By
Thomas Cloud
June 24, 2009
A lot of bad rationales begin with the expression, “getting caught up in the excitement,” and it does not look like the explanation for this year’s common book, Barack Obama’s Dreams from My Father, is any exception. I do not support a campus-wide common book for a variety of reasons, but I must put those aside for another time.
There’s a reason politicians write books or have them ghost written: They need a way around campaign-finance laws. Oftentimes they do not even expect their supporters to read the book; they just ask them to buy it. Dino Rossi did it; John McCain did it; Hillary Clinton did it; and Obama did it on several occasions. During the primaries, if you ever want to guess who is most supported by big donors, just look at book-sale numbers.
The real reason the UW chose a book written by Obama — and I am going to give them the huge benefit of the doubt that they do not have a Democratic Party agenda — is that the UW needs money, plain and simple. It was most certainly out of greed that this book was chosen. Besides the point that this book has the potential to go over well with private donors, it is also a huge cry for attention to the president and a great way to get some federal dollars pork-barreled our way.
I know, I know — the reasons given for choosing the book include: “we need to understand our new president” and “this is a historic moment.” But I find those really hard to believe when we are depositing thousands of dollars into Obama’s bank account. May I remind my readers that I do not support a common book at all and, had the extremely unlikely event occurred of the common book belonging to a Republican politician, I would attack it for the same reasons.
Personally, I would love it if everyone at the UW read Friedrich August Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom. This is a classic work by a Nobel-Prize-winning economist who did not run for office. It details how the Nazis took power in Germany. But, it would make Hayek roll over in his grave if his treatise ever became a “common” book because it would be against all his principles.
He labored for the rights of individuals to choose their destiny and not have the state force it upon them. If and when his books were ever required reading, it was because they were either parts of economic or social-studies classes in which his contributions to economics, political science and psychology needed to be discussed. His works were not best sellers because he was a politician, but due to his excellence as a writer and thinker. How many people at the UW knew about Obama in 1995? Why is it that his book became a best seller just now?
If Hayek was around, he would join me in pointing out a scary resemblance that the UW common book bears. By choosing a book written by the head of state, we are engaging in a practice usually reserved for fascist governments where one arm of the state is forcing the taxpayers to buy items that give royalties to the heads of state. I hesitate to remind you that this is exactly what Germany did when they required their citizens to buy stamps with Hitler’s face on it so they could pay royalties to him. I struggle to find much difference between the goals propagated by this year’s common book and Nazi Germany’s postage stamps — other than just the shear size of one compared to the other.
Reach columnist Thomas Cloud at opinion@dailyuw.com.
29 Comments
#1 Sean K.
on June 24, 2009 at 12:18 a.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
"By choosing a book written by the head of state, we are engaging in a practice usually reserved for fascist governments where one arm of the state is forcing the taxpayers to buy items that give royalties to the heads of state. I hesitate to remind you that this is exactly what Germany did when they required their citizens to buy stamps with Hitler’s face on it so they could pay royalties to him. I struggle to find much difference between the goals propagated by this year’s common book and Nazi Germany’s postage stamps — other than just the shear size of one compared to the other."
You must be kidding. Your are... "struggling" to see the difference between the goals propagated by Obama's book and Nazi Germany's postage stamps? Seriously?
#2 ThomasC
on June 24, 2009 at 12:10 p.m.(Bellevue, WA | UW Community)
common book selection not the book itself
#3 Sean K.
on June 24, 2009 at 12:57 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Point taken - yet every class has prescribed readings. We do not choose our own pedagogical sources.
The common book simply extends what is commonly addressed within a class to a wider student body. What makes Dreams of My Father noteworthy is the author; still, the book has a host of different sociological and ethical threads that make it a reasonable choice.
The comparisons to Nazi Germany, however, is a common trope on the right - an patently ridiculous.
#4 Rachel
on June 24, 2009 at 4:11 p.m.(Redmond, WA | UW Community)
While this is a well written article, I too find the comparison to Nazi Germany a little contrived and inapplicable - not to mention offensive. No one is forcing incoming freshman to read the common book. Sure, it's included in a few reading lists for English classes, but by no means is it required reading across the board - and thus a far cry from the actions of the Third Reich.
