book data
11 ratings, 5.00 average rating, 7 reviews
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published
September 11th 2003
by Nelson Current
binding
Hardcover, 272 pages
isbn
0785262202
(isbn13: 9780785262206)
description
Tom A. Coburn, a congressional maverick who kept his promise to serve three terms and then leave Washington, offers a candid look at the inner working...more
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other reviews (showing 1-16 of 16)
Read in January, 2007
The title of this book caught my interest. The forward was written by Bob Novak, that caught my interest, and not in a good way. I sensed that this book was going to be a hard one for me to read, but I tried to soldier on to do the hard, but necessary, work of taking information from all sources. Well, I didn't last long. After about 50 pages of Coburn telling me, from the Libertarian point of view, what the framers of the constitution intended (he's like a one-man Supreme Court) I just had ...more
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A disturbing account of a Republican congressman who entered in the Republican Revolution in 1996 and discovered quickly that the party that comes to power quickly adopts the mantel of the gift-giver. Washington turns even those who come with a resolve to make changes into insider whose main goal becomes getting reelected. And as Tom Coburn points out, when your number one goal is getting reelected, the best the taxpayer can do is come in second.
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Read in September, 2003
This is a really insightful look at congressional sausage-making and pork-rolling. Coburn is a leading reformer in Congress and hasn't made many friends in Washington in the process. His warning proved prophetic as congressional Republicans were swept from power a few years later, largely as a result of perceived (and real) corruption and bridges to nowhere. The earmark culture that reached full bloom under the Republicans is a betrayal of conservative principles, and Coburn gives an insider'...more
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Read in August, 2008
recommends it for:
everyone
You may agree or disagree with Coburn's political views (conservative with somewhat idealistic portrayal of President Bush) but his goal is not to convince you either way. This book reveals the dirty politics that goes on in the federal government including the drifting away from the Constitution and the blatant lies to the people. Having served 3 terms as a congressman, Coburn provides an objective description of what he actually experienced. The book is informative, eye-opening, and surpris...more
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Makes me really consider moving to another country!
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A disturbing account of a Republican congressman who entered in the Republican Revolution in 1996 and discovered quickly that the party that comes to power quickly adopts the mantel of the gift-giver. Washington turns even those who come with a resolve to make changes into insider whose main goal becomes getting reelected. And as Tom Coburn points out, when your number one goal is getting reelected, the best the taxpayer can do is come in second.
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Read in January, 2006
recommended to Richard by:
Friendrecommends it for: Anyone
Written by a physician who went to congress with a list of things he wanted to accomplish. Dedicated himself to one term even though many wanted him to remain. Tells what happens and how so many of the members of congress allow themselves to be bought off. Good reading. I have friends who know him personally and they say he is beyond reproach and dedicated to the country.
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