BuzzFlash Reviews

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS

By the way, please watch Bill's show on PBS "Bill Moyers' Journal." It's a weekly special, informative treat from perhaps America's most eloquent, thoughtful, reflective journalist.

Through the long Bush years, Moyers was a source of inspiration to those who kept the flame burning at BuzzFlash, an impassioned wordsmith, an eloquent spokesperson for the voice of the people, a probing journalist, and a battler with the corporate mainstream media to cover the stories that need to be told.

We interviewed him twice. It was one of our greatest privileges.

Fame amidst the pro-democracy movement hasn't erased the streak of Texas populism that still runs through Moyers like a Panhandle breeze. A few years back I ran into him at a hotel souvenir shop where FreePress.net was holding one of its media reform conferences. Bill was the keynote speaker -- and what a stemwinder he delivered -- but he had forgotten to bring a tie and was purchasing one in the gift shop.

He noticed my name tag and mentioned that a mutual friend/colleague was just talking to him about BuzzFlash. We chatted a bit. He was just a friendly guy in line to buy a tie.

Most people accumulate their power through money or politics. Bill Moyers owes his power to the measure of his words, which never cease to inquire, challenge and move us toward a greater good.

From Booklist:

*Starred Review* Moyers, best known for his show on PBS, is also a skilled orator who has for decades been sharing his thoughts on democracy with diverse audiences. This collection of speeches offers a conscientious, passionate examination of those principles and ideals that rightly provoke pride in America and the shortcomings that should evoke shame, as Moyers points to assaults on the U.S. Constitution, a growing divide between the rich and the poor, and weakening of press independence. This collection reflects Moyers’ understanding of the importance of getting things right—not just the facts but the tone and tenor of the time and the sensibilities of the people. The collection also reflects his understanding of the importance of setting things right. He recalls a boyhood spent in a loving and religious small Texas town, where he was oblivious to the mistreatment of black citizens. He offers moving tributes to giants who upheld the highest ideals of democracy and simple human decency, including William Sloane Coffin, Hubert H. Humphrey, Lady Bird Johnson, and Barbara Jordan. He begins each essay with the context of time then and now in the continuum of an examination of American ideals in separate sections devoted to public service, history, politics, the media, and religion. Fans of his television show will hear Moyers’ well-modulated voice in these thoughtful and thought-provoking speeches and lectures. --Vanessa Bush

Originally published in hard cover.

Published in paperback on May 5, 2009.

BUZZFLASH REVIEWS