Thanks But No Thanks: The Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin (Get a Jump on 2012!) ( Reg. $3.99/$3.99)
| Binding | Kindle Edition |
|---|---|
| Sales Rank | 294037 (Bestsellers) |
| Author | Sue KatzStephen WindwalkerSandy Oppenheimer |
| Edition | Kindle Original |
| Release Date | 2008-09-30 |
| Language | English |
| Page | 178 |
| Tags | thanks voter guide sarah palin jump |
Who is Sarah Palin and what does she believe in? People around the country -- and indeed the world -- had more questions than answers when John McCain announced her selection as his running mate on August 29, 2008. Has any national political candidate ever emerged on the American political scene with less scrutiny than Alaska Governor Sarah Palin received prior to her selection?
Whether you believe Palin was nominated because of years of hard work in Alaska, as a result of a reckless decision by her "maverick" running mate, or because of the influence of the religious right, you probably want to know more about this remarkable political phenom.
Hours after John McCain shocked the nation by selecting Palin as his surprise Republican running mate, journalists, activists, and ordinary concerned citizens began to research and write about Palin's biography, public statements, and political background. The flood of information and commentary has been torrential.
For those who would like some help sorting through all the hype about Sarah Palin, Sue Katz's Thanks But No Thanks: The Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin is the perfect solution. Katz distills the overwhelming glut of information about Palin into a highly readable and fast-paced voter's guide about the woman who may be elected vice-president in 2008 and who could well serve as president one day. From Palin's days in Wasilla to her leap into Republican super-stardom, Katz helps you to better understand this intriguing candidate.
While remaining true to her own strong point of view, Sue Katz looks beyond the lipstick and the sound bites. Thanks But No Thanks synthesizes information and commentary from a wide range of sources so that readers of any political persuasion will find help in educating themselves about just who Sarah Palin is and what her election might mean for the country and the world.
This book is for voters who want to go beyond the usual campaign "puff piece" biographies and learn about Palin's known views on everything from community organizers to women's issues to the relationship of faith and politics. Thanks But No Thanks provides the reader with access to interesting voices from around America and the world, and they all have something insightful to say about Sarah Palin.
In addition, the publisher has included several valuable appendices that will serve as handy references for voters and debate-watchers: a year-by-year chronology of key events in Palin's life, a detailed history of Palin's performance in past elections, and the full text of her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention.
About the Author
Author and teacher Sue Katz has published journalism and political commentary for many years and is the creator of the popular Sue Katz: Consenting Adult blog. Her passport shows more wear than Palin’s--she has lived and worked on three continents, teaching martial arts in her institutes in Israel, promoting global volunteerism while living in Europe, and writing, editing and teaching (from salsa to senior fitness) in the United States. A rebel with a newfound interest in electoral politics, Sue continues her lifelong commitment to social justice activism from her home outside Boston. She attended Boston University as an undergraduate and earned her master's degree from Tel Aviv University. Her second book, an edgy and unabashed look at the private behavior of boomers, is due in 2009.
About the Cover
The unique collage portrait of Sarah Palin was created expressly for the Thanks But No Thanks cover by artist Sandy Oppenheimer. Her well-deserved international reputation reflects this distinctive style, and her creations are as affordable as they are exceptional.
Whether you believe Palin was nominated because of years of hard work in Alaska, as a result of a reckless decision by her "maverick" running mate, or because of the influence of the religious right, you probably want to know more about this remarkable political phenom.
Hours after John McCain shocked the nation by selecting Palin as his surprise Republican running mate, journalists, activists, and ordinary concerned citizens began to research and write about Palin's biography, public statements, and political background. The flood of information and commentary has been torrential.
For those who would like some help sorting through all the hype about Sarah Palin, Sue Katz's Thanks But No Thanks: The Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin is the perfect solution. Katz distills the overwhelming glut of information about Palin into a highly readable and fast-paced voter's guide about the woman who may be elected vice-president in 2008 and who could well serve as president one day. From Palin's days in Wasilla to her leap into Republican super-stardom, Katz helps you to better understand this intriguing candidate.
While remaining true to her own strong point of view, Sue Katz looks beyond the lipstick and the sound bites. Thanks But No Thanks synthesizes information and commentary from a wide range of sources so that readers of any political persuasion will find help in educating themselves about just who Sarah Palin is and what her election might mean for the country and the world.
This book is for voters who want to go beyond the usual campaign "puff piece" biographies and learn about Palin's known views on everything from community organizers to women's issues to the relationship of faith and politics. Thanks But No Thanks provides the reader with access to interesting voices from around America and the world, and they all have something insightful to say about Sarah Palin.
