...Is for effing KNOBZ! Case in point: Three Cups of Tea, which is a book with a cover that's just as much a turn off (for young gentlemen like myself who may or may not judge books on this basis). The title, in my mind, associates itself to such titles as Eat, Pray, Love.
This book ain't gay, corny, or boring. In fact it's what every American needs to read. Some things my fellow nationals should to know before "committing" to the read:
> Republican or Democrat, it's hard to argue that what the book's main character, Greg Mortenson, is doing - building schools across Pakistan and Afghanistan - is anything but heroic.*
> There are pictures
> The pacing is fast enough. The author includes relevant historical information and context to offer the reader a well-rounded and balanced idea of what exactly the socio-political climate looks like.
*Though the Bush Administration is known for taking a military-action type of approach regarding the Afghan/Iraq wars and "rehabilitation," republican Mary Bono actually introduced Dr. Mortenson to Congress in an effort to enlighten our policy-makers on how to actually go about squashing terrorism; it just so happens that a balanced, secular education that also empowers women is something far more powerful and long-lasting than $$$-fueled indoctrination by Taliban radicals. The book also talks about how wealthy Iranian radicals take their sponsored madrassas' top students for personal tutelage to ensure anti-American sentiments live on for generations to come.
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So before any of you jump to the conclusion that America and its people are war-mongering assholes, read this story of a doer, a go-get-'er. Not a talker (though a speaker). Our government's actions don't necessarily reflect the beliefs and sentiments of its people, and sometimes our concepts of bravery, honor, and duty are purely subjective and awaiting redefinition.
For further reading and research on America's foreign affairs, especially concerning war, I recommend Googling embedded journalists (one of my favorites is Michael Yon). I also sometimes cross reference local and international news media(s) with US sources in the effort to gain a balanced perspective of events and issues.
Support our troops and God bless,
Cyrus
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