Book Review: "Unhinged: Exposing Liberals Gone Wild" by Michelle Malkin (2005)

The main argument in this short look at the state of left-of-centre commentary in the US following 9/11 is that the Democratic party has been taken over by raving lunatics.

Examples include Daily Kos blogger Markos Moulitsas (who said "screw them" when referring to the four American contractors that were burnt to a crisp and hung from a bridge in Fallujah by Zarqawi sympathizers), numerous congressmen and congresswomen who, like Dem icons Howard Dean and Madeleine Albright, suggested that there was a possibility that the President knew of the impending WTC attacks before they happened due to a Saudi tip-off, and finally, the types who usually show up every time there's a so-called "peace" march with signs with slogans like "Bush=Hitler", "Arm the Homeless" and "Smash the Jewish State" (see here for pictures from two rallies San Francisco, held in March of this year).

Malkin also publishes a litany of hate-filled venom sent her way by so-called adherents to the liberal values of tolerance, diversity and respect which include some absolutely disgusting instances of racism and sexism.

No doubt there are some nutters in both parties, but the point Malkin makes is that the fringe is far more powerful in the Democratic party, and when Democratic leaders don't speak out against these individuals, it makes one wonder just how far off the mark these "extremists" really are from reflecting mainstream opinion from within their own ranks.

Don't expect any intellectual breakdown or analysis with "Unhinged". However, right-wingers looking for some ammo (and if you've been paying attention, there's not a lot new), or lefties who don't mind having someone hold up the mirror, will appreciate it.

Overall rating: 7/10