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Post by sciwriter on Sept 25, 2006 18:55:02 GMT -7
I’ve finished reading “All the King’s Men” by Robert Penn Warren. (1946). It’s A fictional portrayal of the late Governor of Louisiana: Huey Long, known as Willie Stark (the Boss) in this book. It’s the basis of two movies: Broderick Crawford version (1949) and Sean Penn version (2006): news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060911/film_nm/film_kingsmen_dcI encourage all to read the book. As a historical researcher, my favorite comments in the book are as follows: Corruption: Ambition, love, fear and/or money motivates corruption. Ambitious people want others to think they’re great. Historical research: “Nothing is ever lost. There is always the clue, the cancelled check, the smear of lipstick, the footprint…the condom on the park path, the twitch in the old wound…the taint in the bloodstream. And all times are one time, and all those dead in the past have never lived before our definition gives them life… That’s what all of us historical researchers believe. And we love truth.” Considering Huey Long’s (Willie Stark’s) numerous mistresses, IMO the book should have been titled: “All the King’s Women.” Also while a Jewish dentist reportedly assassinated Hey Long, IMO a Soviet GRU (military intelligence) agent disguised as a Louisiana State policeman shot Willie because he opposed deals among Louisiana cotton mills, Northern USA clothing manufactures and Soviet controlled cotton business leaders in Uzbekistan to control the world cotton market. Carl
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Post by hollister on Sept 26, 2006 9:59:07 GMT -7
Carl, I have always had a fondness for this cautionary tale and find myself reflecting on its message often. I add my hearty recommendation that this is a book that should be read by every voter in the United States and for those living outside of the US who are curious about politics - US Style - I think you will find this an interesting read. In fact, you may find that current Polish politics is nothing new.
One lesson I took from the book is that politics should never be left to the politicians - the people are responsible and must be involved in the body politic
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Post by sciwriter on Sept 26, 2006 18:33:42 GMT -7
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