Customer Reviews

Raising Hell for Justice: The Washington Battles of a Heartland Progressive

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This is a great book that should be read by anyone interested in Wisconsin politics and history in the last half of the 20th Century and beyond. It also gives an inside view of 40 years of a life in Washington D.C. as a member of Congress. Dave Obey is a unique leader, one who is confident enough to speak his mind and stand for his principles even when the wind seems to be blowing in his face. I admire that year in and year out he has fought for so many changes that help the average working and farming families that he represents, in spite of the fact that it seems that the local press doesn't always mention those significant accomplishments. I especially enjoyed the stories about his Wisconsin legislative and political colleagues, such as Harvey Dueholm, Bob Huber, Linda Reivitz, Frank Nikolay as well as the stories of Obey's early career. The stories about his family are especially touching and show that his roots are with those in our society who aren't born with a silver spoon in their mouths. I am proud that Dave Obey has represented Wisconsin and the Nation with such vigor and tenacity. I highly recommend this book, it is a great way to learn why our country is in the mess that it is in and what we can do to share the American dream with everyone.

Obey's autobiography is a great book about Wisconsin politics in the 60s and 70s, Congress, and American policies over the past thirty years. The early sections are the richest, as Obey takes real time to talk about the state of play in Wisconsin politics and the local issues. Not being a Wisconsin resident, I was surprised how interesting I found the initial sections. Unfortunately, Obey's focus shifts so fully to Congress later in the book we do not hear much about developments in Wisconsin politics, redistricting, or most of his Congressional races. Of course, Obey's focus may have shifted as well.

The sections on Congress offer great insight into the progressive and reformist movement in the Congress. Obey's insight into most progressives not being operational seems dead on, but he certaintly offers a counter to that as someone who not just hopes for results, but gets things done. The book also offers a reminder of how many people in our government help mold policy decisions. Something that took place during the Nixon Administration for example had many people shaping it.

The autobiography also captures Obey's personal tone. There are great Obey moments, like when he tells Jim Wright he voted for him to be his leader, not his conscience. Or told the Democratic Caucus giving him a standing ovation that he wanted their votes, not their applause. Some readers may see comments like these and hear about Obey discuss his accomplishments and think he is a bit of a blowhard, but anyone who pays attention in Congress knows how effective he is as a legislator with strongly progressive leanings.

One downside to the book are the typos. ANWR becomes Anwar (as in Sadat) and Congressman Norm Dicks, a colleague of Obey's on the Appropriations Committee, is referred to as Dix multiple times. But typos aside, the book is a good read about how Congress works and how one member can be both progressive and pragmatic, leading to effective legislating.

For those who believe that a good guy who cares deeply about the issues can succeed in Congress, this is the book for you. Congressman Obey is now Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee who never lost his drive to care for those who can't care for themselves tells how he managed to achieve his position without having to sacrifice his moral compass. He describes how he learned to get what he wanted by becoming a work horse and letting others take the credit for his achievements. Its a great primer for those thinking about going into politics.

This was a fascinating look at the working of our government and eye opening appraisal of the political players on both sides of the aisle told by a man who has the backbone to stand up for what he believes and the smarts to know when he has to play the political game to get the results he wants. I was heartened that Dave Obey so often worked with people on both sides of the aisle to get results and would be battling those same people on other issues at other times. The issues and principles are what is important.

Current movie goers would be interested to read Obey's mention of Charlie Wilson. "Another key player was Charlie Wilson, the most conservative Democrat on the committee. He was a frank, able, informed, fun-loving, tough Texan. Charlie was no romantic in anything except his relationship with women. He was a hardheaded pragmatist I often used in order to pull my most liberal members back to tactical reality. His credibility with conservatives in the Democratic caucus was absolutely crucial in convincing them that the bills we produced were tough-minded enough for them to support."

Obey evaluates the seven Presidents he has worked with over his 40 years of service. He concluded that Gerald Ford had been best for the country. "About a year before he died, Ford paid us a visit on the House floor. When I told him that I was writing a book in which I would say that he was the best president I had worked with, he grinned, put his hand on my shoulder, and said 'Slim pickings, wasn't it Dave.'"

David Obey continues the fight for Justice. Read the book and cheer him on as he wages the good fight against all odds.