U.S. & Global Politics: A Reading List « The Peyote Way Church of God

The Big Bamboozle by Philip Marshall
The author reveals some of the lies fed to the American public after the 9/11 collisions in New York’s twin towers to foment war and justify cruel torture.
Upside Down by Eduardo Galleano
Upside Down tells the reader about some of the many injustices commonly practiced on the poor. It is easy to read but challenging to digest, as one wonders how can such an ensconced power structure be changed to be more egalitarian to all?
Inside the Kingdom by Carmen Bin Laden. This is a very personal account of a liberated Persian woman who married into one of the wealthiest families in the very repressive society of Saudi Arabia. Carmen Bin Laden provides an inside look at the Bin Laden family, Saudi royalty, and life inside the ultra orthodox Wahabi society. Carmen knew privilege denied to most Saudi woman, yet what she experienced was frightening. Women may not go out without a male escort, and are always required to wear the heavy veil, even while eating. They can be punished with death for showing their ankles. The Wahabi practice of Islam is the religion of the Saudi royal family and Al Qaeda, and it would be very useful for Americans to get better acquainted with these beliefs. Carmen’s brother-in-law, Osama, was austere and strict in his religious practice, and highly respected by the Saudi family. Church of Lies and Inside the Kingdom could be read in tandem, as a reminder that extremism/fundamentalism in any religion is bad for the individual and society. Tolerance is the way—except there is one thing that cannot be tolerated, and that is intolerance!
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
This book alone will transform your understanding of U.S. history.
A Place of Power
This great book may be out of print, but is a treasure to own and keep if you can find it.
American Fascists by Chris Hedges
Hedges explains in plain spoken terms, the danger of tolerating intolerance and why we should not let our faith be railroaded by the new religious Right. A must read.
Overthrow by Stephen Kinzer
The author explains the part the United States has played in subjugating other cultures and societies.
Why We Fight by Eugene Jarecki (DVD)
This documentary film shows how the entire U.S. economy has come to be driven by military expenditure, i.e., how we came to be the “cops of the world” and what the costs are. Very moving and excellent.
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
United States Constitution
The Papers of Thomas Jefferson
Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
Libertystory.net has many links to classic and modern “liberty” texts.
Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Bill of Rights
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine
Persepolis By Marjane Satrapi
This graphic novel by a young Iranian woman about life during the Iraq war was recently made into a movie. Don’t forget to check out the Special Features!
19 Weeks by Norman Moss
The Punishment of Virtue by Sarah Chayes
Chayes “fluff” pieces on NPR were impressive enough, but her reporting on Afghanistan reveals extensive knowledge about the war in Afghanistan.
1945 by Gregor Dallas
This book will give the reader a complete overview of World War II, and its effect on current affairs.

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