Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Finally Blogging Again... Please Follow Me

2010-09-04T13:13:00.001-04:00

Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde now has a permanent, new home at Wordpress.

Click below to follow me!

Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

Thanks,

Lindsey

Another Amazing Comment on Turners Syndrome

2009-06-08T20:33:00.003-04:00

Sometimes A Comment Can Make You Stop and Think « Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

The above link leads to an amazing discussion on Turners Syndrome and sex. Quite frankly, I had forgotten just how amazing that conversation was. Today I received another eye-opening comment on our conversation.

The comment is as follows:

I'm actually surprised to read this. I feel like a Turner's Syndrome woman coming out the woodwork, having never spent much time thinking about or feeling affected by it since I stopped taking growth hormone until 10 years later when I married and decided to let myself hope I could have a baby. And was unsuccessful for 3 years, and was just getting ready to start working towards adoption.

But just today a friend of mine said she was sure she'd read that Turner's Syndrome have a high case of mental retardation. I had never heard that before from my doctors or from anyone. And TS being an "intersex" condition is also a new one for me. Both sound completely preposterous.

The same friends who thought there was a high rate of retardation have inspired me to start a blog talking about my own experiences. I recently got pregnant without IVF and I am calling this my miracle baby. They encouraged me to share my story, which also baffled doctors growing up (I was labeled non-mosaic, yet I started having all the usual sexual development at 17.)
So, I'm inspired and just set up a blog at turnersbaby.blogspot.com
While I hesitated a long time to share and talk to other women with TS because I always felt like I didn't belong (having less symptoms than most women - I think), I think it's time to share my case and learn from other woman as well, since I've actually never met or spoken to another woman with TS in my life.

A couple of observations: First and foremost, this is exactly why I write about and discuss Turners Syndrome. For so many years I was incredibly ashamed to have it. I felt like a freak, as though no one, no matter how understanding (including my own Mom), could understand what I was going through growing up. Then my parents made the best decision possible. They provided me with the opportunity to go to a camp out in Colorado for girls with Turners Syndrome. For the first time in my life, I felt as though I could honestly discuss some of the issues I was facing. It was simply amazing to finally realize that I was not the only one. Nothing could have been better at ages 14 and 15.

While other girls where thinking about dating, kissing, sex, etc., I was wondering if I would ever be able to have children, and trying to figure out where I fit into the scheme of things. It was very lonely. I had always wanted to eventually be a Mom (I still do), and I had to come to term with my physical limitations.

Second, this comment gives me a lot of hope. I am not such an optimist as to think that I will one day too have my miracle baby, but it is a possibility. This comment just adds to a growing feeling I have that I need to know more about my actual diagnosis and Turners Syndrome in general. For quite some time now I've had this growing suspicion that Turners Syndrome has been used as a blanket term for several related genetic disorders affecting the X chromosome. For example, there are several types of cancer. There indeed may be several different types of Turners Syndrome as yet to be identified. They don't even know if there is a chance as to whether or not it can be inherited or not. There are so many questions out there, and I wish I knew how to go about getting answers.

Much more on this later.

Lindsey

Does It Get Any Better Than Google?

2009-01-25T23:50:00.002-05:00

FOXNews.com - Google's Rumored GDrive May 'Kill' the PC

Personally, I can't wait! I do most things online anyway. I seriously can't wait until this comes out (if it is true). It is amazing how far technology has come, even in the last five years.

Amazing.

Lindsey

Sometimes A Comment Can Make You Stop and Think

2009-01-22T21:51:00.006-05:00

Turner Syndrome and Sex - Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde

The above link actually goes to a "shadow" blog I use on Wordpress. Essentially, I import all of my posts from blogger into my Wordpress account. There are several reasons for this. 1. I can reach more people. 2. I have a back up version of my blog if something ever happened to Blogger. 3. I wanted to learn how to use Wordpress.

