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A State of Disobedience
In the long war against terrorism, the US Government had taken on extraordinary powers. And now that the war was won, powerful forces in the government had no intention of relinquishing those powers. As in 1860, the country was on the verge of civil war. And as in 1860, a leader arose to save the country-but it was not the President this time. Instead, the Governor of Texas was the woman of destiny. . . .
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 14, 2012
Gag inducing would be my description of the writing style. I picked this book up because the synopsis looked good. It is too bad Mr. Kratman's writing style was so painful.
July 2, 2011
Military Science Fiction about a Second American Revolution. Kratman sets the stage with a Democrat woman (clearly modeled on a worst case Hillary Clinton) becoming President. This new President, a leftist (for the US) Congress and the cabinet enact laws that make the US a socialist police state of the worst kind. The individual states stand to lose all their powers and the freedom of their citizens. Only Texas does something, and then only when abuses and killings in that state force the hand of the governor. The US is on the brink of civil war.
I have many problems with this book. First of all, Kratman has made the President and her cronies so absurdly power-mad and clueless that it’s just ridiculous. They seem to be the embodiment of a conservative’s ideal nightmare, including the President’s love affair with her female Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Secondly, while I will agree that big government can be abusive in many ways, simply moving all the way in the other direction is not necessarily a good idea. These are complicated problems, and there are no simple solutions.
Having said that, the depictions of combat are very good. They should be, as Kratman is a former Infantryman (I will still nitpick and say that the AT-4 is not a rocket weapon). The whole “second Alamo” is a bit over the top when it comes to plausibility, but it makes for engaging reading. If you’re into military SF, you will enjoy this, although some of the political views on both sides might make you cringe.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=907
I have many problems with this book. First of all, Kratman has made the President and her cronies so absurdly power-mad and clueless that it’s just ridiculous. They seem to be the embodiment of a conservative’s ideal nightmare, including the President’s love affair with her female Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Secondly, while I will agree that big government can be abusive in many ways, simply moving all the way in the other direction is not necessarily a good idea. These are complicated problems, and there are no simple solutions.
Having said that, the depictions of combat are very good. They should be, as Kratman is a former Infantryman (I will still nitpick and say that the AT-4 is not a rocket weapon). The whole “second Alamo” is a bit over the top when it comes to plausibility, but it makes for engaging reading. If you’re into military SF, you will enjoy this, although some of the political views on both sides might make you cringe.
http://www.books.rosboch.net/?p=907
October 10, 2009
A thinly veiled story of what could happen if Hilary Clinton is elected president. The story itself isn't that bad. The novel is somewhat sexist, and well, if you're a liberal, you'll probably be horribly offended. I'm not a liberal, and I wasn't horribly offended (only mildly so). I don't think the story itself is very plausible, but I suppose that is because I have more faith in our country than the author does.
A decent but not great first effort. I'll read another of his novels (I've read some co-written stuff with Ringo that is much better).
Daniel da Cruz wrote an interesting series where Texas secedes from the Union that is much better than this book.
A decent but not great first effort. I'll read another of his novels (I've read some co-written stuff with Ringo that is much better).
Daniel da Cruz wrote an interesting series where Texas secedes from the Union that is much better than this book.
January 14, 2012
It was an entertaining read about a second American revolution. The characters were good enough and I only feel that the beginnings of the conflict was rushed and slightly unrealistic. In the end I enjoyed the read and would recommend it.
April 23, 2017
Re-read 2017.
April 6, 2016
The reader needs to know that although the author normally writes Science Fiction stuff and even the spine of this book states is is categorized as Science Fiction-- the reader will be terribly disappointed if he reads it expecting ANY Science Fiction, for there is absolutely NONE!
What we have here is a military logistic political statement novel set in the very near future. Sort of a military "It Can't Happen Here!"
