Two weeks ago I received an email from Marty Beckerman telling me about (or shamelessly whoring) his new book (which came in the mail this morning) “Dumbocracy Adventures with the Loony Left, the Rabid Right, and Other American Idiots.” It was released sometime in early September. Beckerman interviewed Hunter in 2003 while he was promoting “Kingdom of Fear,” the full interview can be found here. http://www.getunderground.com/underground/features/article.cfm?Article_ID=1073 This article was my first encounter with Marty’s work, and his name stuck in my mind because of Hunter’s comment to him that he was “a morbid little bastard.” (By the way, I’m happy to shamelessley pimp out this blog, but remember two wrongs don’t make a right.)
At only 25 Marty has made a name for himself in the world of Journalism. He has been featured by the New York Times, New York Post, the Guardian, Fox News, MSNBC and others. His other books include ”Death to all Cheerleaders” and Generation S.L.U.T. If you want to know more go to http://www.martybeckerman.com/mb.php because I’m too lazy to type it here.
Here is what it’s about in his own words.
“Dumbocracy: Adventures with the Loony Left, the Rabid Right and Other American Idiots, follows my escapades with extremists on both sides of the spectrum, and shows how they’re equally dangerous to the freedoms that most Americans cherish.”
“Whether it’s banning free speech to protect people’s feelings or to enforce theocratic morality, these radicals have no use for our civil liberties. But I expose their tactics — and their never-ending hypocrisies — with comical, over-the-top glee, which will entertain any fan of South Park and the Daily Show.”
I hope to read the book in the next few days, when I do I will post a small bit about it here. Meanwhile “Dumbocracy” is available at Amazon and most book stores in the US. Marty tells me he hopes it will be available here in Ireland late October early November. Here are some of the reviews..
“Dumbocracy is a thoughtful book with great shock value geared to awaken, entertain and enlighten Marty’s generation about the freedoms embedded in our Bill of Rights. Beyond the spoofing, it is passionate, scholarly, and delivers the message that young people need to hear.” —Former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Mike Gravel
“Beckerman uses the deft and subtle touch of a sledgehammer. If you can read this entire book without being offended, then there is a good chance that you are illiterate. If you can read this entire book and not enjoy it, then there’s a good chance you take yourself too seriously.” —Christian Lander, bestselling author of Stuff White People Like
“Marty Beckerman is one of the great young journalists of our time.”—Mancow Muller, syndicated radio host and author of Dad, Dames, Demons, and a Dwarf
“[H]ilarious yet powerful… many of his rants are on point. … And if he makes young readers pay attention to politics, more power to him.” —Rachel Kramer Bussel, Penthouse
Marty kindly agreed to answer a few questions for hstbooks, so when I string them together, fire them off to him and get them back I’ll be posting them here.
