What do you think?
Rate this book
On Fascism: 12 Lessons From American History
On Fascism exposes the authoritarian vein that runs through American history and challenges the dominant "exceptional" narrative that underwrites our national mythology.
America is the shining city on the hill. Our history exemplifies steady, unimpeded progress toward a more perfect union where equality, democracy, liberty, and justice are guaranteed for all.
America isn’t perfect, but it’s the best of all possible worlds.
This is the common tale of American exceptionalism. It is a myth that excuses our past (and our present for that matter) instead of examining it. We are not innocents. And we must stop pretending that we are.
MacWilliams offers an eye-opening examination of the authoritarian moments in our country's past and how Americans themselves may be less "enlightened" than the principles underwriting our national mythology—thus showing how our recent illiberal turn may be more familiar than we care to admit.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 4hrs. and 30mins.
©2020 Matthew C. MacWilliams (P)2020 Macmillan Audio
America is the shining city on the hill. Our history exemplifies steady, unimpeded progress toward a more perfect union where equality, democracy, liberty, and justice are guaranteed for all.
America isn’t perfect, but it’s the best of all possible worlds.
This is the common tale of American exceptionalism. It is a myth that excuses our past (and our present for that matter) instead of examining it. We are not innocents. And we must stop pretending that we are.
MacWilliams offers an eye-opening examination of the authoritarian moments in our country's past and how Americans themselves may be less "enlightened" than the principles underwriting our national mythology—thus showing how our recent illiberal turn may be more familiar than we care to admit.
RUNNING TIME ⇒ 4hrs. and 30mins.
©2020 Matthew C. MacWilliams (P)2020 Macmillan Audio
Audible Audio
First published October 13, 2020
150 people are currently reading
2524 people want to read
About the author
Matthew C. Macwilliams
3 books20 followersMATTHEW C. MACWILLIAMS is a scholar and recognized expert on authoritarianism. He was the first researcher to use survey research to establish a link between Trump’s core supporters and authoritarianism. His work has been reprinted or referenced by leading media around the world including CNN, MSNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, The Washington Post, Newsweek, and NPR. He has spoken to more the 50 Members of Congress and leaders from across Europe about the rise of authoritarianism.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 11, 2020
On Fascism covers America's dark past that still continues to bleed into todays current events. It goes over events such as the trail of tears, lynching of Black Americans, Japanese internment camps, and Trump's presidency. MacWilliams gives statistics on American’s who still don’t believe in racial equality which is not surprising but shocking nonetheless. America continues to ignore the past and will affect our future, as it is currently. "Our failure to admit and take responsibility for past transgressions, to reconcile the past with the present stands squarely between America and America's future".
He concludes with ways we as a society can work together and change our democracy. I feel that there could've been a bit more elaboration in certain places but I do like how we explained why and how we are right back in square one with racism and fascism residing in the White House. Overall, this is a quick and insightful read. Thank you so much to St. Martin's press and Netgalley for inviting me to read this arc!
He concludes with ways we as a society can work together and change our democracy. I feel that there could've been a bit more elaboration in certain places but I do like how we explained why and how we are right back in square one with racism and fascism residing in the White House. Overall, this is a quick and insightful read. Thank you so much to St. Martin's press and Netgalley for inviting me to read this arc!
May 11, 2021
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for providing an ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a really interesting book to read. It's all about democracy and how fascism and authoritarianism threaten it. I kind of wish I had read this sooner. It's a great starter piece to diving into the polarization of the two party system in the USA.
On Fascism gives 12 lessons that demonstrate specific moments from history that were important threats to democracy or how authoritarianism was twisted to look like democracy. I really liked that this book was focused on showing that the USA is not the paragon of democracy so many of its citizens are. It also takes specific historical examples and shows the failures of this country.
While I do wish the examples had been longer and had longer discussion sections on what these events mean for the future etc, I still learned a lot. With how short this book is, it will be super easy to reread. It's a great starting point for finding events to learn more about that aren't taught in school to their full extent like the Japanese-American internment, The Trail of Tears and how Jackson forcefully made many Cherokee people leave their homes, the fact that while Abraham Lincoln was anti-slavery, he was still very much a racist and more.
This was a really interesting book to read. It's all about democracy and how fascism and authoritarianism threaten it. I kind of wish I had read this sooner. It's a great starter piece to diving into the polarization of the two party system in the USA.
On Fascism gives 12 lessons that demonstrate specific moments from history that were important threats to democracy or how authoritarianism was twisted to look like democracy. I really liked that this book was focused on showing that the USA is not the paragon of democracy so many of its citizens are. It also takes specific historical examples and shows the failures of this country.
While I do wish the examples had been longer and had longer discussion sections on what these events mean for the future etc, I still learned a lot. With how short this book is, it will be super easy to reread. It's a great starting point for finding events to learn more about that aren't taught in school to their full extent like the Japanese-American internment, The Trail of Tears and how Jackson forcefully made many Cherokee people leave their homes, the fact that while Abraham Lincoln was anti-slavery, he was still very much a racist and more.
September 29, 2020
Well.
First, I need to say that one should not read this like I did. I left it to long and then had to power read it to get it done so I could review it for NetGalley. THAT is not recommended. If I could, I would go back and start MUCH earlier and take 12 - 14 days to read this and really delve into the 12 lessons and then the several appendixes at the end. This book deserves way more time than I was able to give it.
That said, it was totally worth my time to read it. EVERYONE should be reading this book. There is some pretty horrifying stuff in this book - as someone who is a history buff, I was shocked at some of the stuff I was learning. You'd think that we, as Americans, would learn from our past and mistakes, but alas, no. We are doomed apparently to keep making the same stupid mistakes over and over. When WILL we get it through our heads that people who do not look like us are NOT INFERIOR TO US?? Sigh.
For the most part, this book is very easy to read. There are parts that I struggled with because, well, the author loves a big word. He REALLY loves a big word that no one but an intellectual has ever heard of [thank the heavens for the dictionary on the Kindle. That really, really helped with this book] and there were definite moments of W T HECK does that mean. But other than that, this book reads really well. There is absolutely no mistake what the author is saying here - it is laid out really well. Fascism is alive and well in this country and we, as those who are terrified by it, need to stand up and make a change. And well, if you read this and aren't horrified, chances are, you shouldn't have even bothered to pick this one up. The 12 lessons are laid out in a way that anyone can get and I spent a lot of time highlighting. SO much to unwrap and learn here. Some of the statistics he writes about made my blood both boil and then freeze in the veins. And I spent a lot of time shaking my head at just how disillusioned America has become. And how long the trail of that really extends behind us. And it is both exhausting and terrifying.
