esler makes dangerously many generalizations and glosses over or completely ignores crucial details of anecdotes he relates in order to support his main arguments. (for instance, he makes reference to the "very serious reporter" who must have asked bill clinton whether or not he wore boxers or briefs and cites this as an example of the decline of the american media. he conveniently forgets to mention that this question was posed to then-governor clinton by a teenager when clinton appeared to an audience on MTV. at another point in the book, he mentions how randy weaver's only crime was to possess a sawed-off shotgun. he fails to mention that weaver was in the process of FIRING that shotgun at FBI agents who were trying to serve him with a subpoena to court, which he was legally obliged to accept).

he seems to think that people will believe everything they read, thus eliminating the need for any citations of the "facts" he continually spews forth. very few of his "statistics" are cited, and even fewer are relevant to his argument.

his mission to write a guide to the united states based on constant comparisons to the "right way to govern" is seriously dated (pre-monica, pre sept. 11) and no longer relevant to the world today...


Accomplished and thought-provoking   October 17, 1999
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Essential reading for anyone trying to understand the American psyche of the 1990s. Esler explains much about current beliefs and behaviour within American society, showing up serious flaws in their democratic system and highlighting voter apathy. He approaches the hopes and fears of middle class America - wiping away the television dreams of Hollywood - putting us in touch with real people and their concerns. Esler continues to probe the fears in the closet of a country that has "had it all", but now fears that it may be losing its power. He dares to discuss the impending demise of the "American Dream" for all but the few wealthy. Having worked for a number of large American companies myself, this helps me to understand corporate American behaviour. He shows the ignorance within the general population regarding their nation and their process of government. He helps to explain the underlying climate of conspiracy and the sense of "betrayal from within" that the average American feels. He proceeds to link this to the rise of extremist factions and the recent spate of violent atrocities. Esler's style is powerful and compelling. As any good journalist should, he holds a mirror to the truth. He shows us the range of possibilities that await America in the next century. American Dream or Nightmare? Worryingly, he also shows us what may befall us, as English trends seem to lag American. If there is a fault, it is that Esler doesn't give us his opinion or view of the future. I would love to know whether Esler thinks America can pull itself from its current malaise, or whether the negative forces within U.S. society will cause it to fall apart. Of course, we must all wait and see.


An excellent personal account of America in the 90`s   March 27, 1999
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I wish this book was twice as long.