Police State USA

June 15, 2014

Journalist Chumley (Washington Times) sets forth an aggressive and brisk case that the federal government, and the Obama administration in particular, has been steadily eroding constitutionally guaranteed liberties. The author covers everything from National Security Agency (NSA) wiretapping to overly aggressive local policing methods in a manner that is accessible. However, while a persuasive plea is made, particularly in regard to disturbingly aggressive law enforcement tactics, it is often watered down by the book's excessively wide scope; the author covers too many topics, providing little more than information that is widely available from other news sources. The extremely partisan tone also dilutes the effect of the material, especially when more balanced titles, such as Russ Feingold's While America Sleeps, are available. Chumley's excoriation of government overreach may be well served, but her glossing over of abuses by the private sector and selective outrage make the book fall short of convincingly making that argument. VERDICT Even if the partisan tone may turn some casual readers off, the timely subject matter and accessible writing may create interest from readers of topical nonfiction. But overall, while this will speak to the choir effectively enough, it will likely create few converts.--Ben Neal, Richland Lib., Columbia, SC

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