In addition, the publisher has included several valuable appendices that will serve as handy references for voters and debate-watchers: a year-by-year chronology of key events in Palin's life, a detailed history of Palin's performance in past elections, and the full text of her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention.
About the Author
Author and teacher Sue Katz has published journalism and political commentary for many years and is the creator of the popular Sue Katz: Consenting Adult blog. Her passport shows more wear than Palin’s--she has lived and worked on three continents, teaching martial arts in her institutes in Israel, promoting global volunteerism while living in Europe, and writing, editing and teaching (from salsa to senior fitness) in the United States. A rebel with a newfound interest in electoral politics, Sue continues her lifelong commitment to social justice activism from her home outside Boston. She attended Boston University as an undergraduate and earned her master's degree from Tel Aviv University. Her second book, an edgy and unabashed look at the private behavior of boomers, is due in 2009.
About the Cover
The unique collage portrait of Sarah Palin was created expressly for the Thanks But No Thanks cover by artist Sandy Oppenheimer. Her well-deserved international reputation reflects this distinctive style, and her creations are as affordable as they are exceptional.
Poorly written! Bren808 #2010-01-31- While I agree with her premise that Sarah Palin shouldn't be elected to anything at any time, I couldn't read the whole book because it was so badly written. This "author" needs an editor. She wrote it in haste and blames that for any "split infinitives or too much alliteration." Yes, it does have split infinitives. Even though she was finishing the project in a hurry, a quick run through a spell checker would have found those for her. "Too much alliteration"? That's not a problem that people usually notice or comment about. But, way, way to many dashes along with many other grammatical errors make this impossible to enjoy.
Plain Talk about Palin No Northern Exposure #2008-10-10- I thought I had "Sarah Palin overload," until I heard about this book Thanks But No Thanks. Now I don't feel guilty for not reading every article and watching every program. Sue Katz seems to have done it for me. I'm grateful for her hard work and plain talk.
- INSIGHTFUL AND INFORMATIVE M. Burgos "Expert Ki #2008-10-01
- I've been hoping for many weeks that the McCain camp would have provided more background information on Gov. Palin by now to help voters better understand who she is and what she's done. What's happened to date is sad and unfair to voters: she's given few interviews and gives a lot of canned comments when campaigning and speaking in public. This has really bothered me because I consider myself a moderate so I try very hard to learn what both sides are like in any presidential campaign and I don't always vote in lock-step with my party. Thankfully Sue Katz has written an informative guide to help people like me learn more about the candidate and help me make a better decision next month when I vote. It's a good read, and just in time for the vice presidential debate tomorrow. Definitely worth the price and more.
- Katz describes accurately what I know as a former evangelical N. D. Floyd from Ida #2008-10-11
- I have to say that Katz describes accurately what you can expect behind the "maverick" facade with Palin's likely ascent to the presidency. Like Palin, I was raised evangelical in Idaho. As Katz describes, I too fooled people with my impressive appearance and converted "Jews for Jesus". Like Palin, I, as an "instrument of God's will", worked toward nuclear Armageddon in Israel. (This all sounds unbelievable, unless you are an evangelical fundamentalist. This is prophesied for end times (when the world will end in fire, the first time it was Flood) required to prepare the imminent return of Christ, as described in Revelations.)
Be forwarned, in the Palin candidacy, extreme religious zealots are closer than they have ever been to ultimate power. For thirty years the Billy Graham-Pentacostal-Jesus evangelicals have striven to seize power on behalf of war to the finish between Christ and Anti-Christ. All the references in this campaign to Obama using such labels are not accidental, they are code for stages of a religious war for power in this country. I know--I used to be one of them.
Palin truly believes as I did that she is doing God's will. Belief in God in your gut must be the only guide. Reason is the enemy, a tool of the Devil.
I recommend this book. Katz has made a huge effort without time to polish, because of this dark horse candidate sprung on the national scene by McCain.
Katz covers not only this much misunderstood religious civil war now just short of victory. She also highlights the economic and social gulf between the image of a supposed "woman who can do everything" and the reality of a woman who will sacrifice her own presence in the life of her young and suffering children on the alter of a messianic religious cause to which she feels herself anointed by God. Palin's economic and social policies continue policies of penalizing working women by denying equal pay for equal work, by refusing them protection in case of rape, denying them education appropriate to sexual activity. In summary, Hillary, Palin isn't, you betcha, and she ain't no maverick, neither. She is part of the onward evangelical army, marching as to Armageddon, and we're all going with her.
Under President Palin,affiliated with evangelicals now within sight of their long-sought victory, you will see renewed recklessness in our 'end-times' foreign policy regarding Israel, Iran, Iraq, as well as gross interference in your rights as families to privacy, crushing the separation of church and state.
