debunking popular beliefs

Based on input from others, I expected NOT to like this book, but that wasn't the case. I can't say everything Stossel talked about was new and earthshaking, or that I bought into everything he said, but there was more than enough I did agree with. For example, I'm not a bottled water drinker, so when he says that tap water is every bit as good, if not better, than bottled water, it's no news to me. And I believe the Country is lawsuit crazy, so when he talks about how medical liability cases like some John Edwards is so proud to have won actually have negative consequences for the rest of society, in terms of new product development, driving good doctors out of the profession, or increasing health costs unnecessarily, I'm pretty much in agreement. He just goes over many other examples, many of which you will agree with, others you may not, but it's mostly common sense and makes for good discussion around the dinner table. ( )

I was already a fan of John Stossel's TV segments, now I can say the same about his writing. This is pretty much a collection of stories he's done for television. Well researched and put together as his work always is, and quite honest when revealing how he blindly fell for many of the thoughts and ideas exposed in the book.

A word of caution... if you are in love with your ideals and way of thinking about many items in today's culture, don't read this book. He just might challenge you to re-evaluate them. ( )

As a long-time correspondent for ABC's 20/20 John Stossel has covered a lot of scams, myths, lies, cheats, and, yes, some downright stupidity. In this book he discusses business fraud, government excesses, education, frivolous lawsuits, healthcare, faith and parenting. Although I think many of his topics are great fodder for discussions I also think that anyone can find an expert to agree with the point they are so adamant in promoting. I don't agree with a lot of his conclusions even though he has produced numerous experts in these fields to support his views. Closing American companies and sending the workload to foreign countries is not a good thing in my opinion but apparently he sees it as nothing but a plus. It does help the economically strapped workers to have a better life in most cases and it certainly helps the business owner to more profit but I don't think the displaced American worker sees it as quite the rosy picture he has painted. Stossel mostly hits a home run with his assessment of our education system and government and I truly enjoyed the section on parenting. Like I said, these subjects are great discussion topics but I don't feel downright stupid for not agreeing with the author. ( )

Kinda dumb. There were some good points, but unfortunately, Mr. Stossel is one of those people (some of whom are downright stupid) who equate opinion with fact and inferences with truth. Also, he surely knows how to extrapolate a theory from just a few data points. Come to think of it, this book would be a great text for a critical thinking classroom. Really. ( )