Are There Any Good Conservative Books?

I'm serious.

I often read liberal authors (Paul Begala, Al Franken, etc) and wonder if there are any good Conservative viewpoint books. The reason is to challenge myself/ Also, to leave me better able to have intelligent discussions with all types of people. And of course, know thine "enemy".

I will not tolerate anyone who calls Liberals traitors, or engages in other inflammatory rhetoric*. I would also check out from the library or buy used, so these people don't get my money.

Does any one else do this or am I being masochistic?


* Difference between reasoned arguments and inflammatory rhetoric:
Inflammatory Rhetoric: Baby Killers
Talking Point: There is no constitutional right to privacy
Reasoned Argument: Pointing out constitutional flaws in the Roe v. Wade decision by citing precedent and legal argument.

Pat Buchanan's 'A Republic, Not An Empire' based on the title alone. Sometimes he makes a few good points if you get him on the right day.

If Franken isn't inflammatory then P.J. O'Rourke shouldn't be. Think of him as a right wing Hunter Thompson. What I took from his books is that conservatives are probably right about the imperfectability of human kind, and a bucket full of belly laughs.

He also helps bridge the blue state red state gap. He has written pieces on hunting that city folk might be able to understand.

Like Dave Berry, his later works are softened by the maturing influence of fatherhood. All in all my favorite books given me by my conservative brother.

:hi:

Therefore there are very, very few Republicans who write good books. Very few.

It's the same problem Bush is having with finding economists. If you're able to get a higher degree in the subject, you're usually too smart to become a proponent of Bush's economic lies.

Help Wanted: Academic Economists, Pro-Bush
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/27/business/yourmoney/27view.html?th&emc=th

But it's by Kevin Phillips, who's more or less conservative. You'll remember him as the one who wrote the book about why dynasties are bad for democracy, and he was really rough on the BFEE. However, the much more important book, imho, is Wealth and Democracy. A real eye-opener about how wealth is created in the country, going back to pre-revolutionary times. And, guess what? It ain't people doing it by themselves.

An oldie. You'll have to find it used. www.abebooks.com is a good source for used books. David Stockman's book about how he tried to engineer "The Reagan Revolution" and where it went astray. According to Stockman, it's because Raygun wouldn't bankrupt social security.

I can't remember the title, but it had the subtitle "The Failure of the Reagan Revolution," or some such.

I used to go to the American Spectator and or National Review for their annual Christmas book gift guide (short reviews and very personal). Not only did I score for political books, but they are generally well read on a variety of subjects not strictly political but definitely conservative. For instance I found and obscure book on the history of sanctuary architecture and symbology that my church organist uncle loved.

No, wait, my bad!

to try Pat Buchanan; check his web site. He just put out a new book I think. I have never read any of his books but he speaks forcefully against Bush going into Iraq. He's against the Bush administration in other respects also. He comments for MSNBC and you will see him tongue-lashing the Iraq war as one of the worst mistakes this country has ever made...it's wonderful to see a republican doing that. I see him as an old-style economic conservative. But just remember what I said; I have NEVER gotten his books and I certainly don't know his views on all issues.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0002TP1JY.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg


and there are tons of others that equate liberalism with terrorists by the ultra-right wingers

Can any Conservative pundit make their point without calling Liberals stupid, insane or anti-American?

I know Al Franken takes his share of pot shots at the Right, but he is a comedian and known as a comedian so you know he is sort of joking.

:yoiks:

Milton Friedman's book "Free to Choose" is definitely well thought out and written by a very intelligent person, and pretty easy to read.

I always find economic theory interesting, even if it comes off as fantasy fiction at times...