One heartbeat away from ultimate power--or even less, given Palin's youth, and McCain's age, melanoma, and his otherwise unintelligible refusal to release his full medical records for thorough review by public doctors. He clearly is hiding truth from appropriate analysis before an election.)
The machinery for this control of the levers of power has all been laid under the Bush administration, from claiming dictatorial levels of executive privilege, to salting extreme partisan judges throughout the judiciary, to destroying the non-partisan civil service, to appointing the Roberts Supreme Court, to destroying documentation and transparency of governmental actions, to wiretapping without warrants, arresting legal demonstrators, classifying dissent as treason.The recent McCain Palin town hall meetings have been nearly hysterical with threats against their opponent--they taste the blood of victory.
- Didn't Expect Love Poem But Also Not a Vitriolic Spewing voracious reader #2008-10-04
- I'm sorry I can't agree with the other reviewers. By the title, I didn't expect a love poem to Sarah Palin; but I also didn't expect a vitriolic spewing against her. I expected a fair rendition of facts "so vigorously researched." Apparently Ms. Katz doesn't like Sarah Palin because Sarah Palin is a conservative, Christian, anti-feminist, the exact opposite of Sue Katz. While Ms. Katz' own words seem to indicate that she does not believe in Jesus ("Oh, I forgot, I'm one of the heathens who, for too many reasons to list, is simply not going to be among those with god-given visas to Alaska"), she doesn't hesitate to invoke Jesus' name when it suits her ("Jesus was a Community Organizer, Pontius Pilate was a Governor.) She talks about "the truth," but then praises Hilary Clinton. Does anyone remember "the truth" of the Clinton presidency?
Let me say that I am a white female. Most of my friends consider me a liberal. I think of myself as a moderate but not a feminist. I believe in gay rights, civil rights, pro-choice and Jesus. While Ms. Katz would require that I produce them, I do have good friends of both sexes who happen to be gay.
I volunteered to read this book and write a review. By doing so, I got a free MSWord copy e-mailed to me. I preferred to buy it from Amazon so I could read it on my Kindle. I now feel cheated.
- Thanks, but no thanks Mr. Ed "Mr. Doiteasy #2011-12-11
- The title is apt. This was a free book from Amazon in Dec. 2011 so I decided to "buy" it. I do appreciate it being free, but after reading most of it I feel that I still paid too much.
The other reviews on this book are primarily from 2009, but they ring true. Those who like it are anti-Palin and those who don't are not. I did not read the reviews prior to getting it, but I can see why they were written.
From a bipartisan perspective, this book is not. For an accuracy perspective, this book is not. It was written by a partisan for partisans. If you dislike Palin, you may like the book even with it shortcomings. If you like Palin, you will totally dislike the book. If you are a person who follows politics and listens, watches, read various viewpoints, you will find nothing new. It is a compilation of everything negative and nothing positive.
They say truth is stranger than fiction, but that has nothing on fiction masquerading as truth. Not that this is all fiction, but the fact checking leave much to be desired. If I was a political writer for the WashPost, I would give it Three Pinocchios. If I were a professional book reviewer, I'd have to give this one Three Thumbs Down.
As an aside, Amazon's editorial review of this book appears to have been written by the author. Shame on you Amazon. A little editorial honesty, please.
- Who Is Sarah Palin and How Did She Get That Way? Genevieve Kazdin "du #2008-10-02
- In less than a month, Sue Katz turned out a searing look at Sarah Palin. Katz shows us the inconsistencies, the inaccuracies, the confusions that come out of Palin's mouth. We see the influences on this candidate (and we cringe--at least, I did). And some of us wonder if she actually has the strength of conviction to stand up to some of these influences. But wait! Just what ARE her convictions? Palin has not spelled that out for us, has she? Or perhaps I have been unable to find them, buried under the inaccuracies.
Sue Katz's book has been helpful to me. Not in the least because of the extensive bibliography she has included. Katz did her homework here, and I doubt many readers have found the time to do this for themselves. I sure haven't had time! I can use Katz's bibliography to lead me quickly to what I need to read. I didn't need this book to form an opinion about Palin, but it certainly helped organize my thoughts between reality and emotion.
I wish Katz had had time to add thoughts about the Biden-Palin debate (at this writing, that debate is this evening), and perhaps to have one more look by a proofreader. But we are getting close to election day and there was no more time.
The bottom line is that Sue Katz does not think Palin is capable of leading the country, and she tells us why -- AND backs up her decision with research. Thank you for this, Sue. And Sarah? Thanks, but no thanks!
