Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders Into Insiders

published	2003 by Nelson Current
binding	Hardcover
isbn	0785262202 (isbn13: 9780785262206)
pages	272
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 [close] 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 workings of Congress-why the system changes politicians instead of vice versa. Breach of Trust shows readers, through shocking behind-the-scenes stories, why Washington resists the reform our country desperately needs and how they can make wise, informed decisions about current and future political issues and candidates. This honest and critical look at "business as usual" in Congress reveals how and why elected representatives are quickly seduced into becoming career politicians who won't push for change. Along the way, Coburn offers readers realistic ideas for how to make a difference. [close]
date added	02-25-07 edit book

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Ellis rated it:

12/31/07

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 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 to fold. I think that what the framers wanted was for me to not have to be beaten over the head with the same one line for a further 220 pages from one of the Gengrich revolution boys. I have a hard time not finishing books once I start them, but it sure felt good to put this one down.

Does our federal government do things today that the framers of the constitution not forsee? Yes. Is that a good thing? Sometimes. Are there situations and infrastructure that exist today that might make government intervetion a good thing today even though it may not have been thought of 200 years ago? Absolutely. What would Coburn and other far-right Libertarians want? They would love it if the federal government stopped taking any of their money in taxes, which wouldn't be a problem because the only thing they want from the federal government is a Kick-Ass military to protect their businesses and assets. Speaking of business, they would like the government to stop regulating them (you know, like we cut regulation of energy distribution-Enron-and media ownership-Clear Channel) so they could continue raping the land and the people of the US en route to undreampt personal gains. Where does that leave us? The poor would have no good health care, educational opportunities, working conditions, etc. Basically, this wonderful thing that we have here that is pretty rare around the world (the middle class) would be gone. Am I my brother's keeper? You bet. What about if my brother is a knuckle-head and doesn't always make the best choices? I'll help him. Will this always work? No, but at least I'll feel good about my effort.

So, Coburn, save your opinions on what the framers intended. By the way, if the book took a turn for the better and ended up being fantastic, then I respectfully withdraw the previous paragraph.........less

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Michael rated it:

01/15/08

bookshelves: politics

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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