I'm Not the Only One

This book is loud. It speaks as a politician from a platform, a fiery diatribe of the present British and American governments, a powerful campaign for peace and social justice and a polemic on the writer's long-time commitment to the people of Iraq and Palestine. Galloway is one of the most eloquent and progressive international voices of global dissent and his public profile is one of a fiery left-winger advocating redistribution of wealth, greater spending on welfare benefits, and extensive nationalisation of large industries. Galloway is known for his socialist views, confrontational style, and rhetorical skill. It is not surprising that much of what he writes in I'm Not the Only One is echoed in the various public utterances over the world. The other members of the Respect coalition include the Socialist Workers Party, members of the Muslim Association of Britain and the Muslim Council of Britain. Supporters include the film director Ken Loach, playwright and Nobel laureate in Literature Harold Pinter, the International Socialist Group and the Socialist Unity Network. The party was originally launched by The Guardian journalist George Monbiot and Birmingham Stop the War Coalition chair Salma Yacoob. However, the alliance implied in I'm Not the Only One, goes beyond a party membership and support structure. It embraces a world that is fundamentally anti-imperialist and anti-war. So the noise that emanates from its pages, sounding like political rhetoric and diatribe is really a speech to a mass audience, interspersed with more subdued moments, as if in an interview. A significant interview moment is his confession that his greatest political blunder--which should be distinguished from the worse-than-a-crime blunder of Bush and Blair--is his most unfortunate utterance at his first meeting with Saddam Hussein. On meeting the dictator he said, "Sir, I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability." George Galloway, warts and all, is a towering political foe. No man is incorruptible and that is why so many have tried to corrupt him and charge him of corruption, but without success. He remains a credible icon of the anti-imperialist and anti-war struggle because he has a record going back over thirty years, when the idea of fighting for Palestine was never popular in Europe. In his own words: "I was against it because I was against it. Not because of a head count."

Don't be put off by the frankness or the over-frequent comparison of polilticians to one type of animal or other. This insider's view of British politics and its global repercussions is really hard to put down. Without mincing words, Galloway rolls back layers of government hypocrisy and media spin, reveals some home truths, admits to some mistakes, exposes the limitations of our revered parliamentary system and makes you laugh. When the author paints a wonderfully wicked picture of the UK/US relationship in Iraq, contrasting the UK's Jeremy (good cop) Greenstock with US John (bad cop) Negroponte you recognise the nugget of truth. You love the detail when he points up British 'reserve' compared to US flag waving using a Jack Straw example . Then there's the revelation regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destructions. ' The only thing found so far is a single vial of Botox, twelve years old... one vial of Botox - less than is carried in the ever-rosy cheeks of Miss Joan Collins - is what we, officially, have to show for the war.' This is typical of the writing style, far removed from academic thesis but capable of signposting a great deal of (often sordid) history in very few words. This is essential reading for anyone who wants to get a feel for British politicians from the other unreported side of the media/PR lens. I recommend it to all our American friends.

Then laugh at you, and hate you, then they fight you - then you win.. Mr Galloway has become a legend over the past 3 years, from the very moment he spoke up for the 99% of this country who smelt a deadly rat from within this corrupt governments' voting lobby. This has been, afterall, a rich man's war. Had nothing to do with us, our safety, international security. The man tells it like it is, there can be no other way, and if you have a passion for the truth, then I assure you that not only will you breathe a sigh of relief that you too are not the only one - but you will feel compelled to CHANGE the entire rules of democracy, as Mr G has already explained in the book how this can be done. Do you want to be forced into voting next election? Would you rather there isnt a capitalist system? The gap between the rich and the poor still wide. He was brave to wear a leotard and purr like a cat for our entertainment but it shows the integrity and strength of his character - the principles he will fight for - at any cost. Dont be a sheep! Read the book! Find out what they dont want you to know, and watch Michael Moores stuff too. Thanks

You cannot beat this book for a refreshing view of some aspects of modern politics. The right wing extremist media and supporters have tried to smear him but they have come out looking the worse for it. Good read. Keep it up George.