- A must read for voters of either party lizzy l #2008-10-13
- Sue Katz has written exactly the book every voter needs to read in order to understand who Sarah Palin is and why we should care. This book is not only a comprehensive analysis of Palin's record and stands on various issues but also a blast to read. It is funny without taking cheap shots and smart without being snooty. It is the kind of book you quote when talking to friends about this candidate; is a must read.
- One side of the story luvsaz #2008-10-09
- If you are looking for an unbiased compilation of facts regarding Gov. Sarah Palin, this is not the book for you. This is an opinion piece written by a woman who resents younger women, suffers from ageism, and has a rabid hatred of Republicans.
The author begins by saying that Gov. Palin (and by association anyone who believes the way she does regarding sexism in today's society) has a "cavalier and entitled" attitude and is riding on the "tailwind of the boomer generation". I guess because women of Gov Palin's generation weren't around to prove they were as good as man by going braless in a t-shirt (as the author did) and were allowed to play on sports teams (which the author was not) that they are undeserving of what they have. This is an offensive attitude. I agree with the author that sexism is still alive and well in our society, however, I also believe you can achieve more through a spirit of cooperation than drawing battle lines between the sexes.
The author shows her agesim every time whe refers to Sen McCain. She believes that because of his age he is unable to have an important job because he's old and might die. Maybe the author doesn't realize that people live productive lives well into ther 90's even if they have fought a disease like cancer. The author is quickly approaching Sen Mc Cain's age. I can imagine what she would tell someone who had the ignorance and audacity to tell her she couldn't do an important job because she was too old.
The author believes she can read the minds of Republicans. She says that what they are really thinking is "...the ticket leaders distance themselves from black people, to draw a distinction between these 'other' people with whom the community organizer works on the one hand, and those, wink, wink, in the middle and upper classes..." This is as offensive as someone saying that all lesbians are deviants or all Muslims are terrorists. It is bigoted and shows the ignorance of the person who says it.
If the author truly believes that "Every effort has been made to make this book as accurate as possible" as she states, then why does she go on to say that "the publisher and author assess no responsibility for errors or omissions"? I think that speaks volumes about the validity of what is contained in this book.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion but please don't present opinion as fact. It insults the intelligence of every person who reads it. If the author truly wanted to be fair and thorough she would have included the thoughts of people who have positive feelings towards the Governor. There are many. I was in AK when the announcement was made and every person I talked to said how proud they were of her and that they didn't want to lose her as Gov.
Is Gov Palin the perfect candidate? In my opinion, no. Has she made mistakes? yes. Does she have the skills to be VP? Absolutely. If you truly want to know about Gov Palin and her policies you should read The New York Times, The Washington Post, or Newsweek. There have been numerous articles that talk about both sides of the career of Gov. Palin.
- Is this a Book or a Blog? Eclectic Reader #2008-10-12
- I'm glad I didn't pay for this book. I saw where it was being offered free to Kindlers, so I downloaded it and started reading with interest as it was described as a "critical review of Sarah Palin".
According to the American Dictionary of the English Language, critical has more than one meaning. a)characterized by careful evaluation and b)tending to criticize. I was hoping this was a CAREFUL, thoughtful, (and balanced) evaulation of Palin; alas, it is just a scathing attack of her.
[...]
There is an old Quaker saying, "If we fight the beast by becoming a beast then bestiality has won."
Beastiality won in this one.
- Exactly the information I and all voters need lizzy l #2008-10-08
- Sue Katz has written exactly the book every voter needs to read in order to understand who Sarah Palin is and why we should care. This book is not only a comprehensive analysis of Palin's record and stands on various issues but also a blast to read. It is funny without taking cheap shots and smart without being snooty. It is the kind of book you quote when talking to friends about this candidate; is a must read.
- BUY THIS BOOK INSTEAD OF GAWKING AT PALIN J. Worley #2008-10-13
- I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Sue Katz's Thanks, But No Thanks: A Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin. Wow! Not only is this book well-researched, well-written and entertaining, it makes it perfectly clear that Americans have taken their eye off the ball while they gawk at Sarah Palin's pompoms. Sue Katz's writing is feisty and informative--she dissects Palin's belief that the war in Iraq is God's war; there should be no sex education in the schools; creationism should be taught in the schools; [...]--just to name a few. We voters absolutely need to make an informed decision because our country is in crisis, and Sue Katz can help us do that
- Thanks but no thanks Ms. Katz Walter H. Kittredge #2008-10-05
- I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, given the title...but somehow I thought the author might have at least attempted to be somewhat balanced. 'Hatchet Job', 'Slanted', PMS-NBC like' - choose the one you like - they all apply.
I gave the work one star, only because the publisher at least had the integrity to not 'spin' the sample in order to suggest that it was an even handed piece - in order to sell full editions.
Rather typical of the left blogisphere writing...possibly even well done if you are into that left wing propagander...but not for most thinking voters.