There are other ways to make a point besides comparing an action to one of the worst tragedies of our time.
#5 JohnV
on June 26, 2009 at 1:49 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name | UW Community)
Mr. Cloud has an original and convoluted point of view.
Denying sound logic, (1) the timeliness of the book, (2) the importance of the central figure in the autobiography in our nation's, our region's, and our university's future, and (3) his purported popularity with UW donors are invoked as arguments AGAINST the selection of this book now.
The irrelevant fact that politicians' books may raise money for political campaigns fills the entire 2nd paragraph. He already won the campaign, and current sales are not contributing to campaigns.
In some online circles, the ludicrousness and inappropriateness of Nazi comparisons automatically disqualifies an argument (see Godwin's Law). It's clearly the case here, and already said by all previous commentators.
Quite an entertaining an illuminating column.
#6 JStan
on July 5, 2009 at 4:01 p.m.(Puyallup, WA)
Germany didn't start out with a totalitarian dictatorship. Hitler was democratically elected, and used false flag attacks as an excuse for martial law. Considering a proper understanding of how incrementalism is used as a tool to remove a free societys' rights, the comparison of this suggested/required material about an elected leader who has broken campaign promises at every opportunity thus far is actually quite valid when considering what steps must be taken on such a path.
Whether this is required or suggested reading, the obvious intent here is to mold young minds in support of this man, when the facts which are easily available to anyone with any internet savvy show he is no better than his predecessor.
JohnV's use of the word illuminating is more than likely his way of showing allegiance to his masters without coming out and saying it, especially considering his whole hearted attempt to discredit the valid associations made here. Considering the Ivy League was founded by Freemasons (most of which are well meaning individuals who fail to understand its true intent) which had the Illuminati nested within it in 1776, it's not surprising that acadamia is one of the most powerful brainwashing tools along with TV and the media.
#7 Nick J.
on July 5, 2009 at 4:10 p.m.(None, None | UW Community)
"...and I am going to give them the huge benefit of the doubt that they do not have a Democratic Party agenda..."
Haha, you shouldn't.
#8 Lynn W.
on July 5, 2009 at 5:35 p.m.(Tacoma, WA)
First, this is a president of less than one year. His real effect has yet to be realized. Second, this book is the opinions of one person about his own life, not factual information to be analyzed by young students who have little frame of reference. Third. the only way it would be acceptable as required reading is if it was also required to read a book with a differing view, so that students could learn how to think, not be told what to think by limiting their exposure.
#9 ThomasC
on July 5, 2009 at 6:34 p.m.(Bellevue, WA | UW Community)
http://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/08/wor...
In case you're curious about state payments of book royalties and postage stamps.
#10 Karin H.
on July 5, 2009 at 8:21 p.m.(Seattle, WA)
what books have been the class readings in the past? is there a trend? is it always an autobiography/biography or are novels also chosen?
#11 Pete C.
on July 5, 2009 at 8:50 p.m.(Tacoma, WA)
Looks like this is the first autobiography.
Interesting part of the NY Times article:
Much of (Hitler's) fortune came from royalties earned on ''Mein Kampf,'' his best-selling autobiography and political tract, which is still banned in Germany.
But during his time as German leader, every couple who married were given a copy of ''Mein Kampf'' by their local community -- which had to buy the book from the publisher.
According to Mr. Helm, Hitler earned some 7.8 million reichsmarks from the book alone. It is hard to give a precise value in today's currency, but the reichsmarks would be worth some $5 to $8 today, Mr. Helm said -- a tidy sum.
I wonder how many other Universities are tirelessly working to enrich the president of Czarist America?
#12 Geoff K.
on July 5, 2009 at 9:41 p.m.(Kent, WA)
Worse part of this is that it looks like a clear pay off. Unions and colleges using your tax payer dollars to contribute to the sitting president. This is Chicago Politics on a grand scale.
#13 Sean K.
on July 5, 2009 at 10:42 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Neocons and LaRouchians are, like all of us, children of God. And, like us, many have lost their way.