The story begins with a Hilary Clinton-like woman being elected president. She is extremely left wing and immediately forms her own presidential guard unit, beefs up the FBI, and gives EPA and other agencies police powers and begins to turn America into a left-wing police state. It all begins to go south for her when a peaceful protest of an abortion clinic is broken up by violent, over-reactive police powers. The president is resolved that abortion protestors are interfering with the rights of women to abort their babies and should not be allowed. Eventually, she blames a priest, a war veteran, and here is a Waco-like standoff between her new police agencies, etc. that eventually ends with the death of everyone in the mission. Children are killed and immediately, she begins to feed bologna to the press that the priest was a molestor, etc. and deserved to die.
Pretty soon, there is a standoff between herself and the governor of Texas that leads to more heavy-handed police activity and soon, Texas and the United States are at war. The President becomes DARTH VADER in that she doesn't care who gets hurt or killed as long as she PUNISHES those who disagree with her. The army gets political advisers who are supposed to arrest and prosecute dissenters. The press is muzzled.. In one scene, she has a showdown with an editor in which the editor is on the phone with his wife who has been beaten and has a gun to her head. The editor, of course, is forced to capitulate. This is the kind of dirty tricks and propoganda machine the president uses to get her way...
The author makes a number of homosexual remarks, making that a real issue. In fact, at times he seems obsessed with the idea of homosexual rape, referencing it a number of times. In once situation, protestors and dissenters are locked in a prison and the prisoners encouraged to beat, rape, and otherwise humiliate them until they sign a form agreeing to support the president and her policies.
Obviously, the author believes that this sort of rebellion may actually occur at some point in the future. His book is sort of a right-wing manifesto against the left. The appendix at the end suggests changes in the Constitution he himself would probably like to see.
This is an interesting book, but I cannot see any president, even our current "Executive Order" lame duck president flaunting the Constitution in the manner that this president does. It is exaggerated to make a political point. Her lesbian relationship is mentioned to further denigrate her not to simply fill out her character.
It COULD happen here, but I believe that there are enough safeguards in our Constitution to prevent such over-reach, though some believe that's exactly what happened at WACO and RUBY RIDGE and perhaps in the last standoff we saw in Oregon with some militia types.
The writer switches scenes so rapidly and tries to interweave a trial transcript into the story that telegraphs some information about the conclusion of the book. Therefore, the book takes on a multiple personality disorder that at times is disorienting and discouraging to the reader.
Whatever this book is really meant to be-- it is an interesting read-- makes a strong political statement-- and fails to be anything remotely related to Science Fiction.
What we have here is a military logistic political statement novel set in the very near future. Sort of a military "It Can't Happen Here!"
The story begins with a Hilary Clinton-like woman being elected president. She is extremely left wing and immediately forms her own presidential guard unit, beefs up the FBI, and gives EPA and other agencies police powers and begins to turn America into a left-wing police state. It all begins to go south for her when a peaceful protest of an abortion clinic is broken up by violent, over-reactive police powers. The president is resolved that abortion protestors are interfering with the rights of women to abort their babies and should not be allowed. Eventually, she blames a priest, a war veteran, and here is a Waco-like standoff between her new police agencies, etc. that eventually ends with the death of everyone in the mission. Children are killed and immediately, she begins to feed bologna to the press that the priest was a molestor, etc. and deserved to die.
Pretty soon, there is a standoff between herself and the governor of Texas that leads to more heavy-handed police activity and soon, Texas and the United States are at war. The President becomes DARTH VADER in that she doesn't care who gets hurt or killed as long as she PUNISHES those who disagree with her. The army gets political advisers who are supposed to arrest and prosecute dissenters. The press is muzzled.. In one scene, she has a showdown with an editor in which the editor is on the phone with his wife who has been beaten and has a gun to her head. The editor, of course, is forced to capitulate. This is the kind of dirty tricks and propoganda machine the president uses to get her way...
The author makes a number of homosexual remarks, making that a real issue. In fact, at times he seems obsessed with the idea of homosexual rape, referencing it a number of times. In once situation, protestors and dissenters are locked in a prison and the prisoners encouraged to beat, rape, and otherwise humiliate them until they sign a form agreeing to support the president and her policies.
Obviously, the author believes that this sort of rebellion may actually occur at some point in the future. His book is sort of a right-wing manifesto against the left. The appendix at the end suggests changes in the Constitution he himself would probably like to see.