- Radical feminist hatchet job Dr. Charles Carroll #2009-01-26
- The author spends much space critisizing Governor Palin for her alleged disparagement of 'community organizers', without explaining the context. For a whole week prior to the GOP convention we heard much snearing reference to 'small town mayors' as obviously inadequate experience for presidential office. Palin was merely pointing out that is was as good as being the 'community organizer' touted by Obama, and better since it was an executive experience. Yet Katz build this up to make it seem that Palin was attacking anybody who had ever engaged in grassroots voluntary work
This author's perspective is that of a radical gender feminist. And, like many of her ilk it is simply a question how best to destroy the character and competence of someone, who clearly does not share these views. After careful examiniation of about 60 negative assertions about Sarah Palin, I have concluded that all are either verifiably false, are based on distortions, are inventions, are trivial, or if the were committed by Democrats would be ignored or overlooked. There is no compelling evidence that Governor Palin has ever tried to ban books, believes or has tried to pressure schools to teach creationism, or holds 'end times' religious convictions. Nor is there any evidence that her personal religious convictions have ever interfered with her political duties and decisions as Governor. Indeed she upheld the Alaskan constitution on same sex benefits, rather than accede to social conservatives in the Alaskan legislature, or what might have been her own personal leanings. Sarah Palin was also elected Governor and has enjoyed high, and continued to enjoy very high approval ratings in a state with a very high proportion of independent voters (43%). She was also elected by confronting corruption in her own party. Barrack Obama sailed through Chicago Democratic politics apparently without noticing anything and avoiding all risk. The less said about how he really defeated his rivals there the better. Katz sees the words 'conservative', 'Christian' and 'pro-life' next to Sarah Palin's name, and cannot restrain her calamly/hysterical liberal bigotry.
- Slaying the dragon of public opinion Gina Ogden "Gina Ogd #2008-10-02
- In this trenchant look at presidential politics, Sue Katz provides the research to show how public voting sentiments are moved by identification with personality traits rather than experience with the kinds of policy that are needed to guide our country in this twenty-first century global village. This book is a wise and relevant guide to the coming election and the future of American politics. Gina Ogden, author of The Return of Desire.
- Where's the Beef? S. Cyr #2008-11-06
- I knew this was an "anti-Palin" book, but I expected it to have some facts. It is a collection of essays by an angry fired up feminist with little substance other than a bully pulpit for the writer. Save your reading time for something with some substance.
- Thanks for "Thanks But No Thanks: A Voters Guide to Sarah Palin" Stephen Weinstein #2008-10-05
- I have never met or spoken with Sue Katz, author of the intelligent and timely blog Consenting Adult. We crossed paths through the blogosphere and have exchanged emails discussing a potpourri of issues. As a result of this association I received an advance copy of her new book "Thanks But Not Thanks: A Voters Guide to Sarah Palin" that will be released October 13, 2008. This well-written, informative and entertaining book is the first well-researched and comprehensive document available to voters and political junkies who want to know more about this little-known Republican instant star - information that in many cases the McCain campaign would prefer be kept in the dark.
TBNT provides the reader with a whirlwind tour of who Sarah Palin is, where she came from and the influences that led to her meteoric rise to prominence. Perhaps the main influence is the religious right, a constituency critical to a successful McCain election. We see Sarah Palin attending her church and the influences she meets. "Jews for Jesus' David Brickner, was a guest speaker recently and Palin was there. The Times tells us that Brickner "suggested that terrorism in Israel was God's judgment against the Jews for failing to accept Christ as the Messiah." Palin did not walk out and there are no reports of her objecting." Katz ponders the question of how Palin's religious convictions would impact her political policy decisions.
Katz also looks at Sarah Palin in the context of the women's movement and observes that Palin "has also changed the face of national politics. She has subverted the feminist agenda, running as a woman and mother, but neglecting to look after the needs of women and children. She has subverted the notion of experience, turning the PTA into a major qualification while ridiculing Obama's three years of community organizing with poor people."
Among the many perspectives that TBNT shares with the reader is a chapter devoted to how the world community views Palin. As great a loss of stature that America has experienced under Bush, the next administration will have much work to do to restore the reputation and role of America in the world community. Katz explores how the world is seeing not only Sarah Palin but its anticipation of an America being lead by John McCain or Barack Obama.
The talented and multifaceted Sue Katz has written a book that enables voters to make an informed decision.
http://stephenviewsthenews.blogspot.com/
- Who is this woman? Genevieve Kazdin "du #2008-10-02
- In less than a month, Sue Katz turned out a searing look at Sarah Palin. Katz shows us the inconsistencies, the inaccuracies, the confusions that come out of Palin's mouth. We see the influences on this candidate (and we cringe--at least, I did). And some of us wonder if she actually has the strength of conviction to stand up to some of these influences. But wait! Just what ARE her convictions? Palin has not spelled that out for us, has she? Or perhaps I have been unable to find them buried under the inaccuracies.