I highly recommend this book - there is a LOT of really important information in this book, and again, I think it should be required reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
First, I need to say that one should not read this like I did. I left it to long and then had to power read it to get it done so I could review it for NetGalley. THAT is not recommended. If I could, I would go back and start MUCH earlier and take 12 - 14 days to read this and really delve into the 12 lessons and then the several appendixes at the end. This book deserves way more time than I was able to give it.
That said, it was totally worth my time to read it. EVERYONE should be reading this book. There is some pretty horrifying stuff in this book - as someone who is a history buff, I was shocked at some of the stuff I was learning. You'd think that we, as Americans, would learn from our past and mistakes, but alas, no. We are doomed apparently to keep making the same stupid mistakes over and over. When WILL we get it through our heads that people who do not look like us are NOT INFERIOR TO US?? Sigh.
For the most part, this book is very easy to read. There are parts that I struggled with because, well, the author loves a big word. He REALLY loves a big word that no one but an intellectual has ever heard of [thank the heavens for the dictionary on the Kindle. That really, really helped with this book] and there were definite moments of W T HECK does that mean. But other than that, this book reads really well. There is absolutely no mistake what the author is saying here - it is laid out really well. Fascism is alive and well in this country and we, as those who are terrified by it, need to stand up and make a change. And well, if you read this and aren't horrified, chances are, you shouldn't have even bothered to pick this one up. The 12 lessons are laid out in a way that anyone can get and I spent a lot of time highlighting. SO much to unwrap and learn here. Some of the statistics he writes about made my blood both boil and then freeze in the veins. And I spent a lot of time shaking my head at just how disillusioned America has become. And how long the trail of that really extends behind us. And it is both exhausting and terrifying.
I highly recommend this book - there is a LOT of really important information in this book, and again, I think it should be required reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/St. Martin's Griffin for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2020
Every American political campaign, and every administration has produced its fair share of 'tell-all' books, but never before a book quite like ON FASCISM. Matthew C. MacWilliam points to and debunks American exceptionalism by citing authoritarianism as a practice known back to Plymouth Plantation and slave labor landing in Savannah Harbor right up to the brutal killing of George Floyd.
Every book I read, I do so, quite literally, from cover to cover… dedications, author's notes… everything but the index. When you read ON FASCISM, start at the very beginning and you will understand that this book is not only contemporary but as up-to-the-minute as is possible.
The subtitle of this book, "12 Lessons from American History," is a clear indication of its intent. MacWilliams' goal here is to remove the rose-colored glasses and educate Americans in the actual history of their nation. The American Myth is just that… myth. That myth is the result of whitewashing (pun intended) our history to foster complacency based on lies and obfuscation. Each of these history lessons uses examples from the past that can be updated to the 21st century by simply removing names and dates. Did I learn anything? I most certainly did… and, in general, I think of myself as educated and informed. The rhetoric of the authoritarian is not limited to those on the right but crops up in some unexpected places.
The American media has used the word 'unprecedented' to describe the acts and actions of the current administration ad nauseum. By reviewing American history as codified since its inception, I have learned that this is just not so. Our current situation sees the media hanging on to every 'alternate fact' and outright lie and reporting them to the American people. This has happened before, and will undoubtedly happen again.
This is a book that every American should read. History, as it has been taught in school, tends to forget that Native Americans owned the land that was taken from them by European settlers. It doesn't tell us that the very foundation of our nation was for the benefit of white men. It doesn't tell us that long before there were 13 colonies, slave ships were bringing kidnapped Africans to our shores. These are inconvenient truths when you want to foment otherness for the benefit of a single elite.
Before the campaign that started in 2015 and its result in 2016, I was an avid reader of fiction. Over the years, there was the odd non-fiction book that caught my eye, but such books did not revolve around politics. In the past four plus years, I have learned much about the history of the United States of which I was unaware. I read ON FASCISM in less than a day. It is a fairly quick read that made me examine not only the American story, but my understanding of it. At the end of the day, we can choose to support and defend our republic or stand idle and let it become a fascist state. There are many things I could quote; however, the one statement that stood out in this Presidential election year: "When institutions like the Department of Justice ignore the Constitution and flaunt the rule of law, changing leadership at the top is not a sufficient remedy. The institution itself must be changed to protect democracy." To truly fix what is wrong today, we must start with our local officials and see what they are doing to push us toward "a more perfect union."
Every book I read, I do so, quite literally, from cover to cover… dedications, author's notes… everything but the index. When you read ON FASCISM, start at the very beginning and you will understand that this book is not only contemporary but as up-to-the-minute as is possible.
The subtitle of this book, "12 Lessons from American History," is a clear indication of its intent. MacWilliams' goal here is to remove the rose-colored glasses and educate Americans in the actual history of their nation. The American Myth is just that… myth. That myth is the result of whitewashing (pun intended) our history to foster complacency based on lies and obfuscation. Each of these history lessons uses examples from the past that can be updated to the 21st century by simply removing names and dates. Did I learn anything? I most certainly did… and, in general, I think of myself as educated and informed. The rhetoric of the authoritarian is not limited to those on the right but crops up in some unexpected places.
The American media has used the word 'unprecedented' to describe the acts and actions of the current administration ad nauseum. By reviewing American history as codified since its inception, I have learned that this is just not so. Our current situation sees the media hanging on to every 'alternate fact' and outright lie and reporting them to the American people. This has happened before, and will undoubtedly happen again.
This is a book that every American should read. History, as it has been taught in school, tends to forget that Native Americans owned the land that was taken from them by European settlers. It doesn't tell us that the very foundation of our nation was for the benefit of white men. It doesn't tell us that long before there were 13 colonies, slave ships were bringing kidnapped Africans to our shores. These are inconvenient truths when you want to foment otherness for the benefit of a single elite.