This is an interesting book, but I cannot see any president, even our current "Executive Order" lame duck president flaunting the Constitution in the manner that this president does. It is exaggerated to make a political point. Her lesbian relationship is mentioned to further denigrate her not to simply fill out her character.
It COULD happen here, but I believe that there are enough safeguards in our Constitution to prevent such over-reach, though some believe that's exactly what happened at WACO and RUBY RIDGE and perhaps in the last standoff we saw in Oregon with some militia types.
The writer switches scenes so rapidly and tries to interweave a trial transcript into the story that telegraphs some information about the conclusion of the book. Therefore, the book takes on a multiple personality disorder that at times is disorienting and discouraging to the reader.
Whatever this book is really meant to be-- it is an interesting read-- makes a strong political statement-- and fails to be anything remotely related to Science Fiction.
July 5, 2017
The amount of Awesome in this book is incalculable! If you are liberal in any way, do not read this book! Seriously, you might have convulsions, so don't do it! If you are a conservative, read it and behold the awesome!
This is not one of my usual Sci-Fi books, but I chose it because I had read Kratman's collaborations with John Ringo (Posleen Universe) in the Military Sci-Fi vein. This one is not exactly a Mil Sci-Fi, but more a Political Sci-Fi with Miltary involvement. The story is about the next civil war, if you want to call it that, beginning in the state of Texas when the power mongering POTUS sends the FBI (and the new Surgeon General's Riot Control Police) to stomp on some abortion protestors. Things go way wrong, way fast, and the resulting tragedy is more that the Governor can stand. The story then begins to illustrate how things have gotten to the point of insanity, how the scenario could play out, and how, just maybe, the federal government could be brought back under control.
I absolutely loved every minute of this read, and would love to see more like it. I give it 5 stars and the call it a Super Awesome Kick-Ass Read!
This is not one of my usual Sci-Fi books, but I chose it because I had read Kratman's collaborations with John Ringo (Posleen Universe) in the Military Sci-Fi vein. This one is not exactly a Mil Sci-Fi, but more a Political Sci-Fi with Miltary involvement. The story is about the next civil war, if you want to call it that, beginning in the state of Texas when the power mongering POTUS sends the FBI (and the new Surgeon General's Riot Control Police) to stomp on some abortion protestors. Things go way wrong, way fast, and the resulting tragedy is more that the Governor can stand. The story then begins to illustrate how things have gotten to the point of insanity, how the scenario could play out, and how, just maybe, the federal government could be brought back under control.
I absolutely loved every minute of this read, and would love to see more like it. I give it 5 stars and the call it a Super Awesome Kick-Ass Read!
June 10, 2012
A State of Disobediance is an action pack tale of the second American Revolution which occures after the Democrates win the Presidency in 2008 as well as the House and the Senate. This novel, while a fictional story, hits a little too close to home with a lot of the issues that lead to the near civil war that occures and I personally could see the events of this novel occuring givin the same circumstances. There are pleanty of highly emotional times in this novel that actually managed to get an emotional responce from me, which almost never happens when I read a work of fiction. This is a testament to Mr. Kratman's skill with the written word and it truely impressed me. I highly recomend this book, exspecially if you like politically motivated military novels.
April 14, 2015
political garbage, terrible novel
January 14, 2016
Absolutely terrible drivel. The kind of nonsense that appeals to USAian right-wing nuts but not to anyone with a working brain.
And don't forget his mistakes about ammonia...
And don't forget his mistakes about ammonia...
Read
November 18, 2020 I think this may be Tom Kratman's first novel; it seems a little less polished than some of his later works, but it's still quite a good read. Just stumbled on it at the bookstore the other day, realized I didn't have a copy, and the rest is history, or future history, perhaps.
One thing I don't quite understand is how the author totally nailed the 2008 Democratic campaign rhetoric and majority of the resulting administration's agenda implemented after taking power, when Kratman wrote the book in 2003. I think he was anticipating a Clinton run, as the President in the story is a Progressive woman - the historical election of a black man was still too much fantasy at that point. Perhaps one should regard this as more of an alternate history novel.