Sue Katz's book has been helpful to me. Not in the least because of the extensive bibliography she has included. Katz did her homework here, and I doubt many readers have found the time to do this for themselves. I sure haven't had time! I can use Katz's bibliography to lead me quickly to what I need to read. I didn't need this book to form an opinion about Palin, but it certainly helped organize my thoughts between reality and emotion.
I wish Katz had had time to add thoughts about the Biden-Palin debate (at this writing, that debate is this evening), and perhaps to have one more look by a proofreader. But we are getting close to election day and there was no more time.
The bottom line is that Sue Katz does not think Palin is capable of leading the country, and she tells us why -- AND backs up her decision with research. Thank you for this, Sue. And Sarah? Thanks, but no thanks!
- Don't buy this book Danien Neal Allen #2009-07-07
- This is a very opinionated book. At least the author was honest in saying they wrote the book in for weeks, it shows!!!!!!
- A hack job of retreading lies and distortions David Stewart "dsjl" #2009-07-02
- Did you know that in Sarah Palin's America (as in her Wasilla) rape victims will have to buy their own rape test kits? You did? So does our author. She actually doesn't know that, but she repeats the false claim anyway. (Some details: No rape victim in Wasilla has ever bought a rape kit for herself; Palin didn't create the policy that made it seem to be the case to careless or dishonest retailers of the claim that rape victims were paying for their own rape test kits; the same policy is in place all over the country and is not a policy of billing rape victims for their rape kits; this claim has been debunked in hundreds of places hundreds of times and the author of this book would never know it because she has only sought out smears and slapped them together in this book.)
The author says "I will provide you with information that is as reliable as possible." She didn't do that. She didn't even attempt to do that.
Did you know Sarah Palin said that the Iraq was is God's war, a mission from God? No? Neither does our author here, though she repeats the false claim uncritically. After all (the details): She saw the YouTube video of Palin saying that it is a mission from God, and besides, Charlie Gibson on ABC said the same thing, and emphasized to Palin herself (who knew otherwise) that "mission from God" were her "exact words." Yes, they were her exact words---just not ALL of her exact words. She actually asked those who were in church with her to "Pray for our military men and women who are striving to do what is right. Also, for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders, are sending them [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God. That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan." The difference isn't even subtle: She's praying THAT there is a plan and that it is God's plan. She is not making the assertion that it IS God's plan. But our author, who claims she has tried to be as factual as possible, stuck with the hatchet-edited videos posted on YouTube for her sources, and so apparently doesn't know that there could be more.
The author says "I will analyze my research with integrity." She didn't do that. She didn't even attempt to do that.
It's all in this blind, dishonest, enraged and unfair vein. The smears start on the cover with "art" designed to be hideous. (It's not hard to believe that the cover artist's work is, as the book listing here says, "affordable." Supply and demand will assure that.)
But unfairness and blindness and lack of depth are not the only offenses. This author is a plain bad writer. "Just because we have for a number of weeks being [sic] inundated from [sic] every medium with news and views of Sarah Palin does not necessarily mean [sic, sic, sic, and sic]..." "...even though she'd rather deprive them ["women who have gone before her," whoever they are--apparently all women born before Palin] of abortions, free rape kits and same-sex marriage if she gets [sic] her druthers." Hmm. Is it too much to point out that just about all women are and have been for centuries "deprived of" same-sex marriage, and that Palin never had anything to do with it?
I know that Harvard Perspectives Press is a vanity publisher unaffiliated with Harvard University except by location in a residence 3 miles from the University. But that vanity status shouldn't serve as an excuse for such shoddy work. Reliance on this book doesn't give you a jump on 2012 unless your only interest is in being a hatchet handler in the same vein as the author.
- A hack job of retreading lies and distortions David Stewart "dsjl" #2009-07-02
- Did you know that in Sarah Palin's America (as in her Wasilla) rape victims will have to buy their own rape test kits? You did? So does our author. She actually doesn't know that, but she repeats the false claim anyway. (Some details: No rape victim in Wasilla has ever bought a rape kit for herself; Palin didn't create the policy that made it seem to be the case to careless or dishonest retailers of the claim that rape victims were paying for their own rape test kits; the same policy is in place all over the country and is not a policy of billing rape victims for their rape kits; this claim has been debunked in hundreds of places hundreds of times and the author of this book would never know it because she has only sought out smears and slapped them together in this book.)