Well, from time to time, I get an e-mail saying that I have a comment on the Wordpress version of my blog. Sometimes it is spam, sometimes it is a nice note. This time, it was a revelation.

Here is the comment I received from Actorgirl:

"As someone who also only recently found out that some people are calling TS an 'intersex' condition, I'm with you. Not only puzzled, but really kind of offended. I am female, as is every other woman I know with TS. It's bad enough having my doctor (who I really do love, but she occasionally blew me away when I first starting seeing her) say, "You know, you've really changed my mind about TS." She had also been under the impression that women with TS were mentally retarded. This bothers me even more than that-- almost as much as the 'professor' in the graduate level Child Development class who called girls/women with TS 'creatures.' ::SIGH::

You are SO right about the questioning whether you are a 'real' woman, and it does NOT make it any easier to be told that you really aren't even FEMALE. Particularly for those of us who are mosaic or who are not 45X but who have one partially missing or partially repeated X chromosome... as you stated, no confusion about genitalia, no confusion about chromosomal gender. But a LOT of possible gender identification issues when you're told you're NOT what you ARE. I really honestly don't think TS meets the definition of an intersex condition, and we are all most assuredly females!"

This is what I wrote in response:

"Actorgirl, thank you so very much for commenting. I couldn't agree with you more. It seems to me that the most likely people to treat us (Turners women) as anything other than the women that we are are in fact doctors. It seems as though all too often doctors can’t get past the diagnosis to see that a human being is there right in front of their eyes.

How on Earth anyone could characterize Turners women as retarded is beyond me. Quite frankly, I don’t know any Turners women who haven’t at least earned a bachelors degree. I say that because it means that despite the fact that some may have learning disabilities, they are more than capable of managing the educational system.

Lindsey"

(You can read the original post here.)

As you can see, I have some definite views on the subject of intersex conditions and how Turners Syndrome is perceived by many people. What angers me is that there are so many people who want to label it a disability. A disability? What has it prevented me from doing in my life, besides reaching things on high shelves and having children the old fashioned way?

1. There are a lot of short people out there who don't have Turners Syndrome. Are we going to consider everyone who is short disabled?

2. The same thing goes for men and women who are dealing with infertility. There are many, many people who are unable to have children naturally.

I realize that there are a whole host of issues that can arise with Turners Syndrome, but most of the women and girls affected do not have serious physical disabilities (if any). With regards to mental disabilities, aside from very specific learning disabilities related to math and spatial reasoning (which are not always present), the rate of mental disability is comparable to the rest of the population.

Why then do we try to put artificial limitations and labels on individuals because we perceive them as different? I know that it is a human trait, but it has serious consequences. It just goes to show you that a simple comment can make a person angry all over again. I just wish that there was something constructive that I could do about it (aside from correcting misinformation when I see it).

Lindsey

File This Under "Why Didn't I Think of That?"

2009-01-15T17:13:00.002-05:00

Reading is believing. Some obsessed Beatles fan (and I promise that it was not me) ranked 185 songs in the Beatles catalog (most, if not all, of their work as the Beatles). He even took the time to write about each individual song! Of course, everyone has an opinion. I happen to agree with picks for song #185 and song #1. Check it out!

Playing The Beatles Backwards: The Ultimate Countdown | JamsBio Magazine

Contrary to Popular Belief; No, I Never Flashed Bob Schneider!

2009-01-14T00:06:00.002-05:00

It is funny how you forget certain things, even regarding very important times in your life. After talking to my pal Cheryl last night (Cheryl is one of my best buds from Austin, Texas), she brought up a cruel joke that we played on our friend Andy (excuse me, Andrew).

Back in 2002, Cheryl, Andrew, and I attended the First Annual Austin City Limits Festival. A wonderful hot summer weekend under the Texas sun listening to great music with great friends. At one point, Cheryl lost her cell phone. As the three of us split up looking for it, somehow Andrew and Cheryl were convinced that they saw me near the stage, if not on it. Cheryl and I were then alone for a minute, and we decided that we were going to play a little trick on Andrew.

