Confidence Men – Book Review
14 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews Tags: Book Review, History, Politics, White House
Confidence Men: Wall Street, Washington and the Education of a President. By Ron Suskind
Occupy Wall Street might get fuel for their fire if they read “Confidence Men”. Based on 746 hours of interviews with over 200 individuals (including President Obama) Ron Suskind has written a story of great interest.
And story-telling is the focus of the Obama campaign and White House, stories written and delivered describing the Obama who knew how to run for office, but not run his office. Add the personal, long-term relationships between Obama staff and Wall Street, from Larry Summer To Secretary Geithner, and the links to Wall Street from the White House are way too chummy. Mr. Suskind has done a good job of linking the past with the present.
It was “what did you know” and “when did you know it” all over again. And its fairly clear candidate Obama knew enough that by 10/13/11 he could have and should have had rule changes and legislation to right the wrongs of the financial meltdowns of 2008.
The startling admission in the book by President Obama that he “needs a narrative in order to function” and without one he ends up in “relitigation” on every issue, was as disturbing as the information on the connections to Wall Street.
If you want a great education in the world of derivatives and “toxic assets” then “Confidence Men” is for you. Just don’t be surprised at the President’s comments – “the reason I was in the office (of Pres.) is because I told a story to the American people”. The next story he’ll need to tell is what his prescence in the White House has changed for the better.
Getting through the historical aspect of where CEO’s came from and what they have done might require pen and paper to draw your own map. Do it! It’s worth the time. The Kindle formatting was excellent.
In My Time – Book Review
20 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Book Reviews Tags: Book Review, Democracy, History, Politics, White House
In My Time
By Dick Cheney and Liz Cheney
Full of historical data fashioned as only the Chaney’s can. From his beginnings with Don Rumsfield and President Ford to the final days of the George Bush Presidency, Mr. Chaney explains his outlook and position on the recent past.
The walk down memory lane is done with dignity and honors many. Even his discontent with some Cabinet members is not based on petty politics. It is shaped around values and a behavior system often not in sink with the younger generation. You can hear the frustration in the tone of his writing. You can also hear the love for his family, friends, members of the military and country.
A good read for those interested in politics and current affairs. An educational experience everyone should read. As an e-book, it had enough section stops to provide natural breaks.
It’s a keeper.
