Book Description
". . . a comprehensive account of the battle to make the GNA a reality. Skillfully bringing to life not only the players but also the issues, Mr. Locher, who was a prime mover in framing the legislation that resulted in Goldwater-Nichols, has written the definitive history of the Act."--Washington Times
". . . a monumental Washington battle in prose that is both exciting for experts and informative for novices . . . offers a unique historical lesson in rational decision making and civilian control of the military, and reminds us that the United States never pauses on the path to perfection."--William S. Cohen, former Secretary of Defense
"A definitive case study of the most important and successful American defense legislation of the twentieth century. Victory on the Potomac is probably the best informed book we are ever going to get on this critical chapter in the history of U.S. military policy. As such, it is must reading for military professionals and civilian defense policy experts alike."--Air and Space Power Journal
". . . a tale of the careful preparation and tenacity required to overturn an entrenched bureaucratic position . . . lays out the manner in which a handful of senior officers, vigorously supported by farsighted members of Congress, managed to overcome bitter institutional resistance to pass the Goldwater-Nichols Act--which embodied a veritable organizational revelation."--James R. Schlesinger, former Secretary of Defense
". . . provides a superb insight into how the system works in the marble, stone, and cement battlefields of Washington. For anyone interested in Congress, the Department of Defense, or the White House, this book provides a unique view into details not revealed in textbooks or biographies."--Proceedings
Customer Reviews:
Required reading, but with a big caveat.......2006-03-18
My rating is in the middle because the book should be required reading for anyone who wants to know how Goldwater-Nichols came about, however, at the same time, it is extremely biased in its delivery, analysis and conclusions. The author was appointed by Senators Nunn (D) and Goldwater (R) to be the senior reorganization staffer who, "led the team that helped congress 'get smart' on this complex but critically important subject." Because of Locher's involvement from the Act's beginning through to its approval, which gives him unique insight, he has a vested interest in presenting his justifications for the Act in a positive light. This is best seen in his portrayals of the principals involved; those who supported reform are heroes who were not afraid to stand up to the establishment and the institutionalized bureaucracy. Those who opposed Goldwater-Nichols were more interested in their own power and often presented emotional rather than factual or issues based arguments.
Unfortunately, the book was published in 2002, which means the work was done before the US invasion of Iraq in 2003; it would be interesting to see his analysis of the relationship between the SECDEF and the JCS now.
Bottom line: if you're interested in how Goldwater-Nichols evolved, buy the book; I did, and I have no regrets. But read it with a (big) grain of salt.
Gripping and Insightful, "Victory" for Studying Policymaking.......2003-01-13
This is quite easily one of the best books I've ever read on the creation of public policy. Locher paints a full and colorful picture of the military reform efforts culminating in the Goldwater-Nichols Act. I never realized what a role the Beirut/Lebanon operations played in creating an atmosphere in which military reform began to be viewed as necessary, and I found both the strategy and actions used to push the legislation through the Senate Armed Services Committee in 1985-86 particularly fascinating. With regards to balancing personal insights and meticulous research, in my opinion "Victory on the Potomac" is unequalled, and I consider it one of the top prizes in my personal library. If your interests include public policy, successful reform attempts or the organization of the U.S. military, you will find this book to be an entertaining and informative treasure.
Powerful study of Congress and the Pentagon.......2002-08-03
Jim Locher tells the fascinating story of how Congress forced the Pentagon to undergo major reform in the mid-1980s. Locher, who was a major participant in the process, tells the inside story of the Goldwater-Nichols reforms and really takes the gloves off. Locher is a careful researcher and skillful writer who demonstrates vividly the courage of Senators Barry Goldwater and Sam Nunn, Congressman Bill Nichols, Admiral Bill Crowe and others. Locher highlights both the brilliance and the manipulative skills of Secretary of the Navy John Lehman in the debates and interactions between the Congress and the Pentagon. . My only criticism is that Locher is a bit too critical of Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger who did so much to build up the military during the early 1980s. Must reading for all who will work with or within the Pentagon or the Congress in the years ahead
Book Description
He was a poor student who somehow got into the finest schools. He was a National Guardsman who somehow missed a year of service. He was a failed businessman who somehow was made rich. He was a minority investor who somehow was made managing partner of the Texas Rangers. He was a defeated politician who somehow was made governor. You can hardly blame him for expecting to inherit the White House.
