From sometime in the 80s until the early 1990s, my dad used to co-own and operate Northward Bookstore in Ashland, WI (which recently closed due to the internet and bigger stores) where I spent the first few years of my life. I didn’t know until high school that Steve Sorensen who co-owned the store with my dad – was the son of a very famous figure in modern politics. This figure is Steve Sorensen, JFK’s Speechwriter and Special Counsel to the President, and a lawyer who still works and lives in New York. For a US History class in High School I wrote Mr. Sorensen a letter and promptly received a response, something I’ve kept and am pretty proud of – not knowing how close such an influential person to my family really was.
President Obama and Ted Sorensen
My dad bought this book a few months ago, so I decided to pick it up from the Marquette University library and have been reading it on and off for a month now, having just finished it a few minutes ago (it’s due tomorrow!). As seemingly dry reading about politics are sometimes, this book was nothing like you’d think it is.
It covers his youth in Nebraska to his rise in the political arena and eventually culminates in his long tenure with President Kennedy. He dealt with, met with, and worked with many important leaders of our time – and still does. His relationship with JFK is nothing like any other partnership I’ve heard of in politics – definitely something to be admired and hopefully sought after in the future . A man after my own ideals (that is, very liberal and Unitarian) , I really enjoyed reading his commentary on current situations and struggles in the world. He also explains life after JFK’s Presidency, working with LBJ, his time as director of the CIA, and life after Washington politics.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking to broaden their perspective of JFK and his rise to the Presidency, or anyone interested in what went on behind the closed doors of past White House staff.
I don’t smoke. I do think it’s ridiculous that people die over a drug that does (usually) nothing but good. The whole “gateway” thing is legitimate, but I do think it should be legalized. I don’t really like either of these dudes much but it’s a really good snippet. Ron Paul’s daaaaamn smart.
I’ve heard the name before – but never really checked out Gore Vidal. Definitely an outspoken Republican I can respect. Not that I don’t respect the rest of you guys…but try doing things without religion, guns, and old white men for once. <3.
Here’s an excerpt from an interview in 2002;
Should the U.S. just pack up its military from everywhere and go home?
Yes. With no exceptions. We are not the world’s policeman. And we cannot even police the United States, except to steal money from the people and generally wreak havoc. The police are perceived quite often, and correctly, in most parts of the country as the enemy. I think it is time we roll back the empire — it is doing no one any good. It has cost us trillions of dollars, which makes me feel it’s going to fold on its own because there isn’t going to be enough money left to run it.
It’s been two years since Brother Ali released the critically acclaimed album The Undisputed Truth, and as the Rhymesayers lyrical heavyweight and producer Ant put the finishing touches on their upcoming follow up (Fall ’09) the dynamic duo cap off the last two years with a new EP and a full-length DVD.
Nine tracks featuring two highly sought after b-sides and seven new and previously unreleased songs including “Philistine David”, which was featured in the Jonathan Demme directed documentary, Jimmy Carter Man From Plains and “The Believer” a collaboration with Slug of Atmosphere. In addition to the new EP, The Truth Is Here also contains a full length DVD that features Brother Ali’s sold out homecoming performance during The Undisputed Truth Tour at the legendary First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis as well as interviews, a special commentary by Brother Ali, and videos of “Take Me Home” and “Uncle Sam Goddamn” from The Undisputed Truth. The Truth Is Here captures
a key period in the career of what many have called one of the most promising voices to emerge from the underground this century and will be a must have for any and every Brother Ali fan.
You can pre-order The Truth Is Here from Fifth Element now! With the Fifth Element pre-order you’ll also receive a “Truth Is Here” sticker and a limited edition fold out poster with lyrics sheet on the reverse side! Remember these bonus items are exclusive to Fifth Element and are limited so pre-order it today!!!
Found this incredibly funny post via a messageboard just now. Pretty much incredible. Long story short, President Obama recorded an audiobook awhile back, and in it he quoted people…verbatim. Complete with explicitness. Pretty awesome.
