Non-Fiction/Essays
What the Hell is a Liberal?
David Truskoff
Sidney T. Black Publishing
2008
Soft cover
189 pages
What the Hell is a Liberal? is David Truskoff's thirteenth book. In it the author continues his conversation about American and international politics. Truskoff is candid and unapologetic about his views. As a veteran of the United States Navy and the Civil Rights Movement, the author pulls from an impressive body of experience as a patriot and an activist to formulate his opinions on the current state of affairs in America. His delivery is direct and often tough, but he is careful to back his assertions with documented facts. Readers who have enjoyed Truskoff's work in the past will not be disappointed. Those who are receiving their first exposure to the writer should brace themselves.
Truskoff does not hold anyone's hand in this collection. He takes on the current Bush administration, Israel, Jewish liberals, and African Americans. His opinions about these groups can, of course, be disputed, hotly challenged. But one has to admire Truskoff for his honesty and insight.
In the opening essay, "Seize the Moment," Truskoff introduces the reader to his activist background and his belief that the sacrifices he and others made have not produced the fruit expected. "I want to see more results of my efforts and the results of the efforts and sacrifices of my family. Today we are marching backwards (16)." The author repeatedly points out that there are still segregated schools in the United States and poverty remains a significant obstacle for many African Americans. His outrage is warranted: lives have been damaged and lost so that long-lasting change could occur.
"Who Owns the American Congress" exposes the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a foreign lobbying group that, according to Truskoff, throws it's weight around in the United States Congress by "...raising more money from around the world to support or defeat candidates than any other political structure (76)." Truskoff spends a lot of time with this organization and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a Jewish American, Truskoff offers tough words against the practices of the Israeli government and includes horror stories from the Palestinian side of this struggle.
Having participated in the Civil Rights Movement, Truskoff freely shares his thoughts about Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. He also offers strong words against current African American leaders such as Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. In "Am I a Racist," the author recounts his meeting with Jackie Robinson in 1963 when he arranged for the former baseball player's appearance on a television show. Truskoff was shocked when he learned of Robinson's support of Richard Nixon from Robinson himself. The essay goes on to discuss the Don Imus controversy and Jewish liberals questioning themselves about being racists, but the set-up leaves the reader wanting on this particular topic.
This book is rife with historical references, the author's personal accounts, and his theories of what needs to be done to erect change as a permanent edifice in this country.
What the Hell is a Liberal? is enlightening, fiery and forthright. You will talk back to this book. You will scribble agreements and objections in the margins. And, I believe it is the author's hope that you will also be moved to jump into action.
Melissa Levine
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