Saturday, August 30, 2003

Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them.

So thrilled was I that Fox lost their ridiculous lawsuit regarding Al Franken's Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them, I bought a copy the day the book came out. I felt a little uneasy, knowing I was buying it largely because of the lawsuit. That's why I was giddy when I found the book really deserves the attention. I suspect it would have reached the #1 spot with or without the lawsuit, though any opportunity to see Fox News look even stupider is fine by me.

The book is great. Franken is a riot, but more satisfying than the humor is the chronicle of ignorance and outright dishonesty of today's most reprehensible--and powerful--public figures.

Franken (backed by a sizeable Harvard research team) speaks with clarity and confidence. He also speaks with humility, and more than once apologizes for exploits he took a bit too far. But this only serves to underscore the unrepentant, arrogant figures that the book takes to task.

I found only one chapter a bit slow ("Operation Chickenhawk: Episode One"), but it was soon followed by a wonderful comic strip ("The Gospel of Supply Side Jesus") which more than made up for it. Overall, the book is a quick read, and well worth it.


No comments:

Post a Comment