THE POLITICS OF HATE
A Piercing Insight into American Politics
THE POLITICS OF HATE-AMAZON COMMENTS
These are genuine reviews from Amazon.com. Names and email addresses have been deleted to protect the privacy rights of those who were kind enough to write in, but feel free to visit Amazon.com to see the originals of these reviews. Thank you. – Hugh
*****An exciting, intelligent, and tough look at today’s politics. I am always looking for the next hot book on Amazon, and with the elections fast approaching, I decided to look for a political book. This book was fascinating. The author spells out and explains what so many of us know to be true, and why approval of most politicians is so low. The book is definitely a realistic, and therefore disturbing, view of the US political system. But the author lays out steps each of us can take to note be influenced by these politics of hate. This is a great book, well written and very timely. I would definitely recommend this for anyone looking for an indepth look at our political system. I am certain this book will quickly be rising the Amazon ladder. I have already recommended this book to several of my friends and encouraged them to read it before the election. – September 2012
***** A Fair and Accurate look at our political system. We all know that approval ratings of politicians are exceeding low. This book explores why, and offers real solutions. The book explores why politicians believe they must be obstructionists, how the media plays an often destructive role, and how this is all leading to the downfall of the US. The book is a great read, and while the topic is heavy (and worrisome), the book is also uplifting and leaves the reader with a sense of hope, optimism, and determination. – August 2012
***** Inspiring Thought Process. Hugh Gerstl's newest book "The Politics of Hate" is both profound and passionate. He makes a good case for a renewed thought process by the American voter. Could a hybrid political approach be an alternative to today’s wasteful bickering? Definately YES! – September 2012
***** Up to Date and Relevant Political Analysis. Hugo Gerstl, a keen observer of how democracy works (or at least should work) in this country, gives us the good, the bad, and the ugly of American politics. Needless to say, the latter two categories dominate--and deservedly so. As the title of Gerstl's book indicates, hate is becoming an ever-increasing blight on our political landscape. As the right and the left polarize, and demonize the other side, very little good gets accomplished by our elected officials, and not surprisingly, conditions worsen, leaving the American people frustrated and demoralized.
"The Politics of Hate" is a book that should be widely read at this particular time, being that we are just weeks away from an important presidential election that will affect all of us for years to come. A sharply divided Supreme Court is at stake, as are policies affecting taxation, health care, employment, and every other aspect of American life.
Gerstl chronicles the origins of hate and obstruction that have become commonplace in our politics, particularly on the Republican side of the aisle. He labels Lee Atwater, Lyn Nofziger and Karl Rove as the "Godfathers of Modern Hate Politics, explains how they got their start during the Reagan years, and how they passed the baton to Grover Norquist, Newt Gingrich, and the Tea Party.
It's all covered in this book: media, religion, racism, extremism, and many other aspects of the American political system. But just when you are about to jump off the nearest cliff in despair, Gerstl offers cogent, constructive suggestions and solutions, as well as reasons to hope there can be a reversal of the downward spiral that characterizes politics at this time in the country.
There is plenty to read and learn in this book. The 102-page Appendix (!) extensively covers every presidential election since George Washington, and gives a run-down of influential conservative and liberal media personalities.
It's all here, it's all up-to-date and timely, and it should be read. Your Tea Party uncle won't appreciate it, but any fair-minded reader will better understand the American political process and what needs to be done to make it better. – September 2012
***** Great Book with Interesting Facts and Insight into our Political System. What a great book! I appreciate the author's extensive research and fund of knowledge. When I first picked up this book, I did not expect to find the detailed information that fills each page of the book. Summaries about nearly every important American politician were very interesting. Moreover, the author also touches on a variety of subjects that makes one wonder about how things have gone bad in our system. One case in point is the detailed information about the cost of generic medications and what the pharmacies are selling them for. Outrageous profit margins of the drug companies and pharmacies are obviously contributors to America's high cost of medical care. This begs asking the question of how pharmaceutical companies can be allowed to continue their merry ways. This book is filled with interesting detailed facts and insight that is pertinent to all Americans as we are in an election year. I encourage all to read this important book. I found this book so very meaningful and intellectually stimulating. – September 2012
***** Provocative and Excellently Written. It seems that American politics has become a game we can't afford to play anymore. As the rhetoric increasingly blurs the issues and "talking heads" can't wait to skewer other talking heads - often to the disgust and the boredom of the beleaguered American voter - the United States continues to descend into chaos born of gridlock.
