Moyers on America: A Journalist and His Times
During the fifty years he has been variously a reporter, a political spokesperson, and a broadcaster, Bill Moyers has demonstrated a deep commitment to understanding the workings of our government and the role of the individual in society. His essays and commentaries, such as the recent “Shivers Down the Spine,” “A Time for Anger,” and “Journalism Under Fire,” are argued over and passed along as soon as they appear in print or on the Internet. Identifying what he sees as a political system increasingly at the mercy of a corporate ruling class, he urges a reengagement with the spirit of community that makes the work of democracy possible. Not only a trenchant critique of what is wrong, Moyers on America is also a call to arms for the progressive promise of the people of America, in whom his faith is strong.
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Community Reviews
The bulk of this book is media analysis, and specifically journalism analysis. That's an important subject, of course, and one to which we could stand to devote more time. Still, I guess I didn't expect so much.
All in all, the book was good. But depressing. Moyers isn't a real optimist about the future of the American people, and frankly I didn't take much hope from the places he claims to take his. So, yeah, it is pretty depressing reading. Still worthwhile, of course. He's an insightful writer, and quite frank. The best parts of the book are the first couple of essays, in all regards—important material, and some of his best thinking & writing. The ending is also pretty good. Whoever had the idea to end with a few essays that aren't about politics should be commended. It's the only thing that keeps you from finishing it with your head in the oven.
All in all, the book was good. But depressing. Moyers isn't a real optimist about the future of the American people, and frankly I didn't take much hope from the places he claims to take his. So, yeah, it is pretty depressing reading. Still worthwhile, of course. He's an insightful writer, and quite frank. The best parts of the book are the first couple of essays, in all regards—important material, and some of his best thinking & writing. The ending is also pretty good. Whoever had the idea to end with a few essays that aren't about politics should be commended. It's the only thing that keeps you from finishing it with your head in the oven.
