What Makes You Think We Read the Bills?

by H.L. Richardson, Mark Russell (Foreword)

Have you ever wondered what really happens when your elected representatives get together spend your money; write laws making some things illegal, others illegal; and, try to "satisfy" all the lobbyists at the same time? You can stop wondering. Bill Richardson has let the cat out of the bag. You'll be both amused and outraged at his tales of the day to day shenanigans in your state and national capitols. Does your legislator suddenly stop being your representative? He's just suffered Peer-Group Shift (see Chapter 12). Does The Majority Elect? (answer in Chapter 18). Have you heard gossip about Sexy Solons? (read Chapter 21). There are wildly funny chapters -- Ze Mooz (4) Burros and the Pill (9), Gangrene and the Board of Education (16) -- as well as plenty of straight talk about how and why our legislators are no longer ours. Throughout GOA founder and retired State Senator Richardson's breezy text is the underlying theme that "this can't go on much longer, enough is enough!" He offers many thoughtful reflections on why our legislatures have gone off the tracks, and scores of helpful suggestions how to put things right. By the time you reach Chapter 15 -- A Full-Time Legislature -- Yuk! -- you'll agree.

Genres: Politics

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1978

About the author

H.L. Richardson, a former advertising executive, served in the California Senate for 22 years and wrote a weekly column published by more than 200 newspapers and broadcast on 50 radio stations. A Christian leader and avid outdoorsman, he has lectured around the nation for three decades, written dozens of magazine features, and is the author of the books Slightly to the Right, What Makes You Think We Read the Bills?, and The Devil's Eye.

Reviews

[David]

This is one of the funniest, and wisest books about American politics and the legislative process that I've ever read.

Richardson shows what happens to a small-town businessman when he gets sent to Sacramento to legislate. It's even worse now, with term limits.

Well worth the time.

[Connor]

A frightening yet entertaining and funny look into the legislative process in California.

[Karen]

Amazing. I think this book was meant to be funny. This was published in 1978 and our legislators haven't changed much at all. Wonder why? Hmmmm. Term limits might help. Though it was an interesting read.

[Seth Bowen]

A very funny yet sad view of how the legislature works behind the scenes.

[Robert]

This book along with "The Law" ought to be required reading before one can vote or take public office.

Very good description of how modern (and not so modern) politics work...

And we wonder why we are in the mess we are in. ;-)