Rather than simply demonizing or directing outrage at Patriot and militia organizations, as some recent high-visibility publications have done, David Neiwert takes the approach of allowing Patriot extremists to speak for themselves and largely on their own terms. His critical journalistic dialogue allows us to better understand the social, economic, philosophical, and religious complexities of how and why these people have come to think the way they do. There is no question that strains of racism, paranoia, ill-will, and even evilness can characterize many of these people, but it is equally true that they--often minimally educated, and economically and socially challenged by the changing times--are desperately responding to feelings of having been marginalized, and even disenfranchised, from the American dream. Neiwert's comprehensive manuscript presents an overview of the multitude of Patriot organizations and beliefs found in the Northwest today. Neiwert feels it is essential to maintain some kind of dialogue with Patriots because, after all, these people are our neighbors and relatives, and they are here to stay. "[ In God's Country ] benefits further from Neiwert's stylish writing and generous dollops of compassion, even for those whose views he abhors." -- Seattle Times "[This is] a very strong work of research." --William Kittredge, author of Hole in the Sky: A Memoir "In letting the 'Patriot' people speak for themselves, Neiwert has written an important anecdotal view from the recesses of their thoughts, actions, and passions. The results are startling." --John H. Monnett, Metropolitan State College of Denver "Takes readers to paranoid meetings in obscure towns, ordinary homes, and an armed standoff in eastern Montana...A valuable addition to understanding the Patriot movement." -- CHOICE "The best and most inclusive resource manual yet written on the Patriot Movement in the Pacific Northwest." -- Seattle Times Rather than simply demonizing or directing outrage at self-proclaimed "Patriot" and militia organizations -- which is often the approach of those who oppose them -- David Neiwert allows Patriot extremists to speak for themselves and largely on their own terms. His critical journalistic dialogue, placed in the context of the Northwest's regional milieu, allows us to better understand the socioeconomic and philosophical/religious complexities of how and why these otherwise ordinary citizens have come to think the way they do. There is little question that strains of racism and paranoia characterize many of these people's beliefs and behavior, but the Patriots -- often blue-collar people, economically and socially challenged by changing times -- are desperately responding to feelings of having been marginalized, and disenfranchised, from the American Dream. The saga of the Montana Freemen, explored here in detail for the first time, provides a framework for exploring the larger phenomenon of the movement throughout the four states -- Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon -- that comprise the Pacific Northwest. In presenting a broad overview of the movement and its history, Neiwert presents a case for maintaining a dialogue with Patriot believers, particularly the average people next door who so often are its recruits -- and for meeting the challenge the movement presents by addressing the root issues of rural decay. David A. Neiwert, formerly of Idaho, is a longtime journalist and writer on contemporary issues in the American West. He currently resides with his family in Seattle. Used Book in Good Condition