A CASE AGAINST SOCIALISM

Written by Rand Paul

Book review by: Jim “Gymbeaux” Brown, February 1, 2020

Anything in BLUE is a linkable entry

I chose to read Rand Paul’s book because I have seen the reports that indicated that as many as 66% of Americans are now leaning towards a Socialistic form of government.  There could be only two reasons why this is so, if it is true.  First, that is what our students are being taught in our schools, the news media and the entertainment industry.  Second and most likely more responsible is that these same people have no concept of what Socialism actually looks like and the damage it has done throughout history. 

Some people, like me, will read this book because it does give you a very good understanding of Socialism both past and present.  These people are looking to verify their level of understanding of Socialism. 

Some people believe they already know everything there is to know about Socialism so why read the book?  It would be easy to suggest that choosing not to read the book is their problem and not mine and that would be true.  But far more importantly, moving towards Socialism in America is America’s problem and it is a problem provided you understand what Socialism brings and does.

I could never give an adequate explanation of the contents of the book as that would be left to each individual reader’s understanding to achieve.  It IS a book that EVERY American should read.  If your vision of the future of America is one of Socialism, then you had better be absolutely certain that is what you want and you can’t possibly know that if you don’t know what Socialism has been and continues to be.  Paul explains throughout the book that Socialism gives the appearance of being a good government for everyone.  However, the ONLY way Socialism can work, requires that the government controls almost every aspect of a person’s life.  If people choose NOT to be controlled, government’s only remedy is violence.  Paul describes how tens of millions of people have been murdered in the name of Socialism. 

As I read the book one thought kept pouring through my consciousness.  You can vote your way into Socialism but you will have to shoot your way out of it.  Most if not all countries governed by Socialism ban the ownership of guns by its citizens.  Therefore, if you later discover that Socialism violates every aspect of the freedom most people seek, they are unable to do anything about changing it.

Who should read the book?  As stated, EVERY American but especially freedom loving and freedom seeking American!

Would I read it again?  Definitely parts of it

Would I give it as a gift?  Absolutely!

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question

Written by John G. Miller

Book review by: Jim “Gymbeaux” Brown, February 3, 2020

Anything in BLUE is a linkable entry

“What to really ask yourself to eliminate blame, victim thinking, complaining and procrastination.”  If you want a book review in just one sentence, then the sub-title of this book would suffice because that is exactly what this book is all about.  It is not just about the questions; it is also about when you ask the questions.  More importantly, it is about your answers to your own questions.

Miller published this book in the early 2000’s and that is when I FIRST read it.  I have read it two or three more times since then and again in February 2020.  My goal was to use QBQ to practice what I preach, read something positive every morning; that WAS my goal.  As I started reading it, I simply could not put it down to wait for tomorrow’s chapter to read and instead just read it all at once.

Almost any reader could find themselves discussed on any page in the book either as you are now or as you may have been in the past.  Simply put, this book teaches readers how to ask better questions of themselves that if asked and answered would without question improve not only their lives but the lives of everyone they come in contact with.  QBQ may have been written over 20 years ago but it is just as critical to self-improvement today as it was when it was first written.

I have a personal life’s mission statement, “To help people to do what they do to do it better.”  Recommending this book as required reading satisfies that goal.  If you truly want to be the best person you can be then read the book; otherwise, don’t read the book – you choose!

Who should read the book?  Everyone; no exceptions.  I found it exceptionally valuable serving as a real estate broker/manager/trainer for a large real estate office.

Would I read it again?  Definitely.  I already have, at least three times

Would I give it as a gift?  Absolutely!  This is especially true for young (and old) teenagers to get them started on the right path at an early age in life.