Glass Houses: Shocking Profiles of Congressional Sex Scandals and Other Unofficial Misconduct [Mass Market Paperback]

Stanley G. Hilton (Author), Anne-Renee Testa (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 254 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks (November 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312971028
• ISBN-13: 978-0312971021
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,897,614 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars startling, May 3, 1999

By 

Patricia O'Tuama "rissa" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glass Houses: Shocking Profiles of Congressional Sex Scandals and Other Unofficial Misconduct (Mass Market Paperback)

I was skeptical about this book at first but after reading the profiles of the three members of Congress about whom I know the most (Henry Hyde, Trent Lott and Carol Moseley-Braun) I came to the conclusion that not only is it factual for the most part, but it doesn't go far enough. The authors clearly think that impeaching President Clinton over something as banal as lying about a sexual affair with a consenting adult is bizarre beyond belief especially given that a) most of the attacks on the prez have come from Republican leaders who have done far worse things than Clinton; and b) many of these same officials sat by while Reagen and Bush actually committed crimes that really were worthy of impeachment.

However, the authors don't spare Democrats. Also covered are Barney Frank, Joseph Biden, David Bonior, Alcee Hastings and Chuck Robb but to be fair, Democrats only comprise six of the 35 profiles. It's difficult to know if this is because the rest of the Democrats in Congress are reasonably clean or if the authors were deliberating targeting Republicans since they are the ones who are out to get Clinton.

The book makes three things clear: 1) the GOP leaders who launched the impeachment attack on the president have elevated hypocrisy to a new limit; 2) the House Ethics Committee is a joke; and 3) that nothing will change until campaign financing laws are rewritten so it is not possible for political action committees, corporations and individuals to "buy" congresspersons.

I wish the authors had documented their allegations more completely, with footnotes and references (although parts of this book comes from interviews with Congressional staffers and with the Capitol Police). I also think it would be a great idea if they put out this kind of book every two years, six months or so before the House elections.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shows that Clinton isn't the only pol with a few skeletons, December 6, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Glass Houses: Shocking Profiles of Congressional Sex Scandals and Other Unofficial Misconduct (Mass Market Paperback)

Authors Hilton and Testa chronicle numerious allegations of misconduct and misbehavior of a variety of political figures. In a bi-partisan way they clearly demonstrate that Clinton is not alone when it comes to allegations relating to sexual misconduct and other abuses.

From rumors of children born out of wedlock and cases of sexual harrassment, to helping friends and supporters gain special favors from the government, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in "official Washington." If the old cliche "You can't tell the players without a scorecard" is true, here's the scorecard.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Refreshing view of people protecting my morals., January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Glass Houses: Shocking Profiles of Congressional Sex Scandals and Other Unofficial Misconduct (Mass Market Paperback)

I am surprised that the number of reviews and discussion about this book is so limited. Why aren't there more? I know why. Everyone is afraid of being sued. I believe the message in this book leads to realistically removing the garments of hypocracy. I find this book a collection of facts and opinions fascinating. I can do without the psychological comments. The profiles illustrate the unprincipaled devices used by those thatare charged to "protect" us. I feel that these peole should be exposed.Potentially, they represent a serious threat to the average citizen. Though not all the transgressions are monumentally serious, I believe that our protectors need to be carefully monitored. If ignored, we will lose our freedom in small, continous assaults by greedy and power-hungry special interests