Rachel Maddow discusses her book, "Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power" at the Harvard Bookstore. "Drift" argues that the U.S. has become a nation at peace with perpetual war. This talk was recorded on April 1, 2012.
Since I met Rachel in the media...i always said "Id like to be like Rachel when I grow up." Im 65 y.o now, and i still love listening to her speaking about cowboys and indians (no pun intended). Best of all, i didnt grow up to be like Rachel, but I do like to talk politics now, after listening to Rachel for years. I really dont hear a lot of traditional Hispanic women, speak politics; they shy away from it, and excuse themselves to continue cooking that days supper. I feel that if a podcast, video, or program is not helping you learn, relax, or whatever your goal may be--put it aside and keep on looking. When i listen to Rachel, there is no turning the channel, or looking for a better speaker or book, on the subject....shes the girl with the knowledge!
If you're going to get this book, get the audio book. This is a heavy subject area and much more enjoyable to listen to.....since she's she is so passionate and has a fantastic delivery. I started playing the first few minutes and was bummed because it was sort of monotone......and I was afraid that the whole book was like that. Not so....her smart, enjoyable persona comes out quickly and it is fantastic.
I am excited to hear that! I am a fairly liberal guy, and being the military I am constantly getting into arguments with coworkers about politics. It bothers me that some people on the right paint anyone who wants to cut defense spending as pacifists or weak on national security. I think this book touches on that a bit (I am about halfway through it now) but more importantly it talks about how disconnected the public is on matters of war and peace. Fantastic writing!
I find it a shame these lectures are always time-limited; I understand the need of a time limit, but Rachel could have gone on for another hour and be just as riveting and entertaining.
It is very interesting that Rachel brought up making Halliburton rich. Sometimes it's what you don't say that makes it important. It's like reading between the lines is where you will find the truth.
Just finished the book: absolute must-read for every american. the book isn't about democrats vs republican so much as putting history into perspective as to why US is the way it is now and what US really needs to be concerned about.
( 5:17 ) Rachel, like most Americans, continues to not understand or communicate the outright fear and hate US led drone strikes have unleashed everywhere we have used them.
i went into the book expecting to vehemently disagree with her main argument but found it surprisingly informative. i dont agree with every point but the disconnect described is spot on and all the facts and evidence she uses are accurate. every american should read this whatever their personal politics are.
I am 70 and as such have an ira with a smattering of investments in companies with military contracts, one such company had exorbanent growth basically unheard. Being retired I don’t feel I have the luxury of not holding investments in such companies. During the vietnam war I had a student deferment till they ended and we switched to lottery numbers mine was high so was safe and the draft ended before many could be called up. I wonder how misguided todays youth that never had to worry about the draft hold such nationalistic or trumpian ideals.
We need 1 million 18 year old soldiers; with the Internet news; it is hard to enlist these kids. The possibility of getting disabled or killed is enormous. Check your mail.
Having perspective comes as a benefit of age. Living on the edge of emerging history in media and to do so artfully is a gift. She illustrates the condrums of aqward poltics so well, you laugh when you know you should cry. I do not agree with every thing Ms Meddow comments on. But I do appreciate hearing her as she has such a gift. I continue to applaud her career and hope she has many years more in this profession.
Cool. It’s like the focus of this reading/her book is an indirect endorsement of Tulsi Gabbard. Although Bernie Sanders has also stated positions on foreign policy, aligned with the reality of historical context.
@@OseaMalamalanitabua If you make a comment without replying to my comment, if Rachel ever browses these pages she'll more likely see your comment that clearly wasn't meant to be a reply. Good luck to us all!
Just as the people who most vigorously argue over the Bible or the American Constitution are those who have never read the books they defend, there are those who have memorised a few random lines of Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" in order to name drop and appear sagacious. But many haven't looked inside the front cover of Sun Tzu's masterwork, never mind actually reading it. (Ms Maddow spoke of war and so I thought of war.…)
Chris, I agree with your assessment that Rachel is a smart thinker and leader. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s never a good idea to use the term “cute” in describing adult human beings, female or male. It’s demeaning. I’m very sure you didn’t intend to demean anyone, but rather you didn’t realize that ‘cute’ is not a respectful description of people or experiences of import. Hope you can receive this in the constructive manner with which it was meant.
I have also thought about it....but I doubt she'd ever run. What she does now is her passion. But it's a great idea and I know she'd win the suburban women's vote, in a jiffy.
Rachel is someone interesting to talk to. Scary to debate. She does the groundwork. The research, the fact checking. I'd enjoy watching her debate ANYONE from fox news. She'd bury them. With facts. Something they aren't used to. In my opinion. Nothing but respect for this woman. This said. Men attempting to use an animal as viagra. Is laughable, sad, and shameful.
