Your Government Failed You

The title of this book is from the riveting opening words of the author's testimony before the 9/11 Commission. Richard Clarke, ex-White House anti-terror advisor under Clinton and Bush II, details the many ways the current Administration, and former ones, have failed the American people. Using his insider knowledge from over thirty years of government service, Clarke explores such systemic failures as Medicare, Hurricane Katrina, and the War in Iraq, to name but a few. One of the most interesting features of his discussion is that he also offers strategies for repairing this all-but-broken system. Clarke not only writes well, he is an outstanding narrator. His delivery style is as clear, brisk, and emphatic as his writing. The result is a totally successful package. M.O.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

June 2, 2008
With more than 30 years of government experience, Clarke knows what he's talking about when he says government is failing American citizens. He spends a tremendous amount of time exploring how and where specific areas of the government are failing the public. Listeners will be reeling at Clarke's words; he doesn't hesitate to assign blame to specific individuals, including himself and others who are still in power. What is missing from his book is legitimate ways of fixing and mending the long-term problems of government in an election-driven political environment. Clarke attempts to address this, but fails to fully comprehend the numerous powers needed to generate some of the transitions that he wants. Clarke has a decent voice, though often his staggered speech reminds one of William Shatner. Like many nonprofessional narrators, the production abounds with body shifting, throat noises and other distracting sounds. A HarperCollins hardcover.

August 18, 2008
With more than 30 years of government experience, Clarke knows what he's talking about when he says government is failing American citizens. He spends a tremendous amount of time exploring how and where specific areas of the government are failing the public. Listeners will be reeling at Clarke's words; he doesn't hesitate to assign blame to specific individuals, including himself and others who are still in power. What is missing from his book is legitimate ways of fixing and mending the long-term problems of government in an election-driven political environment. Clarke attempts to address this, but fails to fully comprehend the numerous powers needed to generate some of the transitions that he wants. Clarke has a decent voice, though often his staggered speech reminds one of William Shatner. Like many nonprofessional narrators, the production abounds with body shifting, throat noises and other distracting sounds. A HarperCollins hardcover.

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