You see, Bob Schneider, a famous Austin musician who not only has a solo career, but fronts several great bands, was on stage. I had only recently become acquainted with Bob and his bands thanks to my roommate Karen. Bob's set at ACL Fest was one of the acts that I did not want to miss.

It was conceivable that Andrew and Cheryl thought that I had worked my way up to the stage. Cheryl's idea was this (and yes Cheryl, it was YOUR idea): Hey, let's tell Andy that you flashed Bob Schneider. So, we did. I have never in my life flashed anyone (except maybe my boyfriend Brian). Up until 2006 when Cheryl broke the news to Andrew, he was convinced that he had corrupted me all those years ago.

The sad thing is that I forgot all about this, and I am not even 30 yet! What am I going to remember about my days in Austin when I am 80? I am just glad that Cheryl reminded me, and that we were able to pull one over on a very smart guy for so long. I will never ever forget how much fun I had in those few short months of hanging out with Cheryl and Andrew. And yes, I still listen to Bob Schneider's solo work from time to time.

Lindsey

Technorati Profile!

2009-01-13T14:45:00.001-05:00

Technorati Profile

Issues with Technorati

2009-01-13T14:41:00.001-05:00

I am hoping that I have finally resolved any issues with Technorati. Cross your fingers please!

Lindsey

Is This Some Kind of Cruel Joke?

2009-01-06T20:43:00.000-05:00

The fact that Jennifer Granholm would be mentioned for any kind of federal position would be cause for concern, but Commerce secretary? Wow. She would be asked to do on a national level what she has failed to do in Michigan: create new opportunities for business as well as labor. She has been asleep at the wheel for years, and she'll be rewarded? I know that she had a very hard job in front of her, but can anyone please tell me what she has actually done for Michigan, other than cause us to bleed jobs at an unprecedented rate? I bet there are many more Michiganders in Arizona, Texas, and California now than at any other time in our state's history. There are no opportunities here for people under the age of 50 (unless you want to go into health care).

I apologize if I seem angry, but I am. The economic depression of this state has profoundly affected me personally. I hold Granholm at least partly responsible. She certainly hasn't stepped up to the plate. I have no idea how she was even reelected governor, much less became known at the national level.

Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm mentioned for Commerce secretary

A New Website!

2009-01-01T22:40:00.002-05:00

Regular readers know that when I come across great websites, I love to share them. Thanks to Brian, I came across a great music site this evening. Check it out here.

I am planning on writing an in depth, personal post regarding the current economic state of Michigan, but it will have to wait until tomorrow or Saturday. I have too many raw feelings on the subject and I need to collect my thoughts. In the days, weeks, and months to come, I plan on launching a new website for myself. Stay tuned.

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful 2009!

Lindsey

Taking Social Networking to the Next Level

2008-12-31T23:15:00.002-05:00

I spent some time this evening finally filling out my LinkedIn profile. If you are currently in touch with me on Facebook, please link to me on LinkedIn. I have yet to find a way to look up all of my Facebook friends on LinkedIn.

I hope to have all of my social networking information in one place very soon.

Happy New Year 2009!

Lindsey

Facebook Profile
LinkedIn Profile

Still Celebrating... and Waiting

2008-12-30T22:46:00.002-05:00

Why does it seem as though this Christmas season won't end? It just seems to drag out. I know that it hasn't been perfect, and that I am frustrated that nothing appears to be on the horizon. Yet, I am trying to make the most of things and move on. I only hope that I will be able to stay on at Best Buy.

I'm not in a very "talkative" mood. Much more later.

Lindsey

This Is Where I Plan to Get Married, Eventually!

2008-12-29T14:18:00.002-05:00

This church is just a couple of blocks from where I am currently living. Brian and his family have been members since his ancestors came from Poland in the late 19th century. It is just beautiful.

