The Snark Handbook: Politics and Government Edition

Have you ever viewed politics as a form of entertainment? If you’re an American, the answer is increasingly ‘yes.’ The growing presence of infotainment television and infotainment websites is proof of that.

So why not enjoy a book that mocks government, mocks political parties, and shares with the reader some of the best quips from the brightest minds in modern political history?

Our prized contributing writer and author Larry Dorfman recently put together another classic in his Snark Handbook series, The Snark Handbook: Politics and Government Edition.

This one is for the philosopher, the idealist, the political activist and the cynic. Though I’ve been skeptical about using the power of humor to share political wisdom (see The Daily Show), its proven to get people in the door. And for that reason, I highly recommend this book.

“Politics today has ceased being about smart leadership and forward thinking,” Dorfman writes. “Talk to your bar buddy again – the foremost perception is that politicians will say or do anything to get into office.”

Within the first chapter Dorfman sums up our general disdain for the political system. He also points out that “snark” has its roots in politics. Presumably because – since the beginning of history – politics has been filled with liars and douchebags, whom snark targets quite well.

What the reader can appreciate most in these partisan times is Dorfman’s no holds-bar approach to either side of the aisle. With a chapter titled “Liberals” and another titled “Conservatives” there’s enough snark to keep both tribes happy.

“It ain’t east bein’ a Liberal…it’s the closest thing the American political system has to sanctioned paranoid schizophrenia,” Dorfman quips. About modern conservatives, he writes, “It ain’t easy being a conservative…You have to maintain the traditional so vehemently it makes your head spin.”

Coupled with Dorfman’s intriguing political analysis is page after page of wonderful political quotes you can memorize and recite to your family, allowing you to fill the role of wise man/woman.

From the classical liberal, Milton Friedman: “The government solution to a problem is usually as bad as the problem.”

To the modern liberal (Adlai Stevenson): “I like Republicans, and would trust them with anything except public office.”

To our favorite late nighters (Bill Maher): “We have a Bill of Rights. There needs to be a Bill of Responsibilities.”

The quotes in this book reaffirmed my belief that everything has already been said best by somebody before you, so quote whenever possible (thank you American History X).

In conclusion, we’re all in this mess together. If you believe in the power of having a gallows sense of humor then this book will brighten your spirits.

It will not convince you that there is a choice out there that isn’t between the lesser of two evils, but it will definitely help you get through the pains of suffering under American government and politics, similar to the way a morphine drip helps before the doctors turn you into a double amputee.

You can find the Snark Handbook: Politics and Government Edition at Amazon and other online retailers. For Dorfman’s daily snark, follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

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