A Political Warning Shot: 'American Theocracy' (American Taliban)

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http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5290373

 

 

A Political Warning Shot: 'American Theocracy'

Listen to this story... by Terry Gross

 

 

Fresh Air from WHYY, March 21, 2006 · Kevin Phillips rose to

prominence on the heels of Richard Nixon's political triumphs. His

1969 book The Emerging Republican Majority was hailed as a visionary

work of political analysis. But his new book, American Theocracy,

argues that the Republican Party -- and the country -- is headed for

disaster.

 

Subtitled " The Peril and Politics of Radical Religion, Oil, and

Borrowed Money in the 21st Century, " American Theocracy puts the

trials of modern America into the context of other great historical

powers. From Rome to Great Britain, Phillips identifies the keys to

their decline -- and draws parallels to modern America.

 

Phillips wrote a 2004 bestseller, American Dynasty, about the Bush

family. American Theocracy is a harsh criticism of the current Bush

administration and the Republican Party. Phillips, a senior strategist

for Richard Nixon's 1968 presidential bid, registered himself as a

political independent in 2002.

 

The Emerging Republican Majority correctly predicted the trend of

American voters toward greater conservatism -- particularly in the

South. Since then, Phillips has written 11 books about economics,

history and politics.

 

In 1978, Phillips became a radio commentator for CBS News, and in

1984, for National Public Radio as well.

 

 

 

 

Scroll below to read " Radicalized Religion " - Chapter 4 of the book.

 

 

Excerpt: 'American Theocracy'

by Kevin Phillips