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church
Twin spires, ornate detail lend magnificence to St. Stanislaus

Lindsey

It Is Time to Move On ... Literally and Figuratively

2008-12-29T12:04:00.005-05:00

I realize that it has been months since I've last posted. After Obama won the Presidency in November, there didn't seem to be much to say. I hope that he does well, if nothing else, for the sake of the country. It appears that no one is truly in charge anymore, or that anyone has the answers to both the financial crisis, and the deep political divide that still haunts this country. This country desperately needs responsible leadership, and I don't believe that Obama is the right person to provide it. I sincerely hope that I am wrong. That said, it will be amazing to watch history be made once again. At 28, I've already watched so much history be made. I wonder what things will be like when I am 90!

On a personal note, I've been working for Best Buy during the holiday season. I really enjoy it, and I hope that it continues, although that is out of my hands. I'm still very much trying to get my career going. If it is in the works for me to pursue a career at Best Buy, I would certainly welcome it. I enjoyed working there that much. More than anything else, it was the people that I worked with that made (make) it great.

I wish that I could say that 2008 was a great year, but quite simply, it wasn't. Economically, things have only gotten worse in Michigan, especially the tri-city area. Once again, I've been extremely close to getting my career going only to have things slip through my hands. I can't gain more experience if no one is willing or able to provide me with the opportunity to work. I'm certainly hoping that 2009 will provide me with a fresh start career wise.

Lindsey

Teenage Sex and Marriage in America

2008-09-17T23:39:00.003-04:00

Just like everything else surrounding Sarah Palin, the announcement that her 17 year-old daughter Bristol is pregnant caused quite the stir. Obviously, it would be controversial no matter whom the 17 year-old, but this is different. Sarah Palin’s parenting skills are being called into question, and many have suggested that Bristol’s parents are forcing her to marry the baby’s father. I sit back in awe and disgust. Hopefully this whole scenario will highlight our deep hypocrisy when it comes to teenagers, sex, and marriage.

There are a few things that I know that no one seems to want to acknowledge:

1. Contraception is never fool-proof. The talking heads can suggest that more sex education is needed all they want, but the larger point is ignored. No matter how much you teach teenagers about contraception, there isn’t a form out there, short of abstinence, that is 100% effective. Condemns break, the pill can easily be rendered ineffective (much to the horror of some young couples I know), so on, so forth. I don’t agree with abstinence only education, but I also wish that more attention was paid to actual facts of contraception and sex in general.

2. Our society is hyper-sexualized. This would be OK if it was only focused on adults, but younger and younger children are being exposed to sexual themes. As a result, teenagers need more accurate information earlier and earlier in order to make truly informed decisions regarding sexuality. There has long been lots of peer pressure to have sex in high school, if not earlier.

3. You can’t fight nature. Let’s face it: our bodies are designed for reproduction from puberty on. As puberty comes earlier and earlier in life, younger and younger kids are asked to fight their hormones. A lot of self-restraint and information are needed to ensure that kids going through puberty understand what is going on and the true consequences of their actions.

4. Some people actually do fall in love at age 17. I have a wonderful example of this in my extended family. I have a great aunt who married at age 17 (he was 17 too). She never went to college, but she and her husband raised three children who all went on to receive Ivy League educations. My great uncle went on to have a successful career with Coca-Cola, my great aunt went on to serve her community in innumerable and invaluable ways, and all of their children went on to become very successful. Quite frankly, my great aunt was the very last person in the world I would suspect not have a college education. Obviously, their story has the best possible ending. That isn’t the point. The facts that Bristol is pregnant at 17, decided to marry the baby’s father, and chose life over an abortion does not mean that she ruined her life. It just means that she will have more challenges than most.

