Author: Genyc79

Blogger, IT Admin, Nyctophile, Explorer and Brooklynite in the city that never sleeps.

Last Man Out: Surviving the Burma-Thailand Death Railway: A Memoir – H. Robert Charles

On By Genyc79In World War IILeave a comment

lastmanout“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war. ” – Gen. Douglas McArthur (1880-1964)

Seventy-eight years have passed since Japan surrendered to Allied forces, marking the end of World War II. The war’s brutal conclusion, culminating with the detonation of two atomic weapons, changed history. Although subsequent wars have been fought, World War II remains the deadliest conflict in human history. The European theater of combat during the war has received significant attention due to the existential threat to the world in the form of the Third Reich. However, in the Pacific, the Japanese military waged its own campaign of death and destruction across Asia. H. Robert Charles served as United States Marne about the USS Houston, and on February 28, 1942, he found himself among the survivors of a Japanese attack in the Sunda Strait that decimated their forces and vessel. The surviving soldiers were taken captive as Prisoners of War (“POW”) by the Japanese, who had every intention of making the Americans pay for the battle against Japan. The prisoners were forced to build the Burma-Thailand railway, and this is Charles’s story of the nightmare ordeal the POWs faced until liberation.

Before starting the story of his captivity, a foreword opens the book, followed by a prologue explaining the long road from war survivor to author. It is apparent that he returned home with what we call Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”) today. But after being coaxed by a fellow veteran to seek counseling, he has a discussion with a therapist who helps break down the walls preventing him from telling his story. And with determination and a sense of purpose, he has left us with this story of a dark time in history which we should never wish to repeat.

As to be expected, the author recalls his early life in post-depression America before joining the United States Marines in 1940. On December 7, 1941, life for Americans changed when the Japanese army bombed the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Naval Base. The act was in effect a call to arms for the United States. But for Charles and fellow soldiers aboard the USS Houston, the war took them in a different direction. Following their surrender to Japanese forces, the men are moved to Serang, Java and began their ordeal at the labor camp. There is no shortage of brutality by the Japanese, but the men eventually find a solace in a doctor who becomes a savior in the story: Dr. Henri Hekking (1903-1994) of the Royal Dutch Army. To say that he was a godsend would be an understatement. Admittedly, I had never heard of Hekking, but I am sure he is one of many unsung heroes of World War II.

Hekking was a physician well versed in standard practice, but he was also experienced in herbal treatments, often referred to as “unconventional”. As the story progresses, we witness the deterioration in the condition of the prisoners, who begin to suffer from the effects of malnutrition and lack of proper sanitary and hygienic protocols. Injuries are also an issue, and the lack of antiseptic tools made infection a prime concern. However, the doctor proves to be more resourceful than anyone could have imagined. But he was not without his detractors as we see in the story. Despite early misgivings, “Doc” as he is known, earns the trust of everyone as he brings back plants, roots and other items from the nearby jungles that help keep the men alive as the Japanese compel them into manual labor building the long-awaited railway they desired. Morale is low at times as physical exhaustion sets in, but Hekking never gives up and offers these words of advice which still hold true today:

 “It is in the nature of things that without despair there can be no hope, without darkness no daylight,” Doc said. “There has to be meaning. Even if we can’t see it.”

Although Hekking emerges as a pivotal figure, the author is sure to tell his own story which becomes permanently linked to the experience of their Dutch savior who commands respect even from the Japanese, who are never short on cruelty. Unbeknownst to the soldiers, events outside the camp mandated their transfer across several camps, one as far as Saigon in French Indochina. And without warning, they are told that World War II is over, and deserted by evacuating Japanese troops. This is by far the most bizarre part of the book. However, the empire had fallen, and Japan reduced to shell of its former self. For Charles, Hekking and the survivors, their ordeals were far from over as they were faced with having to rebuild their lives in the wake of the war. The author returns to the Midwest and confronts his own demons. Hekking continued to search for his wife and children, with whom he is eventually reunited. And years later, the doctor makes his way to America to see the boys one more time. There is far more to the story contained in the book, which concludes on an uplifting note. If you need an enjoyable book about the Japanese aspect of World War II, this will be a welcomed addition to the library.

“Thanks to Dr. Hekking, only thirteen out of 194 were dead—less than seven percent. It was the best report of any of the doctors in the sixty-five slave labor camps along the railway.” – H. Robert Charles 

ASIN :‎ B005S741XW

Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America – Beth Macy

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

dopseickProvisional data from the National Center for Health Statistics at the end of December 2022, showed that overdose deaths in America remained at over one hundred thousand. Although a decrease from the previous year, the statistics are sobering and a reminder that the war against opioid addiction continues as fentanyl claim victims, and a new drug “tranq“, has emerged as the next monster on the streets of America. But how did we get here? And what lies ahead? I previously reviewed San Quinones’ ‘Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opioid Epidemic‘ but was curious to read what author Beth Macy discovered in her own research into America’s drug crisis. What I found is another book equally as compelling and important about where the United States went wrong and how deadly the epidemic is.