"Is Our Children Learning?" examines the public life and public record of George W. Bush and reveals him for who he is: a man who presents the thinnest, weakest, least impressive record in public life of any major party nominee this century; a man who at every critical juncture has been propelled upward by the forces of wealth, privilege, status, and special interests who use his family's name for their private gain.
A Texan, political analyst, strategist, and partisan, Paul Begala has written a devastating assessment of the Bush brand of politics.
Download Description
He was a poor student who somehow got into the finest schools. He was a National Guardsman who somehow missed a year of service. He was a failed businessman who somehow was made rich. He was a minority investor who somehow was made managing partner of the Texas Rangers. He was a defeated politician who somehow was made governor. You can hardly blame him for expecting to inherit the White House. "Is Our Children Learning?" examines the public life and public record of George W. Bush and reveals him for who he is: a man who presents the thinnest, weakest, least impressive record in public life of any major party nominee this century; a man who at very critical juncture has been propelled upward by the forces of wealth, privilege, status, and special interests who use his family's name for their private gain. A Texan, political analyst, strategist, and partisan, Paul Begala has written a devastating assessment of the Bush brand of politics.
Customer Reviews:
Your President, The Moron.......2006-09-11
For all of you that voted for him because you were AFRAID OF CHANGE, you get what you deserve. Please by all means read about your emperor. No self respecting rocket scientist would would be caught dead at the same party. So when all you good voters see your social security checks, your lack of health insurance and a cobwebbed covered vehicle in your driveway that you cannot afford to drive, I think you know you is responsible. Like my mom said, "Just because you have money and priviledge does not mean you have brains and couth." Bravo, Mr. Begala.
K.A. Kegley is a moron.......2005-11-06
I HAVE read the book and it is great. Don't review(8/9/04) a book you haven't read.
You Get what the Crooked Pay For.......2005-02-18
Well, here we are in 2005
Freedom of speech is barely alive.
Making his mark
While most the world shudders
We sit here silenced for fear of what's uttered.
We tried to vote and save the day,
But that is not the Diebold way.
Prophetic and Devastating.......2004-12-20
I just bought this book because I thought it would have some funny Texas Bushisms. However, this book was written by Paul Begala (cohost of CNNs Crossfire) about why Bush should not be elected as President in 2000. This insightful book gives details on how Texas's surplus was pandered, a 125 year ban on concealed weapons was overturned (people are even allowed to bring weapons into churches!!) and public school funding was cut, tax cuts to the rich were given and many other things happened where the people of Texas suffered and rich people get very happy. Begala predicted all these same catastrophic events would happen if Bush was elected President. Now it takes guts to have all these assumptions of Bush before he became President in 2000 and Begala did. But what is even more devastating is that every single thing that Begala thought would happen - did!
I wish this was just a horror novel, but unfortunately, it is all non-fiction.
Biased, but fun.......2004-10-19
Begala's tone is often disparaging and nasty, but it doesn't seem all that bad when you consider who's occupying the White House.
I gave it four stars because I want to see Bush make for Texas as much as Begala does.
Book Description
This lively introduction to Texas government and politics offers an extremely readable writing style and an abundance of useful study aids in every chapter to make the material accessible to students of every level. Emphasizing public policy throughout, it shows students the impact that government has on their lives, thus making the material relevant and engaging.
To further engage students, each chapter features an active learning exercise and, in the Eighth Edition, new “Getting Involved” boxes that encourage civic participation. This insightful and sometimes humorous critique of Texas government has been thoroughly updated to include coverage of the 2003 legislative session, recent issues in the state, and much more.
Book Description
"... a valuable study of what Immerman correctly portrays as a seminal event, not just in the annals of the Cold War, but in U.S.-Latin American relations."
—The Washington Monthly
"... a damning indictment of American interference abroad."
—The Pittsburgh Press
"This story is much more thorough than the recent popularized account of the same events by Stephen Kinzer and Stephen Schlesinger ..."
—Choice
Using documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, recently opened archival collections, and interviews with the actual participants, Immerman provides us with a definitive, powerfully written, and tension-packed account of the United States' clandestine operations in Guatemala and their consequences in Latin America today.
Customer Reviews:
Factual, balanced account.......2006-07-28
This is a good, factual balanced account which brings to bear all the relevant facts and leaves out any ideological bias. It's also very well written and makes for an easy read.