5. Forcing a 17 year-old girl to do anything, much less marry, is a challenge to say the least. I’m only 27, and I remember vividly what I was like at 17. I thought that I knew everything. I couldn’t wait to go to college and leave home. I fought with my Dad. There was no way that my parents were going to force me to do anything. It is from this understanding that I conclude that Bristol Palin probably really wants to get married. She probably truly does love the baby’s father. It doesn’t mean that it will work out in the end.

6. No one’s life is perfect. Everyone has challenges, and this is probably one of the Palin family’s.

7. No child is a punishment. All life should be cherished. I commend Bristol for making these tough adult decisions.

I could go on and on, but I think that you get my point. Our society certainly has a double standard when it comes to sex and teenagers, especially when it comes to women.

Lindsey

Book Reviews

2008-09-17T22:15:00.003-04:00

Since I began utilizing Library Thing back in July, I have written several book reviews and have snagged several advanced reading copies of books that have yet to be published (or have just recently been published). I'm debating whether or not to start another blog dedicated to book reviews. Until then, I will post them here. Below is a link to my reviews thus far:

My Library Thing Reviews

Lindsey

Sarah Palin and the Book Burning Snit

2008-09-17T21:30:00.003-04:00

There has been so much said about Sarah Palin these last few weeks, but there are some "scandals" that have really gotten under my skin. First and foremost, it was discovered that Sarah Palin asked about whether or not books could legally be banned. All she did was ASK (as Alaska governor, it was her JOB to know whether or not it was legally possible). Note: During Sarah Palin's entire career, she has not once tried to ban any books. This is an important distinction.

In light of this non-controversy, I soon learned that the reported "list" of books that Sarah Palin "tried" to ban actually has been cirulating online for years. It is a list of all of the books that have been banned (or people have tried to ban) across the United States. In fact, several of the books on the list weren't even published at the time that Sarah Palin sent the e-mail.

Included on the list were several books books that caught my attention. In fact, several works by Roald Dahl were mentioned. Many of his books were read aloud by my teachers during my elementary school days, and I consider them among my favorite children's books. When you add books by Mark Twain and Harper Lee, a significant part of my early education would have been banned by certain people.

If there was one thing that would cause me to lose respect for Sarah Palin, this would be it. Quite simply, there is no evidence that she ever tried to ban books. However, as a bibliophile, my right to read what I want is sacred. I will not tolerate people trying to ban books. Recently, this issue was broached on LibraryThing. I wanted to respond badly, but was unsure of how to do so. Those who believe such things about Sarah Palin can't be reasoned with at all; they will deny everything even in the face of hard evidence. It is truly disgusting.

Lindsey Russell

My Library Thing

A Few Notes from My Desk

2008-09-17T21:18:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to thank readers who still haven't given up on my blogging efforts. There are a few things that I need to address.

1. This blog is once again political. I know that I said earlier this summer that I was going to refrain from discussing politics. Quite simply, Sarah Palin changed all of that for me. End of story.

2. You will see changes soon. I'm not going to outline them yet, but there is a lot in the works.

I just wanted to clear that all up!

Lindsey

Sweetness & Light

2008-09-17T21:01:00.001-04:00

Another great political blog. Brian brought it to my attention. He really does have a good eye.

Sweetness & Light

Lindsey

Bazaar Season in Mid-Michigan Begins!

2008-09-17T20:35:00.003-04:00

The other day the Bay City Times published its annual bazaar guide. I'm not sure how it is in other parts of the country, but bazaars are a tradition in Mid-Michigan. Fall bazaars in Mid-Michigan include homemade baked goods, handcrafted goods, and lots more. When I come across the online version of the guide, I'll post it here. Most are held in churches, community centers, and even schools. Due to the fact that most bazaars are held between October and December, it is also a great place to find unique Christmas gifts. Bazaaring is kind of like garage-saling; it is a great way for women to get together and have some fun on the weekends.

Lindsey

Ms. Meghan McCain!

