Billie Sol: King of Texas Wheeler-Dealers-Pam Estes

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Billie SolMay 14, 2013-Billie Sol Estes dies at the age of 88 in his sleep at his home in Granbury, Texas.   Estes was convicted in 1963 on charges of fraud and embezzlement and his conviction and imprisonment sent shock waves through the halls of Washington, D.C., including the oval office.   Once a close friend of Lyndon Johnson, Ralph Yarborough and Sam Rayburn, the former Texas wheeler-dealer found himself alone in multiple battles against the U.S. government.  The evidence and testimony in the cases was sometimes flimsy or non-existent, but nonetheless, he was convicted in two separate trials resulting in two separate prison sentences.  A self-made millionaire, Estes showed a flair for arithmetic and his skill at generating revenue is still a tale of legend.  Highly connected to powerful politicians and officials in the  Democratic party, Estes became a top player in Texas and U.S. politics.   He was largely convicted in the court of public opinion resulting in his image being forever tainted.  His oldest daughter Pam, tells her side of the story and the experiences of Estes and his family as they fought two legal battles for her father’s freedom.

One would expect a memoir by his daughter to be slightly biased, but she does an excellent job of being critical of her father when necessary but clearly displays her love for her dad and highlights the many great qualities he possessed which would also be used by his enemies to engineer his downfall.  A strong supporter of civil rights and integration, Estes sent hundreds of Mexican-American and African-American children to school at the height of his career.  His integration beliefs would cause him to receive significant backlash, but he pushed on disregarding what others thought of his actions.  Later in his life he would be haunted by several demons, and his daughter doesn’t hide them at all.   I firmly believe that there are some discussions that are never had between parent and child, not because it’s not possible, but because we accept our parents as they are.  Estes’ actions and career will always be subjected to ridicule and examination, but the fact remains that he is a crucial part to the history of Texas politics, the career of Lyndon Johnson and American history.

ISBN-10: 0915733005
ISBN-13: 978-0915733002

I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced-Nujood Ali and Delphine Minoui

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NajoodOn April 15, 2008, Nujood Ali stood in a Yemeni courtroom and pleaded her case for a divorce from a physically, sexually and emotionally abusive husband.   At the age of 10, her case caused shock and outrage around the globe.  The marriage and subsequent divorce shed light on the old customs in the outskirts of Yemen.  Born in the remote Yemeni village of Khardji,  Nujood’s story is one of many that go untold each year not only in Yemen, but in countries across the Middle East.  Married in exchange for the sum of US $750,  her new life quickly becomes a nightmare as she is forced to leave her family and reside with her much older husband whom she does not know.

Her petition for a divorce catapulted her into international spotlight and her story gave hope to thousands of other young girls in other countries in which women are forced to marry at extremely young ages.   The Yemeni government raised the legal consenting age for marriage to 17 but outside the major cities the old tradition of young brides is still practiced leaving human organizations with more work to do in reducing or eliminating the system of child exploitation.  The belief system in which women are viewed as property extinguishes the dreams and hopes of education, success and freedom that many young women envision in their youth.  Her courage is admirable, inspiring and an example that sometimes all it takes is one person to stand up to injustice for others to follow.  Nujood’s story has been made into a feature film of the same name as this book.  Directed by Khadija Al-Salami and filmed entirely in Yemen, the film was shown at the Dubai International Film Festival and won the award for the Best Fiction Feature.  The filmmaker is still looking for a distributor for the picture in the hopes that it will be seen by international audiences.   The book however, has been translated in 36 languages and sold in over 15 countries putting her story on the shelves of bookstores worldwide.

ISBN-10: 0307589676
ISBN-13: 978-0307589675

 

The Morning Breaks: The Trial of Angela Davis- Bettina Aptheker

On By Genyc79In Civil Rights Movement1 Comment

davisOctober 13, 1970-Angela Davis is arrested in New York City and extradited to Marin County, California, where she is charged with conspiracy to commit murder.  The charge stems from the death of Judge Harold Haley, taken hostage by Jonathan Jackson and accomplices in an effort to free the Soledad brothers and all political prisoners from United States federal prisons.  Davis’ arrest and trial became a focal point in the struggle against an unjust and discriminatory judicial system in which the privileged often found themselves defenseless in frivolous trials resulting in equally absurd prison sentences.

Bettina Aptheker, close friend and supporter of Davis, penned her recollections of the trial and the hurdles and obstacles in the way of Davis’ path to exoneration.   Set in Palo Alto, California, a stronghold of conservative political views, the defense became embattled in a David and Goliath struggle against a prosecution bent on Davis’ imprisonment.   There are many highs and lows in the trial, but the shining moments are the selected readings of Davis’ letters to George Jackson, at the time incarcerated at San Quentin.  Davis and Jackson had become deeply involved with each other and Davis’ confession of love are moving and revealing.

The book isn’t always an easy read, there are parts where the ugliest side of human actions are shown.  Racism, sexism and political suppression are shown unrestricted for the reader to digest.   Her standing as a professor, civil rights activist and communist thrust her into the spotlight and her trial was one of the most important in the history of this nation.   Her acquittal would force America to re-examine itself and the concept of justice.  All of the negative aspects of society are brought to the surface bringing the past to life.   The very pitfalls common in that time period, while tragic, are also the same pitfalls that do make this nation great.  Our ability to constantly examine and self-criticize are the tools of any great democracy.   Our constitution says that all men are created equal, but for hundreds of years, minorities, women, the disabled, LGTB and many others of society have struggled in their cause for equality.  Angela’s story reminds us that while it may seem difficult, justice can and does prevail.

ISBN-13: 978-0801485978
ISBN-10: 0801485975

Born On The Fourth of July-Ron Kovic

On By Genyc79In Biographies, Vietnam WarLeave a comment

KovicOn January 20, 1968, Ron Kovic was shot and critically injured while leading a reconnaissance mission near the village of My Loc north of the Cua Viet River.  The injury leaves him paralyzed from the waist down.   After being transported back to the United States, he is moved to the Bronx VA hospital and witnesses first had the substandard treatment given to soldiers injured in the conflict.  Upon his discharge, the young marine leaves the hospital a changed man forever, no longer an innocent 18-year-old kid with dreams of being a rough and tough marine. As outcry against the war continued to grow and he began to read literature given to him by his cousin’s husband, his views on the war began to change and he eventually became one of the most outspoken anti-war activist in country.

This autobiography is Kovic’s life story and what he has learned before and after Vietnam.  The Long Island native of Massapequa, brings us back to a time where communism was the paranoia gripping the country and southeast Asia, the hotbed of U.S. military intervention.  The book at times is haunting and reminds the reader of the horrors of war.  Following the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, he revised the book adding a new foreword.   Thirteen years have passed since the invasion of Iraq, but Kovic’s words were prophetic and his wisdom unchallenged.  Movies and documentaries sometimes glorify war, but this is the view from a side we often never see.  A deeply moving account, Kovic is the living example of the horror of war that can afflict any young man or woman.  His story is so moving that in 1989, director Oliver Stone released ‘Born On The Fourth of July’, Kovic’s life story in which he is played by actor Tom Cruise.   The film remains a personal favorite and chilling look into a dark side of war.

ISBN-10: 1888451785
ISBN-13: 978-1888451788

The Short Timers-Gustav Hasford

On By Genyc79In Vietnam War1 Comment

hasfordThe late Stanley Kubrick left behind a collection of films that have stood the test of time and have been used as inspiration by filmmakers to this day.   Known for such hits as The Shining and A Clockwork Orange,  his legacy continues to grow in American cinema.  In  July, 1987, Warner Brothers released Full Metal Jacket, Kubrick’s gritty portrayal of the Vietnam War focusing on the Marines and their role in the conflict.  The film is considered a classic and the performances by several actors are still revisited today.   Presented in two parts, the first shows the young men as they learn to become marines and the second, their experience in the war.  The film, as it is widely know, is based on of this novel by the former and late Marine Gustav Hasford (1947-1993).

Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish, the short novel pulls the reader in refusing to let go.  We are introduced to the characters of Joker, Cowboy, Animal Mother, Rafter Man, Doc Jay and Capt. January, all of whom make an appearance in the film adaptation.  The notable differences are the characters of Sgt. Gerheim and Alice.  In the film they are changed to Sgt. Hartman and Eightball.  Because the book was written by a former Marine, military jargon, comradeship and the pride that comes with being a Marine is found throughout the book.  Hasford did a masterful job of taking the reader into the battle zones with Joker, Alice, Animal Mother and the unit to witness the terror, fear and carnage that is war.   He followed up this book with ‘The Phantom Blooper’ and had planned a third book but died before it could be written.  This novel has been called the best work of fiction about the Vietnam War and Full Metal Jacket is a film full of unforgettable performances and memorable scenes.  Next to Oliver Stone’s  Platoon and Francis Ford Coppola’s Apocalypse Now, it remains one of the best films about the Vietnam War.   However, Hasford’s novel is even better and those who love the film will find this book to be priceless.

ISBN-10: 0553267396
ISBN-13: 978-0553267396

Me and D*ck: It’s Now Who Know, It’s Who You…

On By Genyc79In fictionLeave a comment

indexThere are certain elements of life  that remain constant, never-ceasing to captivate, intimidate and stir controversy.  An accepted part of life, sex is one of many things that always sells no matter how taboo it may be in some cultures.  For some, it’s a very private subject that shouldn’t be discussed in conversation outside of the home and for others, it’s a topic which should be freely discussed.   No matter which side you find yourself on,  we can all agree that sex always remains fascinating and its explicitness is part of its aura.

In this intriguing fictional tale,  author C. Robinson brings to us Sunshyne Mercy, teacher by day and escort by night. Existing in two different worlds, Sunshyne exemplifies the human ability to live a life full of contradiction but at the same time, maintaining integrity and hope in world that can be full of treachery, tragedy and disparity.  Jung explained it the best in his analysis of the duality of man.

The book contains an entire cast of characters and I believe that if Oscar Wilde were alive today, this would be by far one of his favorite books.   While the book is about sex in most parts, it’s also about human emotions, psychology and self-reflection.  No one in the book is beyond reproach and through these characters we see the internal struggle for self-acceptance that plagues so many of us.   Sunshyne is an escort, but she’s not the ordinary one and her escapades and thoughts pull the reader in one page at a time.  And through her eyes, we see that we all have secrets, some are just darker than others.  This is the first part of a continuing project and the second part should be just as good as the first if not better.

ISBN-10: 1463517440
ISBN-13: 978-1463517441

A Nation of Enemies: Chile Under Pinochet-Pamela A. Constable and Arturo Valenzuela

On By Genyc79In Latin America3 Comments

a nation of enemiesThe Cuban Revolution, carried today by Raul Castro, set an example for other Latin American nations and became the shining example of a successful campaign to resist U.S. intervention.  In time, more countries began to look to Cuba as a model for their own revolutionary goals in an effort to spread Marxist ideology throughout Central and South America. Salvador Allende’s efforts to spread the beliefs throughout Chile would be in good faith but severely short-lived.  On September 11, 1973, he was overthrown in a military coup led by the late General Augusto Pinochet.  Allende, who died of reportedly self-inflicted gunshot wounds, tried unsuccessfully to lead Chile down the path of socialism inspired by his Marxist-Leninist beliefs.  The removal of Allende and assumption of power by Pinochet, would bring Chile some of its darkest days.  Political suppression, unemployment,  famine, murder and corruption became constant aspects of Chilean society under a dictator with an insatiable appetite for power, greed and subordination.  Pamela Constable and Arturo Valenzuela bring the past to life with this excellent historical account of a crucial period in the history of Chile.  Under Pinochet, the dreams of change, freedom and economic prosperity began to fade as the income gap between the rich and the poor became the largest in the country’s history.  Poverty,  depression,  health issues and domestic surveillance by the notorious DINA would transform a once free society in a military state.   Freedom of press, expression and religion became archaic ideas subject to intimidation, imprisonment and in some cases, death.  Schools and universities were under rigorous scrutiny in efforts to purge them of any ideological teachings by the far left bearing a haunting similarity to Nazi controlled Germany.