Before the campaign that started in 2015 and its result in 2016, I was an avid reader of fiction. Over the years, there was the odd non-fiction book that caught my eye, but such books did not revolve around politics. In the past four plus years, I have learned much about the history of the United States of which I was unaware. I read ON FASCISM in less than a day. It is a fairly quick read that made me examine not only the American story, but my understanding of it. At the end of the day, we can choose to support and defend our republic or stand idle and let it become a fascist state. There are many things I could quote; however, the one statement that stood out in this Presidential election year: "When institutions like the Department of Justice ignore the Constitution and flaunt the rule of law, changing leadership at the top is not a sufficient remedy. The institution itself must be changed to protect democracy." To truly fix what is wrong today, we must start with our local officials and see what they are doing to push us toward "a more perfect union."
October 23, 2020
Our fervent belief in the myth of American exceptionalism persuades us that we are uniquely immune to the activation of authoritarianism. Some of us contend that we are different from people in every other country in the world.
We are not.
Many people, both within and outside the United States believe that Trump is as aberration. In his book On Fascism author Matthew CC Mac Williams, as the subtitle suggests, looks at '12 lessons from American history', interspersed with statistics on beliefs held by Americans today, to show this is untrue; that, in fact, the US has flirted with authoritarianism right from the beginning and it will not end with Trump's removal from office. As he shows, US democracy is much more fragile than most want to believe and it will take a conscious effort including a real reckoning with the past if it is to survive.
On Fascism is a short but well-written and -researched book in language that is easily accessible to those without background in either US history or the politics of authoritarianism. It is a timely and important book and I urge, not only Americans, but others outside the US to read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
We are not.
Many people, both within and outside the United States believe that Trump is as aberration. In his book On Fascism author Matthew CC Mac Williams, as the subtitle suggests, looks at '12 lessons from American history', interspersed with statistics on beliefs held by Americans today, to show this is untrue; that, in fact, the US has flirted with authoritarianism right from the beginning and it will not end with Trump's removal from office. As he shows, US democracy is much more fragile than most want to believe and it will take a conscious effort including a real reckoning with the past if it is to survive.
On Fascism is a short but well-written and -researched book in language that is easily accessible to those without background in either US history or the politics of authoritarianism. It is a timely and important book and I urge, not only Americans, but others outside the US to read it.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
July 29, 2022
2.5 rounded up. This is borderline spolier-ish but I think there is still so much in the book that isn’t gone through in here.
I’ll start by saying the individual points this book makes are compelling - and the central theme that “America is not this exception to history and has never experienced fascism, but instead has in fact experienced authoritarianism” is well laid out and very compelling. However it’s the other side of Macwilliams’ central argument that “America is unique in what its founding fathers set out to do, just have struggled to realize” that I struggled with. Macwilliams goes into great depth about the “periods” of authoritarianism in US history but never discusses any periods when it wasn’t authoritarian… which leads to the question - was there ever a period when it wasn’t authoritarian? Instead of addressing this Macwilliams goes on to repeatedly conclude that anyone who questions the democratic institutions of the United States is therefore authoritarian in nature, while simultaneously and contradictory repeatedly acknowledging that the founding fathers actively othered everyone around them.
Some of the other issues I had were the consistent both side-ism that he peppers in at the end of most chapters. Pages and pages are spent talking about how minorities and other marginalized groups are terrorized and oppressed but then is like, but don’t other their oppressors, or else you’re a fascist too!
The nail in the coffin was in his conclusion/methodology section - when he describes one of the inclination factors towards authoritarianism as a desire for military rule, but then calls on every American to spend a year in service, including serving in the American military… who actively decides the rule in countless countries since the Cold War…
To sum this rant up, the historical aspects of this book are extremely well researched and laid out in an easy to read way. But the overall argument just feels a little like Macwilliams was writing with neoliberal, I just watched Hamilton, blinders on.
I’ll start by saying the individual points this book makes are compelling - and the central theme that “America is not this exception to history and has never experienced fascism, but instead has in fact experienced authoritarianism” is well laid out and very compelling. However it’s the other side of Macwilliams’ central argument that “America is unique in what its founding fathers set out to do, just have struggled to realize” that I struggled with. Macwilliams goes into great depth about the “periods” of authoritarianism in US history but never discusses any periods when it wasn’t authoritarian… which leads to the question - was there ever a period when it wasn’t authoritarian? Instead of addressing this Macwilliams goes on to repeatedly conclude that anyone who questions the democratic institutions of the United States is therefore authoritarian in nature, while simultaneously and contradictory repeatedly acknowledging that the founding fathers actively othered everyone around them.
Some of the other issues I had were the consistent both side-ism that he peppers in at the end of most chapters. Pages and pages are spent talking about how minorities and other marginalized groups are terrorized and oppressed but then is like, but don’t other their oppressors, or else you’re a fascist too!
The nail in the coffin was in his conclusion/methodology section - when he describes one of the inclination factors towards authoritarianism as a desire for military rule, but then calls on every American to spend a year in service, including serving in the American military… who actively decides the rule in countless countries since the Cold War…
To sum this rant up, the historical aspects of this book are extremely well researched and laid out in an easy to read way. But the overall argument just feels a little like Macwilliams was writing with neoliberal, I just watched Hamilton, blinders on.
March 3, 2021
I was ready to give this 3 stars until the conclusion. There was far too much glorification of the founding fathers' "intentions" throughout, and the final remarks took it to a whole other level. There needed to be more discussion on the causes of fascism from an economic lens. I don't know how a person can analyze fascism without any discussion of capitalism. Also, our founding fathers were staunch, racist capitalists and wrote the founding documents accordingly. So that glorification misses the mark in a big way for me.
There was plenty of value and depth in how it talked about each specific event when isolated from the greater analysis that was needed, however. Those parts made it feel like a well-researched podcast on each event, but in a book, when brought all together, the conclusions fell flat.
There was plenty of value and depth in how it talked about each specific event when isolated from the greater analysis that was needed, however. Those parts made it feel like a well-researched podcast on each event, but in a book, when brought all together, the conclusions fell flat.