I do want to issue a disclaimer which is that this book is not for the faint of heart. But if you are intimately acquainted with the epidemic either as a friend, relative or savior of a drug addicted person, then you already know this. Frankly, this is not the book for those in search of a happy conclusion. This is the raw truth about a crisis that continues to expand and claim more lives. However, all does not have to be lost if we pay close attention to what Macy reveals.

The author takes us through the history of opioids, from the discovery of morphine by Friedrich Wilhelm Serturner (1783-1841) to the Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914, and 1924 when heroin was officially outlawed. It is a fascinating compendium of the development of drugs that have morphed into a nightmare. The story changes gears and pace when we reach the years 1995 and the a new drug arises called OxyContin. Hailed at first as a new wonder drug, America soon learned that behind the promises and fake smiles lay a demon that trapped its users in a vicious cycle of dependency. It is not long before doctors began to sound the alarm that all is not well, and addiction in patients begins to increase exponentially. But before any action is taken, lives are unfortunately lost. Macy captures the stories of a select few individuals including convicted drug trafficker Ronnie Jones, who is currently serving a 30 year sentence in federal prison. Each story is riveting yet also heartbreaking, and by the book’s conclusion, I could only sit in silence as weight of the lives lost to opioid addiction settled in.

As I read the book, I could not believe the stories I read. Having witnessed drug use in my own family, I am firmly aware of the lengths to which addicts will go to get their next high. However, what I read here was even crazier at times. And while addicts were dropping dead, pharmaceutical companies continued to reap enormous profits from the marketing and distribution of pain killers that spared no one. However, the author does point out a shocking aspect of the epidemic in regard to addiction rates across demographics. Even the epidemic is touched by race but not in way readers may think. In fact, the irony is haunting, and continues to ripple across suburban America. Further, it also shows that drug use is not just an “inner city” problem. No one is immune.

My youth was spent in East New York, Brooklyn during the 1980s which saw the rise of crack cocaine. I shall never forget those days and the devastation across the City of New York. As I watch the opioid epidemic, it feels like Deja vu. The difference is that the users are not contained in the ghetto or low-income areas, and every sector of America is now confronted with an issue that cannot be ignored. Empty promises by politicians have not helped, and the failures of multiple administrations are highlighted in the book. Macy makes it clear that this is an issue the entire country will need to confront head because it will not go away on its own. But the frightening realization is that by the time the Government takes tougher action, more Americans may be laid to rest as dealers increase the stream of fentanyl and deadlier drugs into the supply.

This is an uncomfortable yet critical book about the horrific impact of opioids and the havoc they have wreaked. However, it also shows that lives can be saved if governments are willing to invest the time, money, and effort into fighting it head on. Until that time comes, it is imperative that books such as this are read by an increasing number of readers who will be fully aware of the signs that come with addiction and the importance of intervention.

ASIN : B078D67JCF

Tied Up in Knotts: My Dad and Me – Karen Knotts & Betty Lynn

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

KnottsMy brother and I often reminisce about old American television sitcoms we enjoyed while they aired and continue to enjoy them through DVD and streaming services. One of these shows is ‘Three’s Company’ with the late John Ritter (1948-2003). The show was a massive success but a cast change during its run helped cement its place in television history. A supporting character named “Mr. Furley” was the landlord and after the departure of the first actor retained to play the role, a well-known comedic star named Jesse Donald “Don” Knotts (1924-2006) was brought in to replace him. And the rest, as they say, is history. Knotts had earned his stripes in Hollywood before being cast as Furley, but this show undoubtedly helped propel his legacy as a television great. But who was the real Don Knotts? His daughter Karen has carried her father’s legacy and authored this book about the man she called her dad.

As opposed to a standard biography, this book is a collection of memories from friends, family members, former co-stars, and Karen herself. The interviews are eye-opening and provide valuable insight into the personal life of a man who made millions of people laugh. His early life is discussed, and we learn of his origins in the Appalachian town of Morgantown, West Virginia. There were a few things that did surprise me, as I had no prior knowledge of them beforehand. The most surprising thing is that Knotts was a decorated World War II veteran. He was not the first star to serve in the war but joins an honored list of performers who served in a war that turned the world upside down. Following the war, Knotts set his sights on bigger goals, and embraced his role as a husband and father. But his life changes significantly when he meets a fellow star who was blazing his own trail in Hollywood, Andy Griffith (1926-2012). Fans of the ‘Andy Griffith Show‘ will love this part of the book. Karen is there to provide comments about behind the scenes events that reveal the personal side of the stars who created the beloved fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. Knotts became “Barney Fife” the deputy who provided comic relief to Griffith’s “Andy Taylor”. The show was a hit and is still fondly remembered today. But behind the camera, Knotts had his own personal struggles which Karen and his son Thomas recall as they talk about their late father.

As I read, I was surprised to learn of Knotts’s multiple marriages, and string of romances. In contrast to the fictional Fife who provides comedic relief, the real life Knotts was well-liked by women. But as Karen explains, his love life was not always stable, however, this also shows that Knotts was human, and no one has the “perfect life”. Additionally, the reality of divorce, addiction, and physical ailments could not be overlooked with the star learning of a condition that would affect him for the rest of his life. Knotts refused to let anything get him down and continued perfecting his craft, and even reels his daughter in on occasion to join him on camera. Karen was a keen observer and discusses stars she met as her father guided her around Hollywood. Her story is fascinating and her friendships with other childhood stars are interesting. The two that stand out are Ron Howard and Desi Arnaz, Jr. Although their father was famous, both Karen and Thomas had their own personal struggles which they frankly discuss in the book. Hollywood may create fiction, but the lives of its stars are very real.

