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Front Page > Issues > 2004 >July


Book Review: THE EXCEPTION TO THE RULERS
Exposing Oily Politicians, War Profiteers, and the Media That Love Them
Amy Goodman
(with David Goodman)

 

Amy Goodman Interview can be found here

 

By Ruth Kovacs

Amy Goodman’s, The Exception to the Rulers is not a page-turner; not unless you have a cold heart and an exceptionally tough skin. She gives carefully documented facts with a disturbing glare of truth that will make you gasp, grind your teeth, and if you’re like me, slam the book down in disgust. How could America, this democracy, this god-fearing land of the free, so blatantly violate its Constitution, betray and deceive its people and terrorize the world?
After reading each page one must pause to reflect on the awesome significance of its content. Noam Chomsky (a political analyst worth reading) commented on her informative and probing analysis as one which “pursues difficult questions” . . .”relentlessly and courageously”.

The first of the 18 chapters describes Goodman’s 1991 personal experience in East Timor and establishes her as a capable, dedicated journalist. The account reads with the excitement of a novel and the truth of a documentary. And the pages that follow maintain that appealing balance — always giving the reader the feeling they are privy to a personal and accurate report from behind the scenes.

Anyone who doesn’t understand the “No War for Oil” signs that have appeared at every peace march needs to read chapters two and three. If you’re an activist, her exposé of the abuse of our civil liberties in the chapters titled “Crackdown,” “Smackdown” and “Lockdown” will make you tremble with fear. In case you didn’t know — it’s real! History tells us about the Japanese internment camps, McCarthy witch-hunts, and COINTELPRO. Amy tells us about the vicious application of the US PATRIOT Act, (Uniting and Strength- ening America by Providing Appropri-ate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism). If you’re the wrong color, the wrong religion, an immigrant, a student here on a visa, or just at the wrong place at the wrong time (like the airport!) you may learn a hard lesson about civil liberties. Keep your attorney’s telephone number with you at all times.

For a bit of comic relief don’t miss Chapter 15, “Things Got Messy with Sally Jessy,” which describes the taping of the show that featured Amy as a guest. When Amy gave a few facts criticizing our government, Sally flipped out. She appeared so out of control they cut the tape. The intrigue that followed explains to us how unreliable, so-called unbiased talk shows, presented by the corporate media, are produced.

The concluding chapter, “Free the Media” is Goodman’s core message— and a worthy message it is. The book also includes many pages of footnotes that document her sources, and an index that is quite thorough.

Amy Goodman, a truly brilliant journalist, clearly states the problems. She bravely attacks issues that the corporate media, through lies and omissions, has vigorously misrepresented. But she does not offer a solution. Her best call to action demands more truth from the media to the masses. Now that we know just how horrific are the crimes of our leaders, what should we do? Goodman frequently asks the question of her guests, “Which is more effective — lawsuits and legislative reform, or taking to the streets?” The typical answer is “both.” One supports the other. She diligently reports legal actions and demonstrations, pointing out the misrepresentation of these events in the corporate media. However,Goodman seldom closes with a plea to her audience to participate in either.

When Goodman promoted her book at the Bagdad Theatre, she was greeted with a well-deserved standing ovation. Her presentation gave us a glimpse of her passion and a sample of her fine sense of humor. She concludes by encouraging more journalism that focuses on truth. But we have not heard her say much about the solving the problems of the system. She doesn’t tell us if she thinks it needs reform or revolution and thus manages to keep her objective position as a journalist. Goodman has such an abundance of experience and insight, this reader would like to know her personal political position on some issues. Instead she answers the question, “Why must there be a change?”

If you’ve had trouble getting through to your friends and family who have been fooled by the lies of the media, The Exceptions to the Rulers is the book to buy for them. The personalized writing will keep their attention, and the information will awaken their consciousness.

Ruth Kovacs is a Portland senior citizen and Alliance volunteer who’d rather be active than passive.

 

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Last Updated: July 5, 2004