama, no tea parties or occupations...though I did find the comments about the Clintons, still major political forces, fascinating knowing how things have progressed for them. Stein makes some good points, but his prose is rambling and I found it hard to focus. The book is categorized as a biography, but should be shelved with books on politics.
June 5, 2007
life changing?
February 6, 2009
An original and refreshing insight...Not what you'll hear from the popular, main-stream media. At times, the writing was hard to follow, as he occasionally drifts off into tangents.
December 8, 2009
refreshingly funny. period.
January 19, 2011
While the book feels slightly disjointed at times, I still found it extremely refreshing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews