The only drawback to 100 Ways is little of what Tirman writes is referenced in the book. He mentions in his introduction he will be posting his references on a website but as of press time the site is still being constructed. More importantly, one wonders how many people who read 100 Ways will actually look at the introduction and discover the web address.
It will also become apparent to any readers of historian and People’s History of the United States author Howard Zinn that Tirman borrows heavily from a number of Zinn’s books. Despite these minor problems, Tirman has put America under a microscope and has determined a number of hypotheses. 100 Ways succeeds at generating starting points for many discussions of its themes.
Some may say 100 Ways America Is Screwing Up the World is just another in a series of “blame America first” screeds that are meant to downgrade our country's contributions to the world. What Tirman understands is sometimes America deserves some blame for what it’s done in this world. But Tirman also knows to give credit where credit is due. 100 Ways does not damn America with faint praise nor uphold her penchant for economic advancement. It treats both with a balance all too rare in the media today.
Editor's note: There is also an <a href = "http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/08/06/164120.php">interview with the author</a> on Blogcritics.
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!
2 - Steve
It's a shame Tirman's book has that title. It will turn off many of those people who could benefit from reading it. Thanks to your review however, Mr. Sakin, it may gain a slightly wider audience.