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On the topic of secrecy in government this is very likely the best, most objective, account ever written. There is a long introduction by R.G. Powers that is arguably not quite so objective, and not quite so well-written or documented as Moynihan's chapters, but nevertheless worth reading. Moynihan's chapters are beautifully written, outstandingly well documented, and absolutely riveting in there revelations of government policy unnecessarily gone wrong due to excessive secrecy. Though Moynihan is careful to recognize that secrecy is sometimes needed, he makes a compelling case for much less secrecy in government by offering concrete examples of where it has been harmful rather then helpful. Anyone who wants the truth about U.S. law breaking, the Soviet collapse, the anticommunist hysteria of the 1950's, the Rosenberg case, the mining of the Nicaraguan harbor, and countless other events in past U.S. History, must read this book. Everything is beautifully documented and as close to objective as humanly possible. This is a major contribution to 20th century U.S.history by someone that had a ringside seat.
I simply cannot recommend this book too highly. I doubt Moynihan, as a younger scholar, ambitious government servant, cabinet member or senator could or would write such a book, but an older, wiser Moynihan could and did. And thank goodness! This book can change your thinking. You won't be able to put it down!
- Paperback: 288 pages
- Publisher: Yale University Press (December 1999)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0300080794
- ISBN-13: 978-0300080797
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.2 inches
- Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
- Customer Reviews: 21 customer reviews
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Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
#1,311,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #535 in Public Affairs
- #276 in Public Administration
- #1194 in Public Affairs & Administration (Books)
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