Mr. Gerstl's THE POLITICS OF HATE provided me with a sharp, unbiased, insightful look into the political machinations going on in the U.S. today. I found it eminently readable, even a bit scary. According to Gerstl, America is being systematically destroyed - not by terrorists from without, but by vested interests from within! Politicians, talk show hosts, media moguls, and populist rabble-rousers seek to preserve their "territory" at any cost - by obstructing the passage of beneficial laws, by scandalous lies and accusations, by negative campaigning, and by gratuitous insults. These "saviors" pose absolutely no constructive ideas of their own to resolve the morass in which the U.S. now finds itself.
If the public starts putting two and two together, the answer should come out "four." But so far, the "average" American can still be led to believe that two plus two equals whatever number the spin masters want it to. Yet Americans are buying into the politics of fear, dissension, and abuse without stopping for even a moment to consider exactly what these political hatemongers are offering in exchange for turning one faction out and securing the benefits of power for themselves.
The book poses the idea that we have run out of time and money; that we no longer have the luxury of political gamesmanship and needless, stupid bickering. While this timely book points the finger at who's to blame, it goes one step further and tells how America, the most powerful nation on earth, can take back control of its destiny and cure its own disease! Well worth the read! – August 2012
***** An Amazing eye-opener. I live in Europe. In the Netherlands. The US Elections have a global impact and of course there's a lot of media coverage about the Presidential battle over here as well. But still, nothing you see or hear in the media, really gives you a very deep feel and insight of what the US Elections are all about. And this is exactly what The Politics of Hate does give. After you've read this book, you know the characters involved. You know their motivations and their actions. You know the whole political background in the US. After reading this book, you can understand much better the regular media exposure about the US Elections. This book is a must have if you truly want to know what's happening at the political stage of the world's leading nation. Not only if you're a US citizen. Also, or, dare I say, especially if you are - like me - a non-US citizen. Apart from that, the writing is great too. The Politics of Hate is an easy read, making it quite impossible to stop reading until you've finished the book. – September 2012
***** The Politics of Hate. It has been said that the opposite of Pro gress is Con gress. Our political machine is broken. Everyone knows it, but nothing is being done. The populace goes along with whatever media they watch or read. No outburst of anger, no leadership. Total chaos! Hugo Gerstl has painted an accurate picture and points toward a reasonable solution. I share his optimism and need for urgency. This book should be must reading for all high school seniors. I certainly recommend the book highly - because it is not only accurately describing the current situation, but also presents plausible solutions! – September 2012
***** Best Book this Year. This is the best book I have read this year. The author has created a very well thought out book and analysis. Quite an appropriate topic for anyone who cares about the current world situation. He has a knack of pointing out some very somber facts while not being just a depressing book about hopelessness. Highly recommended Reading...... I generally do not write reviews, but felt that this topic is so on point that I wanted to encourage readers to get a copy. – September 2012
***** Required Reading for All Candidates. In an America so dismayingly divided, Gerstl has come up with a book that every candidate for anything ought to be required to read. I hate "pledges" but would love to have each candidate for President take these ideas up. There's something to hate for everyone here, but answers for getting through all that as well. In a world where the common good is getting trumped by "my party, right or wrong, but my party ('cause otherwise I might lose the election and ...), Gerstl has some answers. Watch this writer...he's about to burst open. his writing is tight and colorful, sometimes even entrancing. – July 2012
***** As an Eye-opener it’s better than a Bloody Mary. As a staunch Conservative Libertarian I was prepared to "Hate" this book. I laughed - I was outraged - I nodded my head in agreement more often than not - I threw it across the room twice - Then I couldn't put it down - I re-read the first fifty pages 3 times - I didn't want it to end. Whew !!!! It's a roller coaster of insight, prediction and extraordinary writing. It doesn't matter your politics may be, you will be enlightened, informed and entertained. Gerstl is gold bars. – July 2012
*****Best Political Book this Year. This is a must read for political enthusiasts! The book correlates the past with the present and is a must read for anyone who has any interest in the future of our country! – September 2012
***** Politics of Hatred Review. SUPERB! Not only does Mr. Gerstl dig into the origins of our historic hate, he does something few authors do - he offers suggestions on how to end the hatred. An accomplishment many loud voices fail to do. Well done Mr. Gerstl. – November 2013
***** Fantastic Political Research and Insight. Great Book. Hugo Gerstl has once again delivered an excellent book. I found his latest book to be very will written and insightful. It was truly detailed and timely with our current political gridlock in America. His insight was very though-out and refreshing! Great book!! – September 2012.
