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jiujensu's reviews
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No Is Not Enough: Resisting Trump's Shock Politics and Winning the World We Need by Naomi Klein
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
So I'm waiting on Naomi Klein's Doppleganger (audio) from the library, so I got No Is Not Enough - it was written when Trump was elected. Some is old news - but in many ways, we're repeating it! So you should read it, lol. She's one of a few pubic figures I agree with on most things - a rare stress free listen/read. I love how she connects anti-capitalism, anti-war, healthcare, human rights, feminism, racial justice, environmentalism where many liberals will put several of these in competition. She reassures us that we CAN have nice things! (At the end)
Check this out, though. This quote describes exactly what we're seeing with how Democrats are treating Palestinians. Democrats, both voters and officials, believe they are entitled to the Palestinian and Arab vote, despite US funding genocide and doubling down on discrimination (free speech/assembly/employment). Democrats are preemptively blaming Palestinians for Trump. Go to Mars, i say!
I like the way Michelle Alexander (via Klein) puts it here.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, came out strongly against Clinton during the primaries, arguing that her track record on criminal justice and welfare meant she did not deserve the Black vote. But she also chose not to publicly endorse Sanders. The most urgent message of the 2016 election, she told me, is: "If progressives think they can win in the long run without engaging meaningfully with Black folks and taking racial history more seriously, they better get Elon Musk on speed dial and start planning their future home on Mars, because this planet will be going up in smoke."
It's a message we need to learn fast. Because if Left populist candidates keep missing the mark, and Democrats keep putting up establishment candidates in their place, there is every reason to expect an increasingly belligerent Right to keep on winning."
~~~~~~~~~~
That last bit is perfect. Trump and his ilk will keep winning if the Dems keep offering up crap centrist candidates with no substance. It won't be black people's fault. It won't be Palestinians' fault. It won't be the fault of idealistic, self-important, performative, uppity leftists like me (or so I've been called) who oppose genocide, apartheid and occupation. The blame rests with the Democratic Party.
In the quote: ~engage meaningfully~ with Palestinians - treat them as equals, oppose genocide, oppose occupation, oppose apartheid, boycott/sanction/embargo Israel until it complies, learn why the two state solution is dead, learn about the one secular democratic state option.
Examine those biases - why don't you accept any Palestinian or Arab news sources as objective or legitimate as CNN, NPR, NYT or even JPost? Why does it take one Israeli death, but 10,000 - 40,000 Palestinian deaths to warrant national attention? Why do you say Israeli self-defense and Palestinian terrorism? Why does Israel 'have a right to exist' but Palestine and Palestinians do not? How can you call it a war when it's against the population you occupy? Why do you share Israeli sources who don't fact check their government propaganda (40 beheaded babies, babies in ovens, most moral army, they don't bomb hospitals, etc) and refuse to share Palestinian journalists on the ground? Why are Israelis hostages, but Palestinians are prisoners? Why do you only start the clock when a rocket lands in Israel (and not at 1918 or 1948 when it began)? Why do you believe Israel is the perpetual victim responding despite the fact that it can turn the electricity and water off at the drop of a hat? Why do you allow Israel self-defense from the people it OCCUPIES, but Palestinians aren't allowed to resist occupation? Why do you demand Palestinians (and the world) recognize Israel as a Jewish only apartheid ethnostate, but do not require everyone to recognize a basic level of humanity or self-determination for Palestinians? Why is Palestinians basic humanity perpetually on trial - we *may* think about talks that will lead to other talks about a possible state IF they do x, y, and z (usually - give up Palestinians right to resist, accept Palestinian administered/funded occupation, and celebrate Israeli generosity when you can have a few disconnected bits of land, no right of return, no control of borders, and of course no real authority).
***Anyway, I know some of you don't think this way (I appreciate you!) - I'm reacting to infuriating to annoying conversations I've had when I was less judicious with my time and social media connections as well as the US media environment generally. What 🗑.
Check this out, though. This quote describes exactly what we're seeing with how Democrats are treating Palestinians. Democrats, both voters and officials, believe they are entitled to the Palestinian and Arab vote, despite US funding genocide and doubling down on discrimination (free speech/assembly/employment). Democrats are preemptively blaming Palestinians for Trump. Go to Mars, i say!
I like the way Michelle Alexander (via Klein) puts it here.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, came out strongly against Clinton during the primaries, arguing that her track record on criminal justice and welfare meant she did not deserve the Black vote. But she also chose not to publicly endorse Sanders. The most urgent message of the 2016 election, she told me, is: "If progressives think they can win in the long run without engaging meaningfully with Black folks and taking racial history more seriously, they better get Elon Musk on speed dial and start planning their future home on Mars, because this planet will be going up in smoke."
It's a message we need to learn fast. Because if Left populist candidates keep missing the mark, and Democrats keep putting up establishment candidates in their place, there is every reason to expect an increasingly belligerent Right to keep on winning."
