Ain't My America: The Long, Noble History of Antiwar Conservatism and Middle-American Anti-Imperialism

Great to have the sense and humanity of anti-war understanding broadened to include 'conservative'. Great to have anti-imperialism, the same. I don't think I've enjoyed going to the dictionary so often since high school. Thanks for all those great new words, often cleverly employed.

I was raised by my grandparents, in Northern Wisconsis. The were America First "isolationists". After reading AIN'T MY AMERICA, I have a better understanding and appreciaton for this heritage which they gave to me. Not only would America be much better off today if we had remained true to the original ideals and principles which our country was founded on, and maintained neutrality, the countries and people we allegedly sought to "help" would have been much better off also.

This book joins Kauffman's earlier exploration of the isolationist strain in American history, "America First!" as an instant classic that libertarians, Old Right conservative, and decentralists of all stripes will thumb through repeatedly as they look for guidance from history in confronting the Warfare State. Reading Kauffman is a real shot in the arm to anyone tired of what passes for political commentary in today's America. He would probably never want to become part of the pundit class, but I find myself wishing he got "face time" on the awful chat shows so he could expose people to his idiosyncratic perspective. Maybe he'd even make the bestseller list. But for now only a tiny Remnant will enjoy his lively prose which makes everything and everyone from tax withholding to Old Right stalwart Felix Morley fascinating. I'm a libertarian, so obviously I'm against re-education camps, but I'm sorely tempted to make an exception in the case of this book; if I had it in my power I might force every "conservative" pundit (especially the historically illiterate talk show crowd) to read and absorb this book and see what they have betrayed and corrupted.

Bill Kauffman's new book is a superb, essential and enlightening look at the noble tradition of skepticism and criticism on the American Right of predatory war and imperialism over two centuries of American history. Kauffman is a lively and entertaining writer sure to enrage many with his well-informed and researched jeremiads (especially his prescription on Texas!). This is a much needed, bracing correction to the spirit of the age, where there are three remaining presidential candidates in May 2008 and all three are unashamed, warmongering interventionists (especially the "conservative" McCain). I loved this book and am amazed at the quality and prolific nature of this writer, what do they put in the water in Batavia? A minor quibble would be parts of chapter five. While interesting and well written, the criticism of space program (certainly a major budgetary boondoggle) doesn't quite seem to fit the overall theme of the book. I feel that I have been introduced to a whole new crew of All-American heroes. I knew something about the eccentric John Randolph of Roanoke, but have a newfound respect for the portly anti-colonialist Grover Cleveland and, who would have thought it, the much maligned George McGovern.