September 2, 2020
Better Title: On Fascism I Disagree With. In this text, MacWilliams does something I've literally never seen before, at least not this blatantly. He takes the concept of "prooftexting" from Christian nonfiction/ preaching, wherein the speaker (or writer) selectively quotes particular passages in "proof" of whatever point they are making, and uses the same technique using American History itself as his "inerrant" source. And as with all prooftexters, MacWilliams does indeed make a solid point here or there, but specifically in relation to the other St Martin's Press title whose review spurred this one - Divided We Fall by David French - this book is but a pale comparison at best. To the level that if one can *only* read one of the two, go with French's text over this one. Yes, it is longer, and yes, it still comes from a particular ideological background. But it is also *far* more balanced, nuanced, and I daresay insightful. Here, MacWilliams blatantly ignores virtually all authoritarianism from the left, including from current Presidential candidate Joseph R. Biden while consistently railing against that of the current President of the United States, Donald J Trump. He further has a very narrow definition of "democratic" and claims that anyone who doesn't meet that definition for any reason whatsoever is "authoritarian", seemingly completely unaware that Anarchists exist and fight "democracy" as nothing more than the iron fist of authoritarianism in the velvet glove of being benevolent to the chosen few.
Finally, in an irony that cannot be ignored by myself in particular - as I run a Facebook page called "He Didn't F*cking Say That" - MacWilliams begins and ends the text referencing Benjamin Franklin's "a republic, if you can keep it" line... which didn't appear in the American lexicon until 1906 according to the Yale Book of Quotations, over a century after Franklin's death. And yet despite this (or seemingly ignorant of the quote being apocryphal), MacWilliams seems to be unaware of his hypocrisy as he decries McCarthy's butchering of some of Lincoln's lines during his own quest for power.
On the whole, this was an interesting and at least quick read. But if one is looking for a complete - or even moderately adequate - takedown of fascism and an exploration of its history in America, sadly this is not such a text. Recommended if only for the few salient points it does make and its brevity.
Finally, in an irony that cannot be ignored by myself in particular - as I run a Facebook page called "He Didn't F*cking Say That" - MacWilliams begins and ends the text referencing Benjamin Franklin's "a republic, if you can keep it" line... which didn't appear in the American lexicon until 1906 according to the Yale Book of Quotations, over a century after Franklin's death. And yet despite this (or seemingly ignorant of the quote being apocryphal), MacWilliams seems to be unaware of his hypocrisy as he decries McCarthy's butchering of some of Lincoln's lines during his own quest for power.
On the whole, this was an interesting and at least quick read. But if one is looking for a complete - or even moderately adequate - takedown of fascism and an exploration of its history in America, sadly this is not such a text. Recommended if only for the few salient points it does make and its brevity.
April 21, 2021
Are you one of the many Americans that are authoritarian minded? These 12 lessons expertly shared by Macwilliams are chilling and revelatory.
August 27, 2020
This book will alarm you, and it should. MacWilliams doesn't pull punches. It's not meant to be exhaustive. This small volume succinctly and bluntly makes the case that, frankly, we have problems. And the book seems to be intended for those who are perhaps less aware of our nation's history. I hope that such an audience is actually reached.
MacWilliams front loads the text with a sort of state-of-the-union in which he shares some truly terrifying statistics. For example, he mentions that 42% of our population does not believe that all groups in America should have an equal chance at success. The list goes on and on.
He makes his point in 12 chapters, starting with the Lincoln-Douglas debates and concludes with the surveillance society that developed post-9/11, touching on the loss of a free press, our ever-crumbling belief in the value of truth, and how we treat immigrants.
I'm purposefully using first person because, like MacWilliams, I believe that we have to take ownership of the problems our nation faces. It's time to stop claiming that "they", the other side of the spectrum, are responsible for all of society's ills. This book makes it clear that we have never had a perfect union. There were no " good old days". And we're growing further and further from the ideals on which the country was founded.
MacWilliams front loads the text with a sort of state-of-the-union in which he shares some truly terrifying statistics. For example, he mentions that 42% of our population does not believe that all groups in America should have an equal chance at success. The list goes on and on.
He makes his point in 12 chapters, starting with the Lincoln-Douglas debates and concludes with the surveillance society that developed post-9/11, touching on the loss of a free press, our ever-crumbling belief in the value of truth, and how we treat immigrants.
I'm purposefully using first person because, like MacWilliams, I believe that we have to take ownership of the problems our nation faces. It's time to stop claiming that "they", the other side of the spectrum, are responsible for all of society's ills. This book makes it clear that we have never had a perfect union. There were no " good old days". And we're growing further and further from the ideals on which the country was founded.
September 29, 2020
Fascism: 12 Lessons From American History is a powerful, eye-opening exposé on the death of democracy, and although this is specifically about the views of the American public this applies to pretty much every country in the world. The quote ”please, I can't breathe” - George Floyd’s Final Words (2020) had a big effect on me; seeing those words written in text somehow really moved and angered me even more. In this book, we learn that we have been gradually descending towards this situation for some time. MacWilliams dissects American exceptionalism, using 12 brief but potent lessons from history to illustrate that the dark forces of authoritarianism that face us today are not new. With the seemingly objective statistics presented it is difficult to conclude anything other than the fact that we are hurling inexorably towards even more major societal problems. I was utterly shocked by the facts gleaned from recent research as it shows just how fearful we have become of those who are different from us despite no genuine justification for it. It appears that the rampant propaganda has been successful in attempting to divide and all that's left to do now is conquer.
HL Mencken’s quote about fear is one that very much fits with the concept of this book. ”The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary”. This phrase encompasses exactly what has been taking place since the beginning of time on a political level, but has been ramped up exponentially of late. In succinct and accessible prose, MacWilliams presents a gut-punch of a book which should alarm those who believe in freedom and egalitarianism. This should be a rude awakening for any right-minded person and the use of research statistics, quotes and anecdotes certainly adds to the terror of this topic. Through the 12 chapters, he explores the surveillance state, lack of free press, the changing treatment of immigrants and the diminishing value of truth. Only through activism and stringently holding governments to account can the tide be turned. Highly recommended. Many thanks to St Martin's Griffin for an ARC.
HL Mencken’s quote about fear is one that very much fits with the concept of this book. ”The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary”. This phrase encompasses exactly what has been taking place since the beginning of time on a political level, but has been ramped up exponentially of late. In succinct and accessible prose, MacWilliams presents a gut-punch of a book which should alarm those who believe in freedom and egalitarianism. This should be a rude awakening for any right-minded person and the use of research statistics, quotes and anecdotes certainly adds to the terror of this topic. Through the 12 chapters, he explores the surveillance state, lack of free press, the changing treatment of immigrants and the diminishing value of truth. Only through activism and stringently holding governments to account can the tide be turned. Highly recommended. Many thanks to St Martin's Griffin for an ARC.