Anyway, federal government law enforcement agencies have burgeoned out of control, with the EPA, Surgeon General's office, and others maintaining their own pseudo-military forces, in addition to the usual suspects from the FBI, NSA, CIA, BATF, and so on. The word has gone down from the President's office to fully enforce the new abortion rights guarantees, and to take the gloves off when it comes to the Pro Life demonstrators. The Surgeon General's police force goes on the offensive in Dallas, Texas against a group of demonstrators they suspect of setting fires at abortion clinics, and when one reaches for a cell phone during the attack, it triggers a massacre. Father Flores, the leader of the group, flees to what he hopes is sanctuary with another Catholic priest, Father Montoya and a Waco-like siege ensues, except that this time not only innocent children and their caregivers die, but a number of federal police are killed, as well.
As it turns out, Father Montoya's sister is the governor of Texas, and his best friend from Vietnam is the commander of the Texas National Guard, and to some extent you can predict how things are going to fall out from this point. It's a tense story, with a couple of interesting twists, and Kratman (a retired Army Colonel, if I remember correctly) infuses the tale with extremely accurate depictions of the flow of battle operations, weapons capabilities, and the perspective military men bring to a civil conflict. A good solid story which explores the issue of federal overreach and the point at which citizens revoke their consent to be governed.
One thing I don't quite understand is how the author totally nailed the 2008 Democratic campaign rhetoric and majority of the resulting administration's agenda implemented after taking power, when Kratman wrote the book in 2003. I think he was anticipating a Clinton run, as the President in the story is a Progressive woman - the historical election of a black man was still too much fantasy at that point. Perhaps one should regard this as more of an alternate history novel.
Anyway, federal government law enforcement agencies have burgeoned out of control, with the EPA, Surgeon General's office, and others maintaining their own pseudo-military forces, in addition to the usual suspects from the FBI, NSA, CIA, BATF, and so on. The word has gone down from the President's office to fully enforce the new abortion rights guarantees, and to take the gloves off when it comes to the Pro Life demonstrators. The Surgeon General's police force goes on the offensive in Dallas, Texas against a group of demonstrators they suspect of setting fires at abortion clinics, and when one reaches for a cell phone during the attack, it triggers a massacre. Father Flores, the leader of the group, flees to what he hopes is sanctuary with another Catholic priest, Father Montoya and a Waco-like siege ensues, except that this time not only innocent children and their caregivers die, but a number of federal police are killed, as well.
As it turns out, Father Montoya's sister is the governor of Texas, and his best friend from Vietnam is the commander of the Texas National Guard, and to some extent you can predict how things are going to fall out from this point. It's a tense story, with a couple of interesting twists, and Kratman (a retired Army Colonel, if I remember correctly) infuses the tale with extremely accurate depictions of the flow of battle operations, weapons capabilities, and the perspective military men bring to a civil conflict. A good solid story which explores the issue of federal overreach and the point at which citizens revoke their consent to be governed.
October 9, 2022
This is one of those books that seemed beyond right wing paranoia when I read is several years ago. I ran across my old copy recently and decided to give it a quick re-read. And sadly events have taken place that are starting to make this book look more rational. The story is still quite a bit far-fetched, but the underlying friction between right and left and some of the more heavy-handed policies that have been rolled out by both administrations make this eventual scenario seem more likely.
The characters are occasionally just one-dimensional stand-ins, but the main characters are filled out a bit more and lead more complex lives. And just like in real life, some of the events that are kicked off are based on misunderstanding, accident, or plain old bad luck. But, some of it is because people in power are often only concerned with extending it than with treating it with the reverence and kid gloves that it deserves. And that can be true regardless of which side of the aisle you’re one.
If you take this book only as a warning for moderation then it works well.
The characters are occasionally just one-dimensional stand-ins, but the main characters are filled out a bit more and lead more complex lives. And just like in real life, some of the events that are kicked off are based on misunderstanding, accident, or plain old bad luck. But, some of it is because people in power are often only concerned with extending it than with treating it with the reverence and kid gloves that it deserves. And that can be true regardless of which side of the aisle you’re one.
