Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders Into Insiders [Hardcover]

Sen. Tom A. Coburn M.D. (Author), John Hart (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 11, 2003

Tom A. Coburn, a congressional maverick who kept his promise to serve three terms and then leave Washington, offers a candid look at the inner workings of Congress-why the system changes politicians instead of vice versa. Breach of Trust shows readers, through shocking behind-the-scenes stories, why Washington resists the reform our country desperately needs and how they can make wise, informed decisions about current and future political issues and candidates. This honest and critical look at "business as usual" in Congress reveals how and why elected representatives are quickly seduced into becoming career politicians who won't push for change. Along the way, Coburn offers readers realistic ideas for how to make a difference.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Senator Tom Coburn is a former business owner and practicing physician. He was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994.  A true citizen legislator, he honored his self-imposed term limits pledge and left Congress in 2001. The author of Breach of Trust, a congressional exposé, he returned to public service in 2004 after a successful campaign for the U.S. Senate.

John Hart was Dr. Coburn's press secretary from 1997 until 2000. In 1994, he became the youngest person ever to win an Amy Writing Award. He lives in Washington DC with his wife, Kimberly, and is now serving as the Communications Director for U.S. Representative Jim DeMint, a Republican from South Carolina.

From AudioFile

Physician and former Congressman Tom Coburn is a passionate man, with equally ardent views about Congress, the Constitution, and his faith. Characterized by some as a maverick, Coburn examines Washington from a perspective rarely heard. He believes, for example, that Congress should restrict its activities to the letter of the Constitution, and his self-limited three terms in Congress were based on his view that career legislators are bad for the country. Coburn's memoir is interesting, although many points he presents as novel are well known. BREACH OF TRUST is surprisingly entertaining, although Coburn's extreme views will certainly infuriate many readers. Richard Fredricks reads with a twangy voice that is generally effective. Unfortunately, at times he reads far too fast, requiring the listener to exert some effort just to keep pace. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785262202
• ISBN-13: 978-0785262206
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #801,126 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 69 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Coburn is a true Citizen Legislator October 1, 2003

By CTS

Format:Hardcover

Excellent book for those interested in the workings of the Beltway. Dr. Coburn explains why term-limited politicians are better than 'careerists'. Using specific examples and personal conversations with Congressmen and Senators, he explains why reforms in Medicare and Social Security will never happen as long as we have career politicians in office. He says they are more interested in getting re-elected than bringing about real change. You'll never vote for a career politician again!

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening...and sickening January 20, 2004

By Bert Moraga

Format:Hardcover

Dr. Coburn is armed to the teeth with facts, figures, and behind the scenes stories that the main stream press avoids or ignores. While it would be easy to become disillusioned with the entire political process after this candid view of Washington, he actually projects a tone that is surprisingly optimistic. The author is the complete opposite of a partisan hack. He goes after Democrats and Republicans alike. He is equally supportive of those few principled politicians in both parties. Dr. Coburn is truly a patriotic American and this book should be required reading for virtually EVERY high school civics class and college political science class. It would trigger a new American revolution. Don't miss this book.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars True Conservative December 31, 2003

By Andrew J. Givens

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

In Breach Of Trust, Tom Coburn recounts some of his experiences as a 3 term US congressman. His efforts to help limit the runaway spending in Washington put him at odds with his own party and with the Washington mindset - where winning elections is the priority of both parties, and responsible policy is the casualty. A major theme is that term limits would be a good method to end careerist politics and permit individual members to vote their conscience. He tells of specific instances where party leaders compromise the best interests of America to present an electable image in the respective home districts. His insights ring true. Dr. Coburn does not pretend to be perfect, and freely admits his own mistakes. His honesty, tenacity, and candor are examples we all should aspire to. I recommend this good book to all fiscal conservatives and anyone interested in the way that Washington works - and why it usually fails.