Customer Reviews

It's Getting Ugly Out There: The Frauds, Bunglers, Liars, and Losers Who Are Hurting America

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(19)

 

 

Count how many of the 1 star reviews are left by people with east Asian names. Some of them admit they did not read the book. Some of them say they were offended by Jack Cafferty's "goon" comments, with respect to China's leaders.

Well, unless they are members of China's totalitarian regime, there is no reason to be offended. US leadership is full of goons too. The people who get offended are just being stupid.

This book somewhat reminds me of the "Idiots guide to..." series, yet nowhere does JC treat you like an idiot. The book is a clear guide to the major issues in our gov't today and points out a number of questions that we all need to ask ourselves the next time we vote. All of the major issues and scadals are discussed here (well, all except the numerous NEW problems that have arisen since the book was published) and I feel that if someone cannot see the logic and honesty of Jack's writing then I'd wager you are someone who LIKES to turn a blind eye to the corruption in Washington. Or maybe you voted for Bush. Maybe both, lol.

This book is also an easy read; if you are someone who is put off by political writing, know this book isn't dull at all and JC doesn't try to talk down to anyone or put himself on a pedestal. I hope he continues with another volume; Lord knows there is enough to write about. I'd like a thick chapter on Karl Rove, actually. I am sure there is a lot of info there.

One last thing: JC is on the money when he speaks of Congressional term limits. Let's bring that back...pronto!

While there were some interesting insights of life about the white house, and the minor political squables, I found the book distasteful because of all the profanity it it. Why do writers do this? I do not care about his filthy life or distastful language. I would not recommend it to anyone. The author should read a few classics and see what could be done without his foul language.

Dislaimer: On average, I discuss politics with dozens of people each week and those among them who have observed Jack Cafferty's work for CNN's "Situation Room" program tend to fall within one of four groups: conservatives who thought him a liberal during the Bush 43 administration and now think he is "coming around" to their views; liberals who once praised him and now think he has "betrayed" his liberal principles; those with or without a party affiliation who think he is a curmudgeon (a somewhat younger version of Andy Rooney), if not demented; and finally, those who share my own opinion that, if he is simultaneously so popular and unpopular, he must be doing something right --- and has been doing something right for most of his 40-year career thus far.

What follows are two excerpt composites from the Preface and then the Prologue to It's Getting Ugly Out There.

"I'm the product of a very dysfunctional, sometimes violent, Irish background...my backstory...may help you to make sense of the way I see and inter-ret what's going on around me. People don't wind up with this kind of jaundiced, offbeat take on things without going through some interesting stuff...And this book ain't therapy. I'm content being mildly maladjusted, with absolutely no desire to change. Through all the turbulence of my Reno, Nevada, childhood, I learned a lot about protecting myself...You didn't need to weasel your way out of stuff. If you said, `But that wasn't my fault,' someone else told you, `Bullshit,' case closed...I was born in Chicago on December 14, 1942...I had a bit of an inferiority complex, courtesy of the overpowering, judgmental asshole who had sired me...But I'm no victim - far from it. I'm fortunate. I learned self-reliance and how to survive. When you get old enough to understand the role that money takes in your life - and in your dreams - and you remember how you watched it all thrown away, it can eat at you for a long time. But it can also teach you some lessons that will shape how you make decisions in your life for your own family. It did that for me." Now from the Prologue.

"I get paid to ask questions I don't know the answers to and complain about things that bother me...It's Getting Ugly Out There examines [various] crises, scandals, and infuriating facts of political life that have been and will be driving the public debate as we head toward the 2008 campaign season...I wasn't [and am not] on the air to pull punches...I've always viewed my career in pragmatic terms - as a paycheck, not a pulpit...The book's title is taken from a November 2005 `Cafferty File' piece I did after Vice President Dick Cheney had delivered a speech in which he attacked critics of the botched, manipulative run up to the Iraq war. `It's getting ugly out there,' I said... [Begin italics] `Dissent is not treason [end italics], Mr. Cheney.'...As a commentator on The Situation Room, I get to push about two million people's buttons three times every afternoon...I `m under no pressure to be `fair and balanced.' But then neither is the F-word network when you think about it, are they? God, they hate me when I call them that! I couldn't care less about political spin. My guidance comes from my own BS detector...I like to get under people's skin as a way of salting the mines for the e-mail gold I read on the air...[from] some of the brightest, most engaged electronic pen pals in the world...Viewers who connect with me - whatever their positions [and views] - are a major part of whatever success I've enjoyed at CNN, and a bunch of their finest, funniest e-mails are included here. The news can be a very depressing place. Maybe that's why I have developed a tendency to look at stories with a slightly twisted and jaundiced sense of humor...This book discusses how the politicians and the people who manipulate public opinion have made this country more polarized than ever...This game of ideological `gotcha' keeps us from pulling together. Divide and rule. This book offers a tough, no non-sense look at what needs to be done to glue us back together...I react viscerally when the headlines get my blood boiling...I attack the status quo because it's flawed and dangerous...Are there solutions to turn around this crisis and fix it? Absolutely."

These two excerpt composites provide a far better introduction to both Jack Cafferty and his book than I possibly could. Better yet, they suggest the thrust and flavor of his personality. Please keep in mind that this book was published on September 10, 2007, at the outset of what was to become the longest presidential campaign thus far. Also keep in mind that, as Cafferty points out, he feels no external pressure or personal sense of obligation to be "fair and balanced" when expressing his opinions. Like Sabatini's Scaramouche, he seems to have been born "with the gift of laughter and a sense that the world is mad." It also seems likely that he agrees with an Irish proverb that brothers John and Robert Kennedy frequently cited: "One way or another, the world will eventually find a way to break your heart."

As a reader soon realizes, Cafferty has had no shortage of targets of opportunity to discuss. It comes as no surprise that the leadership of George W. Bush heads the list. Others include the Air National Guard (in which he served), the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina, the immigration crisis, Dubai Ports World and the security of major U.S. ports, the "evisceration" of the American middle class, the Patriot Act (e.g. the "terrorist surveillance program"), "culture shock" for new residents of Manhattan, vertical integration of media companies, Dennis Rader (the "BTK Killer"), finally getting sober to save his marriage and his life, whether or not the Iraq war is a war, "frauds and disasters on Capital Hill," the Terri Schiavo "charade," and the impact of the 2006 elections.

It should also be noted that Cafferty also includes dozens of his favorites among the millions of e-mails he has received thus far, all of which are at least temporarily displayed online. Each day, he reads several on-air and seems to enjoy most those that have passed through his "BS detector" and then inform him that one of his opinions failed to pass through their BS detector.

Several of Cafferty's comments caught my eye. Here are three brief excerpts. On the American Dream: "For than two centuries, every subsequent generation has had it better than their parents had it. That has been our nation's evolution and its bounty, built upon our core spirit of freedom, our indominitable will and industrial might, the contribution and assimilation of massive waves of immigrants, and the boundless and benevolent American spirit of discovery. Embedded in our national soul is the nation that there would always be enough to go around, and that everyone had a right to fulfill that dream. They will most likely still have the right, but they may well lack the means to fulfill that dream." (Page 113).

Two more, one on alcoholism and anger: "For many years I was pissed off continually only because I was drinking. If I'm angry these days, there's a good reason for it. Make no mistake: being as pissed off and as disappointed as I have been by the outrageous misdeeds and abuses of the people we elect to represent us in Washington, D.C., is quite different from finding an excuse when you're drunk to be pissed off at somebody who cares for you." (Page 184) And another on one of the presidential candidates: "Biden's probably the smartest guy in the race. As far as emotional intelligence goes, though, he's dumber than a fence post because he can't keep his goddamn mouth shut." Cafferty calls such remarks "beyond a slip of the tongue - it's outright stupidity" and cites Biden's reference to Barak Obama as "the first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy." (Page 238)

I agree with many of Jack Cafferty's opinions, disagree with others, but have thoroughly enjoyed the pleasure of his company while reading this book and now look forward to reading Now or Never.

Dear Jack,

It was pleasure reading your book. A childhood marred with addicted and dysfunctional parents, your own recovery from alcohol and cigarettes is an example that we are not constrained by such limitations, but can overcome them and achieve great things in life.

You made it quite clear your disappointment with the current crop of politicians in Washington from Bush's war in Iraq, to this administration's ability to spin the truth, to Dick Cheney, to his constitutional abuses, to the Patriot Act, to Karl Rove, to the seniors' new prescription plan, to calling dissenters traitors, and to the current bunch of democrats who have as much spine as a bed of wet kelp, caving in as they promised not to do when elected. You presented all the things that have turned off Americans and made them feel that they are not being represented by people from either side of the aisle. You effectively interspersed your thoughts with emails from your viewers. (That's how I got the idea to write your review in the second person). Who knows, maybe we will end up throwing out the whole bunch until they get the message that they are supposed to represent the people who vote rather than the lobbyists, corporate interests, and their largest contributors. As you clearly stated, it's getting ugly out there, and all these things have put this country in a dire situation that jeopardizes our republic as seldom seen in the past. It is time for us to reclaim our Constitution, our republic, and our heritage.

Your writing style is straightforward, and easy to read. Even though your description of Fox as the F Network is original and considered accurate by many, it was the one disappointment throughout the book. While strong language can add emphasis to our feelings, we have come to expect, rightly or wrongly, a higher standard of communication from broadcasters and commentators. It didn't add to your persona as curmudgeon, and may not have been necessary.

Thanks, Jack.

I know Jack as the angry man in the little box that pops occasionally during CNN's Situation Room where randomly appears and we get to see his temper flair. The book is no different. Jack is pissed off with our leadership and lets us know in 250 pages of venomous attacks. I must admit, I agree wholeheartedly with him on most (not all) of his rants and I have often thought the same angry thoughts over the past 7-8 years over "the decider's" despotic ways of running his (or our) country.

Jack explains how Bush's recklessness and poor decision stemmed from surrounding himself with his inner circle has alienation him more and more. He continues to rant how Bush's lack of leadership and post denial of not knowing the severity of what was going to hit New Orleans has embarrassed our country and allowed of loss of life and property. In this chapter he explains how one of the worst things about Bush is his inability to ever admit mistakes. The issue of immigration is brought up with a bit too much "red meat attack mode". Cafferty feels we should just throw them all out - now. He bitterly explains the illegal have now right protesting in our country (he is right). But I disagree on just throwing them all out. Who would replace them? They're very much ingrained in our economy. The complete lunacy if the Dubai port's deal pushed by Bush is brought to light. Jack only gets madder though with Bush's failed policies and wanton and Congress' do nothing attitude and the effect of national debt on our middle class. The chapter on Bush's secret successful attempts at trampling the constitution and Bill of Rights is beyond scary - it's amazing most people are not even aware of what has gone on with our rights under Bush's watch. The patriot act and the NSA's illegal acts boil is blood. On and on. A great eye opener (to those that have been closed)!

He doesn't fault the American people - after all we elected Bush - Twice. Citizens who voted for bush in 2004 IMO should have know better - the lack of intelligence, the embarrassing image, the "I answer to God" (not the people), the arrogance, the sneakiness - was all there prior to 2004. He doesn't fault the citizens for their who cares attitude and action to our current disaster that will worsen. This is the big flaw in this book - no blame is put on us - we (or the majority of us) put Bush where he is. We continue to vote these career politicians into office over and over again.

Jack is entertaining but vulgar. I appreciate though - he is a college drop out, from alcoholic parents and had a rough childhood. And the book is evidenced as being written by such. It's not verbose like Dobb's books, it not eloquent and rational like Greenwald's book. This is written by a roll-up-your-sleeve's middle class guy who is thoroughly pissed off by our government - and scared. Rightfully so.

I thought throughout the book that this boils down to a rant with no solutions. I dislike books of this nature, which carry on about the status quo and present a laundry list of complaints but no solution. It dawned on me - Cafferty did offer two solutions all through out the book - impeachment or perhaps war crime. I agree, this should have been implemented long ago. And this was the solution all along. This is a good eye opener for the citizens. I think it's fair to say, most of us feel exactly this way now.

To those who feel the administration of George W. Bush and his cronies are doing a bang up job in leading this country in a positive manner this book is not for you. Jack Cafferty of CNN unleashes his opinions on what may be the worst administration in our country's history. The war in Iraq, illegal immigration, the mounting deficit, non-qualified cronies in cabinet positions, tax cuts for the rich, Hurricane Katrina, trampling of our Constitution, repairing our image abroad, Terri Schiavo, and scandals among the so-called "values party" are some of the subjects Jack Cafferty tackles in this 255 page stunner. The bottom line is that our country is going down the tubes, and unless Americans wake up the things our Founding Fathers stood for will be no more. Cafferty does say Bush's tragic administration may have one positive legacy. This arrogant and reckless administration may be the wake up call America needs to begin taking its country back from the lobbyists who expect payback for supporting a candidate in his campaign. Term limits, campaign finance reform, ethics reform, immigration reform, and significant lobbying reform along with an individual who can effectively lead this country in a positive manner are all things Cafferty lists as necessary to get our country back on the correct track. Whoever becomes our next president he or she will have a monumental mess to untangle from this most unfortunate Bush administration which will leave a negative impact on several generations to come. If your mind is closed like a steel trap in George Bush's favor this will not be a book for you. The truth will hurt too much.

Jack has done it again. He is right on. I continue to watch Jack on CNN and will continue to follow his comments.

This book is a rambling rant. About the only interesting, engaging portions of it are the autobiographical writings about Cafferty himself. He then proceeds to criticize and bait on a variety of political issues. There is no internal structure to the rants and there is no acknowledgment that the problems the country is facing defy an easy solution. It is not a constructive piece of journalism as I had hoped.

Jack Cafferty is one of the most outspoken political commentators on television. He is rough, abrasive, and doesn't really care what side of the fence you are on. He speaks from the perspective of the common man and calls out the people who are hurting us all by their incompetence and greed.

It's Getting Ugly is a mixture of his thoughts on many of the issues that have taken place over the last decade. It's an extension of his popular Cafferty File segment on CNN. He tears apart the government for failures with the Iraq War, Katrina, and fighting corruption. His approach comes across less like a political journalist and more like a guy you might sit next to at a bar.

Mixed into his book are chapters that discuss his life and upbringing. Surprisingly, they are some of the most interesting parts of the book and really give you a good feel for why he is the way he is. It's a unique tale that involves his alcoholic parents and raising children.

While I enjoy Jack Cafferty a lot, the book fails in one major area. It relies heavily on his previous Cafferty File segments. He often repeats what he stated on the show and follows it up with a handful of e-mails that he received. It makes the book play out like a transcript from his show. I think Cafferty has a unique perspective on the way our government runs, and I agree with him on a lot of issues. It's unfortunate that he doesn't use more of the book to give us new material.

Overall, if you enjoy Jack Cafferty, you'll probably enjoy this book. It's a trip down memory lane of the biggest blunders of our country over the past decade. Hopefully in his follow-up book due out in 2009, he puts less emphasis on his viewer e-mails and more fresh commentary from his perspective.