The author says "I will provide you with information that is as reliable as possible." She didn't do that. She didn't even attempt to do that.
Did you know Sarah Palin said that the Iraq was is God's war, a mission from God? No? Neither does our author here, though she repeats the false claim uncritically. After all (the details): She saw the YouTube video of Palin saying that it is a mission from God, and besides, Charlie Gibson on ABC said the same thing, and emphasized to Palin herself (who knew otherwise) that "mission from God" were her "exact words." Yes, they were her exact words---just not ALL of her exact words. She actually asked those who were in church with her to "Pray for our military men and women who are striving to do what is right. Also, for this country, that our leaders, our national leaders, are sending them [U.S. soldiers] out on a task that is from God. That's what we have to make sure that we're praying for, that there is a plan and that that plan is God's plan." The difference isn't even subtle: She's praying THAT there is a plan and that it is God's plan. She is not making the assertion that it IS God's plan. But our author, who claims she has tried to be as factual as possible, stuck with the hatchet-edited videos posted on YouTube for her sources, and so apparently doesn't know that there could be more.
The author says "I will analyze my research with integrity." She didn't do that. She didn't even attempt to do that.
It's all in this blind, dishonest, enraged and unfair vein. The smears start on the cover with "art" designed to be hideous. (It's not hard to believe that the cover artist's work is, as the book listing here says, "affordable." Supply and demand will assure that.)
But unfairness and blindness and lack of depth are not the only offenses. This author is a plain bad writer. "Just because we have for a number of weeks being [sic] inundated from [sic] every medium with news and views of Sarah Palin does not necessarily mean [sic, sic, sic, and sic]..." "...even though she'd rather deprive them ["women who have gone before her," whoever they are--apparently all women born before Palin] of abortions, free rape kits and same-sex marriage if she gets [sic] her druthers." Hmm. Is it too much to point out that just about all women are and have been for centuries "deprived of" same-sex marriage, and that Palin never had anything to do with it?
I know that Harvard Perspectives Press is a vanity publisher unaffiliated with Harvard University except by location in a residence 3 miles from the University. But that vanity status shouldn't serve as an excuse for such shoddy work. Reliance on this book doesn't give you a jump on 2012 unless your only interest is in being a hatchet handler in the same vein as the author.
- A great read Gail Zacharias #2008-10-02
- I've been reading Sue Katz's blog for a year or two, so I was really glad to see she wrote this book. It's a fast read, smart, and cleared up all the questions I had about Sarah Palin. I'm not surprised it seems to be an instant hit.
- NOT a Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin MB Texas #2008-10-11
- When I read the words, that 14 vice-presidents became president after succeeding the incumbent, either because the president resigns, or because the vice-presidents run for office after finishing their term in the second slot . . . some say that since Gore won, it should be 15, I knew this would piece would be slanted and it was. Katz included a massive bibliography, but a lot of them came from blogs.
But, Amazon dropping the Kindle price to $0.00 (with no free books by Amazon for Obama or Biden) less than one month before the election makes this book nothing but a bald political statement.
- Sue Katz: Sarah Palin's Maverick Biographer Dr. Susan Corso "a.k #2008-10-07
- I know Sue Katz. She's what my grandmother would have called a pistol. Bright, funny, passionate, argumentative, rabidly political, one of the best ballroom dancers alive on this planet and a gifted, generous writer.
This weekend I set myself the task of reading her first book, Thanks But No Thanks: The Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin. It gave me chills. No, I mean it. I had to plug in and lean against a heating pad for most of the afternoon because Katz' prose made me shiver in my Uggs. So, let me cop to the fact that I love the way she writes. I subscribe to her blog, Consenting Adult, and if you're an adult over 50 interested in all things, or anything sexual, then you should too, but back to Sarah Palin.
Beloved, Sarah Palin scares me because of how she understands and relates to God, and that's saying something because mostly God things of any kind thrill me. She truly believes that a Kenyan pastor who has been praying for her to "go national" is responsible for this nomination to the Vice Presidency.
Sarah's god isn't mine at all, and that means, as a committed omnifaith person, that I need to check hers out lest I be caught in the same kind of judgment that dear Sarah is. She thinks the war in Iraq is God's war. No really. I suppose, on some level, it is, but it has to do with Islam, and I'm pretty sure Sarah's God has nothing to do with Islam in her book.
I'm appalled that this woman has been nominated for the second highest post in the land, and Katz's book only increased that feeling. Despite her own democratic leanings, Katz searched source after source both nationally and internationally to find the facts for her book, written in just four weeks. She reports the facts, ma'am, and for the ma'ams who are reading this post, we have to look out!
If we live in Alaska, we have to pay for our own rape test kits!
