Books and Such

Mac Johnson, the webpage.

Worthwhile Books

Not just shameless and desperate commercialism (but that as well), this page lists books I have found interesting and enjoyable enough to recommend to others. A short review can be found with each, explaining why I believe it is a worthwhile read. The books are listed in no particular order and I will try to cycle new picks through occassionally. Enjoy...

This book could be thought of as a left wing counterpart to Pat Buchanan's The Death of the West. Think of it as "The Death of the Left". Longman does an excellent job of presenting an unnoticed trend: birthrates are declining everywhere -not just in wealthy countries. Because of this, the long feared "Population Bomb" of the 1960's has turned out to be an implosion. The result: economic growth is headed for a demographic brick wall as welfare states collapse and workers become increasingly rare. The book also seeks to scare leftists into reproduction by pointing out that the religious are out-reproducing them handily and that the future belongs to those that bother to send children into it. The book has a few weaknesses, such as seeking to absolve the left of contributing to the problem (through a generally anti-tradition attitude). The book also pays little attention to the 800 pound gorilla of this issue: birth control. The only thing in common among the disparate regions with declining birthrates is that people now can prevent pregnancy. This presents a fundamental philosophical dilemma: will people choose to dedicate their lives to children -or to themselves? We've never been able to choose so easily before; and culturally we are not yet well adapted to having this power. Well worth reading.

Why did the South secede? Why don't you ask her? After reading this short but very thoughtful book, I am amazed that most discussion of the origins of the War totally ignores the founding documents of the Confederacy. It's as if one studied the American Revolution without reading the Declaration of Independence. Comparing the Confederate Constitution to the US document on which it is largely based is fascinating. The institution of Slavery is left unchanged from the US Constitution. The changes relate almost entirely to restraining the power of the Federal Government over taxation and local authority. If you think term limits, a line-item veto, supermajorities for tax increases, and limiting pork barrel spending are modern ideas for Constitutional change, you will be surprised by this book. It is clear that the power of the Federal Government had grown into a very recognizable form by 1861, and that concerns over its expanded role in economic affairs were a major motivation in the decision of the Southern States to sever ties and establish a new government.

This book is so short that I was reluctant to believe that Richard Rhodes actually wrote it. But it is so loaded with facts and documentation that I finally gave in and believed the jacket. This is the best available summary of facts surrounding the decline of nuclear power, including the unreported role that industry mismanagement played. It is also a convincing argument in favor of its rebirth. The amount of (willful) ignorance and misunderstanding surrounding nuclear power in our country is amazing. I've often wanted to put about 10 copies of this book in a pillow case and use it to beat anti-nuclear activists senseless a la Sean Penn in Bad Boys. But I would settle for having them read just one copy. You should too. (Don't make me ruin a pillow case.) Excellent book.

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