Readers, Writers, and Commentators rave about Claire Conner and Wrapped in the Flag
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“Claire Conner knows of what she speaks. She was there at the inception—as a sad-eyed, vulnerable adolescent—then watched as the machine was put together: a machine whose deceptively smooth surface has always only barely hid the corrosive ugliness and cunning anti-democratic cleverness underneath, convincing too many liberals, too many times, that the ugliness could not but fade away in the fulness of time—convincing them wrong. Read her, and listen well: there is nothing new under the wingnut sun.” –Rick Perlstein, award-winning author of The Invisible Bridge | ||
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“A must-read look at the origins of the extremist conservative movement. Wrapped in the Flag offers a personal account of Claire’s amazing political journey and offers encouragement to those who fight the threat from the far right.” — Scott Henderson, host of Brass Knuckles Progressive Radio. | ||
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“Claire Conner is the real deal. No one knows the inner workings of the John Birch Society like Claire. She lights up the phones every time she appears on my radio program. And for folks who think this is ancient history- Claire connects the dots between the JBS of the 1960’s and the Tea Party of today.” –Rob Lorei, news director, WMNF radio, Tampa FL | ||
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“Claire Conner is a go-to for a thorough understanding of the extreme right’s goals and strategies. Her upbringing in the John Birch Society gives insights few of us have. I’m so grateful for her passionate desire to share those with the rest of us.” –Karoli Kuns, managing editor, Crooks and Liars, http://crooksandliars.com |
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“Wrapped in the Flag is among the most important books I can think of for this era.” –Jonathan Wolfman, author and host of “Passionate Justice,” Our Salon Radio Network, North Bethesda MD | ||
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Straightforward , honest, entertaining, and easy to read. A book of historical significance and personal triumph.” –Bev Cowling, Toney, AL | ||
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“If you want to learn how deeply the John Birch Society is dug into in today’s American politics, look no farther than Claire Conner’s “Wrapped in the Flag.” No one does a better job of showing us how much of today’s Republican Party is really JBS-inspired and led.” –Andrew Reinbach, author and political commentator | ||
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“Heartbreaking . . . Intermittently hilarious. . . Conner’s book is required reading for anyone who wants to understand the sources of the conspiratorial, hate-filled tropes of the right today—whether they emanate from the Tea Party, the gun movement, race realists, Sovereign Citizens, or, increasingly, from elected officials in the GOP.” –Arthur Goldwag, award-winning author of The New Hate | ||
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“Claire has the inside scoop on the Birchers for which the TEA Party is their modern legacy. Claire’s book is the number one book I recommend for people wanting to understand the true background of the notorious Koch brothers. ” –Tracy Knauss, political activist/artist, www.freedomunincorporated.org, Chattanooga TN | ||
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“. . . Illuminating. A gripping page turner. Required reading for anyone wondering how we got to today’s whacky right-wing world. One of my favorite political books.” –Jen Senko, filmmaker and director of “The Brainwashing of My Dad” in theatres March 18 | ||
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“Claire Conner shows what it’s like to be brought up in fear, hatred and fanaticism. This is a powerful story, one to help us all recognize and rise out of our own prejudices and combat the terror in our own families and our own country.” –Caroline H. Fenderson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Palm Harbor FL | ||
“Highly recommended. . . Required reading. . . Wrapped in the Flag is an important and timely cautionary tale of religious extremism; racial intolerance and institutionalized bigotry cleverly, disguised as patriotism and family values ascending the moral high ground.” — Sandra Booker, political activist and musician, host of American Vernacular, Los Angeles CA
“Claire lights up the room . . . Dynamic. Her personal experience growing up as the daughter of radical right -wing John Birch Society leaders uniquely qualifies her to speak with rare insight of the dangers of the radical right and what we can do to break the stranglehold they have on our government right now.” –Alison Strickland, author and educator, Seminole FL
“A most useful antidote to political amnesia . . . A necessary primer to . . . coherently understand contemporary right-wing politics in America. Conner shows that the John Birch Society and the Christian right have been linked.” –Dr James Scaminaci, author and political commentator, Milton FL
“I didn’t want the book to end.” –Pam Bergren, East Hartford CT
“As a conservative Republican, the ultra-right groups have always been of interest, though not of my liking. This history of the people behind one of the major organizations was very informative. If my relatives had been like them, and had any influence on me, my political leaning would probably be different today. Claire’s story flows smoothly and is an easy, interesting read. –Frank Mann, Safety Harbor FL
“I was spellbound to read the inside story of the early days of the John Birch Society, and its ugly place in American History. I think everyone concerned with politics and ideology should read Wrapped in the Flag. Marvelous . . . a testament to your strength and courage. Thank you. — Janet Sleeper Kerr, Medord, OR
“Exciting . . . Wrapped in the Flag links the John Birch Society and the Koch Brother’s Tea Party. Through the efforts of authors like Claire Conner, Americans are be made aware of the agenda of the far-right extremists backed by the GOP.” — Steve Rechel, Newark OH
“Claire Conner brilliantly brings the history of far right zealotry to life in her personal memoir . . . she shows the roots of today’s far right.” — Loren Petty, Boise Idaho
“Wonderful . . . I came so close to skipping this history of the John Birch Society because it seemed anachronistic, but . . . it challenges us. Thank you. — Julia Simmons
“What an eye opener! I couldn’t put the book down once I began reading it.” — Carolyn Bowen, Dayton OH
“I had wondered if there was a connection between old extremist groups and today’s Tea Party radicals. Wrapped in the Flag gave factual documentation to make the link. Claire’s book should be required reading for anyone who cares about what is happening in our country.” –Jeffery Haas, Whitier CA
“I couldn’t put Wrapped in the Flag down. I live in Wisconsin and after reading the book can see how we became one of the most reactionary states in the US.” — Laura Chern, Madison WI
“Well told . . . gripping. . . Claire Conner’s journey through the paranoia, repression, and small-mindedness of the John Birch Society is a much need primer on the techniques and conspiracy theories dominating the right-wing zealots of today. There is a shadowy line running directly from this movement in the 50s and 60s to the one rattling our country today. — Judy Huge, Welfleet MA
“An eye opener. John Birch Society’s tactics are still at work through the Tea Party and other factions of the GOP. Thank you for sharing what you have learned so others will be aware.” –Minnie Richards, Chandler AZ
An important book. Connects the ideas of the John Birch society and the Tea Party. If you are a boomer, this book will bring back memories and remind you that your own ignorance wasn’t bliss. If you are younger, Wrapped in the Flag is a warning. –Jerry McKenna, Long Prairie MN