Karen Knotts continues to keep her father’s legacy alive, but for readers looking to understand her famous dad, this book is invaluable. The stars we love give us shows, films and interviews to last a lifetime, but behind the camera, they too fight their own personal battles. But as they say in Hollywood, the show must go on, and for Don Knotts it always did. And as a testament to his character, none of the people interviewed had a negative word to say about him. Knotts himself also speaks in the book, looking at himself objectively and observing the world around him as comedians have always done. This is his story, and that of his children who proudly carry the Knotts name.

ASIN :‎ B08XQZGNPY

Making Jack Falcone: An Undercover FBI Agent Takes Down a Mafia Family – Joaquin “Jack” Garcia with Michael Levin

On By Genyc79In Mafia, Organized CrimeLeave a comment

falcone” Organized crime constitutes nothing less than a guerilla war against society”.
– Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908-1973).

On December 16, 1985, Gambino Crime Family boss Paul “Big Paul” Castellano (1915-1985), was shot and killed by assassins as he exited his vehicle in front of Spark’s Steakhouse at 210 West 46th Street in Manhattan. The murder sent shockwaves across the city and law enforcement prepared themselves for mob wars that could have turned the streets of New York City red. The fallout never reached that level but six years later in 1992, John Gotti (1940-2002), the man behind Castellano’s demise, was convicted on thirteen criminal counts, including the hit on his former boss. Gotti was gone but the U.S. Government was far from done with the Gambino Crime Family. In 2003, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) initiated a covert mission to infiltrate the mob outfit. The mission became the second time an FBI agent significantly moved through the ranks of a mafia family. Readers will easily recall the story of agent Joe Pistone who was known on the street as “Donnie Brasco“. This time around, the agent is Joaquin “Jack” Garcia who becomes known as “Jack Falcone”.

As a primer, Garcia takes us through his early days as a child in Cuba, and the family’s move to the United States, where they eventually settle in the Bronx, New York. In 1980, he applies to the FBI and after a minor setback, is on his way to becoming an agent. However, the ice was not easily broken as we see in the book. But Garcia was undeterred and a chance to hit the streets presented itself and changed his career for good. After successfully becoming a skilled undercover asset, he is given the task of infiltrating the feared La Cosa Nostra. And this is where the book changes gears. From the moment he begins to find himself in the same circles as the mobsters, we are introduced to the book’s antagonist, caporegime Gregory DePalma (1932-2009). Garcia thoroughly explains DePalma’s story which has resulted in a stone-cold mobster whose actions throughout the book reflect his life of crime and allegiance to the streets. The seasoned mobster takes a liking to Garcia and soon enough, the two are inseparable.

Garcia’s story is like Pistone’s in many ways, but I did take notice of the staggering amount of food they consumed. In fact, the meals are so voluminous that Garcia jokes about how much weight he gained while working undercover for the FBI. It is no secret that mobsters loved to eat, and I found myself getting cravings for Italian cuisine while reading the book. However, I did not lose track of the main point in the story that DePalma and others were dangerous and deadly people. They killed often and easily, as their lifestyle dictated. And on a couple of occasions, the author comes close to having his cover blown but manages to keep working on his case. From a personal perspective, the amount of sacrifice required by his family cannot be overlooked. Garcia’s wife does enter the story on occasion to give her husband a reality check. But despite all the craziness, Garcia never loses sight of goal to bring down the Gambino family for the last time.

DePalma is easily the least likeable character in the book. The anecdotes from Garcia about the mobster’s arrogance and criminal aptitude should remove any notion of “stand up” gangsters. Further, there is no “honor” or “family” in the traditional sense. The organization was a dysfunctional hierarchy that existed solely for profit. And DePalma was only one of hundreds of mobsters whose sole purposes were money and power. But not even they can escape the realities of life, and the story about DePalma’s son Craig is heartbreaking. I recall an interview with former mobster Phil Leonetti who said mob life is an entirely different world that most people would not understand. I must concur.

The story moves along at a good pace, and Garcia continues to move through the ranks, going as far to earn the complete trust of DePalma who wants to make him an official member of the family. Well, the FBI could not have this, and decides to pull the plug on the operation but not before Garcia builds an airtight case. And one by one, they fall with DePalma staying true to his mafioso code even as the evidence is stacked against him. Following the finale, Garcia provides a nice epilogue about his life after the FBI and the lives of the gangsters he spent time with as he embraced the role of Jack Falcone. Today there are other agents working undercover and putting their lives on the line. Their jobs are often thankless, and their efforts hidden from the public. But this book by Garcia is a blueprint for the hardships and successes that come with a life as a covert law enforcement operative immersed in the criminal underworld.

ASIN: B002QJZ9XG

I Stooged to Conquer: The Autobiography of the Leader of the Three Stooges – Moe Howard

On By Genyc79In AutobiographyLeave a comment

MoeIn 1925, actor, comedian, and vaudeville performer Ted Healy (1896-1937) put the final additions on his latest act which included three young men eager to make it big in the entertainment business.  The act was formally known as Ted Healy and His Three Southern Gentlemen. Public exposure through partnership with Healy provided Moses Harry “Moe” Horowitz (Moe Howard) (1897-1975), Samuel “Shemp” Horowitz (Shemp Howard) (1895-1955), Jerome Lester “Curly” Horowitz (Curly Howard) (1903-1952) and Larry Fine (Louis Feinberg) (1902-1975), a taste of show business, and helped kick start their careers. However, nine years after joining Healey, they parted ways with him and began performing in 1934 as “The Three Stooges”.  The leader of the group, Moe, was the last to pass away, and his death on May 4, 1975, marked the last chapter in the Stooges’ story. But have you ever wondered how the Stooges came to be? If so, this autobiography by Howard explains the key parts of their journey together from the beginning to the end. 

Decades after their deaths, I still watch the Stooges on occasion, and they always deliver the goods. But off screens, their lives were not all fun and games, but full of highs and lows. The story begins in my hometown of Brooklyn, New York, where the Horowitz family is raising Moe and his siblings. His anecdotes about his family’s trials and tribulations are interesting and reminders of the modern-day conveniences we take for granted. In time Moe and Shemp realize that they have a talent for the stage but before they make it big, they take on jobs to make ends meet, including a stint on a showboat traveling the Mississippi River. But all that changes upon meeting Healy in 1922. Moe is a gifted storyteller and the escapades by the brothers are hilarious. But the story also has its dark moments through heartache and exposure to America outside of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.

In one instance, Moe recalls a trip to the Deep South and coming face to face with Jim Crow. Today the story is not surprising, but in the era before faxes, emails, television and social media, news did not travel as quickly or freely. And the story highlights the insulation that came with the lack of modern technology. Life on the road is tough, and compounded by Healey’s personal demons from which he could not escape. This part of the story is disheartening and when Moe learns of Healey’s death, I could feel his pain as I read. But as they say in the industry, the show must go one and the Stooges kept performing. Moe takes us behind the camera, explaining the mishaps on set and the creativity that went into creating the classics we love. He also details the injuries they suffered as they filmed their projects and the impact the industry had on their personal lives. What he explains is unbelievable but also the truth about the physical exhaustion that came with performing one’s own stunts.

There is no gossip in the book but simply Moe talking about his brothers and family friend Larry.  As we move through each year, the Stooges get older, and life begins to play out in ways none of them expected. Moe discusses with a heavy heart the passings of Curly, Shemp and Larry.  I knew the story of Curly’s final days and the health issues that plagued him. But Shemp’s passing was the one that surprised me as I didn’t know the full details. And from what Moe says, everyone was caught off guard. Larry’s ending was also familiar and there are videos on YouTube about the stars and their final days. However, reading Moe’s account of how he received and reacted to the news is emotional and shows the love that existed between the stars off the set. 

As I read, I noticed a couple of things that are rarely discussed regarding the stooges. The first is the contract they had with Columbia Pictures. Moe explains the issue but if you are familiar with the current strike in Hollywood, you will see that the issue a not new. The second thing is the relevance of former President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004). You might be wondering where Reagan fits into the story. Well, years before entering politics, the former movie star was once president (1959-1960) of the Screen Actors Guild and set into motion a chain of events that have had long lasting effects on the earnings stars can make when they are not on camera. Admittedly, I did not expect this part of the story, but it was revealing. Today, when I watch a Stooges’ short film, I will understand and appreciate the sacrifices they made. 

Eventually father time comes for Moe too, and several months after Larry’s passing, he too makes his final departure. His daughter, Joan Howard Maurer (1927-2021), provided the foreword but let her father speak for himself here and tell his story of how he, his brothers and a good friend became legends in the film industry. If you are a fan of the Three Stooges, this is for you. 

ASIN :‎ B00D5FL4ZC

The Unexpected President: The Life and Times of Chester A. Arthur – Scott S. Greenberger

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

aerthurOn September 19, 1881, Vice-President Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886) received news that forever changed his life and the history of the United States. President James A. Garfield ( 1831-1881) succumbed to the gunshot wounds he received on July 2, 1881 at the hands of Charles J. Guiteau (1841-1882). Arthur automatically became the next President of the United States and assumed a role he never intended on pursuing. Interestingly, he served just that one term, decided against running for re-election. And before his death, he had his personal papers from political career prior to the White House destroyed. However, before leaving office, he did enact a major change in government that sent shockwaves across the country and cemented his legacy. Author Scott S. Greenberger revisits the story of Arthur’s life in this well-written and well-researched biography of an interesting, obscure, and underrated president.

I was unaware of his personal life, in particular his youth as the son of a fiercely devout Baptist preacher who instilled the abolitionist cause in his children from an early age. Despite his family’s strong belief in the elimination of slavery, Arthur’s future wife Nell brings an odd paradox to the story. As a member of a Southern family, her views were sometimes at odds with her husband, yet her family thought highly of Arthur and their marriage.  And when the Civil War breaks out, the family joined by marriage finds itself on opposite sides of a conflict that divided America.  Arthur enlisted in the Union army and served with distinction while his in-laws in the South supported the Confederacy. The story is surreal but shows the strength of genuine love as the couple remains close to each other. However, their love was tested when tragedy struck their small family.  This moment and Nell’s own fate, reveal the personal side of Arthur who rises through the ranks in the Republican Party while wrestling with his own personal grief.

Before the author changes gears and shifts the focus to politics, he is sure to include a significant legal case in New York City history that deserves mention. On June 16 1854, Elizabeth Jennings (1827-1901) waited for a street car at Pearl and Chatham Streets in Manhattan. When the street car arrived, she was told the next one would allow African-Americans.  She refused to accept this and was forcibly removed from the car. Jennings found an attorney who agreed to take her case and later filed suit in the matter of Jennings v. Third Avenue Railroad.  That lawyer was Chester Arthur. The Jennings decision’s impact on New York City street cars cannot be understated. The full story is explained by the author and as a native New Yorker, I learned history that I was not previously aware of. Riding on the wave of success, Arthur kept moving forward and forms bonds with a key figure in politics who helped his rise and nearly thwarted his role as vice president.

When I read the name Roscoe Conkling, I could not place a face to it. Further, I had no knowledge of his importance in New York State politics. I soon learned of this larger-than-life figure who carried enormous political weight. To say he was an interesting character would be an understatement, and readers will understand why as they read the book. Conkling emerges as the book’s antagonist, but Arthur was dependent on his wisdom and guidance. However, loyalty came at a price, and Arthur was seen as a machine politician. The complex story is pieced together flawlessly by the author, and what I read sounds eerily similar to what we see today in Washington. And though both were Republican, the battles they wage in the political arena are surprisingly against other Republicans as the “Stalwarts” and “Half Breeds'” engage in subterfuge. And this where the book takes unexpected and suspenseful turns beginning with the administration of President Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885). The story is full of calculated positions, unsettling accusations and truths, and the realization that politics is about power. I did take notice of Grant’s unpopularity in some Republican circles. His successor, Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893) is more palatable and appears in the story as a welcomed reprieve from Grant. But the suspense increases when an unlikely candidate named James A. Garfield is chosen as the Republican party’s nominee for president, chooses Arthur as his vice-president and defeats Winfield Scott Hancock (1824-1886). Arthur’s acceptance of the vice-presidency was not a popular choice and it changed his relationships with several figures most notably Conkling. However, the country was first before party and Arthur assumed his role.

At this point in the book, I knew Garfield’s demise would arrive, and it eventually does. The uncertainty and shock by Arthur, Conkling and others adds a disheartening backdrop to an already tragic account. The president’s wounds were fatal but death did not occur instantly. In fact, more than two months passed between the shooting and his death. And I could feel the agony of those around Garfield as the final act plays out.  Arthur finds himself in a position he did not contemplate but has an admirer and supporter whose correspondence is included by the author. I had never learned the story of Julia Sand (1850-1933) but her words to Arthur are interesting, and he pays her back in kind later in the book which is one of the brightest parts of the story. The new president was adamant he would only serve out that term and keeps his word. But before he leaves office, he sets into motion legislation that had a profound impact on Washington, civil service reform. This action did not go over well with the Stalwarts and Conkling continues his grumbling about everything. But as we see in the book, Conkling’s life had its own secrets which eventually come out including a romance that nearly turned deadly.

As Arthur’s term nears its end, the Democrats push their own candidate, Grover Cleveland (1837-1907) who wins the next election and places the White House back into the hands of the Democratic Party.  The former president fades out of the public light and enjoys time with his family. However, he could not escape his health issues which come to light towards the end of the book. His carefully constructed image began to crack, but today his health issues would not be fatal. However, in 1886 medical technology we take for granted now did not exist and Arthur was forced to confront the fact that his time was limited. However, there is no crying or griping, just an aging former president enjoying the remaining life he had left. And when he goes, it is the final chapter in an incredible life that is part of the American experience. Highly recommended.

ASIN: B06XR93QXH

Savages & Scoundrels: The Untold Story of America’s Road to Empire through Indian Territory – Paul Van Develder

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

VanDevelderI am constantly amazed by the amount of history regarding the creation of the United States that I have yet to learn. The story of North America’s indigenous population is a heartbreaking account that receives scant attention today. America’s expansion from thirteen British Colonies to world superpower is unparallel in world history but the dark reality behind that metamorphosis is that Native American tribes once widespread across the continent were systematically uprooted, and, in some cases pushed into extinction. On the natives’ side, battles for territory and supremacy raged and the blood spilled as tribes waged war with each other cannot be overlooked. The events that took place in North America upon the birth of a nation are a far cry from the happy portrait that that is portrayed at “Thanksgiving”. Author Paul Van Develder explores the past during the era when “Manifest Destiny” drove westward expansion and turned open territory into deadly battlefields.

I warn readers that any notions of a “great American expansion” will not be found here. The author pulls no punches about what really happened and relays that:

“As historian Morgan Gibson has pointed out, nineteenth-century America was a sociopolitical environment controlled by fiercely ethnocentric leaders and followers who, despite all rhetoric to the contrary, regarded all other races and peoples as subhuman.” 

The above statement is an uncomfortable truth but also necessary in understanding the beliefs and ideas behind the actions that changed history for America and North America’s indigenous population. That is not to say that all the figures in the book are dark. In fact, there were those who foresaw the fate in store for the natives and sought to prevent it, and others who foresaw the Civil War (1861-1865). And though their efforts were not in vain, they were colliding against government policy, driven by crucial legislation such as the Indian Trade and Intercourse Act of 1790,  Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the Dawes Act of 1887. During the years between the passage of these pieces of legislation, Native American tribes continued to fade into oblivion.

Admittedly, the book is not a “comfortable” read, especially as an American. While the general story of the Native American tribes is known, the particular stories of individual tribes are often omitted. As the author shows, they were seen as “savages and scoundrels”, but were also the object of fascination and pop culture references. However, the tribes of North America were distinct and real people, with customs and traditions threatened by expansion of faces they had not seen before. As the story progressed, familiar names popped up as one would expect. The actions by presidents Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) and Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) in particular, are discussed in detail.  Jackson, a former slave owner, made no effort to hide his views on the natives standing in America’s way.  However, there is another side to the story, and that is the role of the French, under the leadership of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821).  I found this section to be interesting for it explains the territory we know today as Louisiana. Further, while reading, I thought of scenes from the 2015 film “The Revenant” in which French explorers and traders enter the story and commit unsavory acts. The film centers around explorer/fur trader Hugh Glass (1783-1833), and despite some fiction added, it is a fairly accurate portrayal of events transpiring in North America  during that time. On a side note, Glass is mentioned here by the author, as well as other traders from the film. And Louisiana was crucial to America’ s security and expansion, for reasons thoroughly explained in the book.

I found that one way to make it through the story was to keep in mind that the America I know today did not exist then.  In 1830, there were twenty-four states in the Union and territory near the Pacific was unknown. And venturing into those areas by brave or ignorant souls, was a matter of life and death with an unknown number of settlers losing their lives at the hands of native tribes and others freely roaming North America.  However, I could not excuse the government condoned actions to forcibly remove Native Americans from the only territories they knew. And as one would expect, the infamous Trail of Tears is one of the darkest parts of the book. The full story of the Indian removal and re-settlement are discussed in other books and remains a dark moment in U.S. history. Further, it was an event from which America’s Native Americans never recovered.

The author moves through time chronologically and we pass from one administration to the next. Sadly, the fate of Native Americans remains the same. Manifest Destiny increases in speed and effectiveness, virtually guaranteeing that the natives would never return to the lands they called home. Readers will be repulsed by the statements made by those in power towards the Indians, whom many regarded as infinitely inferior and only salvageable by accepting the ways of white settlers. Today, such comments would be unthinkable. But the author keenly observes that:

“What the United States wanted to do was march across the continent. Beneath the red, white, and blue banner of Manifest Destiny, treaties with Indians became the republic’s legal stepping-stones for building the road to empire in its determined quest to reach the Pacific Ocean”. 

From beginning to end, this book kept me intrigued. Considering that some events in the book occurred nearly two-hundred years ago, the ability of the author to bring the past to life in the manner found here speaks volumes. It is an incredible account of history not always found in carefully crafted textbooks. The truths here are unsettling but also the sobering reality of what took place as this nation continued to evolve. We cannot go back and change the past, but we can learn from it. The descendants of Native American tribes know this history well as should the rest of us. Highly recommended.

ASIN‏ :‎ B0029ZBGWK

Ballots and Bullets : Black Power Politics and Urban Guerrilla Warfare in 1968 Cleveland – James Robenalt

On By Genyc79In Civil Rights MovementLeave a comment

Robenalt

On November 13, 1967, Carl Stokes (1927-1996) was sworn in as the 51st Mayor of the City of Cleveland, Ohio and became the first African-American mayor of a major metropolitan city in the United States. His successful campaign was surprising due to the city’s majority white population. However, Stokes was a strong candidate and assumed control over a city strife with racial conflict during the turbulent 1960s. And less than one year later, his administration was tested when a shootout at 12312 Auburndale Avenue on July 23, 1968 turned the city upside down. It is known as the “Glenville Shootout”. When we think of the Civil Rights Movement, city names such as Selma, Birmingham and Memphis come to mind. But what I learned in this book by James Robenalt is that Cleveland was also a hot spot for the social unrest America found itself in after the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964.

The author provides a thorough account of 1960s Cleveland and the problems that existed. Like other cities in America, blacks continued to push for equality and better living conditions.  The scene is bleak and as I read through the book, I could feel the tension brewing. Conditions in Cleveland drew the attention of  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) who found himself shocked at the vitriol he received as he walked the city’s streets in protest.  His comment on the matter, included here by the author, challenges the idea that the South was the center of prejudice. In fact, what we see in the book is that the North also had its fair share of prejudice that was equally as vicious as its southern counterpart. And watching this unfold was Fred “Ahmed” Evans (1931-1978), who emerges as the most controversial figure in the book. The Korean War veteran had become energized after seeing Malcolm X (1925-1965) speak and began his own Black Nationalists of New Libya who were determined to bring change by any means necessary.