January 19, 2023
This book would be a great gift for a young person who is interested in learning more about the ‘darker’ side of American history. It presents in a readable manner events in our country that we tend to gloss over. For that I respect it.
But definitely a few quibbles. The first is just with the title. It’s incredible he wrote this short read allegedly on fascism without once telling us what fascism is! Much more accurate to call it On Authoritarianism but no matter. Fascism is commonly used in this way, so it’s more of a peeve than a critique. But his idea that any questioning of the constitution is a form of authoritarianism is not convincing with me. He presented as a scary statistic that people think the constitution should be updated to reflect the times we live in. The structure of the book and it’s novella length mean that there is no depth or explanations given to any of the events. The jumping around in time is not my favorite, and I would have preferred a straightforward chronological approach rather than this shoe horned method.
The book feels very much the product of its time- a mid trump era “this is not the America I know” book. Fine and dandy. Just not rigorous. One review from someone said it felt like the author had just watched Hamilton, and that I agree with.
But definitely a few quibbles. The first is just with the title. It’s incredible he wrote this short read allegedly on fascism without once telling us what fascism is! Much more accurate to call it On Authoritarianism but no matter. Fascism is commonly used in this way, so it’s more of a peeve than a critique. But his idea that any questioning of the constitution is a form of authoritarianism is not convincing with me. He presented as a scary statistic that people think the constitution should be updated to reflect the times we live in. The structure of the book and it’s novella length mean that there is no depth or explanations given to any of the events. The jumping around in time is not my favorite, and I would have preferred a straightforward chronological approach rather than this shoe horned method.
The book feels very much the product of its time- a mid trump era “this is not the America I know” book. Fine and dandy. Just not rigorous. One review from someone said it felt like the author had just watched Hamilton, and that I agree with.
November 4, 2025
If I could paste the whole book here to make you read it I would but I’ll settle for this quote:
“Fear is a fearsome enemy of democracy and American exceptionalism…Wielded by self-interested political and media elites, it makes discussion, debate, and compromise about public issues virtually impossible and transforms citizens with whom we disagree into enemies.”
tomorrow nov 4th is election day please vote
“Fear is a fearsome enemy of democracy and American exceptionalism…Wielded by self-interested political and media elites, it makes discussion, debate, and compromise about public issues virtually impossible and transforms citizens with whom we disagree into enemies.”
tomorrow nov 4th is election day please vote
January 31, 2025
The “lessons” weren’t exactly new to me, but good to review. The conclusion got a little too centrist for me, though.
October 16, 2020
This book is little more than a padded out Buzzfeed article. Macwilliams adopts an ahistorical, expansive definition of "fascism" to speed-run through twelve times when the flame of American democracy dimmed the most. These are mostly the ones you'd expect, such as McCarthyism, Japanese internment camps, the Alien and Sedition Acts, the Trail of Tears, and Jim Crow lynchings. There are a few deeper cuts included, like Father Coughlin's radio program, the Palmer raids, the Lincoln-Douglas debates, and the Nazi/German American Bund rally at Madison Square Garden.
The title of this book is highly misleading though-- Macwilliams himself rarely analyzes these instances under the rubric of fascism, except when directly comparing to Trump's behaviors. Rather, his lens is "authoritarianism", as defined by Erich Fromm and the Frankfurt School, and further adopted by George Lakoff. Macwilliams peppers the book with statistics from his own survey work in studying authoritarian attitudes in America (and elsewhere); they tie things together but also highlight the Buzzfeedian nature of the text. It just doesn't get that deep, nor will it convince anyone not already on the side of the angels.
Of course I agreed with him that all these instances were dark spots on the supposedly spotless raiment of America. But I didn't learn much new, and all it really established for me is that the fight against authoritarianism, fear, and aggression is long and will be longer still. The best lesson you'll get here is that vibrant democracy takes work, and it easily stumbles in times of trouble both external and internal. As Macwilliams quotes several times, "inter arma enim silent leges" - in times of war, the law falls silent. Some among us appear to believe we are in a state of internal war, and have treated the laws accordingly. It is up to us to fight for the rule of law, even when it seems like extralegal acts may be needed to save the republic. Don't destroy the village to save it.
There are much, much better books on these topics out there. (Pick up Snyder's book whose titular coattails this one is trying to ride.) It's not bad and you can read it in a couple hours, but your time is better spent elsewhere. Go phone bank or attend a protest instead.
The title of this book is highly misleading though-- Macwilliams himself rarely analyzes these instances under the rubric of fascism, except when directly comparing to Trump's behaviors. Rather, his lens is "authoritarianism", as defined by Erich Fromm and the Frankfurt School, and further adopted by George Lakoff. Macwilliams peppers the book with statistics from his own survey work in studying authoritarian attitudes in America (and elsewhere); they tie things together but also highlight the Buzzfeedian nature of the text. It just doesn't get that deep, nor will it convince anyone not already on the side of the angels.
Of course I agreed with him that all these instances were dark spots on the supposedly spotless raiment of America. But I didn't learn much new, and all it really established for me is that the fight against authoritarianism, fear, and aggression is long and will be longer still. The best lesson you'll get here is that vibrant democracy takes work, and it easily stumbles in times of trouble both external and internal. As Macwilliams quotes several times, "inter arma enim silent leges" - in times of war, the law falls silent. Some among us appear to believe we are in a state of internal war, and have treated the laws accordingly. It is up to us to fight for the rule of law, even when it seems like extralegal acts may be needed to save the republic. Don't destroy the village to save it.
There are much, much better books on these topics out there. (Pick up Snyder's book whose titular coattails this one is trying to ride.) It's not bad and you can read it in a couple hours, but your time is better spent elsewhere. Go phone bank or attend a protest instead.
August 1, 2020
Please note this is a 3.5.
A fascinating examination of the history of the United States and the long, troubled history it has with racism that has entrenched itself in the fabric of its society, this book is a short handbook to the myriad issues that the country has always had. I found this book to be interesting and certainly enlightening, but I did find that there were some important omissions made. The lack of discourse on Indigenous American genocide, as well as a focus that didn't touch on Reagan, Clinton, and other eminent racist presidents felt a little lacking.