***** A book by one of the best. Mr. Gerstl shares captivating insight on how we can reverse the "Politics of Hate" that are systematically driving America into a third-world country by the spin masters of politics and media. A must read in this current election-focused climate. September 2012
*****Great Book. This is a great book. It is one which I would absolutely and strongly recommend to anyone looking for fascinating reading. – August 2012
How obstructionists, media, and vested
interests are making America a
third world country and
HOW WE CAN TURN IT AROUND
America is being systematically destroyed – not by terrorists from without, but by vested interests from within! It’s being destroyed by politicians, talk show hosts, media moguls, and populist rabble rousers who seek to preserve their “territory” at any cost – by obstructing the passage of beneficial laws, by scandalous lies and accusations, by negative campaigning, and by gratuitous insults. These “saviors” pose absolutely no constructive ideas of their own to resolve the morass in which our country now finds itself.
The politicians think no further than getting themselves elected or re-elected. The lure of $100,000 in lecture fees is a powerful aphrodisiac. The lure of power is an even greater aphrodisiac. Politicians, fearmongers, “talking heads,” and captains of industry revel in their fame, their glory, and their self-styled wisdom, while the U.S. is in deeper debt than any other nation in history, and when we are more and more quickly slipping toward becoming a third world nation each year.
If the public starts putting two and two together, the answer should come out “four.” But so far, the “average” American can still be led to believe that 2+2 equals whatever number the spin masters want to make it. What is even worse, more than 40% of Americans are buying into the politics of fear, dissension, and abuse without stopping for even a moment to consider exactly what these political hatemongers are offering in exchange for turning one faction out and securing the benefits of power for themselves.
But regardless of political infighting or outfighting, what we are doing is akin to two fleas fighting over who owns the dog. We don’t seem to realize that we have run out of time and money; that we no longer have the luxury of political gamesmanship and needless, stupid bickering. While this timely book points the finger at who’s to blame, it also goes one step further and tells how America, the most powerful nation on earth, can take back control of its destiny and cure its own disease!
Hugo N. Gerstl earned a degree in political science and history at UCLA, then went on to graduate UCLA School of Law. He turned down an invitation to run for Congress as it meant running against his friend and fellow-lawyer, Leon Panetta, who was just finishing his first term in Congress.
THE POLITICS OF HATE – 2012:
HOW THIS BOOK CAME TO BE
I am the first to admit that I consider myself first and foremost a novelist – a writer of fiction – and that I never had and still don’t have any great impetus to write nonfiction works, with perhaps the exception of what I felt to be a positive book that would help people, How to Cut Your Legal Bills In Half (1999 – Millennium / AndrewsMcMeel / Universal Press Syndicate).
But Dekel Publishing House’s Director, Zvi Morik, prevailed on me to write a political exposé / analysis of what was going on in my native country when Barack Obama was running for re-election and Congress was controlled by the Opposition Party. “Oh, and by the way, would you like to see the cover Lisa Peaks designed for you?” he asked casually.
Clever devil, that man! He knew that Lisa, the head of Design Peaks, at her “worst” is better than any book designer I’ve ever known at his or her best, and that I’d be so smitten with the cover that I’d write the damned book, simply to gaze at that cover from time to time.
As it turned out, The Politics of Hate did well in sales and critical reception, and friends on both sides of the political spectrum chided me or flattered be with such comments as, “We knew you were a true Conservative,” or “We knew you were one of us (liberals).” No one believed me when I said – truthfully – that I am a rabid middle-of-the roader.