Your pleas on this page are a cry for help.
We can sense the sadness, the fear, and the confusion.
Things don't make sense, and you are searching for answers.
History books are thick.
Theory is too complicated.
Critical thinking is troublesome, problematic. Sometimes it hurts, kinda.
Please know that there are people here on campus that can help you.
#14 axiomata
on July 6, 2009 at 2 a.m.(Tacoma, WA | UW Community)
Creepy.
Glad I'm coming to the UW as a grad student and not a freshman in the fall.
As I understand a mission of the common book, which like Thomas, I feel seems iffy in principal, is to provide a text to be "celebrated with campus discussions and activities."
While the content of the book may not be overtly political, why risk the political polarization that is inevitable with such a decision? And if you feel this book must be read, why not balance it with something like Road to Serfdom?
#15 Sean K.
on July 6, 2009 at 6:13 a.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
A comprehensive history of the rise of the Nazi Party seems in order here.
#16 Jess G.
on July 6, 2009 at 9:43 p.m.(Everett, WA)
Right On, Thomas! Great points... well stated.
#17 Morris B.
on July 7, 2009 at 2:08 p.m.(Bellevue, WA)
Right on Thomas. I think a lot of the commentators here missed your connection to National Socialist Germany.
It wasn't calling Obama or the UW National Socialists, it was noting the FINANCIAL connection.
By Buying Obama's book the UW is tacitly helping Obama's and the democrats re-election campaign.
Would you on the left here be okay with Hillsdale college selling a book written by a currently sitting conservative President?
NO.. You wouldn't. and frankly, I think you would be justified in criticizing Hillsdale for doing that if they did.
#18 Steve P.
on July 8, 2009 at 10:49 a.m.(Gig Harbor, WA)
Buy the book and do as you are told.
Fact - Germans were expected to read "Mein Kampf". History at UW?
See what leftist Naomi Wolf has on you Tube! Her eyes don't seem the same. This is pertinent.
I have lived in Asia and seen the primary schools. They are kicking your collective butts. Know this from Asians who come to our Universities.
Mandatory service for all 18 to 25 year olds. The GIVE act has passed. The draft is back! Time to put 1,000,000 solders on the streets of the USA to protect us from anyone who can think. There is no left or right. Both sides are increasing the size of government and reducing your freedoms. This is a FACT. How does this improve the economy? Check out HR-1207 if your brain will let you. Over 250 co-sponsors stimulated by grassroots organizations that want our country back.
Why have a Federal department of education? One size fit all? 50 solutions that are closer to the problems verses 1 that is crammed down our collective throats!
When candidates talk about change can we please ask a question? "What"?
Congress had the lowest approval rating in years yet over 95% of them were re-elected. This is change?
While everyone was watching Michael Jackson - Cap and Trade was passed. 1500 pages of freedom restricting laws that Congress was not allow to read until 1 hour before. Didn't the FEDERAL
RESERVE get it's start while everyone was sleeping. This is a history lesson.
Recently your front doors have been quietly marked with GSP. Why did they do this in Irag? Can someone say Blimp surveillance? Or, actually ask a solder who has been there.
WARNING - We Are Right Now In Nazi Germany.
Do as your told - Get the book!
#19 Greg N.
on July 8, 2009 at 10:09 p.m.(Villa Rica, GA)
@Steve P. I do not know if you realize this, or if you are doing it for the ironic value, but you are doing exactly what you preach against. Educate people to your side, don't use fear of what may or may not happen scare us onto your side.
And to add on to what Morris said. Everyone here must step back and realize that the first thing you think of when you think Nazi, isn't what Thomas was referring to in his comparison.
He was referring to the political and financial decisions that both politicians have made. Whether we will admit any correlation between Obama and Hitler, we can say they are both savvy statesmen.
The book is a good decision politically, and better decision financially for the President. What we must decide on is whether or not it is morally sound to "force" it upon an entire student body.