Old opposition movements began to re-form and newer organizations began to take shape eventually dividing Chilean society between Communist, Christian Democratics, Humanist parties and pro-regime organizations.   Tension began to simmer and Pinochet’s time in office began to see its last days.  His reign lasted from 1973 until October 1988, when the Chilean people demanded change and elected Patricio Aylwin by a large margin bringing democracy back to a country in need of hope and security.  His election was a culmination of years of disillusionment by the Chilean public, and even the Regan administration.  The Chile we know today is far removed from its darkest days under one of the most notorious dictators in Latina American history.  This book is a must read for anyone interested in the regime of Augusto Pinochet and Chilean politics.

ISBN-10: 0393309851
ISBN-13: 978-0393309850

Orders To Kill: The Truth Behind The Murder of Martin Luther King-William F. Pepper

On By Genyc79In Civil Rights MovementLeave a comment

peppers order to killApril 4, 1968-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is assassinated as he stands on the balcony in front of room 306 at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.  That same night, Senator Robert F. Kennedy (D-New York) gives what is considered by many to be the best speech of his career on the back of a pickup truck to a crowd of stunned and angry supporters.  A drifter and ex-convict by the name of James Earl Ray is arrested at Heathrow Airport in London after a manhunt and extradited back to the United States.  Following his indictment, he pleads guilty to the crime, but many questions about his motive and actions continue to go unanswered.   The murder of Dr. King and of President Kennedy would be the subject to investigation by the House Select Committee on Assassinations.  And although the investigations revealed new evidence in both murders, new suspects and evidence of a probable conspiracy in President Kennedy’s murder, the complete truth about both murders continues to elude the American public.

Decades have passed since Dr. King’s murder and the official story still stands.  But this book by William F. Pepper will challenge everything you thought you knew about the murder and his alleged assassin James Earl Ray.  The Freedom of Information Act completely changed the face of investigative reporting and gave citizens of all professions and walks of life a powerful tool in their efforts to learn the truth about historical events in which disturbing questions still linger.  The FBI, under the tutelage and direction of J. Edgar Hoover, conducted illegal domestic wiretapping and surveillance on American citizens, political organizations and figures.  The infamous COINTEL program cast a dark cloud over the agency and re-enforced the suspicions and concerns of an agency out of control.

1968 was a tumultuous year with the Vietnam war raging  and American involvement increasingly escalating.  Social tensions brimming under the surface resulted in race riots across the country and the murders of John F. Kennedy and Medgar Evars were still fresh in the minds of civil rights activists and citizens deeply concerned about the direction in which their country was headed.   Destined to break with the Johnson administration, King’s opposition to the Vietnam war, his rhetoric and social standing sent chills down the spines of the politicians in Washington and the military industrial complex.  Unwilling to tolerate civil unrest at home, the government began to increase domestic surveillance using MIGs (Military Intelligence Groups), the CIA, FBI, ONI and NSA.  Their trail of King would lead them to Memphis where fate would take over resulting in the tragic events on April 4.  Ray’s conviction seemed simple enough, he pleaded guilty as recommended by then attorney Percy Foreman and sits in jail to this day.   However, as Pepper’s reveals, the guilty plea and evidence presented, both crumble under intense scrutiny and there were events that transpired that day unrelated to James Earl Ray.  Over the years, Ray has given many accounts of his actions that day and none are in tune with those of a lone nut. Portrayed as a stone cold killer and rabid racist, he was convicted in the court of public opinion even before he set foot in a courtroom.  Pepper’s investigation unearths a mountain of evidence and cast strong doubt on Ray’s guilt and forces the reader to re-examine everything he/she thought they knew about one of the most infamous murders in American history.

There’s an entire cast of characters in the book, including President Johnson, J. Edgar Hoover,  H.L. Hunt and Carlos Marcello.  The web of intrigue between these once powerful figures is nothing short of spell-binding and disturbing.   A common question Americans ask one another is who really controls this country?  I believe that investigations into the murders of President Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will provide insight into the machinations of the U.S. Government and show what true power really is.  Had Dr. King lived to this day, he’d be 86 years of age and we can only guess as to what he would think of the current state of our country.  Next month is the national holiday for his birthday, but this year, the celebration will have a different meaning for myself and I’m sure others that have read this book.  I no longer question why he was murdered but question what if he had not been.

ISBN-10: 0786702532
ISBN-13: 978-0786702534

Out of My Life and Thought- Albert Schweitzer

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

schweitzerOn September 4, 1965, Albert Schweitzer died in Lambaréné in Central Africa.  The founder of what is known today as the Albert Schweitzer hospital was the recipient of the Noble Peace Prize in 1952.  Today, little is spoken of him and in most classrooms his name is unknown.  But this religious scholar and doctor was one of the most influential and respected individuals of his time.  This is his autobiography, about the life he lived up until several years after he returned to Lambaréné to continue his missionary aid to the people of the Central African nation.  Born in the German occupied territory of Alsace in 1875, Schweitzer began his training in theological studies before making the decision to become a doctor which forever changed his life. His discussions about the Old and New Testaments are thought-provoking and encourage the reader to ask pertinent questions as to what we believe and know about Christianity, the Bible and Jesus.  The writings reveal a brilliant mind, always seeking the truth but remaining a steadfast proponent of analytical and profound thought.

His writings on colonization are those of an individual committed to freedom, prosperity and equality and he holds nothing back in his criticism of the colonial system and its barbaric effects upon the people within its control. Written many years before the civil rights movement, his words serve as a predecessor to subsequent writings and speeches on colonialism penned by such authors as the late Franz Fanon and Huey P. Newton.  Although not as fierce in his rhetoric as the latter two mentioned, his words are just as straightforward and as can be imagined, controversial at the time.  Nonetheless, he would remain in Lambaréné until the end of his life.  Prior to reading this book, my knowledge of Albert Schweitzer was limited and I was unaware of his thoughts, writings and contributions. Having now read this autobiography and learning more about this iconic figure,  I can fully appreciate his contribution to society and the importance of his place in history.

ASIN: B00N04PC9W

Reasonable Doubt: An Investigation Into The Assassination of John F. Kennedy- Henry Hurt

On By Genyc79In JFKLeave a comment

hurtThe assassination of President John F. Kennedy remains the biggest unsolved murder in American history.   The murders of the President, Lee Harvey Oswald and Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippitt, have fascinated the American public for over 50 years.  Hundreds of books have been published, each one analyzing the case from a different angle.  Henry Hurt presents to us, his investigation into the murder and why there’s reasonable doubt about what we’ve been told to believe all of these years.  The book was published in 1985 and since then, other books have appeared, most notably Joseph McBride’s ‘Into The Nightmare’.  There is far more information is available today than when Hurt wrote this book due to the release of thousands of pages of documents relating to the investigation.  But any researcher into the assassination will be well served by reading Hurt’s interesting investigative report.   From the start, he explains that he wanted to believe that the Warren Commission report was the final say on those tragic events in Dallas on that day.  But as he continued to dig deeper into the investigation, more questions arose than answers, casting severe doubt on the Commission’s report and giving him reasonable doubt as to the guilt of Lee Harvey Oswald.

The most perplexing aspect of the entire crime is that as one uncovers more information of the sinister deeds that day, the more mysterious and puzzling it becomes.  There are never-ending leads and hundreds of suspicious characters, but concrete links to major figures continue to elude even the most experienced of researchers.  Hurt’s research into the lives of Oswald and Tippit was exhaustively completely and  he concludes, both men are still a mystery.  And while the question as to whether Ruby, Oswald and Tippitt knew each other remains,  there’s circumstantial evidence that there did indeed exist, some sort of relationship between the three.   Hurt also revealed the names of several individuals who I previously had been unaware of and their possible relationship to the events in Dealey plaza.   I should point out that those who are familiar with the assassination and have previously read other books will fill in some of the gaps in the book regarding information unknown to the author at the time.  This book is rarely mentioned in conversations about the assassination and is sometimes overshadowed by Jim Marrs’ classic, ‘Crossfire’.  But I think it is recommended reading for anyone interested in the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

ISBN-10: 0030040590
ISBN-13: 978-0030040597