Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now

3.14 of 5 stars 3.14 · rating details · 35 ratings · 12 reviews

A Manifesto for the Radical Center

America is frozen. We have failed to face our nation’s most crucial challenges—and we are about to pay the price.

When it comes to solving our country’s problems, we have become utterly paralyzed: bipartisanship has lulled us into a deadlock, preventing us from taking action. Yet we can no longer ignore the inevitable catastrophes or hand t...more

Hardcover, 434 pages

Published February 28th 2012 by Turner

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 156)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 30, 2013 Azabu rated it 2 of 5 stars

“In my youth we were a nation obsessed with the Soviet Union….Where is our paranoia about China?”

The answer lies in this attention-grabbing albeit non-pc ridiculous and exaggerated title by former Goldman Sachs senior partner Peter Kiernan. In thought-provoking “manifesto” format, Kiernan analyzes the reasons behind China’s quick rise and its potential, or veiled threat, to overtake the US . As the self-appointed spokesperson for a proposed movement that he dubs “Radical Centrist” Kiernan under...more

like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Elaine rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks

Actually, SIL influenced this review greatly. Because of her superior knowledge of business and economics, I asked her to read and make notes on it before I took the plunge, this being the only economics book I've ever read.

I confess the title grabbed me. Perhaps, unconsciously, I thought it would be funny. Besides, I wanted to know what being China's bitch would entail, dammit! He never says. In fact, there is only one chapter about China and, in it, he makes a convincing, and SIL assures me,...more Actually, SIL influenced this review greatly. Because of her superior knowledge of business and economics, I asked her to read and make notes on it before I took the plunge, this being the only economics book I've ever read.

I confess the title grabbed me. Perhaps, unconsciously, I thought it would be funny. Besides, I wanted to know what being China's bitch would entail, dammit! He never says. In fact, there is only one chapter about China and, in it, he makes a convincing, and SIL assures me, accurate argument that China has tied her fate to ours, which is unwise. As SIL commented, "Who is whose bitch?" I am guessing that being someone's bitch means you have to do what your master demands. What is hilarious to me about Kiernan's article about China is that he clearly intends to say that we are becoming China's bitch. However, his arguments suggest the opposite! I haven't read such inept argumentation since I retired from teaching--and I rarely encountered it then.

As for the other 9 disasters awaiting us, Kiernan just spews his thoughts on matters like gay marriage, which he favors (as do I). Even if you don't, how can preventing it, as most states do, lead to disaster?

Unfortunately, the other disasters he warns about are the same old: the aging of America, our oil dependency, and the like. SIL says his facts are accurate, but he does not cite any sources. Are we to believe that Mr. Kiernan is the only person who has figured out that as our population ages, there won't be enough workers to sustain Social Security and Medicare? And, what does he propose to prevent this coming disaster? Nothing except to descry American's paucity of saving. My ex-physician, Dr. Michael Fine, proposed that nobody over 80 should be allowed to get health insurance. Well, at least that would get rid of all those people who, Kiernan assures us, will be living to be 100 by 2050 or so.

Well, I was taught to say nothing if I couldn't say good things about someone I can't say good things about Kiernan, so I won't say any more.(less)

like · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Bill Phillips rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kiernan's normative argument against "All Politics is Local."

Rather than allowing the Right/Left pundits to continue pulling us further apart, encourages us to individually "rise above," compromise, and regain our national competitiveness.

His "Radical Centrist" proposals seem to depend heavily on the Eastern notion of Fate. e.g., "Universal healthcare is gonna' happen regardless; stop fighting it and help find a more efficient solution."

Huge, expansive subject matter... impossible to make it "ac...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Monica Willyard rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book challenged me to think in some new ways and broadened my understanding of how our government works beyond the basic mechanics. I came away with a new curiosity and passion about how I can do my part to make a positive impact in my community and a desire to learn more about the cultures and economies of China and India. The book has prompted me to ask myself new questions, and I'm checking out some assumptions I've held for years that might not be accurate. I consider that a win for the...more

like · see review

Sep 08, 2012 Janastasia Whydra rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: essays, fiction, memoir, non-fiction, philosophy-theory, political, current-affairs

The best part about this book is it's title, "Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now." Once you read the title of Peter D. Kiernan's book, stop, you're done and it's time to move on with your life.

The book is divided by two parts. The first part discusses how people who think they are in the middle of the political spectrum are capable of looking both ways, but this is not true. Everyone is biased towards a particular party. Political parties do not form becau...more The best part about this book is it's title, "Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now." Once you read the title of Peter D. Kiernan's book, stop, you're done and it's time to move on with your life.

The book is divided by two parts. The first part discusses how people who think they are in the middle of the political spectrum are capable of looking both ways, but this is not true. Everyone is biased towards a particular party. Political parties do not form because we are capable of solving our problems. They form because two or more sects of people continually disagree rather than compromising or working through an argument. Instead of progressing the nation, politicians are often to busy either undermining each other or undoing whatever the other party previously did. However, the duopoly of politics will lead to disaffected party members who will form their own political stance (Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street). Although interesting, this section does not connect to the majority of the latter part of the book.