The harsh reality of American Policy of Intervention.......1998-05-26
The CIA in Guatemala offers the reader a compeling and shocking truth regarding the involevement of the American government in third-world country. Immerman relates in detail how the CIA and United Fruit magnates paint the guatemalan flag red and declare the country communist because they misinterpreted Agrarian Reform as a direct threat to "National Security." Boldly told, the reader finds himself amist a sea of revelations and a little confusion as the story unfolds, but it is only natural for a book of this nature. Immeran has done a wonderful job explaining foreign and political intervention about the american titan otherwise know as the "Gobierno Gringo." A marvelous account of past events are exposed after years of being witheld by the CIA as classified documents. I invoke anybody with an interest in politics, governmet intervention or just to inderstand how foreign interests dictate a small nation by placing puppet presidents to do their bidding to read this book.
a fact-filled disappointment.......1998-01-27
This is a useful book. It is very well researched, extraordinarily documented and tells you essentially anything you need to know about the CIA's plot to overthrow the Arbenz government in Guatemala. Unfortunately, the writing is so turgid and dull it's difficult not to nod off in the middle of a particularly gritty section of history. I applaud Immerman's effort and the completeness of his overall work, but he really should have taken on a jounrnalist to help him get through the rough spots and make the book actually readable.
Book Description
This text uses an economic elite perspective to provide a concise and candid portrayal of traditional Texas politics. A thorough analysis of the state constitution, governmental institutions (the legislature, the executive branch, and the judicial system), and political processes (voting, political parties, and interest groups and lobbying) is included.
Book Description
This Texas politics text encourages students to participate in government by emphasizing—through anecdotes and examples—how they can make a difference in their state and community.
Local government is covered early in the text, and important policy issues such as criminal justice, health and human services, education, and the budget are discussed in separate chapters.
- Texas in Context boxes in every chapter outline similarities (or differences) between Texas and other large states.
- Chapter-opening vignettes highlight Texans who have made a difference in state and local politics.
Average customer rating:
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Texas Government, Policy and Politics, Election Update, Seventh Edition
Neal Tannahill
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 State & Local Government
| Government
| Nonfiction
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General
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Relations
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General
| Political Science
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Local Government
| Levels of Government
| Political Science
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
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ASIN: 0321169581 |
Average customer rating:
- " Urban Political Masterpiece"
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Civic Culture and Urban Change: Governing Dallas
Royce Hanson
Manufacturer: Wayne State University Press
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Mega-Projects: The Changing Politics of Urban Public Investment
ASIN: 0814330800 |
Customer Reviews:
" Urban Political Masterpiece".......2003-04-26
This book studies the economic, political and historical progression of Dallas Politics. However, the ideas presented are indicative of city politics anywhere in America. This book would be appropriate for any city administrator, student or citizen that wants to know more about political participation in cities. Kudos Dr. Hanson
Average customer rating:
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Approaching Democracy: Texas Edition (5th Edition)
Larry Berman ,
Bruce Allen Murphy ,
Tucker Gibson , and
Clay Robison
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Civics
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ASIN: 0132321947 |
Book Description
For undergraduate courses at colleges and universities in Texas for American and Texas Government Courses.
Approaching Democracy is the American Government book with a clear and compelling central theme, designed to elevate student interest.
Now in a Texas Edition!
Approaching Democracy addresses the evolving nature of the American experiment in democratic government. It teaches students the theory and the basics of American political science, the political history of this nation, and provides the critical thinking skills needed to analyze these evolving relationships. This new Teaching and Learning Classroom (TLC) Texas edition introduces features that incorporates more “student empowerment” tools to reinforce how American Government is relevant to students’ lives today.
Larry Berman and Bruce Allen Murphy, long-time teachers of the introductory American Political science course in both large and small public and private universities, set out to write a book that offers a clear theme — one that is even more relevant now than it was when it was first presented — in a highly readable, easy-to-understand format. Both authors enjoy teaching and are actively engaged in new methods of engaging students and empowering them to participate in political discourse
Books:
- Walden and Civil Disobedience (150th Anniversary) (Signet Classics)
- Who Will Tell The People? : The Betrayal Of American Democracy
- Why Americans Hate Politics
- Women & Money: Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny
- A Vietnam Experience: Ten Years of Reflection (Publication Series: No. 315)
- Accounting for Governmental and Nonprofit Entities with City of Smithville
- After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy (Princeton Classic Editions)
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It
- American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War On America
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