#20 Greg N.
on July 8, 2009 at 10:13 p.m.(Villa Rica, GA)
I do not know why it says (Villa Rica, GA) under my name. I am a Washingtonian currently in Valdosta, GA for school.
I enjoyed the original article and all the comments about it.
#21 Matthew Z.
on July 16, 2009 at 12:23 p.m.(UW Campus)
Well, Mr. Cloud seems to be well on his way.
The "liberal media" has certainly skipped over the Daily...
#22 ThomasC
on July 22, 2009 at 1:20 a.m.(Bellevue, WA | UW Community)
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/0...
scared yet?
#23 Morgan G.
on July 23, 2009 at 6:50 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
First, the book is a culturally relevant examination of race, identity and personal growth from a major national figure. There's a lot in it to qualify it as a common book.
Second, comparing this to Nazi Germany is at the least paranoid and at the most absolutely retarded. I recommend you look up the concept of Godwin's Law.
Third, UW making this the common book doesn't pour money into Obama's campaign, or at least not as much as you say. The students to not pay for these books, the university pays for them, with state funds, which as far as I know are not allowed to be used for political campaigns. Also, the university does not make money off the common book.
Apart from this, Barack Obama does not need UW or UW students to make money for his campaign. Barack Obama pulled $150 million in the last month of the election cycle simply by being Barack Fucking Obama.
Also, fun fact, books become popular and sell better when the writer becomes well-known in the national sphere. Do not even dispute this. Obama's book first became a best seller in 2006, after his speech at the DNC, and again after his election. That's like saying George H.W. Bush's book on his war memoirs would've not sold well in 1960. No shit, he wasn't well-known before then. When he published it a few years ago, though, I'm betting it sold well because George H.W. Bush is a well-known friggin' name.
And Barack Obama wrote both his books, and is called an intellectual and a great writer. Don't claim a politician used a ghost writer if, as you state, barely anyone had fucking heard of him in 1995 when the book was published. The dude didn't need a ghost writer, and couldn't have afforded one if he did.
#24 Morgan G.
on July 23, 2009 at 6:56 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Also, more articles from the same site the author quoted above me:
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/0... ("The awful truth about liberalism is its central delusion, the notion that life can be neatly organized into rational bureaucratic programs.")
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/0... ("It is truly a sad day in America when the president of the United States fans the flames of racial hatred.")
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/0... ("The health care crisis in America is not about the quality of health care, but about sticker shock to people who believe in the free lunch.")
They speak for themselves.
#25 Rachel E.
on July 23, 2009 at 10:58 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
I AM an entering Freshman... first I saw the statement on a folder that said all entering freshman were required to read a common book.... I thought that was weird enough... then I saw it was of a political nature.
I guess I'm being dramatic, but I immediately thought of Hitler. Yes that is extreme and I have nothing against Obama but I don't want to be forced, certainly not brainwashed!
#26 Rachel E.
on July 23, 2009 at 11:01 p.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
I have to say this too: it just gives me the creeps.
I thought going to UW would be a free intellectually open minded experience... not the forced conformity of high school. I understand that a common book may make the large class seem smaller but if that was really a problem people wouldn't enroll here.
I want the freedom to learn what I want. If it was a class assigning this that would be different in my opinion.
#27 Morgan G.
on July 24, 2009 at 12:55 a.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
It's a memoir, not a political fucking treaty. It's about his life being a child of two vastly different cultures, and details not only his rise to politics but his trips to Kenya and meeting his family in his later years.
Comparing this to Mein Kampf or Nazi Germany is shameful and naive.
Actually, fuck it: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define...
#28 Sean K.
on July 25, 2009 at 1:05 a.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Morgan, you linked the right site, but the wrong page on the site:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define...
"Godwin's Law states that as an online argument grows longer and more heated, it becomes increasingly likely that somebody will bring up Adolf Hitler or the Nazis. When such an event occurs, the person guilty of invoking Godwin's Law has effectively forfieted the argument"
#29 Sean K.
on July 25, 2009 at 1:17 a.m.(Seattle, WA | UW Community)
Whoa Sorry. It has been decided that "Thanks to the Neocons, Godwin's law is now obsolete."
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