If you take this book only as a warning for moderation then it works well.
May 23, 2017
Tom Kratman writes wonderful military fiction. I enjoyed reading the book. But...
This book was apparently written in 2002. It is a right-wing dream about re-creating an America that never really existed. It appears to be a veiled speculation on the election of Hillary Clinton to the Whitehouse in 2008 or 2012, after we had settled everything in southwestern Asia post 9/11.
In retrospect, and in light of the current administration, the premise of the book is quite amusing. Kratman failed to anticipate the Republican strategy for statehouse take-over and gerrymandering. He also didn't take the whole "never get into a land war in Asia" as seriously as he should have. And finally, he really missed on the dynamic that gave us both Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
I would really love to get Kratman's take on the book today, and what he thinks would need to occur to "fix" America from where we are now.
This book was apparently written in 2002. It is a right-wing dream about re-creating an America that never really existed. It appears to be a veiled speculation on the election of Hillary Clinton to the Whitehouse in 2008 or 2012, after we had settled everything in southwestern Asia post 9/11.
In retrospect, and in light of the current administration, the premise of the book is quite amusing. Kratman failed to anticipate the Republican strategy for statehouse take-over and gerrymandering. He also didn't take the whole "never get into a land war in Asia" as seriously as he should have. And finally, he really missed on the dynamic that gave us both Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
I would really love to get Kratman's take on the book today, and what he thinks would need to occur to "fix" America from where we are now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2023
I can’t be I got tricked into reading this.
This was a trashy novel that played way to far into bats##t crazy left female chacthers that I just could not take it seriously.
The story follows a crazed female president take every action tin-pot dictator across history. The story takes a dozens of POV to give the narratives from has it happen and from the after effects of singled area instead of the whoule United States in Civil war mode.
P.S.
Alvin didn’t even kill the president at most he should’ve gotten attempted assassination an walk up for life at max but the death penalty seem false with the real assassin getting away scout free.
This was a trashy novel that played way to far into bats##t crazy left female chacthers that I just could not take it seriously.
The story follows a crazed female president take every action tin-pot dictator across history. The story takes a dozens of POV to give the narratives from has it happen and from the after effects of singled area instead of the whoule United States in Civil war mode.
P.S.
Alvin didn’t even kill the president at most he should’ve gotten attempted assassination an walk up for life at max but the death penalty seem false with the real assassin getting away scout free.
October 13, 2020
Must read before voting!
A recent poll revealed that 61% of Americans believe we are on the brink of civil war. This book describes what that might look like.
On its surface, a well told story. Underneath lays more buried truth than a minefield.
A gripping story that leaves much to ponder. If this novel were a banquet, it would be every course from appetizer through main course and desert.
This book should be required reading for anyone registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot or coming to vote at the polls.
A recent poll revealed that 61% of Americans believe we are on the brink of civil war. This book describes what that might look like.
On its surface, a well told story. Underneath lays more buried truth than a minefield.
A gripping story that leaves much to ponder. If this novel were a banquet, it would be every course from appetizer through main course and desert.
This book should be required reading for anyone registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot or coming to vote at the polls.
December 1, 2022
good take on country problems
This was an interesting and fairly plausible take on the country almost coming apart. What I found least realistic was the image of a president who actually thought they were in control. Any president of this persuasion would know they are a puppet acting a part. Still quite a good take. It was hard getting into the story though because the first part was so dark. After wading through that the story was compelling.
This was an interesting and fairly plausible take on the country almost coming apart. What I found least realistic was the image of a president who actually thought they were in control. Any president of this persuasion would know they are a puppet acting a part. Still quite a good take. It was hard getting into the story though because the first part was so dark. After wading through that the story was compelling.
April 7, 2019
An Enjoyable, Thought Provoking Read
While it's not the best "what if" thriller I've read, Tim K. told a page - turner of a story. While I was cheering for Texans the entire time, this might Aldo serve as a cautionary tale for all elected officials.
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
We The People are watching... And we're smarter than you think.
While it's not the best "what if" thriller I've read, Tim K. told a page - turner of a story. While I was cheering for Texans the entire time, this might Aldo serve as a cautionary tale for all elected officials.
Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
We The People are watching... And we're smarter than you think.
December 14, 2020
Very relevant story given the current political situation in the U.S. Actually, that was my motivation for reading this -- because in my 50+ years as a U.S. citizen, the events of 2020 have pushed the nation closer to civil war than I thought possible. Events similar to those in this story may come to pass any day now...
January 8, 2021
As others have stated, this carries numerous equivalencies to today's events. The 'progressives' have taken control and intend to force America to their will. Unfortunately, one operation becomes a rallying cry that the people of Texas can not ignore... and the book moves from there.
Second time I've read this and it's still good!
Second time I've read this and it's still good!
July 22, 2017
Above Average
With C as average, I give this book a B. It was an entertaining read but not one that you couldn't wait to pick back up. I didn't agree with some of the political tone but I was in it more for how it played out. Would recommend it but not strongly.
With C as average, I give this book a B. It was an entertaining read but not one that you couldn't wait to pick back up. I didn't agree with some of the political tone but I was in it more for how it played out. Would recommend it but not strongly.
March 19, 2019
Loved this book!
As I have loved every single one of Mr. Kratman's books. They should be required reading in high school Literature classes. But only if taught by a politically conservative instructor, and what are the chances of that these days?
As I have loved every single one of Mr. Kratman's books. They should be required reading in high school Literature classes. But only if taught by a politically conservative instructor, and what are the chances of that these days?
May 31, 2019
Excellent!!
Very hard to put down book, found myself sneaking back to it just to read a few more pages. Lots of action and intrigue. Kind of scary too, could this really happen. Hats off to the author.
Very hard to put down book, found myself sneaking back to it just to read a few more pages. Lots of action and intrigue. Kind of scary too, could this really happen. Hats off to the author.
October 30, 2019
Fantastic
This work of fiction by Tom Kratman, is an exceptional insight into a perspective of our current state of our society. This book presents numerous points of why and how, that has actually caused me to rethink my thoughts on our government and society...
This work of fiction by Tom Kratman, is an exceptional insight into a perspective of our current state of our society. This book presents numerous points of why and how, that has actually caused me to rethink my thoughts on our government and society...
November 11, 2020
This Could Happen
This could happen, not quite as extreme but definitely just as bad. Well written, excellent character development and militarily accurate. Enjoyed reading the various interludes.
This could happen, not quite as extreme but definitely just as bad. Well written, excellent character development and militarily accurate. Enjoyed reading the various interludes.
March 3, 2021
Fast-paced, easy, fun read. Not a fan of the style or shallow characterization. Being someone who detests the federal government and politicians, I felt at home in this novel. Kratman knows the military well and conveys it adequately.
February 25, 2022
Fascinating story
This is a tightly written cautionary tale the has a great reflection of today's political landscape. One party has managed to subvert our system. I urge readers to judge for yourself if such a narrative could take place. Chilling.
This is a tightly written cautionary tale the has a great reflection of today's political landscape. One party has managed to subvert our system. I urge readers to judge for yourself if such a narrative could take place. Chilling.
July 20, 2022
.
.
I have NO idea what’s going on here.
I quit reading at page 19.
NO IDEA!!!!
I can NOT follow it !!
I think the author dropped the ball and let me down.
TOO DISJOINTED FOR ME !!!
I have zero idea what is going on !!!!
.
.
.
I have NO idea what’s going on here.
I quit reading at page 19.
NO IDEA!!!!
I can NOT follow it !!
I think the author dropped the ball and let me down.
TOO DISJOINTED FOR ME !!!
I have zero idea what is going on !!!!
.
.
November 17, 2019
Excellent. This is applicable to both parties.
All too realistic. The patriot act has already made major influence to our rights. Lord save us from politics. Amen.
All too realistic. The patriot act has already made major influence to our rights. Lord save us from politics. Amen.
Want to read
July 19, 2020elibrary
August 16, 2021
Prescient
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews