47 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Live in DC ... teach H.S. ....and .. a past tense Democrat, December 16, 1999
By A Customer
This book made me angry .. yet I couldn't put it down. Rumors from many sources had reached me prior to reading this book .. the Monica bit made me sick .. yet I've noted that this book was written prior to the Monica affair...most curious for a "fabrication"as some would like us to believe. Living here in DC folks often come in contact with those who give you "tidbits".. when I add up the tidbits .. and the known facts, this mess slams me in the face. An interesting note.. at present, Clinton is immune from prosecution and civil suits until he leaves office...BUT what if his wife becomes a Senator? Isn't a Senator's spouse immune too? Seems a convenient way to avoid prosecution. I guess what makes me even angrier is that I am trying to teach my students to be good citizens, to have faith in the system ... how do I answer their challenges when the White House has so little reguard for common decency? I'm A single parent who works hard, pays taxes, and finds that my dollars are squandered. This book is REAL .. that's the scary part .. and it's only the tip of the iceburg. This is a must on the read list .. thank you Gary for having the guts to write this ... most are too afraid.
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27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Substantial and important book, April 12, 2007
I found this book very interesting. I'm British, but I take an interest in American politics. In this book ex-FBI agent Gary Aldrich relays his impressions and experiences of the Clinton White House.
AS is obvious from some comments in reviews here, the fact that the book has the political arena as its background means some strong reactions will be stirred almost by default.
But I did not find Aldrich was trying to score political points. His is actually something of a matter of fact analysis of more nuts and bolts issues surrounding the functioning of the White House. And he obviously cares very much about the dignity, efficiency and security of the place. And indeed, through his work he is obviously very knowledgeable about it. Which was one reason I found the book interesting, because it allows a glimpse into some of the basic mechanics of the place at the centre of American politics.
But even though I guess political loyalties will be fired up, it is quite plain to me that the book transcends these, and is in fact about what endures in the system of government beyond them. And although some individuals might get hot under the collar because of political considerations, nevertheless I suggest persons of any political persuasion should really be able to see the issues run deeper.
As for the reliability of the book, surely, the obvious basic fact of the matter is that Aldrich is an eminently credible and authoritative source. His job was to dispassionately and meticulously assess character in the highest office in the land for the sake of the standing of that office. A job he evidently took pride in, took very seriously indeed, did well and was respected for. It's obvious to me the man had Public Servant written all over him. I suggest he has proven a faithful servant to his nation.
I do not sense political opprtumism in this book, but moral courage. Aldrich seems to me to be a decent guy who felt it wrong to just shut up. And in so doing he offers an affirmation of the existence of bedrock decency in law enforcement agencies, itself no small matter.
I can't imagine he took the decision to publish lightly. It seems there was something very wrong in the corridors of power and Aldrich felt duty bound to alert the country. No matter what actual political persuasion Aldrich himself may have, this book is not in itself about that, and I think it's only reasonable to recognise this in assessing it.
I think the book is actually well written, which is part of its effectiveness. But it's not the fancy writing of the novella, its that of the informed, matter-of-fact report. Aldrich cuts to the chase, and his style is fluid and concise, making it very easily readable.
I highly recommend it. It obviously raises specific concerns, but more than that I think it raises fundamental questions about the nature of government in the USA; questions, for instance, pertaining to distinctions between process and personality, important issues when considering the mechanics of democracy.
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35 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Terrifying!!, January 15, 1999
By A Customer
I think every American should read this book! It shows what really goes on in the White House. This book is very believable and yet I wanted for it to be untrue. It is terrifying to find out how the national security of this country is being compromised on a daily basis. How is it that the American people have been so completely wrong about the President and his wife. And why is Congress, the FBI and CIA overlooking the problems within the Clinton administration. Mr. Aldrich gives facts not only on the unprofessionalism of the white house staff but also on their refusal to complete the necessary background checks and the fact that many of them have used drugs numerous times and may still be using them while working there. The counsel for the president actually allows this behavior. Then there is the president and first lady who often compromise their own safety by not allowing the Secret Service to protect them. The first lady allowed sex and drug paraphenilia to be hung on her Christmas tree. What kind of message is that to be sending the American youth. The list of atrocities goes on and on.
The only reason I did not give this book 5 stars is that it gets a bit redundant at times. Mr. Aldrich tends to make the same point over and over. Other than that, it is a must read. My husband is reading it now and I have at least 6 friends who also want to read it. Thanks Mr. Aldrich for the information and thanks for having the "guts" to publish it.
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