The Pre-Emptive Empire: A Guide to Bush's Kingdom

Are you disenchanted with the cynicism of Bush's government and the blatant imperialism of US international policy? Do you want to understand what's really happening in US politics?

This book, is a scathing account of George W. Bush's world before and after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that will appeal to anyone who is disenchanted with the cynicism of Bush's government, and the blatant imperialism U.S. international policy -- or those who just want to learn about what's happening in US politics.

Landau covers the topical and controversial issues -- from terrorism and US foreign policy to Bush's wondrous election victory; from Enron, Chile and Pinochet to Cuba, the Middle East, the IMF, the environment and sexual and cultural politics.

He delves into the erosion of civil liberties and the proliferation of empire under the guise of pre-empting the scourge of terrorism. Landau reveals how Bush protects "his" terrorists -- those who perpetrate violence against Castro's Cuba, and to whom he owes his presidency. He also examines how Bush has appointed former officials to high level posts in his cabinet despite their membership in a conspiracy to sell weapons of mass destruction to Iran in the 1980s.

In "declassifying" Bush's Empire, Landau dissects a post-9/11 world where deference to patriotism obliterates debate in Congress and the media. How can the notion of empire happily co-exist with the notion of a republic? In times like these, as dissenting voices are stifled and the public are denied access to the facts about their own security, Landau shows how democracy itself is under threat. He asks whether the already fragile world economy can survive in the new "security" culture of the post-9/11 world.

This is an entertaining read from one of America's foremost cultural and political commentators. Above all, Landau makes a convincing case for the necessity of activism -- the book is not only funny but is also a ringing call for citizens to participate in making their own history.

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What the Critics Are Saying:

James Abourezk, former Democratic Senator from South Dakota
This is the best and funniest book on American politics yet.

John Berger
I know of no-one like Saul Landau. He's an Euripides and a stand-up comic. Open this book and listen to a guy reporting from, as it were, the Oval Office of the square crooks now running the U.S. and world economy. You'll believe him, laugh with him, weep and get off your arse.

Edward Asner
Landau perfectly describes the thugs responsible and our blinded populace with this calm, objective, wonderful book.

Alexander Cockburn, CounterPunch
To guide us all through the three-star disasters of the Bush years I can think of no better pilot.

Tom Hayden, former California State Senator
With wicked humor in the spirit of H.L. Mencken, Saul Landau raises public understanding and undermines the arrogance of empire.

Dr. Juan E. Garcés
Saul Landau's reflections stimulate us to vindicate civilization's most positive values.

About Saul Landau
Saul Landau is an internationally known scholar, author, journalist, poet and activist. An Emmy-award-winning film maker, he does frequent radio and TV shows, and his work on human rights and Latin America have won him acclaim the world over.

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