When You Ride Alone You Still Ride With Bin Laden: What the Government Should Be Telling Us to Help Fight the War on Terrorism and Still Isn't

by Bill Maher

Political provocateur Bill Maher updates his useful and hilarious guide for the many Americans who want to do more here at home to help the war effort, but are at a loss as to what. One of our leading pundits and cutting-edge comedians has created the perfect book for this time in our nation's history, the zeitgeist of post-9/11 America. This is the book that will help Americans make connections between what we do and how it can help (or hurt) our troops and us.

Genres: Humor, Politics, Nonfiction, War, Science, Government, American

164 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2007

About the author

William Maher, Jr., is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He hosted the late-night television talk show Politically Incorrect on Comedy Central and ABC, and is currently the host of Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO. On June 1, 2006, he also began hosting an Internet-exclusive talk show on Amazon.com entitled Amazon Fishbowl.

Maher is known for his political satire and sociopolitical commentary. His commentaries target a wide swath of topics, from the right-wing to the left-wing, bureaucracies of many kinds, religion, political correctness, Hollywood, the mass media, and persons in positions of high political and social power, among many others. He supports the legalization of cannabis and gay marriage and serves on the board of PETA. Maher is number 38 on Comedy Central's 100 greatest stand-ups of all time.

Reviews

[Remo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ensayo post 11 de septiembre (el libro está escrito en 2002) sobre un montón de temas inconexos y disjuntos que el autor cose con tripa de gato en un volumen. Es muy difícil seguir el hilo, llegando a dudar continuamente de su existencia, por lo que quedan sólo un montón de frases sueltas, algunas ingeniosas, otras aborrecibles, unas patrioteras y otras sediciosas (hay que parar solo a los "moros" en los aeropuertos para registrarlos y así ahorrar recursos, pues los señores blancos de Ohio no suelen ser terroristas; EE.UU. es el mejor país del mundo y no nos invaden porque son mejores personas que los Otomanos, los Mongoles y los Romanos... Mierda de ese estilo).
Aparte de algún chistecillo, no veo nada de valor en el libro. Es una rajada tras otra, de un señor que está enfadado y que hila dos frases bien, pero no dos párrafos. A Maher lo conocía yo por sus monólogos, que claramente están mejor que el libro.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to read this six years after the book was published. I'm a big fan of Maher and though some might perceive his views as "rants", I think he is for the most part, always right on. The book is actually a collection of topical essays combined with WWII-style political posters updated for our times. He drives home the point that instead of being asked to make sacrifices and conserve (during this post 9/11 time of war), we are asked to "go shopping" and continue to drive our big SUV's (after slapping on a "Support Our Troops" sticker). I thought it a very entertaining read.

[Paschalis]

elibrary

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good and interesting parts, some boring ones. Some really smart takes and some that weren’t.

[Mila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought provoking.

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting book written post-9/11 that dealt with how culture has changed since WW-II/Vietnam, etc. The premise was that there is much more the common citizen can do than just "shop" to support the troops. Each section was prefaced with an old promotional poster doctored up to become relevant to modern times ("They Hate Us Because We Do Not Know Why They Hate Us", for example) followed by a section that elaborated upon what the poster said.

I enjoyed this book primarily due to its accessibility. Maher assumes that you are an idiot and, due to such, wrote the book in language that was very easy to understand. Each concept was thoroughly described and some funny jokes were had within the explanation. The book was read within an hour or so (there were some interruptions due to people coming into the apartment) but overall I felt that the book only confirmed my already held convictions.

So, it was an ok book, but overall was nothing special.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many of the things that Maher says are still legit 15+ years later. The US is still sadly dependent on (foreign) oil, has trouble believing that other countries (and people) exist, and is somehow convinced that we can buy our way out of the difficulties created by capitalism. How sad. :(

Now, if only Maher would stop with the annoying racism, sexism, and general douchebaggery I could really get behind his message.

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well it is certainly a strong criticism of modern society, the same one- over and over and over and over and over and over until there is not but a glue stain left in the place of the horse he beat so mercilessly. Worthy of a read but don't expect much beyond a long rant. Don't think, however; that just being a liberal will draw you out of the line of fire on this one:

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What the hell is it about women and diamonds? Generalizing/sexism much? Sure I'd love some, but I'm certainly not 'thinking about it as much as men think about sex'?? WTF bullshit is that? Or is it just me 'not getting it'?

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

811.54 Bill Maher's take on 9/11 and how Americans should be handling the terrorist threat and helping the effort. Thoughtful and amusing

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Always take Bill Maher with a grain of salt.

[Alexander]

Connections between gas and terrorism, diamonds and terrorism, electricity and ... yes, terrorism. How anyone of us can reinforce or fight these connections.

[Suman Srivastava · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a rant. Sometimes insightful, sometimes funny, sometimes too long.

[Augusta Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great post 9/11 political read. Love the brain of Bill Maher. Intelligence is sexy Bill and your common sense approach to politics is a breath of fresh air.