I do, however, see the merits in the focus on the 'founding fathers' and the comparison between the modern-day and today, and I also appreciate that this provides a swift takedown of the Trump administration and the fascism that has infiltrated the White House since day one. The argument that the present administration is built on the back of dangerous right-wing rhetoric is not just compelling but affirmed by the very existence of the present president. An interesting book, but I had hoped for a little more elaboration on the mechanisms that allowed all of this to occur.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC!
A fascinating examination of the history of the United States and the long, troubled history it has with racism that has entrenched itself in the fabric of its society, this book is a short handbook to the myriad issues that the country has always had. I found this book to be interesting and certainly enlightening, but I did find that there were some important omissions made. The lack of discourse on Indigenous American genocide, as well as a focus that didn't touch on Reagan, Clinton, and other eminent racist presidents felt a little lacking.
I do, however, see the merits in the focus on the 'founding fathers' and the comparison between the modern-day and today, and I also appreciate that this provides a swift takedown of the Trump administration and the fascism that has infiltrated the White House since day one. The argument that the present administration is built on the back of dangerous right-wing rhetoric is not just compelling but affirmed by the very existence of the present president. An interesting book, but I had hoped for a little more elaboration on the mechanisms that allowed all of this to occur.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC!
February 27, 2021
A Review of the Audiobook
Published in September of 2020 by Macmillan Audio.
Read by Kevin Stillwell.
Duration: 4 hours, 18 minutes.
Unabridged.
MacWilliams is a sociologist who studies authoritarianism. He has done a number of surveys over American attitudes towards the Constitution and the freedoms of their fellow citizens and there are areas of concern.
For example, "31% of Americans agree that having a strong leader who does not have to bother with Congress and elections is a good way of governing the United States" and "30% of Americans agree with the statement 'I often find myself fearful of other people of other races.'"
Other stats of concern are:
"44% of Americans agree that increasing racial, religious and ethnic diversity represents a threat to the security of the United States"
When you break down the numbers about "18 percent of Americans are highly disposed to authoritarianism. Another 23 percent or so are attitudinally just one step below them on the authoritarian scale." He goes on to explain that people who are disposed to authoritarianism value "authority, obedience and uniformity over freedom, independence and diversity" and when they grow fearful or are manipulated by an autocrat they will not defend the freedoms of the minority - the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
MacWilliams argues that this is not a new phenomenon. There are some old surveys he can access but there is also the historical record, which is spotty. He didn't have to look very deep - most of these items are in every school child's American history book. For example...
Published in September of 2020 by Macmillan Audio.
Read by Kevin Stillwell.
Duration: 4 hours, 18 minutes.
Unabridged.
MacWilliams is a sociologist who studies authoritarianism. He has done a number of surveys over American attitudes towards the Constitution and the freedoms of their fellow citizens and there are areas of concern.
For example, "31% of Americans agree that having a strong leader who does not have to bother with Congress and elections is a good way of governing the United States" and "30% of Americans agree with the statement 'I often find myself fearful of other people of other races.'"
Other stats of concern are:
"44% of Americans agree that increasing racial, religious and ethnic diversity represents a threat to the security of the United States"
When you break down the numbers about "18 percent of Americans are highly disposed to authoritarianism. Another 23 percent or so are attitudinally just one step below them on the authoritarian scale." He goes on to explain that people who are disposed to authoritarianism value "authority, obedience and uniformity over freedom, independence and diversity" and when they grow fearful or are manipulated by an autocrat they will not defend the freedoms of the minority - the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.
MacWilliams argues that this is not a new phenomenon. There are some old surveys he can access but there is also the historical record, which is spotty. He didn't have to look very deep - most of these items are in every school child's American history book. For example...
January 3, 2025
The unfortunate truth that this book brings to light is that fascist authoritarian ideals have always been apart of America’s history. This nation has a very uncomfortable past. This book does a great job at teaching you about it
Outlining multiple times were people in power have done everything they can do to play into fear and conspiracies to try (and succeed) in getting groups of people to turn on eachother simply because they are different or have different beliefs. Telling stories of America’s past that are completely fueled by hate towards another group of people for no real rhyme or reason.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I have two problems with it. It is a very short book, and I wouldn’t have minded if it was twice the length so it could go into more detail about the history of this country. Not the biggest of deals though because I’m sure there’s tons of books I can read to learn more about each of these events.
My main issue with this book is that I feel like it doesn’t give us any practical advice on how to stand up against and resist fascism. The books conclusion has a short “ten step guide to strengthen America” but it felt kind of sloppily put together. In the current day political landscape, I see so many parallels to our uncomfortable history, and it would’ve of been nice to get some more substance out of the books conclusion.
This is a book that I’d recommend any American read. It highlights many important parts of our history and I feel like is a great jumping off point to learn more about the things that we’ve kind of swept under the rug.
Outlining multiple times were people in power have done everything they can do to play into fear and conspiracies to try (and succeed) in getting groups of people to turn on eachother simply because they are different or have different beliefs. Telling stories of America’s past that are completely fueled by hate towards another group of people for no real rhyme or reason.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I have two problems with it. It is a very short book, and I wouldn’t have minded if it was twice the length so it could go into more detail about the history of this country. Not the biggest of deals though because I’m sure there’s tons of books I can read to learn more about each of these events.
My main issue with this book is that I feel like it doesn’t give us any practical advice on how to stand up against and resist fascism. The books conclusion has a short “ten step guide to strengthen America” but it felt kind of sloppily put together. In the current day political landscape, I see so many parallels to our uncomfortable history, and it would’ve of been nice to get some more substance out of the books conclusion.
This is a book that I’d recommend any American read. It highlights many important parts of our history and I feel like is a great jumping off point to learn more about the things that we’ve kind of swept under the rug.
December 30, 2020
The driving force of this book is surveys about American attitudes toward democracy. The Index of American Authoritarian Attitudes is used as a tool to measure the gap between values, beliefs, and attitudes that Americans are reputed to hold and their actual commitment to democratic principles. The author says that most Americans think that 66% to 90% of their fellow Americans are consistent supporters of democracy. But surveys show that only 54% are strong supporters of democracy, while 31% would not mind having a government run by a strong leader who doesn’t have to pay attention to Congress and elections. Here are a few other examples of underlying undemocratic proclivities:
• 44% of Americans agree that increasing racial, religious, and ethnic diversity represents a threat to the security of the US.
