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No Retreat, No Surrender: One American's Fight
A candid memoir by the former majority leader of the House of Representatives describes pivotal elements from his career, from his conversion to Christianity and contributions to the 1994 takeover to his relationships with such figures as George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Newt Gingrich.
- GenresPoliticsNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 18, 2022
After having to toss away the last non-fiction book I read, I'm glad that this one was pretty much the exact opposite. I looked forward to reading it, instead of putting off, it was engaging, and it has the morals that I approve of.
DeLay had some interesting insights about the motives and moves within the political realm. This book helped to show me what someone who is working on behalf of the people, and who's intentions are honorable, can make politics an honorable profession, rather than the sleez-fest it is often seen to be.
Of course, this book was written quite awhile ago, so it's interesting to see how things have shifted. But it is, I believe, still a relevant book to our time.
DeLay had some interesting insights about the motives and moves within the political realm. This book helped to show me what someone who is working on behalf of the people, and who's intentions are honorable, can make politics an honorable profession, rather than the sleez-fest it is often seen to be.
Of course, this book was written quite awhile ago, so it's interesting to see how things have shifted. But it is, I believe, still a relevant book to our time.
July 3, 2024
Got this from the library in the for sale books and I'm trying to remember it.
I didn't know much about Delay, other than his demise, so I wanted to get his take on everything that happened. I mostly read this since my friend's dad was his former Chief of Staff. If everything here is true, he is a good man with good intentions. However, you never know. I was impressed with his life change in finding faith and turning his life around while being in Congress. His teetotal demonization of democrats was not constructive, but I did identify with his goals for America. His takes on Gingrich and his legacy were astute.
His political manifesto was very useful and it had many good stances. However, there were a few things I disagreed with: the number of Representatives should be increased to reflect the population (too hard to organize), 12 year term limits for SCOTUS (shouldn't matter), Congress should be able to overturn SCOTUS decisions with 2/3s vote (undermines SCOTUS), all fed regs interfering with the free market should be repealed (naive), no limits to campaign contributions but they have to instantly report (not going to solve the dark money problem unless PACs outlawed), and SCOTUS should not rule on religion but states should (how can it be a federal right then).
His work as Whip was impressive. He knew how to count votes and get work done. He outlines much of his strategies in the book. He also had 4 rules for Congressman on how to keep your family strong. These were refreshing and useful.
Overall the book was petty. A reaction to what had caused his demise and a tit for tat reckoning of the most piercing accusations made against him that he took head one. Very insider baseball, but it had a lot of interesting stories and takes on leaders during the Gingrich revolution.
I didn't know much about Delay, other than his demise, so I wanted to get his take on everything that happened. I mostly read this since my friend's dad was his former Chief of Staff. If everything here is true, he is a good man with good intentions. However, you never know. I was impressed with his life change in finding faith and turning his life around while being in Congress. His teetotal demonization of democrats was not constructive, but I did identify with his goals for America. His takes on Gingrich and his legacy were astute.
His political manifesto was very useful and it had many good stances. However, there were a few things I disagreed with: the number of Representatives should be increased to reflect the population (too hard to organize), 12 year term limits for SCOTUS (shouldn't matter), Congress should be able to overturn SCOTUS decisions with 2/3s vote (undermines SCOTUS), all fed regs interfering with the free market should be repealed (naive), no limits to campaign contributions but they have to instantly report (not going to solve the dark money problem unless PACs outlawed), and SCOTUS should not rule on religion but states should (how can it be a federal right then).
His work as Whip was impressive. He knew how to count votes and get work done. He outlines much of his strategies in the book. He also had 4 rules for Congressman on how to keep your family strong. These were refreshing and useful.
Overall the book was petty. A reaction to what had caused his demise and a tit for tat reckoning of the most piercing accusations made against him that he took head one. Very insider baseball, but it had a lot of interesting stories and takes on leaders during the Gingrich revolution.
February 10, 2022
And once again I am surprised by how much I have learned from a book that is ostensibly partisan. I also have the benefit of being aloof to politics during his time in the house of representatives or having been too young. I am not sure what he meant to Republicans and Democrats in his day. However, I find that, again, you can always learn something from people you presumably disagree with or may think so bias and partisan that a book by them would be diluted. The fact is that this man was in office for 20 years and rose to position of leadership and knows a thing or two about Washington DC. It’s also interesting to hear the perspective from him having lived through times that are now part of history.
March 11, 2018
A must read for every Conservative!
January 25, 2012
While writing this I am listening to Obama's State of the Union address. I agree with some of what DeLay says, but felt that the entire book was a method of attacking or should I say counterattacking those who have been after DeLay.
I agree its okay to hire family. I don't agree that we need to do away with all the social programs. I do agree they need oversight. I also agree we need to reduce the amount of government.
It just doesn't ring quite true, or maybe truth is relative, that one person can have had this much impact.
I liked that he wants to help improve the foster child system, but disagree that the government needs to meddle with personal health issues.
Its one of those like it or love it book. Still an excellent book, but take what it says and check out the facts.
I agree its okay to hire family. I don't agree that we need to do away with all the social programs. I do agree they need oversight. I also agree we need to reduce the amount of government.
It just doesn't ring quite true, or maybe truth is relative, that one person can have had this much impact.
I liked that he wants to help improve the foster child system, but disagree that the government needs to meddle with personal health issues.
Its one of those like it or love it book. Still an excellent book, but take what it says and check out the facts.
October 14, 2009
I had no idea what a full-of-shit douche bag Tom DeLay is until I read this book. He has produced a manifesto for future assassins and suicide bombers who want to kill liberals, feminists, and 'feriners' of all races and creeds. This item should be right up there with Hitler's 'My Struggle' on a list of books you'd smack your kid for reading. This little twatter makes me sick to my stomach on every level -- political, philosophical, personal -- you name it. He has spent a career dividing this once-great country, and make no mistake that he has indeed lessened it by his actions. Bravo, you little monkeyfuck, I'm sure your momma is so proud.
October 15, 2011
I'm so glad I read this book. I found it intriguing, interesting, and informative. Good to know that occasionally people come along who will fight for government as outlined by our forefathers. I am far more inclined to believe DeLay's explanation of these events than anything the liberals have come up with. Even when I didn't fully agree, I admired his tenacity.
It is astonishing how much the media controls our thinking, and I'm glad I read this book in spite of all I had heard. Much distortion and prejudice out there, folks!
Many of the things that have happened in the past few administrations were also NOT covered by the media, somehow. Imagine that. But they are covered here.
It is astonishing how much the media controls our thinking, and I'm glad I read this book in spite of all I had heard. Much distortion and prejudice out there, folks!
Many of the things that have happened in the past few administrations were also NOT covered by the media, somehow. Imagine that. But they are covered here.
June 22, 2009
You may get more from this book if you have an interest in the history of the Republican party. Towards the middle and through the end of the book, Mr. DeLay speaks with passion about his own beliefs and what the Republican platform should endorse and how. This was interesting to me. I also enjoyed his defense against "the lies." While I am aware that every story has two sides and then there is the truth, I was intrigued by his point of view.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews