This special issue of "TOPIA Canadian Journal of Cultural Studies" addresses the ubiquity of militarization, a presence that is woven into the very fabric of civic culture.Militarization is not just something that happens in war zones; when our government invests billions of dollars in war planes, prisons and the "digital economy," while starving resources in social justice, education, the environment and culture, we are living the consequences of global militarization. To talk about cultures of militarization is to talk about the terms in which collective identity is militarized and resistive forms of agency allowed and disallowed. By recognizing the human relations within capitalism and how these have come to be defined increasingly by military interests, we reveal that militarism is a global master narrative; military diction becomes inseparable from the language of power, sweeping aside human suffering as mere "collateral damage." We are led to believe that it is temporary, and we are compliant in our acceptance of these narratives.

Paradigm shift? A better title for a summary of "The Cat in the Bag" might be something like "Synopsis" or "Prologue." Why use the term "paradigm shift"? Isn't it just another overworked buzz word from the late twentieth century? Maybe so, but in this case, the terminology fits. "The Cat in the Bag" describes a fundamental change in the way we view American politics. There is something different going on, and it is seen in its purest form through the actions and methods of the Democratic Party in the early twenty-first century. A political party, you might think, is nothing more than a way of organizing people to facilitate governmental action. Political parties help bring order to chaotic affairs. That's the conventional belief. The Democratic Party brings much more to the table. This book examines the themes of the Democratic Party and the way they are employed to generate anti-Republican sentiment in America. It shows how the themes influence our culture and create emotions that tend to blur the distinction between religion and politics. It's time to fasten your seatbelt

Is Winning a Second Presidential Term Really Barack Obama's "Ultimate End Game"?
Considering twelve specific events - with foreign policy implications - that have occurred during the first 18 months of the Obama Presidency, there is one common thread that emerges suggesting a recurring potential political motivation beyond just President Obama's desire to serve a second Presidential term. And, if so, the American people have a right to know it before the 2012 Presidential Election. The Voters can then decide for themselves whether they are concerned or not as to what degree Barack Obama's attitudes and judgment regarding U.S. foreign policy issues - as President of the United States - may be influenced or constrained by his "Ultimate End Game" and, potentially, conflict with America's best self-interests.
Supplanting ObamaCare
Regarding meaningful Health Care Reform, although professing that The Will of The People was paramount, President Obama consciously made no Health Care decision that, at all, conflicted with the interests of his two biggest campaign donors - Trial Lawyers and Unions - or his own prospects for re-election in 2012. In fact, even at the risk and on the verge of a failed Presidency that a defeat on Health Care would bring (as the bar previously set by the Democrats themselves), President Obama still refused, in reality, to even consider compromising on either Health Care Premium Price Competition across state lines - a non-starter with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - or Tort Reform - the bane of all Trial Lawyers. But, exactly why would President Obama insist on taking such a risk?
It is not that the Obama Administration is, by any means, the first and only Presidential administration to be influenced by political interest groups or the political consequences of their actions. However, this book chronicles the pervasive extent to which the priority interests of Labor Unions and Trial Lawyers enveloped the Presidential decision-making process within the Obama Administration - to the detriment of The Will of The People.
The Optimal Health Care Solution
However, through just a single change in the tax law (as detailed and recommended herein), President Obama not only could have accomplished comprehensive Health Care Reform, but simultaneously achieved both 1) Health Care premium cost control as well as 2) meaningful Medical Provider cost reduction and containment - neither tenet of which was addressed in the ObamaCare legislation as passed. Nor would this simple tax law change necessitate - as does ObamaCare - the pervasive government control of one-sixth of the U.S economy; dictating the creation of more than 120 separate new federal bureaucracies, agencies and boards and the hiring of tens of thousands of additional federal government employees to staff and run them at an average lifetime cost of $4 million per new federal employee hired.
Finally, in dissecting ObamaCare, an extensive analysis was performed of 1) the additional budgetary ramifications of deals struck by Congressional Democrats - with President Obama's blessing - to subsequently pass ObamaCare; 2) obvious Health Care expenses not included (e.g. The "Doctor Fix") and 3) the $500 Billion in unrealistic and virtually unattainable cost savings offsets pertaining to the recovery of Fraudulent Medicare payments and waste. Revealingly, this analysis disclosed that, in actuality, the ultimate cost of ObamaCare balloons well beyond $3 Trillion - more than three times the CBO estimate of $940 Billion.