~~~~~~~~~~
That last bit is perfect. Trump and his ilk will keep winning if the Dems keep offering up crap centrist candidates with no substance. It won't be black people's fault. It won't be Palestinians' fault. It won't be the fault of idealistic, self-important, performative, uppity leftists like me (or so I've been called) who oppose genocide, apartheid and occupation. The blame rests with the Democratic Party.
In the quote: ~engage meaningfully~ with Palestinians - treat them as equals, oppose genocide, oppose occupation, oppose apartheid, boycott/sanction/embargo Israel until it complies, learn why the two state solution is dead, learn about the one secular democratic state option.
Examine those biases - why don't you accept any Palestinian or Arab news sources as objective or legitimate as CNN, NPR, NYT or even JPost? Why does it take one Israeli death, but 10,000 - 40,000 Palestinian deaths to warrant national attention? Why do you say Israeli self-defense and Palestinian terrorism? Why does Israel 'have a right to exist' but Palestine and Palestinians do not? How can you call it a war when it's against the population you occupy? Why do you share Israeli sources who don't fact check their government propaganda (40 beheaded babies, babies in ovens, most moral army, they don't bomb hospitals, etc) and refuse to share Palestinian journalists on the ground? Why are Israelis hostages, but Palestinians are prisoners? Why do you only start the clock when a rocket lands in Israel (and not at 1918 or 1948 when it began)? Why do you believe Israel is the perpetual victim responding despite the fact that it can turn the electricity and water off at the drop of a hat? Why do you allow Israel self-defense from the people it OCCUPIES, but Palestinians aren't allowed to resist occupation? Why do you demand Palestinians (and the world) recognize Israel as a Jewish only apartheid ethnostate, but do not require everyone to recognize a basic level of humanity or self-determination for Palestinians? Why is Palestinians basic humanity perpetually on trial - we *may* think about talks that will lead to other talks about a possible state IF they do x, y, and z (usually - give up Palestinians right to resist, accept Palestinian administered/funded occupation, and celebrate Israeli generosity when you can have a few disconnected bits of land, no right of return, no control of borders, and of course no real authority).
***Anyway, I know some of you don't think this way (I appreciate you!) - I'm reacting to infuriating to annoying conversations I've had when I was less judicious with my time and social media connections as well as the US media environment generally. What 🗑.
Scared Silent by Mildred Muhammad
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
Most will remember the DC Sniper case as a terrorism case - because that's how courts, tabloids and other publications wanted to sell it. But we were so wrong.
It was a domestic violence case where the authorities neglected/failed at their jobs. She is likely still living today because of a whole lot of luck and a strong support system between her family and mosque. The authorities didn't bother entering Mildred Muhammad's children's kidnapping, restraining order against her husband, etc until after he murdered people and they finally decided they wanted to arrest John. It's mind blowing that in neglecting her safety/not bothering to protect her, they ended up putting the ENTIRE city in danger. Two thirds of the mass shootings in the US are related to domestic violence. If authorities cared enough to protect victims, we'd ALL be safer.
We don't seem to have learned too much since this was published in 2009. Though Mildred has done all she can to help - she set up an organization and has resources at the end of the book. She's a force of nature.
I wouldn't have taken another look at this or known about the book if it weren't for the You're Wrong About podcast. I highly recommend both.
It was a domestic violence case where the authorities neglected/failed at their jobs. She is likely still living today because of a whole lot of luck and a strong support system between her family and mosque. The authorities didn't bother entering Mildred Muhammad's children's kidnapping, restraining order against her husband, etc until after he murdered people and they finally decided they wanted to arrest John. It's mind blowing that in neglecting her safety/not bothering to protect her, they ended up putting the ENTIRE city in danger. Two thirds of the mass shootings in the US are related to domestic violence. If authorities cared enough to protect victims, we'd ALL be safer.
We don't seem to have learned too much since this was published in 2009. Though Mildred has done all she can to help - she set up an organization and has resources at the end of the book. She's a force of nature.
I wouldn't have taken another look at this or known about the book if it weren't for the You're Wrong About podcast. I highly recommend both.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Soul in Exile by Fawaz Turki
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
From 1988. There's something about these older books. You get a bit more detail because these historical events of 1976 or 1982 so long ago are fresh in the author's mind. And in this particular one, you will learn about Palestinians' experience in Lebanon and being expelled from there too.
There are several passages that echo Israelis Oct 7 - April bombardment - execution of healthcare workers, so many children losing both parents, traumatized children walking and walking, libraries reduced to rubble. But there are also accounts of Turki's UN speeches and Palestinian congess involvement, so it isn't all gruesome detail.
I think this could help someone understand Palestine today.
There are several passages that echo Israelis Oct 7 - April bombardment - execution of healthcare workers, so many children losing both parents, traumatized children walking and walking, libraries reduced to rubble. But there are also accounts of Turki's UN speeches and Palestinian congess involvement, so it isn't all gruesome detail.
I think this could help someone understand Palestine today.
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Tiny book, but packs a big punch. I'll be thinking of this one long after. Both the clever subtle symbols and the obvious stated comparisons of now vs 1949 are brilliant.