2008-09-17T19:38:00.003-04:00

McCain Blogette

This blog is great. Even though it is written and maintained by John McCain's daughter Meghan (with the help of her brothers and sisters), it really isn't all that political. It does document her time on the campaign trail and the promotion of her children's book about her dad. It is a lot of fun. Check it out!

Lindsey

How to Field Dress a Donkey

2008-09-16T23:37:00.002-04:00

Priceless, simply priceless. Check it out here.

My Definitive Sarah Palin Post

2008-09-16T22:12:00.004-04:00

This particular piece has been in the works for nearly two weeks, but like the rest of the country, the selection of Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, as John McCain's running mate blew me away. It is fair to say that people on both the right and left were shocked. While I was shocked, I was also ecstatic. For the first time in my life, there may be someone a heartbeat away from the Presidency with whom I can identify. There has never been a truly viable national female conservative candidate in the United States (Lizzy Dole never had a chance). Period. I now have a political role model for the first time in my life.

While I claim that Sarah Palin is a role model in my eyes, let me be clear. I don't agree with her on everything, but I never expected to either. Take abortion, for example. I am not nearly as staunchly right to life as Palin (I believe that ultimately a woman - in fact, all people - should have control over her own body). However, I could never make the decision to have an abortion. In almost all cases, I believe that adoption is the best answer to unwanted pregnancies. That said, I've never had much of a stomach for some of the antics of the right to life movement.

Then came Sarah Palin, who is very much pro-life. How can you look at her baby Trig and not see the unconditional love created by his life? It is real. There are many, many people all across the United States who can identify with making the decision that Sarah Palin made to have Trig, despite the challenges of Down Syndrome.

Before I go further, I need to clarify something. You see, technically I'm a "special needs" person myself due to the fact that I have Turners Syndrome. Fortunately for me, I grew up in an era where such terms as "special needs" weren't used, and to look at me, you wouldn't suspect that I have a genetic disorder (I'm just shorter than average).

All of that aside, I attended national Turners Syndrome conferences in 1999 and 2000. I attended to meet up with an old friend of mine, Brenna, who also happens to have Turners Syndrome. Quite simply, my experiences at the conferences changed the way I view pregnancy, motherhood, adoption, and myself. Unfortunately, much of the conferences involved a lot of parental hand-holding. Parents of girls with Turners Syndrome want more information about their daughters' condition. It is all well-meaning, but it also can lead to a certain over-protection of women and girls with Turners Syndrome. In some cases, I almost wonder if Turners Syndrome isn't worse for the parents than it for the women and girls who actually have it.

It was against this backdrop that I happened to meet a couple who were expecting a little girl with Turners Syndrome. That's right; Turners Syndrome, along with genetic abnormalities such as Down Syndrome, can now be diagnosed in the womb through amniocentesis. I can only imagine what the couple was going through.

Imagine that you are a pregnant woman whose unborn child was just diagnosed in the womb with a serious genetic condition such as Turners Syndrome. The doctor may provide you with the worst case scenario (serious heart and kidney abnormalities), little or no information, or worst of all, outdated information. You read, hear, and expect the absolute worst. You realize that your child will face physical and emotional challenges. She will most assuredly be short and infertile. Outdated information will say that women and girls with Turners Syndrome show signs of mental retardation (this has been disproven and literally all of the older Turner Syndrome women I've met have at least a bachelors degree). In essence, a lot of rational, well-meaning people would understand if you decided to have an abortion. It has most certainly happened and will continue to happen.

In fact, I have to give the couples that I met at the conferences a lot of credit. They took the time to put a human face with the condition. They got to meet women and girls with Turners Syndrome, many of whom lead surprisingly ordinary lives. They got to see the achievements, the challenges, the adoptions, the successful outcomes of in vitro fertilization, etc. I will never forget the speech that one expectant mom of a little girl with Turners Syndrome gave before the entire conference. She simply stood up and thanked everyone. She had been considering abortion, but decided to learn more. She was overwhelmed by the experience of actually meeting those with the same condition that inflicted her unborn daughter.

It is quite simple. Sarah Palin's candidacy has brought that all back for me. She has lived with and through the life altering decisions faced by moms with "special needs" kids, especially those whose children are diagnosed in the womb. In a broad sense, these were my first impressions of her - an authentic human being who shares many of my values and who has been tested by life in a variety of ways. She has stuck by her convictions.

Then, almost as soon as the announcement was made, the attacks began. I've never witnessed anything so destructive in my entire life. The rumors regarding Trig, Bristol, and Sarah were largely put to rest after the announcement was made that Bristol is pregnant (the most vicious of rumors would have been biologically impossible). Bristol's pregnancy is a whole other topic in and of itself (it is very telling of how we view sex in the United States), and I do want to discuss it in another post. However, rumor after rumor came spewing from a dinosaur mainstream media that would never treat a women on the left the same way. As a woman who grew up in a small town and who shares many of the same values as Sarah Palin, I have no choice but to assume that the mainstream media would treat me with the same disdain and disrespect (in fact, contempt). In fact, there are probably people on the left who probably think that my life isn't worth living. I happen to know for a fact that some conservative men don't even get why women like me would feel this way (again, another post). It is brutally ugly and says a lot about our society.

You can bet that you will hear a lot more from me as election day draws near.

Lindsey

Silence

2008-09-16T10:53:00.001-04:00

I've been quiet for the last few days or so. I've watched as my former home, Houston, was devastated by Ike. There has been a lot going on in my family too. My silence hasn't been due to lake of material!

There are several things that I want to discuss here, and I hope to get started tonight.

Lindsey

Conservative Reading List for 2008!

2008-09-05T14:06:00.002-04:00

I thought that I would share a reading list with you today. Actually, a friend of mine over at Rose City Reader wanted me to put it together. Not all of the books are partisan and many deal with education and the future. Enjoy!

Summer political reading (June - August 2008):

Liberal Fascism - Jonah Goldberg
The UNTIED States of America - Juan Enriquez
As The Future Catches You - Juan Enriquez
American Evita - Christopher Andersen
Indoctrination U - David Horowitz
End of Education - Neil Postman
Hell to Pay - Barbara Olson

Books I have yet to read:

America Alone : The End of the World as We Know It - Mark Steyn

Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business - Neil Postman

Boom!: Voices of the Sixties - Tom Brokaw

Building a Bridge to the 18th Century: How the Past Can Improve Our Future - Neil Postman

Destructive Generation: Second Thoughts About the Sixties - Peter Collier, David Horowitz

The Disappearance of Childhood - Neil Postman

Fleeced: How Barack Obama, Media Mockery of Terrorist Threats, Liberals Who Want to Kill Talk Radio, the Do-Nothing Congress, Companies That Help Iran, and Washington Lobbyists for Foreign Governments are Scamming Us-- and What to Do About It - Dick Morris and Eileen McGann

Illegal Immigration: Opposing Viewpoints - Margaret Haerens, Book Editor

Invasion: How America Still Welcomes Terrorists, Criminals, and Other Foreign Menaces to Our Shores - Michelle Malkin

John McCain : An American Odyssey - Robert Timberg

Left Illusions: An Intellectual Odyssey - David Horowitz ; Edited, With an Introduction by Jamie Glazov

One Nation: Patriots and Pirates Portrayed by N. C. Wyeth and James Wyeth - Introduction by Lauren Raye Smith, Essays by Tom Brokaw and David Michaelis

The Politics of Bad Faith: The Radical Assault on America's Future - David Horowitz

Teaching as a Subversive Activity - Neil Postman, Charles Weingartner

Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology - Neil Postman

The Uncivil Wars: Ireland Today - Padraig O'Malley

Uncivil Wars: The Controversy Over Reparations for Slavery - David Horowitz

Why Courage Matters: The Way to a Braver Life - John McCain with Mark Salter