Overview
Extremism takes many forms: racial, political, religious, economic. This collection of extremist ideologies and writings highlights the one thread that unites the various brands of extremism, namely that there is always an enemy.Synopsis
"Disturbingly accessible...Presents the ideas, platforms and screeds of extremists of both left and right in their own words."
—The Washington Post Book World
"A demonstrative primer of the intricate complex of themes and views that make up the modern history if American extremism."
—The Los Angeles Times Book Review
"Essential reading for anyone interested in the dark side of American politics."
—Michael Barkun, author of Religion and the Racist Right
"An objective and credible collection from America's political extremes. The selections celebrate the range and diversity of political opinion in our country."
—John George and Laird Wilcox, co-authors of Nazis, Communists, Klansmen and Others on the Fringe
"This reader provides a sobering antidote to the complacent belief that democracy nurtures rationality, tolerance and civilised values. Sargent's judicious choice of texts illustrates how both left and right-wing extremists commandeer democratic principles, moral language and logic itself for their own ends. The book is an invaluable resource for students of ideology and politics."
—Professor Barbara Goodwin, author of Using Political Ideas and Justice by Lottery
Sargent gives an excellent knife-edge sketch of all extremists and extremists ideologies and philosophies in this excellent book - from Jacob Coxey to Father Charles Coughlin, to Phyllis Schlafly, COYOTE, FSP, Posse Comitatus. All are here. This book is a sane reminder of the need for eternal vigilance in our democracy."
—Jounal of American Culture
Extremism takes many forms: racial, political,religious, economic. Despite the diversity of extremist thought, this collection of extremist ideologies and writings highlights the one thread that unites the various brands of extremism, whether leftist or rightist, historical or contemporary. The unifying motif is that there is always an enemy. The enemy can take the form of the government, communism, the patriarchy, African-Americans, gays and lesbians, men, welfare recipients, Jews, or corporations, but the presence of a clearcut ideological foe is always an intrinsic component of extremism.
Providing a panoramic perspective on American extremism from the earliest days of the republic, the book is divided into thematic chapters, communism and anti- communism; race; social concerns, such as the family, education, and gender relations; economic matters, such as taxes and welfare; intentional communities, such as The Covenant The Sword and The Arm of the Lord; and organizations or individuals advocating radical decentralization, such as the Left Green Network or the Students for a Democratic Society. Familiar extremist forces--the Ku Klux Klan, the Aryan Nation, Phyllis Schlafly—here meet lesser-known forces to paint a vivid and powerful portrait of life and thought on the political fringe.