Stokes had been working on plans for reform which included Cleveland: Now!, a joint public and private funding program for revitalizing Cleveland.  The plan was ambitious, but Stokes could not have predicted that the future of the program would be tied to actions of Evans and his associates. Evans is clearly unstable and unpredictable but the surveillance by the police department and covert actions by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) through the COINTEL program were of grave concern not just to Evans but all activists in the movement. The secret program had successfully infiltrated and disrupted other groups and was also used to dismantle the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense. However, in the story at hand, the Cleveland Police Department takes center stage as tips come in that Evans and his supporters are stockpiling weapons. At this point in the book, the story changes gears and suspense increases. We know something is coming and it will not be good.

To this day it is not clear who fired the first shot on July 23, 1968, but what is certain is that mayhem ensued and as a result of the shootout, re-told in full detail here, there were twenty-two casualties, carnage and a city left reeling after three police officers and four members on Evans’ side perished from their wounds. But readers will be shocked to learn how much information had been obtained prior to the shooting by Cleveland Police and the FBI. This raises questions as to whether the fatal shootout could have been avoided. By the time the violence finishes, the sobering reality hits home. Cleveland was left unhinged and in the wake of the bloodbath, rioting erupted causing further damage and further strain on relations in the city.  The aftermath is surreal and Evans becomes public enemy number one. His fate is revisited as the author recounts the trial and Evans’ conviction. As for Carl Stokes, he could only watch as Clevland nearly came apart the seams. His goal of improving Cleveland’s African-American neighborhoods suffered a significant setback and Cleveland: Now! became collateral damage.  Stokes did go on to win re-election and finished his second term in 1972. But the Glenville Shootout earned a permanent place in the history of Cleveland and is tied to his time in office.

As I read this book, I thought of my father’s words that the 1960s was the scariest decade he ever lived through. The Glennville Shootout came less than five months after the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King, whose death had also resulted in widespread rioting. Eventually order was restored in Cleveland but the shooting has a haunting legacy that is a reminder of America’s long road to where it is today and where it should hope to go. For a thorough analysis of Stokes, Cleveland: Now! and the shootout that changed Cleveland, this is a good place to start.

ASIN : B075TH4YNT

Rivers in the Desert: William Mulholland & the Inventing of Los Angeles – Margaret Leslie Davis

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” – Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

America is a young nation compared to countries around the world, but despite its youth, there is fascinating history contained within its borders. When I saw this book, I realized that I was not familiar with the name of William Mulholland (1855-1935). My curiosity heightened and I found myself eager to see what author Margaret Leslie Davis had to say about him and the City of Los Angeles. It is no secret that California has had issues with its water supply. Droughts induced by the desert climate in the southwestern section of the United States and lack of rainfall have long taken their toll.  And water has always been a treasured commodity essential for human life. But how many of us know how Los Angeles developed its water supply? The story is presented here in a book that affirms the concept of “visionary”.

The story begins at the Owens River as Mulholland and fellow engineer Frederick Eaton (1856-1934) are in search of a water supply sorely needed by Los Angeles. Realizing that the Owens River sits at a higher elevation and has the supply needed for the growing city, they each set out to make the dream a reality. However, their paths soon diverge creating a love hate relationship that remains prevalent throughout the book. Mulholland becomes superintendent of the Municipal Water Department and is soon given the green light to construct the Los Angeles Aqueduct. But the road the completion was far from simple, and the author relives the day-to-day working conditions which proved to be deadly on occasion.  The brutal environment becomes known as well as the vices that plagued workers, mostly Irish immigrants like Mulholland. In fact, one vice is so widespread that the city legislature is forced to step in and pass new laws regarding the aqueduct project. The threat of cave-ins, falling debris and suffocation are eerily present, but the other deadly killer was disease. There are several scenarios that play out in the story highlighting the need for sterile working environments and the importance of efficient medical treatment. And we cannot ignore the importance of food which becomes a crucial issue as the miners ply their trade.

Eventually the Los Angeles Aqueduct is finished, and Mulholland becomes a hero in Los Angeles. But with every great rise, lays the risk of great fall. Further, Mulholland suffered tragedy and grief in his personal life which offsets the jolly public figure tasked with moving Los Angeles forward. The aqueduct project was a booming success and for Mulholland, his name became attached of the American Dream. But on the night of March 12, 1928, everything changed, and the story is turned upside down. Around midnight, the dam collapsed and sent gallons of water flooding the territory below resulting in hundreds of deaths and extensive damage. The fallout and its suspense, captured perfectly by the author, is nothing short of devastating. And Mulholland soon found himself in the crosshairs of an ambitious prosecutor, Asa Keyes (1877-1934). A trial commenced, and Mulholland was on the defense. Davis includes some of his testimony here showing the tense atmosphere surrounding the trial and the grief that consumed Mulholland who is never the same again. Witness statements are also included to give readers an idea of how powerful and fast the flooding water was. And while this drama plays out, the life of Eaton takes its own roller coaster ride, yet the former friends turned into partial enemies, still found a way to connect with each other in times of need. In the end, both engineers suffered their own personal losses and griefs but were instrumental in creating modern day California.