The majority of the latter part of the book consists of ten catastrophes that Kiernan is ever so graciously enlightening all the readers on. I have a real problem with anyone who wants to discuss "facts," but does not actually provide any nor cites any resources so the reader may double-check these so-called "facts." In the end I regarded Kiernan as an idiot on many issues, which I'll list: China's economics and its impact on the United States; the dwindling security in Social Security as Baby Boomers retire and the unfortunately smaller generation that follows; the unnecessary (so he thinks) need for unions in modern times, whether cigarettes should be included in the "War on Drugs" or, at least, further demonized; education and incarcerations reforms; and anything that had to do with taxes.

In the end, Kiernan is just another white man who is scaring people into believing whatever he does with or without any proven facts to support his theories. At the end of this book, he claims all that he had written was to show how being a Radical Centrists was a better path to take instead of following the same ol' road of politics where Democrats are on the left and Republicans are on the right side of the street. Kiernan failed to get his point across in all 10 catastrophes. Often he would cite what was being done that he felt was wrong in his opinion and would fail to give the reader a clearly defined course of action that Radical Centrists should take. He'd say ambiguous things instead, like, "Government should do..., instead of doing..." How does that make Radical Centrists any different from the already elected officials from a two-party system? Radical Centrists like Kiernan offers very little new ideas and when they do, if they are anything like how Kiernan portrays himself in this book then they often ignore the consequences that their actions will have on the economy and minorities.

For example, Kiernan recognizes that there is not enough Social Security going around for Baby Boomers, so he suggest letting older folks re-enter the workforce after retirement. It's not such a great idea when you realize that limits the available opportunities for younger workers, thus forcing them to work into their old age involuntarily. Another example of Kiernan's flawed logic was to increase the price of cigarettes and health insurance for smokers. In defense of Kiernan, he acknowledges that a cigarette prohibition will not deter smokers, so instead he wants to punish them? Kiernan may think that it's only fair to allow smokers take financial responsibility for their habits. But here's the kicker, Kiernan also acknowledges the majority of smokers are poor and part of a minority. If the addiction is strong enough and the prices are high enough, a black market will exist. When these smokers get caught, does Kiernan think they'll be able to afford a decent lawyer? That these smokers won't be punished severely like with any other drug offense? Or when they get out of prison, they won't just end up in the cycle again? This leads into the education and incarceration reforms Kiernan talks about, but once again the Radical Centrist has no new good ideas.(less)

like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Terry rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: business

This book deals with timely politics and is fairly enjoyable reading. Kiernan's points are well researched. He asks that American voters award politicians who make far-sited decisions which may not be immediately popular. Although the book seems politically balanced, I learned about how the Murdoch and hate talkers came into their empires. I'd give it a third star if it was more concise and the humor less contrived. Although Kiernan describes our problems as surmountable, is there really a chanc...more

like · see review

Apr 17, 2012 Stephen Houser rated it 2 of 5 stars

The first part of the book does not connect well with the catastrophes. The author sets the context with short biographies, but then does not follow through with these characters later in the book.

There are a lot of facts, without citations, in the catastrophic section of the book. And a lot of rambling. If he only had more time it could have been a shorter book.

The solutions are good, mostly well thought out. The author has a good view and compelling thoughts about the issues. Except for connec...more

like · see review

Sep 19, 2012 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Interesting premise but the issues are too broad to be discussed in his sparse chapters. This will get you thinking but wanting more. Also, be warned he is arrogant and somewhat contradictory

like · see review

May 29, 2012 Jenn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Interesting. Centrist-based opinion...that gives you a lot to think about.

like · see review

Mar 16, 2012 Mark Peterson marked it as to-read

Peter kiernan interviewed on TV 3/16/2012
Past executive Goldman Sachs

like · see review

Dec 22, 2012 Taylor rated it 3 of 5 stars

If you can slog through the first section, the final 11 chapters provide interesting food for thought on issues facing our country -- fuel, unions, the aging population, and, yes, our relationship with China.

like · see review

Jul 10, 2012 Brooke Wagner rated it 3 of 5 stars

Some interesting points, but I also found him contradictory at times.

like · see review

Jun 14, 2013 Angela Smith marked it as to-read

Jun 12, 2013 Michael marked it as to-read

Jun 03, 2013 J Lapeyrouse marked it as to-read

May 22, 2013 Suzanne marked it as to-read

May 22, 2013 Jessi marked it as to-read

Apr 28, 2013 Margie Phillips rated it 3 of 5 stars

Apr 25, 2013 Angie Rose marked it as to-read

Apr 16, 2013 Scott Puplava is currently reading it

Apr 14, 2013 Timand Wallace marked it as to-read

Apr 11, 2013 J.P. is currently reading it

Apr 07, 2013 Rick Lazier marked it as to-read

Apr 04, 2013 Haley marked it as to-read

Mar 30, 2013 Matthew is currently reading it

Mar 29, 2013 Martina is currently reading it

Mar 28, 2013 Bonnie marked it as to-read

Mar 17, 2013 Chuck Farlie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mar 03, 2013 Kyle Garwick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Feb 27, 2013 Sarah Harris is currently reading it

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 next »

See top shelves...

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Becoming China's ...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now
avg rating	preview: Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now Goodreads rating: 3.14 (35 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13357599-becoming-china-s-bitch?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344712735l/13357599.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13357599-becoming-china-s-bitch?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now by Peter D. Kiernan[/url]

Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Becoming China's ...

Becoming China's Bitch: And Nine More Catastrophes We Must Avoid Right Now

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Becoming China's ...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)