The image of the cemetery in Germany is particularly vivid - I just read several accounts of Palestinian cemeteries being bombed either in Mondoweiss or the book, Light in Gaza.
Additionally, the spider or snake bite at the beginning is a brilliant symbol, I have to say, and the novel's ending is rather perfect. I wanted a happy ending, but the world has work to do in Palestine to uncover truth and bring about justice if we want a better ending irl.
The image of the cemetery in Germany is particularly vivid - I just read several accounts of Palestinian cemeteries being bombed either in Mondoweiss or the book, Light in Gaza.
Additionally, the spider or snake bite at the beginning is a brilliant symbol, I have to say, and the novel's ending is rather perfect. I wanted a happy ending, but the world has work to do in Palestine to uncover truth and bring about justice if we want a better ending irl.
Fugitive Dreams: Chronicles of Occupation and Resistance by Ramsey Hanhan
challenging
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
This one is a fictionalized account, so it has the feel of a memoir and tracks with actual historical events. Centered is the Palestinian Christian story, which I think USians don't usually consider when they think Palestine. This seems like a good place to start.
It covers all facets - from the Nakba, Israeli war crimes and genocide from its beginning, schooling and practicing any religion under occupation, the physical borders (and ruminations on all borders), admiration and disillusionments with his birth country and his adopted country, going home, change, being a child, having a child. It's all here. The universal human experience but with the added danger and pressure cooker of occupation by a settler colonial power still trying to this day to ethnically cleanse the land AND control the narrative.
In the last few chapters there is a lot to think about. Hanhan talks about identity, not letting victimhood define you, and peace - both regional and personal.
It covers all facets - from the Nakba, Israeli war crimes and genocide from its beginning, schooling and practicing any religion under occupation, the physical borders (and ruminations on all borders), admiration and disillusionments with his birth country and his adopted country, going home, change, being a child, having a child. It's all here. The universal human experience but with the added danger and pressure cooker of occupation by a settler colonial power still trying to this day to ethnically cleanse the land AND control the narrative.
In the last few chapters there is a lot to think about. Hanhan talks about identity, not letting victimhood define you, and peace - both regional and personal.
Love Story by Erich Segal
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Not my typical fare! I read this because of the TV show (and book) Good Girls Revolt, which I give five stars, by the way. I like owning the book and getting into the show by reading a book the characters are reading. I absolutely love that. It was popular at the time I guess. Allegedly an epic love story. Kill off the woman to help the man learn grand life lessons because he can't possibly see through the misogyny ~without~ the universe taking away his most prized possession. The lesson? It's okay to cry. Once. If your possession/fiance dies.
I think it was supposed to be witty and edgy at the time - the two that fall in love throw insults around to express affection. Maybe it was progressive that Jenny went to Radcliffe and was going to study music in Paris or that she grew up working class and married money. Generally, it was a wildly patriarchal story in every way, especially when Oliver was given the authority/ability whether or not to tell Jenny she had a terminal illness, like she was a child.
I'd give it five stars for helping set the scene for the events of Good Girls Revolt, but I can't footnote the rating. That book is the world those women who fought for equal pay lived in. But story-wise, not good, lol. Less than one star.
I think it was supposed to be witty and edgy at the time - the two that fall in love throw insults around to express affection. Maybe it was progressive that Jenny went to Radcliffe and was going to study music in Paris or that she grew up working class and married money. Generally, it was a wildly patriarchal story in every way, especially when Oliver was given the authority/ability whether or not to tell Jenny she had a terminal illness, like she was a child.
I'd give it five stars for helping set the scene for the events of Good Girls Revolt, but I can't footnote the rating. That book is the world those women who fought for equal pay lived in. But story-wise, not good, lol. Less than one star.
War in Ukraine by Nicolas J.S. Davies, Medea Benjamin
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Finally an honest look at the Russia Ukraine conflict from an anti-war perspective. It's short and to the point and tackles the history and main causes as well as all propaganda, both US and Russian. Read and test your knowledge - did you believe all the propaganda or did you sort it out?
We Crossed a Bridge and It Trembled: Voices from Syria by Wendy Pearlman
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This is a collection of personal accounts and memories from the Syrain revolution. The only commentary comes in the introduction. I love this approach - collectively, you get a good picture of the politics and aspirations of the people where US media reports may have obscured and muddled the facts. There are stories as in Gaza of children as young as five losing all hope and wishing to die. There are truths about refugees - that they are here to work with you not against you and if you don't want refugees in your county, work for peace in Syria. More than one person details how they had hope other nations would support them in the beginning, but the US just bombed ISIS and made things worse. Sometimes they recount life in America and how they had to learn about debit cards and credit scores and every store asks for your email and then you "get a thousands of emails from Home Depot, my God."
I think this is one you'd enjoy even if you aren't into politics or foreign affairs - very human and engaging. But I hope it makes everyone consider the lives we destroy with our US "defense budget" every year and think about what else we could do with all that money.
I think this is one you'd enjoy even if you aren't into politics or foreign affairs - very human and engaging. But I hope it makes everyone consider the lives we destroy with our US "defense budget" every year and think about what else we could do with all that money.