• 26% of white Americans say that black Americans are somewhat to very lazy.
• 24% believe in limiting the freedom of the press and media in the US.
I was not able to independently verify these polls through an internet search, so I don’t know how accurate they are or how robust the methods and conclusions are. But there is supporting evidence from other research that a substantial number of Americans eschew diversity and favor a classic authoritarian leadership style that is simple, powerful, and punitive.
In fact, America’s status (or presumed status) as the world leader of democracy has fallen from grace. The Democracy Index, compiled by the UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit, is based on 60 indicators and categorizes every country into one of four regime types: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes. The report is widely cited in the international press as well as in peer reviewed academic journals. Among authoritarian regimes, North Korea is at the bottom of the one-to-ten scale, scoring 1.08. China (2.26) and Russia (3.11) are also authoritarian regimes. Mexico (6.09) is in the category of flawed democracy, along with countries such as Poland (6.62), Philippines (6.64), Columbia (7.13), Italy (7.52), Israel (7.86), and… hello… the United States (7.96). The next level up is full democracy—Norway is the top ranked at 9.87. Other notable high-rated democracies include Ireland (9.24), Canada (9.22), Australia (9.09), Germany (8.68), and UK (8.52). Interestingly, only 4.5% of the world’s population (20 countries) are rated full democracies, while 43.2% (55 countries) are flawed democracies, 16.7% (39 countries) are hybrid regimes, and 35.6% (53 countries) authoritarian regimes. Note: none of this information was actually in the book, but it seems to indirectly support the book’s proposition that we are not as universally devoted to democracy as we might think.
How did the US go from a shining beacon of democracy to a flawed democracy, ranked 25th in the world? According to MacWilliams, “Democracies remain fragile for political reasons. Not because of social class or culture clash, but because democracies contain within themselves substantial population blocks which are either ambivalent about democracy or opposed to it. And these groups, under particular circumstances and with the right leadership, can be mobilized to weaken or destroy democracy.” The US may have always had the seed of democratic self-destruction within its population. In 1938, 54% of Americans agreed that the persecution of Jews in Europe had been partly their own fault. Another 11% thought it was entirely their own fault. Can these numbers truly be correct? I wasn’t able to independently verify them, but I have found documentation that in 1939 around 20,000 people affiliated with the German American Bund attended a rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Photographs of the event show a picture of George Washington, the American flag, and a Nazi swastika flag together on center stage, its members making the dubious claim that Washington was “America’s first fascist”.
In point of fact, the founding fathers of our democracy knew of this vulnerability. John Quincy Adams warned that democracies are fragile. In a letter to John Taylor, he said, “Remember Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a Democracy yet that did not commit suicide.”
MacWilliams notes that we have a predilection for what James Madison called “the infection of violent passions” (in Federalist 63): “…there are particular moments in public affairs when the people, stimulated by some irregular passion, or some illicit advantage, or misled by the artful misrepresentations of interested men, may call for measures which they themselves will afterwards be the most ready to lament and condemn. In these critical moments, how salutary will be the interference of some temperate and respectable body of citizens, in order to check the misguided career, and to suspend the blow meditated by the people against themselves, until reason, justice, and truth can regain their authority over the public mind?”
MacWilliams says that American history is littered with these Madisonian moments. “Our nation’s egalitarian democratic aspirations have always competed for supremacy with a darker pathological tradition rooted in authority, obedience, and a hegemonic enforcement of majoritarian interests and norms.”
Like a latent virus, the enemy of democracy is within us.
• 44% of Americans agree that increasing racial, religious, and ethnic diversity represents a threat to the security of the US.
• 26% of white Americans say that black Americans are somewhat to very lazy.
• 24% believe in limiting the freedom of the press and media in the US.
I was not able to independently verify these polls through an internet search, so I don’t know how accurate they are or how robust the methods and conclusions are. But there is supporting evidence from other research that a substantial number of Americans eschew diversity and favor a classic authoritarian leadership style that is simple, powerful, and punitive.
In fact, America’s status (or presumed status) as the world leader of democracy has fallen from grace. The Democracy Index, compiled by the UK-based Economist Intelligence Unit, is based on 60 indicators and categorizes every country into one of four regime types: full democracies, flawed democracies, hybrid regimes, and authoritarian regimes. The report is widely cited in the international press as well as in peer reviewed academic journals. Among authoritarian regimes, North Korea is at the bottom of the one-to-ten scale, scoring 1.08. China (2.26) and Russia (3.11) are also authoritarian regimes. Mexico (6.09) is in the category of flawed democracy, along with countries such as Poland (6.62), Philippines (6.64), Columbia (7.13), Italy (7.52), Israel (7.86), and… hello… the United States (7.96). The next level up is full democracy—Norway is the top ranked at 9.87. Other notable high-rated democracies include Ireland (9.24), Canada (9.22), Australia (9.09), Germany (8.68), and UK (8.52). Interestingly, only 4.5% of the world’s population (20 countries) are rated full democracies, while 43.2% (55 countries) are flawed democracies, 16.7% (39 countries) are hybrid regimes, and 35.6% (53 countries) authoritarian regimes. Note: none of this information was actually in the book, but it seems to indirectly support the book’s proposition that we are not as universally devoted to democracy as we might think.
How did the US go from a shining beacon of democracy to a flawed democracy, ranked 25th in the world? According to MacWilliams, “Democracies remain fragile for political reasons. Not because of social class or culture clash, but because democracies contain within themselves substantial population blocks which are either ambivalent about democracy or opposed to it. And these groups, under particular circumstances and with the right leadership, can be mobilized to weaken or destroy democracy.” The US may have always had the seed of democratic self-destruction within its population. In 1938, 54% of Americans agreed that the persecution of Jews in Europe had been partly their own fault. Another 11% thought it was entirely their own fault. Can these numbers truly be correct? I wasn’t able to independently verify them, but I have found documentation that in 1939 around 20,000 people affiliated with the German American Bund attended a rally in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Photographs of the event show a picture of George Washington, the American flag, and a Nazi swastika flag together on center stage, its members making the dubious claim that Washington was “America’s first fascist”.
