American Anarchist

2017 • 80 хвілін

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This is the story of one of the most infamous books ever written, The Anarchist Cookbook, and the role it's played in the life of its author, now 65, who wrote it at the age of 19 in the midst of the counter-culture upheaval of the late 1960s and early ‘70s.

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Generally speaking, this documentary was a timely and appropriate reminder of what American society could degenerate into when those who are in charge ignore the will of the people. Overall though, I feel the questioner of Mr. Powell was perhaps harsh on him. Mr. Powell has lived with a difficult burden for most of his life. He wrote a book during the height of a counter culture revolution that expressed some of his feelings and anger. While it was mentioned for a moment, nothing within the book was out of the reach of someone with a library card. Mr. Powell only condensed the information into a singular document. He has more than paid for his youthful exuberance. He deserves to be left alone and to enjoy his family and his life.

An intimate interview asking difficult questions, many would have been put forward as accusations over the years. The author is transparent and generous with his thoughts and experiences. It's a shame some of the scrutiny has not been directed toward the media outlets who tied the book to acts of violence, the repeated failure to contact the author for comment (particularly as events accumulated over the course of time) suggests sensationalist journalism quick to scapegoat resulting in lost opportunities the author carried the burden of. This film goes some way toward belatedly filling the void, the delay at great cost to all involved.

Bill was my headmaster and one of the best teachers i ever had. he has never hurt ayone and he has helped countless children in more ways than anyone can fathom. He was passionate, intelligent and deeply empathetic. Ironically, these are the sentiments that made him write the book for which he is now being villified. This is unfair. The information in his book is from public sources and those who committed violence would have done so regardless of whether this book existed or not. Thank you for giving me courage througout my life to be a better moral person.