Book Review: "Londonistan" by Melanie Phillips (2006)
In the wake of last summer's London bombings, journalist Melanie Phillips penned this simply devastating critique of the moral equivalency, permissiveness, inertia, and culture of self-blame within British society that has allowed radical Islam to not only develop but flourish. After looking at the terror plot that was thwarted earlier this month, her observations are even more pertinent. Phillips is unapologetically conservative: are we to sacrifice the values of freedom of speech and gender equality at the altar of Sharia law to appease potential terrorists? For Phillips, the answer is unequivocally negative, and she makes several flawless arguments throughout "Londonistan" which conclude with a patriotic yet logical defense of the West and the values that it is built on.
Along with "While Europe Slept", I'd say it's the most compelling book of the year. I'd also venture to say that if first-year political science professors were truly interested in teaching students how to think rather than what to think, they'd put "Londonistan" on the top of their reading lists this September right beside the obligatory Chomsky texts (but I suspect that most of them in the echo chamber of the ivory tower haven't even heard of it).
Absolutely essential.
Overall rating: 10/10
26 Comments:
I totally agree with your review...a terrific book that everybody should read....
Holy smokes Road Hammer. Chomsky is getting as much mention in your blog as these days as Michael Moore -- even when they seemingly aren't connected in any way to your postings.
Such vitriol. Did these guys steal your bike or run over your dog when you were a kid?
You ought to read the book, Greenchief. To quote Gorilla Monsoon, it's a 'miscarriage of justice' how much ink clowns like the two you mentioned receive when there's so much more serious and deep thinking on these crucial topics, like what Phillips offers in 'Londonistan'.
It's so profound that I could only read it one chapter at a time.
Not questioning the depth and quality of the work you read. And it does look like an interesting read. I'm just confused why so many of your arguments come back to taking the piss out of Moore and Chomsky.
If you feel they get too much ink, why do you always raise their names?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
To me, along with my other favourite punching bags like Dean, Sheehan, Franken and the gang, they're the best examples of misguided thinking these days.
Plus, they're easy targets, you have to admit.
They could line up opposite the likes of O'Reilly, Coulter, Robertson and Toby Keith for a battle royal.
I've ragged on Coulter numerous times here. As for Robertson, he's not my cup of tea. BTW, Toby Keith is a registered Dem, did you know that?
I also would argue that O'Reilly is more populist than anything else.
How about a handicap match with Mark Steyn and Hitch vs. all of 'em?
So I guess what you're saying is that Coulter, Roberston, et al. don't represent the right, or at least all of the right.
Similarily, Moore, Chomsky, et al. don't speak for the entire left. So discrediting them is hardly a persuasive argument against left wing view points.
As for Toby Keith being a dem., I didn't know that and don't really care. He's still an idiot. Call me non-patisan.
I'd say that between the two of them, Chomsky and Moore are more representative of the left than anyone else going today. Also, they get away with propagating far too many falsehoods so I repeatedly point that out. The right is far bigger a tent. Case in point: the experience of Joe Liberman vs. that of John McCain.
Unless and until I see a filmmaker other than Moore getting VIP treatment at the next Dem convention, like he did at the last one, and Chomsky getting less attention from other academics, I'll still argue that they are the primary icons of the left these days.
This review is old for a time. But this doesn't conclude things that is worth to mention especially when it comes to human rights and equality.
Good post!
I think Zacharias Moussaoui and shoebomber Richard Reid are two of many such examples she points to in the book
Hello! I understand this is sort of off-topic but I had to ask.
Does operating a well-established website like yours take a lot of work?
I am completely new to running a blog however I do write in my
journal every day. I'd like to start a blog so I can share my personal experience and thoughts online. Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips for new aspiring blog owners. Appreciate it!
My webpage - kohls-printable-coupons.Net
Thanks for ones marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you will be
a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will often come back sometime soon.
I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice holiday weekend!
Feel free to visit my web page ... kohls promo Coupons
Incredible story there. What occurred after? Take care!
My blog :: in store kohls coupons
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and
I am waiting for your further post thank you once again.
Also visit my site ... kohls Online Coupons
Undeniably imagine that that you stated. Your favourite reason seemed to
be on the internet the simplest factor to have in mind of.
I say to you, I certainly get annoyed at the same time as people consider issues that they
plainly don't recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , people can take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you
Check out my site : Kohls Discount Coupons Printable
Wow, this article is good, my younger sister is analyzing such things, so I am going
to inform her.
My webpage - in store kohls coupons printable
Your way of explaining the whole thing in this paragraph is genuinely pleasant,
all be capable of easily understand it, Thanks a lot.
Here is my web site - kohls-printable-coupons.Net
Remarkable issues here. I'm very glad to peer your post. Thank you so much and I am taking a look forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
My web blog - kohls online coupons codes
For newest news you have to go to see web and on web I found this website as a finest web page for
hottest updates.
Also visit my web-site - kohls-Printable-Coupons.Net
You truly can!
my web site: webpage
At this moment I am going away to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast coming again to read more news.
Feel free to surf to my web blog :: Pirater un Compte Facebook
Hey! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it's new to me.
Nonetheless, I'm definitely delighted I found it and I'll
be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
Take a look at my web site Psn Code Generator
I'm truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It's a
very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here
and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create
your theme? Outstanding work!
My web blog: pirater un compte facebook
You can represent On-line casion, casino games and besides can check into the reviews of where to get down and Participate. [url=http://www.oiupaydayloans.co.uk/]payday uk[/url] payday loans You simply log on where you Hold not called to pay fee for Involvement. http://www.bvfdpaydayloans.co.uk/
Post a Comment
<< Home