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Sunday, Nov 8, 2009
RedhairedGrrrl
Published Letters: 29 Editor's Choice: 8
I have a pre-release copy of Spitz's biography on the Beatles, which I received as a gift... and began reading it with no small amount of skepticism. The Beatles have been chronicled in so many ways for so many years that I didn't know that there was any new gold to mine in that vein.
I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. Most books about the Beatles are so breathless in their worship of them as 'golden gods' that you never see them as the flesh and blood young men that they were. And then there are the sleazy headline hustlers who aim to shock with lurid narratives that dwell on any possible whiff of scandal. And then there's the Beatles Anthology, a definitive collective autobiography - but can anyone create an objective account of themselves?
I found Spitz's book to be very readable, balanced and insightful. The Beatles (and Brian Epstein, their manager) are shown with all their flaws and blemishes, but not in such a harsh light as to demonize them. And their gifts and charisma are also on display... but not in such a way as to exaggerate or deify them.
Spitz did an astounding amount of research and found fresh anecdotes and insights from people beyond the immediate circle who surrounded the Beatles... and who have been so endlessly cited in other biographies.
Amsden's impatience with the detail of this work is evident from his review, as is his disdain for a subject that he relegates to the realm of juvinile hero-worship. For me, my days of adolescence are long past... but I do recognize the Beatles' seminal contribution to the cultural history of the 20th century and to popular music, as well as having a nostalgic interest in the subject.
No biography is going to dissect the magic of the collaborative genius of Lennon and McCartney... but this one does shed more light than might have been expected at this late date on these men and their era, and the events that shaped them... and which they shaped in return.
The reviewer seems to want a different book than the one Armstrong & Zuniga wrote, but when evaluated on it's terms, Crashing the Gate is notably successful at accomplishing what it sets out to do. And that is to diagnose the systemic problems with the Democratic party as it now exists.
As Molly Ivins is known to say, the first rule of holes is to stop digging... and it's not only useful, but crucial for the Democratic party to take stock of itself, and why it is out of power. There's no point in putting a full tank of gas in a car with a broken transmission: similarly, the discussion of strategy and tactics for crafting a new Democratic party message isn't going anywhere until some root problems are acknowledged and addressed.
Armstrong & Zuniga have identified a number of ways that the Democratic party has institutionalized practices that render it ineffective and unsuited to supporting and advancing a political agenda, regardless of what that might be.
And that's why Crashing the Gate is an important book. It may be the case that the problems with the Democratic Party are structural rather than ideological, and that by tending to its long neglected local organization, i.e. the grassroots, and by rebuilding a networked party infrastructure abandoned in the flush of a fascination with mass media, the Democrats may find that their core values still resonate with the American people... once they actually are able to effectively reach them.
"Anonymous" criticizes me for lack of "full disclosure"? OK.
Although I think my comments stand on their own merits, here's my relationship to "Crashing the Gate" and Armstrong and Zuniga.
I did design the cover of "Crashing the Gate". And I do occasional design work for Armstrong and Zuniga. Also, I'm quoted in that book as an grassroots activist.
I don't think that the fact that I have done graphic design work for Markos and Jerome is particularly relevant. I'm an independent freelance designer and web developer.
I have no financial interest in the book. Certainly no one has ever asked me to shill for the book. I'm not a paid publicist for the publisher nor an employee of an ad agency or any other entity that will profit or suffer from the its sales.
My defense of the book was made on my own time, of my own impetus, and reflect my views.
Ultimately, I don't support the premise of the book because I designed the cover.
I designed the cover because I support the premise of the book.
I'm glad this article was written so that people will remember not to forget. The Gulf will need our help for a long time.
I recently received an email requesting that people send books to the library in New Orleans.
Send to: Rica A. Trigs
New Orleans Public Library
219 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans LA 70112
I've been going through my bookshelves. If we all do that it will make a big difference.
Thanks,
Molly
I don't have too many heros these days, but Howard Dean is at the top of the list. In 2003 he spoke up and said what many of us were thinking even though it was politically risky to do so. Dean has always been more interested in telling the truth than in being popular, but it's that high level of integrity and his willingness to speak his mind that makes him so lovable.
The 50 state strategy is exactly what the Democratic Party needs and why we won so big on Tuesday. This should absolutely be continued into 2008 if we want to keep on winning. Previously the Democratic Party has shrunk to a few races that could easily be overpowered and controlled by the opposition. Now, WE ARE EVERYWHERE.
Thank you Joe, for giving credit where it's due. As Gandhi said, "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."
Much of the initial coverage about Fort Hood turned out to be wrong. Is there anything wrong with that?
The accountability imposed by another country for the CIA's kidnapping and torture reveals much about our own.
Fox News' morning show plays to type, talking about whether Muslims in the Army should face "special debriefings"
The survivor and author is upset about comparisons some on the right are making to genocide
Once seen as a lunatic fringe, reactionary anti-women groups are courting respectability
Salon headlines in your mailbox
