Why I Stand highlights the threat of Marxist Socialism to our American culture. The victor will determine the heart, soul, and freedom of our nation for future generations.
American Individualism has been the crown jewel of a nation that, based on its Judeo-Christian values, has prioritized God, family, and freedom to out-dream its obstacles. It is the freedom of this individual spirit that is under attack by its adversarial ideology, Marxist Socialism. This destructive ideology has resulted in “killing fields” of bodies, souls, and dreams of billions worldwide. Consistent is the destruction of manhood, womanhood, the family, and every pillar that supports love of God and country.
Why I Stand documents an ideology that uses trust to divide and betray. It was the ideology of the 1910 NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) founded by twenty-one White Marxist Socialist, atheist, and eugenicist Democrats. They succeeded within decades to undermine the progress of the most entrepreneurial, patriotic, Christian, educated, family-oriented, and competitive minority in our nation during that era: the Black community.
This strategy of trust/betrayal is utilized by many of today’s politicians and corporate leaders. It has been the Congressional Black Congress that have voted 100% for every anti-Black policy demanded of them by their White Democratic leadership. It has been the NFL that has prioritized its expansion to 10 international countries over loyalty to its American fans. Its leadership has justified the denigration of its “All American” brand in exchange for a global “World Citizen” brand.
“American Individualism is the sole source of progress, granting each individual the chance and stimulation for development of the best with which he has been endowed in heart and mind.” - President Herbert Hoover
For the record I was born in 1944 so I write this review with some knowledge and personal experience regarding the changes in race relations not only in areas where we lived but also across America. Oftentimes those relations were not what you would call honorable or pretty. I remember the U. S. National Guard killing four students at Kent State University during the turbulent 60s and 70s.
If ever America was desperate for a thorough discussion on race relations it is in 2018 when the country seems more divided than ever in my lifetime.
If you read Burgess Owens’ book Why I Stand expecting a word, phrase, sentence, paragraph or even a chapter explaining why he chooses (and it is a choice) to stand for the National Anthem and the U. S. Flag, you will be disappointed. He explains why throughout the 24 chapters of the book.
I was not surprised at some of the revelations contained in Owens’ book which is actually more like a history book. A history of America YOU WON’T see in many if any history books or classes taught in our schools. On the contrary, this is American history that has for the most part remained hidden from the public. Just as I was NOT surprised by “some” of the revelations, I was totally surprised at others.
My biggest surprise was that a Black man wrote this wonderful book. I can only imagine what other Blacks, men and women, would call him if they were aware of its contents. But if they were aware, maybe they would begin to see the light. Take any problem facing any two or more people and you would be fortunate to have a split decision, 50/50. Yet in America today, over 90% of the Black community vote in block for Democratic Political Candidates and by extension the policies they represent. This is the same Democratic Party that started the slave trade in America and kept it alive for over 100 years. It’s the same Democratic Party that has used its political influence to maintain the American slave trade and to continue with horrific laws that never gave American Blacks a chance to share in the American Dream. Therein lies the shocker. Owens explains why this has happened and why it will continue to happen unless Black Communities become aware of just how Democratic Politicians and Democratic Policies have kept them on a modern day plantation by keeping them dependent upon the Government for their very existence.
More shocking is how Owens singles out members of the Black communities who are elected to office and then legislate the very laws depriving other Blacks of their opportunity for succeeding. Such laws keep everything in a status quo. Owens explains the term The Talented Tenth that describes how some Black politicians and community leaders by their actions show that are the “elites” of the Black communities and they and only they know what is best for the remaining 90%. To remain in power, they must maintain the types of legislation that has existed for decades that puts their collective thumbs on the scales of equality in favor of their legislative power instead of serving the people they are suppose to represent but don’t. You will recognize their names. Names such as Jackson, Waters, Conyers, Sharpton, Lee, and yes even Obama.
This is a shocking expose on race relations in America. Who should read the book? EVERYONE, WITHOUT EXCEPTION! Would I read it again? Probably. Would I give it as a gift? Already have!
Wonder perspective on the rise of socialism in American society
The book was eye opening for me. Owens traces Socialism/Marxism through the 20th century to the present day and the destruction it has caused for Americans. A must read. Highly recommended.
Excellent accounting of how Socialism and Marxist ideologies over the last 100+ years have twisted what American individuality meant for all Americans and ushered in class divisions and a perpetual dependency on the taxpayers which grows without end. A great deal of references and well written.
I wish Burgess Owens would write more books, I learn something new every time I read one. I’d like to see him write a biography on Booker T Washington.
If you liked Liberalism, or How To Turn..., you’ll love Why I Stand.
I really wanted to love this book, but I couldn't. While the facts were there and the writing was well done, there were just too many repeated topics (almost line for line repetition in some cases). I understand that the author inserted the exact same information in several different chapters to drive home certain topics, dates and personal experiences, but I couldn't get past it.
However, I appreciate the message the author conveyed, and I'm in agreement with him that the Marxist liberals in government are stealing the dignity of American citizens. The author focused on the fact that black Americans are targeted, specifically, but really all races are targeted by the lies of the socialist movement. Good book overall and, if you can see past the repetitiveness, I recommend it.
Great topic and message....but Burgess duplicates many of the facts and quotes...makes for a book that is twice as long as it needed to be. Small print at that...
This book will open your eyes , motivate and enhance your ability to be a better individual. His book is based on true data and history. God bless Burgess Owens.
If this book doesn't raise your blood pressure you are dead or a liberal, people need to wake up and understand the left's agenda. Owens does a great job of presenting just that, from the NFL to the elite 10%, he tells the story.
Each chapter feels like a hypocritical repeat of the last chapter. Too often than not Owens will use the same evidence and points to argue leaving the book to be an absolute slog to get through.
Also the undertones of sexism, disdain for any none Judeo-Cristian Religion and homophobia Owens glides over while making bigoted remarks make his argument stand weaker as he continues to attack people unlike himself, while trying to convince you that in America we are American first and all the same in the end.
If your truly curious about Owens Opinion I suggest reading the first 99 pages and the skipping to the last chapter but even then it’s not worth it.
This wasn't a terrible book or anything but I'm having trouble rating it just because it wasn't necessarily for me. It's very technical and fact after fact and I find it hard to enjoy books like that. I like stories and experiences. It has some that I found really interesting but most of it I found boring to read and it put me to sleep a few times. I did actually learn quite a bit that I didn't know though so it was definitely worth the read.
Hard one to rate. The info is 5* but it is very repetitive in pointing out issues with the Congressional Black Caucus (among others). Many chapters are not terribly readable. But the nuggets that delve into the shady if not illegal real estate deals that went on in Chicago while Obama was a senator are fascinating. Illustrative about how most politicians are in it for the cash and not the constituents.
A BLISTERING examination of groups and individuals who appear to aspire to take down America. The author examines organizations and names names, repeatedly to the point of fatigue. Insightful, troubling. B/W pix, no index.
Excellent. A lot of great information and insights. Occasionally gets repetitive. This book was released in 2018, but it remains extremely relevant and makes you realize that things are not improving. Burgess Owens has given us all a wakeup call.
A very fact driven and evidence based book on the myths created by the leftist media and liberal elites. Some of the chapters seem randomly placed and a lot of repetition. Probably could have been five chapters less and still had the same info.