Customer Reviews

Rough Edges: My Unlikely Road from Welfare to Washington

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There was probably a time in America where the level of political discourse and thought was fair-minded enough that a person like James Rogan would have been respected by both sides of the political spectrum. Sadly, if those days ever existed, they're long gone (e.g., Farenheit 911 on the Left, Rush Limbaugh on the Right), so I doubt that Mr. Rogan's book will be read by those who don't share his political views (with the notable exception of Willie Brown).

That's a shame, because Mr. Rogan's rags-to-riches / 'Horatio Alger' story is a refreshing counter-example to two prep school / Ivy Leaguers battling over who supposedly has the best interest of ordinary Americans in mind and the recent celebration of hyper-privileged spoiled rich brats (e.g., Paris Hilton, et al.) that has polluted popular culture. James Rogan had a hardscrabble upbringing - single mother who was what many of his Republican colleagues would have called a 'welfare queen,' bounced around various relatives, growing up in what was then a rough neighborhood, and hanging out with a motley crew of characters that wouldn't be welcomed in the thousands of dollars a plate or seat fundraising event for either party. Inspired to go to school and pull himself up by the bootstraps by none other than Bill Clinton (yes, the ex-President), he went to a state school with the highest representation of working class/poor students among major universities, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles).

Ironically -- or appropriately (depending on what political movement you believe best represents the interests and aspirations of those who hover around the lower middle class) -- James Rogan became a conservative Republican congressman who went on to help prosecute Bill Clinton during the impeachment proceedings. The road to that role as a prosecutor was paved with his work in the Los Angeles D.A.'s office prosecuting notorious street gangs like the Bloods and the Crips.

The impeachment of Clinton proved to be a phyrric victory for Rogan. His 'success' made him the target of the vast left wing conspiracy (if Bill and Hillary can make paranoid claims without much challenge, I suppose the James Rogans of the world are entitled to as well) and he was voted out of office. [By the way, Rogan's congressional district includes Glendale, CA. I did NOT vote for him (I was living in the East Coast during most of his tenure, and moved here after Rogan was voted out of office.)]

I'm NOT a Republican. I did not think that impeaching Clinton was a great idea. But having said all of that, Rogan's story is so interesting, thought-provoking, and (yes this description will be repeated for the umpteenth time) inspirational that people should put down their particular political/policy prejudices and just enjoy this uniquely American biography. I wish people like James Rogan -- of either political party -- were running for President and offering Americans a REAL choice instead of having to choose a President that will be a rich White Bonesman from Yale -- who will never know what it's like to scrap for everything you got like the James Rogans of the world have to do -- no matter who winds up winning.

Mr. Rogan like Saul of Tarsus, undergoes an remarkable and intriguing transformation into a great American and moral patriot.

This story is a must read and remarkable as a contrast to many of the milquetoast characters in current American politics.

As a resident of Burbank, California I have personally been affected by Jim Rogan's outstanding and honest service. This book is a MUST read for all walks of life, rich or poor, black or white, political or non political, conservative or liberal; I was hooked before finishing the inside flap of the book jacket. His mesmerizing life story takes us on a journey of hardship, courage and determination in overcoming obstacles and tragedy, all while maintaining integrity. Surprise! Even white guys struggle to achieve the American dream. As a conservative Republican I praise God that he is on the "right" side. My only regret is that there is no surprise ending--hopefully if it is God's will, he'll be back!!!!

This book is just plain inspiring. I hope this is only the beginning for Mr. Rogan.

This book offers romance, an inside scoop of large political figures, and most of all -- inspiration. Its a very exciting and interesting read. A living example of "if you think you can, you can." He writes just like he is - simple, humorous and determined.

I couldn't put this book down! An incredible story that made me laugh, cry, and feel like I can achieve anything. Very inspirational. Read this book...you'll be glad you did.

Rough Edges: My Unlikely Road From Welfare To Washington by James E. Rogan (a conservative Republican elected to office in the House of Representatives from 1997 to 2001 by a liberal Democratic California district and who recently served the Bush administration in the capacity of Undersecretary of Commerce and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office before leaving government service for a private law practice) provides readers with an unusually informed and informative read which is personal, candid, and occasional humorous. Advised to enter law and politics by none other than Bill Clinton, his determination lead him to serve as Los Angeles County DA and aggressively prosecute members of the notorious Crips and Bloods gangs; then a judge, a state legislator, and finally a congressman from Southern California. In 1998, as a Republican member of the House Judiciary Committee, he took upon the task of prosecuting the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, as a surprise twist of fate. Rogan's down-to-earth candor and straight-shot attitude reveal the extent of his fighting spirit and determination to see through all the unexpected curveballs life dares to throw and much more. An engaging, entertaining, insightful, story of a life lived with can-do American spirit.

Rogan is a fabulous story teller. I don't usually read autobiographies, but I couldn't put this one down. A sometimes sad, often funny and always optimistic look at the American Dream. Regardless of your political affiliation, this man's story is well worth your time.

"Rough Edges" is a wonderfully engaging biography. Going in, all I knew about Jim Rogan was that he lost his Congressional seat because of his role in the Clinton impeachment. I found out that Rogan's life is a quintessential American success story -- a modern day Horatio Alger.

This book has nothing to do with the Clinton impeachment, and barely touches at all on Rogan's legislative career. Instead, its focus is Rogan's hardscrabble youth -- out of wedlock birth to a welfare-dependent Mother, high school dropout, etc -- and his determined, up-from-the-bootstraps ascent to law school graduate, assistant DA, judgeship and an improbable California assembly seat.

Along the way, Rogan, a lifelong political junkie, converts from Democrat to Republican -- the true "party of the little guy" -- finds his faith, reconciles with his biological Dad and discovers the blessings of family life.

This book is sprinkled with colorful -- often hilarious -- anecdotes, especially his wayward teenage years, bartender gigs and courtroom experiences.

You don't have to be interested in politics to appreciate Rogan's indefatigable spirit and admire his lifestory.

On the whole, this was an awe-inspiring story, the type of rags to riches and pull yourself up by your bootstraps book that everybody can appreciate. Mr. Rogan spends far too long though discussing his bartending stories, and far too little time discussing the reasons I bought the book 1) To read more about his time in state government 2)to understand more compleatly the reasons when he became a Republican...his 'switch' was profound and I wanted to better understand how it came to happen and 3) more about his role in the impeachment hearings. On the plus side, the stories about how he became involved in politics and the people he met were frankly awe-inspiring. The world would be better served if more youngsters had a passion for politics like Rogan had. Solid beginning, okay middle, great close, gets this book a 4.