If we live anywhere in America, we will not be entitled to have an abortion.
Or marry whom we love, unless we are one man and one woman.
Or expect our schools to teach sex education.
Or count on the support of our government against violence against women.
We'll have to put up with creationism in schools.
We might have to suffer her arbitrary edit of our school library shelves.
We might have a loved one who loses a job because he or she offends the new veep.
We might have to live with a Vice President who is more Vice than Virtue because she lies and considers it cute, folksy, allowable!
Katz ends her Palin whirlwind with a chapter called "Mavericks to Nowhere." If you've read my God's Dictionary, you know that another way to look at the word nowhere is now + here. Well, Beloved, look at where our country is now and here. Do you want it to stay that way? I sure don't.
This is why everyone who even mentions politics in discussion between now and November 4th ought to read Sue Katz's trenchant, chilling book.
- BUY THIS BOOK INSTEAD OF GAWKING AT PALIN J. Worley #2008-10-06
- I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Sue Katz's Thanks, But No Thanks: A Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin. Wow! Not only is this book well-researched, well-written and entertaining, it makes it perfectly clear that Americans have taken their eye off the ball while they gawk at Sarah Palin's pompoms. Sue Katz's writing is feisty and informative--she dissects Palin's belief that the war in Iraq is God's war; there should be no sex education in the schools; creationism should be taught in the schools; we should have to pay for our own rape kits--just to name a few. We voters absolutely need to make an informed decision because our country is in crisis, and Sue Katz can help us do that.
- Sue Katz: Sarah Palin's Maverick Biographer Dr. Susan Corso "a.k #2008-10-07
- I know Sue Katz. She's what my grandmother would have called a pistol. Bright, funny, passionate, argumentative, rabidly political, one of the best ballroom dancers alive on this planet and a gifted, generous writer.
This weekend I set myself the task of reading her first book, Thanks But No Thanks: The Voter's Guide to Sarah Palin. It gave me chills. No, I mean it. I had to plug in and lean against a heating pad for most of the afternoon because Katz' prose made me shiver in my Uggs. So, let me cop to the fact that I love the way she writes. I subscribe to her blog, Consenting Adult, and if you're an adult over 50 interested in all things, or anything sexual, then you should too, but back to Sarah Palin.
Beloved, Sarah Palin scares me because of how she understands and relates to God, and that's saying something because mostly God things of any kind thrill me. She truly believes that a Kenyan pastor who has been praying for her to "go national" is responsible for this nomination to the Vice Presidency.
Sarah's god isn't mine at all, and that means, as a committed omnifaith person, that I need to check hers out lest I be caught in the same kind of judgment that dear Sarah is. She thinks the war in Iraq is God's war. No really. I suppose, on some level, it is, but it has to do with Islam, and I'm pretty sure Sarah's God has nothing to do with Islam in her book.
I'm appalled that this woman has been nominated for the second highest post in the land, and Katz's book only increased that feeling. Despite her own democratic leanings, Katz searched source after source both nationally and internationally to find the facts for her book, written in just four weeks. She reports the facts, ma'am, and for the ma'ams who are reading this post, we have to look out!
If we live in Alaska, we have to pay for our own rape test kits!
If we live anywhere in America, we will not be entitled to have an abortion.
Or marry whom we love, unless we are one man and one woman.
Or expect our schools to teach sex education.
Or count on the support of our government against violence against women.
We'll have to put up with creationism in schools.
We might have to suffer her arbitrary edit of our school library shelves.
We might have a loved one who loses a job because he or she offends the new veep.
We might have to live with a Vice President who is more Vice than Virtue because she lies and considers it cute, folksy, allowable!
Katz ends her Palin whirlwind with a chapter called "Mavericks to Nowhere." If you've read my God's Dictionary, you know that another way to look at the word nowhere is now + here. Well, Beloved, look at where our country is now and here. Do you want it to stay that way? I sure don't.
This is why everyone who even mentions politics in discussion between now and November 4th ought to read Sue Katz's trenchant, chilling book.
- My, This kitty meyows a lot. Gadget Maker "McKann #2009-11-24
- What a surprise, this liberal feminist hack job. Not! As if she even pretended to do any real research in the 4 weeks she and that other lib twit cobbled this pack of lies and distortions together. Every single claim and insinuation has proved false.
I have found that about 99% of the time anything 'negative' shows up about Gov. Palin, if one really researches the thing, it's proved false or a complete distortion of the event.
- Lies, lies, and more lies. Joseph B. Gadberry #2009-11-13
- This is total fiction and a waste of money. The fact that someone writes such garbage is beyond me. But then again morons buy it. I borrowed it, but instead of returning it I shreaded it and told the owner it was stolen.
People should go to prison for writting such lies.