In point of fact, the founding fathers of our democracy knew of this vulnerability. John Quincy Adams warned that democracies are fragile. In a letter to John Taylor, he said, “Remember Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a Democracy yet that did not commit suicide.”
MacWilliams notes that we have a predilection for what James Madison called “the infection of violent passions” (in Federalist 63): “…there are particular moments in public affairs when the people, stimulated by some irregular passion, or some illicit advantage, or misled by the artful misrepresentations of interested men, may call for measures which they themselves will afterwards be the most ready to lament and condemn. In these critical moments, how salutary will be the interference of some temperate and respectable body of citizens, in order to check the misguided career, and to suspend the blow meditated by the people against themselves, until reason, justice, and truth can regain their authority over the public mind?”
MacWilliams says that American history is littered with these Madisonian moments. “Our nation’s egalitarian democratic aspirations have always competed for supremacy with a darker pathological tradition rooted in authority, obedience, and a hegemonic enforcement of majoritarian interests and norms.”
Like a latent virus, the enemy of democracy is within us.
May 2, 2021
A quick, pointed survey of some pretty damnable events in American history, some expected (Japanese internment) and some new to me (American Nazi rally in Madison Square Gardens).
This isn’t a careful, nuanced argument, nor a comprehensive historical survey—it’s a series of rapid-fire points and provocations designed to argue that America’s relationship with fascism specifically and authoritarianism generally is nothing new.
A quick read for anyone wanting to better understand the histories behind contemporary US politics; everyone should be thinking about these events and the kinds of questions they raise.
For me, though, this is 3.5 stars. I’d have to look at his sources and notes more carefully to bump it up; at times it felt a little “wobbly” as a whole.
This isn’t a careful, nuanced argument, nor a comprehensive historical survey—it’s a series of rapid-fire points and provocations designed to argue that America’s relationship with fascism specifically and authoritarianism generally is nothing new.
A quick read for anyone wanting to better understand the histories behind contemporary US politics; everyone should be thinking about these events and the kinds of questions they raise.
For me, though, this is 3.5 stars. I’d have to look at his sources and notes more carefully to bump it up; at times it felt a little “wobbly” as a whole.
March 26, 2025
a helpful review of American history, delineating periods of our history when fascism, authoritarianism, or populism won the day. reviewing these periods of American history contextualizes our current political environment; in other words, this is not the first time fear and polarity have gripped our nation. in that light, the book feels like it is intended to be somewhat hopeful — we have weathered such storms before, and we can make it through this one, too.
i have to admit, though, i finished the book feeling even more disenchanted with American politics than when i started — if that’s even possible. the accounts here show how closely we have flirted (and gone to bed with) fascism for decades.
with all this in mind, i would say the author concludes with a lot more hope in American democracy’s ability to address fascism than i think is warranted.
would recommend this book for anyone who wants to grapple with fascism and how it has impacted this country over time. would not recommend if you’re looking to learn how to overcome it.
i have to admit, though, i finished the book feeling even more disenchanted with American politics than when i started — if that’s even possible. the accounts here show how closely we have flirted (and gone to bed with) fascism for decades.
with all this in mind, i would say the author concludes with a lot more hope in American democracy’s ability to address fascism than i think is warranted.
would recommend this book for anyone who wants to grapple with fascism and how it has impacted this country over time. would not recommend if you’re looking to learn how to overcome it.
May 17, 2025
It’s painful to read about your own young country’s history with example after example of when it suspended the constitution and governed with authoritarianism. I read this to further pull the wool off my eyes to see what is transpiring in real time is just a modern-day version of what was once labeled McCarthyism: Trumpism. We’ve been down this road before, it is and will be painful, but will the great experiment finally conclude with heart-rending conclusions?
October 12, 2020
On Fascism is a great read that illuminates America's darker history that over the years has been ignored or covered up. Reading this book will enlighten the reader of how racism and hate at the highest level of government has an lasting effect on our democracy. It also tells what can happen if that hate and racism counties to flourish.
Note: I received a free copy from St Martins Press
Note: I received a free copy from St Martins Press
April 6, 2021
Short, brusque, to the point. Very thought-provoking.
Read
February 19, 2025Nice, quick overview of the history of authoritarianism in America that ends with a couple thoughts on how to move forward. Would be interested in talking to the author now, 1 month in
July 4, 2025
3.5, rounded down. It was a good read, but too quick to contain anything of true depth
September 29, 2020
Highly readable, 'On Fascism' is the ideal book for those wanting to know more about fascism and for library collections short on readily available clear, concise information.
December 24, 2020
While a longer book could’ve been more in depth, On Fascism skillfully avoids paranoid sensationalism in favor of thoughtful and compelling examination of our history and future.
November 13, 2025
I feel like there's an extremely specific type of person who would enjoy this book, and for the rest of us it's just a waste of time. There's far too little depth or analysis or serious discussion on facism to make this interesting to anyone who is even vaguely well-read on this topic (i.e anyone who doesn't need to be told what lynching is). There's too much biased language for this to appeal to moderate or right-wing readers. There's no strong call to action that would move your softcore lib Ruthkanda Forever relatives.
The perfect audience for this book is the dumbest but most kind-hearted white boy you know. The kind of guy who's open minded, but totally ignorant. The kinda guy who says he supports womens rights, and he's genuinely a supportive friend to you, but he's never heard of the glass cieling and he thinks there's only one hole. You know the guy. Just give this book to him and move on.
The perfect audience for this book is the dumbest but most kind-hearted white boy you know. The kind of guy who's open minded, but totally ignorant. The kinda guy who says he supports womens rights, and he's genuinely a supportive friend to you, but he's never heard of the glass cieling and he thinks there's only one hole. You know the guy. Just give this book to him and move on.
September 6, 2020
As this book and history reminds us we have had leaders which have done horrible things in order to further their own interests, fears or hatreds, and we will probably have more leaders in the future. But it would help if we could learn from out past mistakes when choosing these people. This book was enlightening and disheartening at the same time. The US has a darker history of acts that are not so honorable. There doesn't seem to be anyone that the people of the US has not hated. It is easy to see why people are protesting. The people have had enough hatred. It is time to stop the vitriol that is spewed on a daily or hourly basis. It is up to us to stand up and fight for our republic or we will sadly fall into the abyss of fascism.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews