Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America

The world's ultimate tough guy delivers a 5-star motivational critique of America

I received a pre-release copy of 'Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America' by Chuck Norris for professional review. Not being a huge Chuck Norris fan, I wasn't sure what to expect, even though I knew he was very patriotic and now writes a weekly syndicated column. I have to confess that I was quickly drawn in and captivated by the contents of the book and, actually, pleasantly surprised by its insight, depth, research, genuineness, practicality, and motivating nature--and is even very funny at several parts. Most of all, rather than just being a negative critique of American modernity, it is a remarkably pragmatic and inspiring work--having just finished it, I am truly quite motivated to do a host of things he outlines in his book, including taking better care of me. The book begins with a summary of eight major problems threatening America, in the first chapter, 'One Nation, Divided, and Without a Clue.' Before detailing his and others' (including our Founders') solutions to our problems in the subsequent chapters, Norris opens up the book by explaining these major threats that are tearing apart the fabric we call America: (1) we've lost the connection to and sense of our Founders' America, vision, and legacy (2) we've got no control over spending--and too much debt, nationally and personally (3) America's borders and boundaries are still too fluid and unprotected (4) we've lost our moral compass, and must relearn our Founders' path to civility (5) we've devalued human life to the point that we've lost the sense of human wonder and awe--which has ultimately contributed to our mistreatment of one another (6) we are failing our children and the younger generations by not being more intentional in passing down to them the baton of building a better America (7) the dissolution of the traditional family (8) Apathy--physical, mental, and spiritual. The following eight chapters not only detail each of those problems, but give Norris' and others' practical solutions--which we can begin implementing immediately. The genius of the book is not found merely in Norris' practical wisdom and motivating altruism but our Founders' work and instruction for future generations. As a supporter of a strictly constitutional America(as proposed by such congressmen as Ron Paul), I've read quite extensively about the Founders and Framers of America. Norris does an exceptional job to include throughout each chapter significant (and in-context) excerpts from them, not merely trite Whitman samplers or overused quotes to suffice pseudo-history buffs. Norris includes insights from our Founders on a host of today's issues and problems (as Norris calls them, 'old solutions for new problems'), such as those on restoring good government, reducing taxes and debt (national and personal), addressing border and immigration issues, raising youth, establishing morality and civility, and even enhancing good nutritional habits (yes, Thomas Jefferson spoke about that too). Norris obviously has a great handle on cultural issues, pundicy, and research, as the reference works cited throughout the book are reputable and scholarly resources--well-known and widely-used in each particular field of study. (The End Notes alone are a veritable gulf of information and resources.) Norris does not disappoint in any respect, even in conveying plenty of personal stories as well, many told for the first time in this book, personal accounts with border agents and troops abroad to stories of American-heritage revisionism and his weekly work-out plan with his family's nutritional diet. There are many pleasant surprises in the book, including what America's Founders thought about a host of issues we face today (including those one wouldn't typically think they would have addressed--like exercise and nutrition, or marriage and family), the best summary and pitch for the Flat Tax I've heard read, a remedy for the millions of illegal immigrants already living in

5 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Does Karate and the Christian right go hand in hand?

Typical Christian rightwing screed. If you read one, you've basically read them all. Norris basically lies or distorts or is just plain ignorant of basic American facts. One, prayer was never taken out of the schools. Organized/state sponsored prayer. One of the biggest myths of the Christian right is that prayer was banned by "evil" atheists. No, it wasn't. Judges (most of them who are Christians by the way) have stated that students can pray but that the government can't use its' power to pressure (or to use a softer word), encourage students to engage in religious activity. Second, the Danbury Letter which was written by Thomas Jefferson was not just a statement that the government couldn't endorse or create one secretarian Christian denomination. I mean, what kind of wall is just one directional anyway? Jefferson along with Madison were not atheists of course but they did not have the beliefs of Church Norris or others on the Christian right. They were men of the Enlightenment. Deists.

Though not as secular as I, they would strongly disagree with much of the views of Norris. Norris also wants worries about those "liberals" in California forcing their liberal ways against those good, God fearing folks in Alaska. See, the Christian right is obsessed with left leaning states like California forcing people in Alabama to listen to Barbara Streisand albums and watch old episodes of "Will and Grace". Look, one vote equals one vote. People in California aren't any lesser citizens then people in Wyoming. We have a Bill of Rights and a court system to ensure that the majority does not trample and violate the rights of the minority. But, ironically, it is the Christian right (and I am sure Norris has done this many times) who decry the courts when they protect the minority from the majority! Chuck got famous because he is one of the best martial arts experts in the world, but alas just because you are a top expert in martial arts does not mean you are a great scholar.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Our elected officials should be required to read this book.

This was an great read. I have to say I learned more about our nations heritage and our founding fathers from this book than I ever learned in school, including college. Just goes to show how lacking our education system is in this country. Chuck is right on the money when it comes to the problems the U.S. is facing and offers good solutions to those problems. Its refreshing to read something from a big name celebrity that isn't bashing America. Chuck's a true patriot.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

getting america back again

"black belt patriotism" is a wonderful blueprint put down by chuck norris in a exellent bestseller that shows america what they need to do to get back on track again. research in this book clearly shows that our country has fallen down because they have stopped listening to the wisdom of the founding fathers and turned away from the Bible and there are illegial borders that gives them a right . this is a exllellent way to get involved in community out reach and howto make a difference in your nation. great gift idea for a friend or family member.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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