With a New Afterword by the AuthorThe New York Times bestseller; praised as "hilariously funny . . . the only way to understand why so many Americans have decided to vote against their own economic and political interests" (Molly Ivins)Hailed as "dazzlingly insightful and wonderfully sardonic" (Chicago Tribune); "very funny and very painful" (San Francisco Chronicle); and "in a different league from most political books" (The New York Observer); What's the Matter with Kansas? unravels the great political mystery of our day: Why do so many Americans vote against their economic and social interests? With his acclaimed wit and acuity; Thomas Frank answers the riddle by examining his home state; Kansas-a place once famous for its radicalism that now ranks among the nation's most eager participants in the culture wars. Charting what he calls the "thirty-year backlash"-the popular revolt against a supposedly liberal establishment-Frank reveals how conservatism; once a marker of class privilege; became the creed of millions of ordinary Americans.A brilliant analysis-and funny to boot-What's the Matter with Kansas? is a vivid portrait of an upside-down world where blue-collar patriots recite the Pledge while they strangle their life chances; where small farmers cast their votes for a Wall Street order that will eventually push them off their land; and where a group of frat boys; lawyers; and CEOs has managed to convince the country that it speaks on behalf of the People.
#82286 in Books Kessler Ronald 2015-07-28 2015-07-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.98 x .70 x 5.18l; .81 #File Name: 080413961X288 pagesThe First Family Detail Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents
Review
71 of 72 people found the following review helpful. A Danger to Our Country and LeadersBy MichaelThe author writes an interesting and thoughtful book about a part of government that many people are not very familiar with: the Secret Service. He describes the vast and impressive array of procedures employed in protecting presidents ;current and previous; vice presidents; and their families; as well as cabinet secretaries and political leaders in the line of succession to become president in case of a severe emergency. During a presidential election the leading candidates are also protected.To accomplish their mission Secret Service agents must work in close proximity to all their protectees; becoming a part of their lives on a daily basis. This gives the agents a clear window through which to observe their personalities and character. Revelations from some of the agents indicate that what transpires in their clients' private lives may not comport with the image that they desire to show to the public.As examples; the book describes how a number of protectees were especially "nasty" to the agents and their own staffs: Bill and Hillary Clinton; Nancy Reagan; Jimmy Carter and Al Gore.Especially friendly and respectful to agents were Ronald Reagan; Bush 41 and 43 and their wives; Dick and Lynne Cheney and Mitt and Ann Romney. The sexual proclivities of LBJ; Bill Clinton (both inside and outside of the Oval Office) and Gary Hart are portrayed as important character issues. Some revelations are surprising; such as the preference of Joe Biden to swim naked in his home pool while being closely guarded by female agents. Many other observations of family members are also related; Including some of their drinking habits. Tension with the children of protected families seems to be prevalent in many cases.Another focus of the book is an analysis of the management of the Secret Service. The author describes and details the incompetence and corruption of senior management that has resulted in poorly trained agents with very low morale; lack of leading-edge technology and weaponry to discover and eliminate threats; and in some cases a demonstrable lack of concern about national security. Prior lapses in standard procedures have resulted in the assassination attempts on presidents Reagan and Ford; and have put more current presidents in grave danger. After a number of recent scandals involving penetration of the White House grounds by dangerous perpetrators; the author ridicules president Obama's decision not to bring in a new director from the outside to replace the one who was fired; as he believes that as a result there will not be any change in the dysfunctional culture at the top.180 of 194 people found the following review helpful. Not Political LeaningBy Testy TimSince others have prominently noted that this book is very similar to one of Kessler's earlier works; I will say this is my first exposure.Content:Although I lean conservative; I am neither a Democrat nor a Republican. I was eager to read this book because it interests me how the 'anointed' really live their lives. Opposite my expectation; I did not get the impression that this book's sole purpose was to bash one political party or the other. For example; the Obamas are generally portrayed in a favorable light; but not all good. The same is true of the Bush family. I do believe the author reported accurately what the Secret Service agents revealed to him. It seems that the book has two purposes. First; to expose the true character of our elected officials. And second; to expose how the Secret Service management makes bad decisions which ultimately puts protectee lives in danger. Not that it was wrong; or bad; but one thing that did not grab my interest were the parts that delved into the inner workings of the Secret Service.Style:This is mostly an easy read. However; in a couple of places in the book the author follows a couple of rabbit trails and then abruptly snaps back to the original subject. I found that to be hard to follow and a bit frustrating; which is why I took one of the stars away.Overall; I enjoyed the book; and learned a few things. What more could you ask for? I will be recommending this book to my friends.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Shadow revealed - a look behind the curtainBy Malcolm DavidsonAn easy read; the book containing many enlightening stories about Presidents Vice Presidents. During the Reagan years we had the theory of "trickle down economics"; I have asked the question; what trickles up? We see it portrayed here. Arrogance; greed; entitlement. Although certain individuals are portrayed as being "nice" Laura Bush for example; and her husband was thoughtful; this doesn't naturally correlate to competence in the position. (I think of the Clintons and Dick Cheney) I was appalled at the portrayal of Joe Biden and his disregard for frugality knowing some of his mandates were to do just that.All in all I'm glad I read this book; also glad he's not running for President. Kessler did a fine job and outlined quite clearly the classic ailment within the body politic whereby the Secret Service Management are but a symptom of a greater malaise. The malaise being one of lack of accountability and proper management. The political system has been subjugated by the monied vested interest groups and hence politicians have lost integrity and their moral compass. I'd love to know what the Secret Service think of Bernie Sanders?