Tea Party political passions, first seen in demonstrations and town meetings, now echo through statehouses and governors' mansions. In many states, 2009 and 2010 voters re-elected or elected new Republican governors with Tea Party backing. Tea Party activists were blunt in expressing their views and many Tea Party governors, like Chris Christie, echoed that style. Others, like Rick Snyder, had a mellower tone. This book of quotations by two Maine political scientists collects Tea Party governors' words from mild to wild, from bombastic to cautious, and from harsh to gentle. American politics fans will be entertained by these quotations, and will also better understand these 14 governors - Jan Brewer, Sam Brownback, Chris Christie, Tom Corbett, Nikki Haley, John Kasich, Paul LePage, Susana Martinez, "Butch" Otter, Sean Parnell, Rick Perry, Rick Scott, Rick Snyder, and Scott Walker. Cover art by George Danby

This book is available as open access through the Bloomsbury Open Access programme and is available on www.bloomsburycollections.com. Right-wing populist movements and related political parties are gaining ground in many EU member states. This unique, interdisciplinary book provides an overall picture of the dynamics and development of these parties across Europe and beyond. Combining theory with in-depth case studies, it offers a comparative analysis of the policies and rhetoric of existing and emerging parties including the British BNP, the Hungarian Jobbik and the Danish Folkeparti. The case studies qualitatively and quantitatively analyse right-wing populist groups in the following countries: Austria, Germany, Britain, France, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Hungary, Belgium, Ukraine, Estonia, and Latvia, with one essay exclusively focused on the US. This timely and socially relevant collection is essential reading for scholars, students and practitioners wanting to understand the recent rise of populist right wing parties at local, countrywide and regional levels.

Major Conservative and Libertarian Thinkers provides comprehensive accounts of the works of seminal conservative thinkers from a variety of periods, disciplines and traditions - the first series of its kind. Even the selection of thinkers adds another aspect to conservative thinking, including not only theorists but also thinkers in literary forms and those who are also practitioners. The series comprises twenty volumes, each including an intellectual biography, historical context, critical exposition of the thinker's work, reception and influence, contemporary relevance, bibliography including references to electronic resources and an index.

The purpose of the book is to remind you what Obama and his Chicago style political team have done and what the damage could be if his congressional support is reelected and Obama is elected for a second term. Without the support of the main street media and orgaized labor Obama goes nowhere. Only with their help does Obama reach the White House. You'll be reminded of several promises Obama made during his Presidential campaign. The question today is, did Obama keep them? If you believe he did not, can you believe anything he says today? You'll find the story line is carried by cartoons/illustrations with some commentary to enhance, high lite or explain a given situation. The cartoons/illustrations and commentary represent my opinions that were formed by my thoughts, feelings and impressions of the situations as they occured.

America has departed from its founding as a Christian nation and is rapidly abandoning the godly principles which blessed its people with liberty and justice for all. While many people from every level of society have offered secular solutions to the social and economic woes of today's America, it is clear the problem has resulted from the denial of God's providential hand on America by ungodly forces. The pathway from America's founding as a constitutional republic kept only by godly virtue to the loss of good will and reason which has now hopelessly dead-locked and divided the nation can be traced here. The only solution left for Christians is to get on their knees and pray for God to rain down a national spiritual revival reminiscent of the Great Awakenings which have historically and miraculously swept the land.

Common Sense II has been written to address the current crisis in America. It is similar in this regard to the pamphlet written by Thomas Paine for the same purpose in colonial America in 1776. Today we face a multitude of problems of great importance caused by numerous governmental errors and policies that threaten the future of this once great country. These include the monetary crisis brought on by the sub-prime mortgage debacle, the tax and spend mentality of the various administrations and the growing crisis of illegal aliens which threatens the very fabric of the nation. In addition to these problems, we face a growing threat by the United Nation's attempt to tax American financial transactions as well as other UN treaties, so far unratified, which will result in a Supranational Government with laws and a Judicial System which will supplant the United States Constitution. Americans of all persuasions will profit from a careful reading of "Common Sense II." United States citizens must reclaim this country which, while belonging to them, is being led by a runaway administration, aided and abetted by a "Ruling Class Congress and Senate" which no longer responds to the American People.

A brilliant collection of pieces, written between 1942 and his death in 2009, by Irving Kristol, one of the fathers of neoconservatism. This series of essays, many hard to find and reprinted for the first time since their initial appearance, offers a wide ranging survey of the history of neoconservatism in America. Kristol covers a broad range of topics from the neoconservative movement's roots in the 40s at City College through the triumph of Reagan and the muddle of the Iraq war. Along the way, we experience the creative development of one of the most important public intellectuals of the modern age, a man who played an extraordinarily influential role in the development of American intellectual and political culture over the past half-century. This illuminating collection features a foreword by Irving's son Bill Kristol and is edited by Irving's widow, Gertrude Himmelfarb (aka Bee Kristol), a notable conservative voice in her own right.

The statesman and political philosopher Edmund Burke (1729 1797) is a touchstone for modern conservatism in the United States, and his name and his writings have been invoked by figures ranging from the arch Federalist George Cabot to the twentieth-century political philosopher Leo Strauss. But Burke's legacy has neither been consistently associated with conservative thought nor has the richness and subtlety of his political vision been fully appreciated by either his American admirers or detractors. In Edmund Burke in America, Drew Maciag traces Burke's reception and reputation in the United States, from the contest of ideas between Burke and Thomas Paine in the Revolutionary period, to the Progressive Era (when Republicans and Democrats alike invoked Burke s wisdom), to his apotheosis within the modern conservative movement.

Throughout, Maciag is sensitive to the relationship between American opinions about Burke and the changing circumstances of American life. The dynamic tension between conservative and liberal attitudes in American society surfaced in debates over the French Revolution, Jacksonian democracy, Gilded Age values, Progressive reform, Cold War anticommunism, and post-1960s liberalism. The post World War II rediscovery of Burke by New Conservatives and their adoption of him as the "father of conservatism" provided an intellectual foundation for the conservative ascendancy of the late twentieth century. Highlighting the Burkean influence on such influential writers as George Bancroft, E. L. Godkin, and Russell Kirk, Maciag also explores the underappreciated impact of Burke s thought on four U.S. presidents: John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson. Through close and keen readings of political speeches, public lectures, and works of history and political theory and commentary, Maciag offers a sweeping account of the American political scene over two centuries."

'The Law' is at once a logical and wonderfully concise introduction to libertarian philosophy, and a strident call for 'small government'. Frederic Bastian's classic, written in 1850, defines the law as "collective organization of the individual right to lawful defense."and then shows how this same law has been perverted, "annihilating the justice that it was supposed to maintain, aiding] the unscrupulous who wish, without risk, to exploit the liberty and property of others. Given the prevalence of governmental intervention in the developed world, Frederic Bastian's analysis is as relevant today as it was 160 years ago, a must-read for all wishing to see behind the rhetoric into the heart of today's global problems.

"A provocative, inspiring account of our neglected American ideals and the people who are living them today--and restoring our nation's dream

"Patriotism has become a loaded word: one that is wielded against people with whom we might disagree, or whose cultural origins don't match our own.

But our founding fathers--Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and others--saw patriotism as a dynamic force: an act of service, in an evolving nation that defined its purpose by offering all people a better way of life.

In "Authentic Patriotism, "author and award-winning journalist Stephen P. Kiernan explores the original ideals that have been lost in our current climate, where war and economic turmoil have eroded our sense of civic obligation. Kiernan describes "a nation adrift," out of touch with its origins--and then introduces a range of inspiring people who have revived our national purpose by taking action:

* The out-of-work college graduate who led an economic and environmental renewal of her blighted home community.

* The retired executive who pioneered a revolutionary concept in health care for people without insurance.

* The minister who created a legendary choir, with the goal of uniting children of different races, genders, and classes in one voice.

* The family who donated their daughter's heart, so that another might live.

These and other "New Americans" are profiled in a book that offers hope, ideas, examples, and practical resources for readers who want to renew the American spirit.

"A timely cannon blast at the right-wing media machine and how it subverts the principles of democratic representation

"Talk radio has done an end run around the voting populace. With Rush Limbaugh now the unofficial leader of the Republican Party and the far right controlling the five major syndicates, conservatives have a disproportionate voice in the medium--even in liberal cities such as New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Writing with his characteristic and incisive wit, Bill Press exposes the destructive power of Rush, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, Bill O'Reilly, and the other polarizing figures of talk radio who dominate 90% of the political airwaves today. Citing their own words as evidence, Press brilliantly makes the case that much of what is broadcast on radio and television today is--at best--distorted and partisan, and--at worst--lies, propaganda and bigotry sold by these talented modern-day pitchmen who have followings in the millions.

Liberals want your money Liberals want to control all aspects of your life Inside you will learn how to spot the childish behavior and tactics of liberals.

Broudy and Pollick critically examine the programs of four radio pundits (Limbaugh, Schultz, Colmes and Hannity) and two TV pundits (O'Reilly and Olbermann), comparatively assessing their argumentative styles, call screening processes, use of 'teasers', guest diversity (how ideologically balanced the guest list is), and the ratio of time devoted to callers vs. host soliloquies. Authors also fit the genre into an historical context, tracing its roots back to Father Coughlin from the 1930s. In addition, the authors examine how propagandistic each show is and how such propaganda might affect civic (and civilized) participation, public discourse and the perception of political issues. The writing style ranges from scholarly to more conversational and cheeky (especially when obviously fallacious reasoning appears in hosts' arguments). Finally, the authors critically discuss the concept of American Exceptionalism and how it underlies the premises of many of the hosts.

In late August 2004 the Republicans were celebrating the nomination of incumbent George W. Bush for another term as president of the United States. In the midst of the festivities, Chuck Hagel, a senator from Nebraska, was telling reporters that the Republican Party had "come loose of its moorings." This was a bold position for someone identified by the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Boston Globe as a prospective 2008 presidential candidate, but it was not surprising coming from a Republican senator who had also recently remarked that the occupation of Iraq was poorly planned and that it had encouraged the spread of terror cells throughout the world. Who is Chuck Hagel, what is his story, and is he a genuine player on the national political stage? Charlyne Berens sets out to answer these questions in her close and careful look at one of the most interesting and independent figures on the current American political scene. Having survived a tour of duty in Vietnam and having made a fortune as a pioneer in the cellular phone industry, Chuck Hagel seemingly came out of nowhere to beat a popular sitting governor in a race for the U.S. Senate in 1996. Berens charts Hagel's quick rise to national recognition and influence and examines the background that has led Hagel to an outspoken internationalism that often puts him at odds with his own party and president. This complex, plain-spoken Nebraskan may be on his way to the White House. Charlyne Berens explains why and how.

When Ronald Laone's son was eleven, he asked his father, "What does it mean to be a conservative?" From that simple question came a journey of political enlightenment for father and son, one that culminated in The Republican Party, a history of the Republican Party, leaders, and beliefs.

Beginning with a comprehensive overview of the origins of the Republican Party, Laone examines the various political battles of the nineteenth century and how they shaped the party's establishment in 1854 and its core ideologies. He then profiles each Republican president from Abraham Lincoln to George W. Bush, offering a short biography and major highlights of each one's presidency.

Laone also reveals the major political firsts of the Republican Party, including the first African-American US senator, the first Hispanic US congressman, and the first female US congresswoman, recording their significant contributions to the conservative movement. A comprehensive bibliography offers titles for further reading.

Thoroughly researched and educational, The Republican Party offers information for those seeking to understand the origins of conservative thinking, values, and beliefs within the American political system.

Today's America would be almost unrecognized by those who founded it. (That's not a reference to the technology they wouldn't understand ) Our culture, our people, our politics have all morphed from that envisioned by those who birthed and nurtured our nation. Are America's glory-days ahead, or passed? We're dealing with Fiscal Mismanagement, Gun Control, ObamaCare, Failing Schools, Open Borders, and the Middle East is aflame, just to start with. The book touches on topics from Economics to Immigration, Parenting to Spirituality. It's time to awaken the ignorant and the apathetic. It's time to motivate and equip the awakened. It's time for the Soldier in the culture wars to become a recruiter as well. This book makes no claim to be THE ANSWER, just to be A RESOURCE. But it's an easy read, and hits on many topics, exposing and debunking myths and expounding undeniable truths. This book strives to inform, awaken and motivate, one reader at a time

"My culture is depraved, Not sure it can be saved . . . Of Thee I Zing. Land filled with STDs, Pants way down to the knees, Nary a "thanks" or "please" This is going to sting. . . . "
While Laura Ingraham was walking through a Northern Virginia shopping mall one Saturday afternoon, it all became clear to her: Our country is in grave peril. Our culture of ignorance, arrogance, and gluttony undermines our present and endangers our future. Everywhere she turned, she saw signs of the impending disaster: zombie teens texting each other across a cafe table; a man having his eyebrows threaded at a kiosk; a fiftyish woman shoehorned into a tube top and skinny jeans; and a storefront ad featuring a Victoria's Secret model spilling out of her push-up bra and into the faces of young passersby. Ingraham wondered, "Is this it? Is this what our forefathers fought for? What my parents struggled for? I wonder if Victoria's Secret is still having that two-for-one sale?"
In an act of patriotic intervention, the most-listened-to woman in talk radio casts her satirical eye upon all that ails American society. In this sharp-witted comic romp, Laura Ingraham takes you on a guided tour through ten levels of our cultural hell.
"You know we're in trouble when . . . "
Airplane seats shrink--just as the passengers expand.
Celebrity baby names go from the peculiar (Apple, Stetson, and Daisy Boo) to the pathetic (Bamboo, Blanket, and Bronx).
People meticulously tend their virtual crops on Farmville, while their children eat takeout.
"Breaking News" usually means it happened yesterday.
The weddings last longer than the marriages.
Facebook has become a verb and reading has become an ancient art form.
"Of Thee I Zing "is cultural commentary too funny to ignore, igniting a national conversation long past due. America, your cultural recovery begins here.

In The Modern Liberal Jungle: A Guide for Americans, James Connelly argues that Modern Liberalism is not a recent phenomenon but follows a pattern of consistent thought for over a century. Dangerous visionaries have wanted to create a utopian society. Their plans necessitate undermining our Constitutional principles of limited government and federalism by replacing it with a society engineered by experts. This movement has been inherited by the "Liberals" of today - THE MODERN LIBERALS. In The Modern Liberal Jungle: A Guide for Americans, we are taken through the historical background, education and psyche of today's Liberals. Their distortions, irrational emotional appeals, and personal attacks are exposed. Dr. Connelly describes how - armed with fundamental American principles - "most Modern Liberals can readily be reduced to incoherent and impotent sputtering and mumbling." He explains: Who Modern Liberals are Origins and belief systems of Modern Liberals Reasons Modern Liberals attack America Tactics used by Modern Liberals This guide also shows ways to fight Modern Liberalism through knowing: Americans beliefs that made us great The Conservative alternative How America is uniquely different from Europe Methods for taking our country back

Bailouts, spending increases and a re-engineered health care system are just a few ways Washington politicians have launched a major expansion of the federal government in response to our recent economic turmoil. Texas Governor Rick Perry argues that the almost daily federal expansion we are witnessing is a dangerous, unconstitutional intrusion on states' rights and individual liberties. Perry shows how an increasing concentration of power in Washington will lead to further unsustainable debt, greater limits on opportunity and success and a permanent dependency class - adding up to a completely failed nation and one of the very sort that the Colonists fought against. He examines the wisdom of local control and speaks up for the protection of the 10th Amendment principles that place power in the hands of the people. Perry issues a persuasive rallying cry for Americans to rise up and demand that power be returned to the people and the states - and he revives the call for freedom and opportunity in the glorious absence of government intrusion.

Why the Modern Liberal's thinking leads him to side with evil over good, wrong over right and the behaviors that lead to failure over those that lead to success. Further extrapolating on the ideas in his wildly popular viral youtube talk to the Heritage Foundation, that has received over 600k hits, Evan Sayet uses his signature wit in this new book to ask thought- provoking questions during these turbulent economic and social times. And he provides the reader with some surprising answers. Andrew Breitbart said that Evan Sayet's Heritage Foundation Speech was 'one of the five most important conservative speeches ever given.' That speech was the foundation for this book. How did the song "Imagine" by John Lennon become the perfect symbol of liberal thinking? Why does Bruce Springsteen dub "pain" as the wages of toil and hard work? What's the Democrats' beef with God? What do they have against the Jews of Israel? Why do they want abortion to be commonplace and frequent? Why does the Modern Liberal -the dominant force in today's Democratic Party and in so much of today's popular culture - seem to always side with evil over good, wrong over right and the behaviors that lead to failure over those that lead to success? Evan Sayet answers those questions and a lot more.