Following the jury’s verdict in which Mulholland is found to be negligent but not criminal, he slowly recedes from the public light. But karma never forgets, and Davis follows up with information on Keyes who has his own fall from grace that left me speechless. As for Mulholland, he was still revered, and his ideas are still relevant today. We follow him all the way to the end in the story as his health declines and destiny approaches. Fate and bad luck changed his life forever, but his contribution to the City of Los Angeles cannot be denied. His legacy is complicated but also a permanent part of California’s history.

ASIN:‎ B00J90EUO4

Operation Underworld: How the Mafia and U.S. Government Teamed Up to Win World War II – Matthew Black

On By Genyc79In World War IILeave a comment

black

I have often heard the saying that “desperate times call for desperate measures”. In times of war, I am sure it holds true on more occasions that can be counted. During World War II, the threat of German infiltration into American society was very real and sabotage a critical issue. Foreign enemies knew that the key to weakening America was covert tactics that allowed access to its shores. In New York City, the waters in and around the Big Apple were especially vulnerable and critical. But there was one problem. The military lacked crucial intelligence to stop foreign subversives from conducting their missions. That all changed with a plan that became known as “Operation Underworld“. To this day it is still taboo but as World War II raged, Allied commanders used every tool at their disposal to defeat the Axis powers. And part of that toolbox was organized crime figures whose legacies are cemented in history. 

The author provides a back story to the events to come by revisiting the actions of President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) which focus on ethnic groups suspected of being loyal to Italy, Japan, and Germany. Military officials were aware of sabotage in waters along the Northeast coast but powerless to stop it and espionage. Soon all options are on the table and the story shifts gears when the Office of Naval Intelligence (“ONI”) steps up and introduces its top-secret plan that is executed by Commander Charles R. Haffenden. But first Haffenden needs a point of contact and finds his man in mobster Joseph “Socks” Lanza (1904-1968). The Luciano Crime Family enforcer also ran the Fulton Fish Market and his control over the area provided an ear to the streets which comes into play as the plan is put into action. His control over the rackets also provided an ear to the streets and the ONI was determined to use this asset. However, Lanza is not a mob boss and has limited power in his section of Manhattan. The ONI soon realizes that to aid the war effort and strike a blow against the Axis powers, it needs the help of the big names in the game. One of these people is Mafia titan Charles “Lucky” Luciano (1897-1962), who had been convicted on June 7, 1936, of compulsory prostitution and sentenced to thirty to fifty years in prison. However, even behind bars, Luciano still controlled the family that carried his name. But Haffenden could not walk into the prison and speak to him directly. The covert nature of the plan required shrewd ideas to provide cover and the ONI enlisted the help of Luciano’s lawyer Moses Polakoff (1896-1993) and the man known as the “Mob’s accountant”, Meyer Lansky (1902-1983). 

Black takes us back in time and behind the walls of the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York where we learn of the harsh conditions surrounding Luciano’s incarceration. The prison is dark, cold, and far removed from Luciano’s former residence at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. But a blessing arrives when Polakoff mentions that the government needs the mob’s help, and it might help Luciano get out of prison earlier than expected. But the gangster is still not fully convinced but Lansky’s presence and advice helps sway him to the Allied cause. And to his benefit, Luciano is moved to Great Meadows Prison in Comstock, New York, closer to New York City and in far better condition. After he agrees to help the ONI, the web of cooperation is formed that remains intact through most of the book. 

What is interesting about the book is while the war is raging, Luciano and the other mobsters are doing their part to help the ONI while at the same time conducting their usual mafia related business which includes murder, narcotics, and all sorts of mayhem. It could be argued that the book is not just a story about the secret ONI plan but also a good discussion of the mob’s presence in New York City during that time. Eventually the Axis powers collapse and the war ends. But Luciano remained in prison. The remaining parts of the book discuss his attempts to be released from prison by the same man who convicted him, former New York Governor, Thomas E. Dewey (1902-1971). Although the two had no personal connection, I found it interesting that they could not escape each other as their lives proceeded in different directions. But Black does show that Dewey had moved on from his prosecutor days and Luciano had become a memory for him. As for Luciano, Dewey would always be the man who wrecked his life and was the reason he eventually was deported back to Italy. The saga behind Luciano’s expulsion from America is re-told here in gripping detail with famous mobsters Joe Adonis (1902-1971) and Frank Costello (1891-1973) making an appearance in the story. And admittedly, it is hard not to like Luciano, but I also noted that he was a career criminal who had no issue giving orders for someone’s death and going against the code of the streets when needed such as in the feud with Vito Genovese (1897-1969). But his importance to the Allied effort cannot be overstated. 

As one would expect, the story of Luciano’s help leaks out, but I was not prepared to learn how far the ONI went to destroy any trace of government contact with the mob boss. The final days of Haffenden’s career left me speechless. And had it not been for a decisive action by Dewey to clear his own name and the actions of Manhattan District Attorney Frank Hogan (1902-1974), parts of the story may have been lost forever. Of course, some parts of Operation Underworld were lost forever but the record still stands, and the story told within is sure to be of interest to history buffs with an affinity for World War II.  The war has long been over, and Luciano has been gone since 1962, but it is an incredible story and part of New York City history. Highly recommended. 

ASIN:‎ B09RGLWNKW