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Waxman Report (2009)

by Henry Waxman(Favorite Author)

3.44 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0446545678 (ISBN13: 9780446545679)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Grand Central Publishing

review 1: I'll admit, when I first checked this book out of the library, I thought it was going to be the exact opposite of what it really is. For some reason I had the impression that it was going to be about Congressional gridlock instead of Congressional accomplishments, because, as the introduction clearly states, that's pretty much what Americans think Congress does- nothing. Instead, this is going to be a book about all of the things that government accomplishes on our behalf that we don't realize or appreciate.So, ok, it's going to be about how awesome Congress is. I'm skeptical, but I'll give it a try.Unfortunately, I didn't get much further than the introductory biography chapter before I wanted to pitch the book at the wall. (I resisted this urge mainly because I was r... moreeading an ebook on a fragile and expensive electronic device. How sad that future readers will never know that particular pleasure of book reading.)First, Waxman tells us that he majored in political science at college because it was a blow-off major he could do well in without any effort, freeing up more of his time to worthwhile public service activities like "organizing" the hell out of the Young Democrats to gain more power for himself and his friends. Later he decides to run for state assembly, and he convinces one of his friends to drop out of school to come run his campaign. (Yay for education, I guess?) His friends are geniuses, but he's shocked when the newspaper run by his aunt refuses to endorse him. Apparently it's his birthright to get an advantage in the campaign solely because of who his family is. But, he knocks on every door in the district and wins the election, despite never explaining (in the book, anyway) what in the heck was the difference between his platform and that of the incumbent opponent from his own party.When he gets to the state capitol, he relates a cute story about a legendary orator who was a crony of the Speaker of the State Assembly, who once adroitly changed his entire opinion of important legislation in the middle of a speech at a signal from the Speaker that political winds had shifted. (Yay for sound public policy founded on logic and reasoning, I guess?) Meanwhile, most legislators spent all of their free time at rowdy parties. Wives aren't invited to the parties, because no one wants their wives to see them....well, Waxman doesn't say, but I can only assume they're snorting coke off hooker's asses or something. Waxman sounds somewhat uncomfortable with this, but openly admits that he caves to peer pressure when he tells his new girlfriend that he can only bring her to those as long as they stay unmarried. (Horray for personal principle and integrity, and standing up to peer pressure...I guess?)Next, Waxman becomes the chair of the redistricting committee. He openly states that he set all of his efforts towards making sure his personal friends in the legislature get favorable district boundaries. Here is a choice quote: "In theory, redistricting should be a simple exercise. Fiddle with the borders until you've maximized the number of Democratic seats and call it a day." WOW. (In practice, legislators get on his case when the new boundaries suddenly include their mothers-in-law, which was actually the only amusing part of the book so far.) Anyway, he slaves away at this backroom deal-making for months until the bill is finally passed. But he's disappointed when the governor vetoes it anyway, and they get stuck with a court-mandated map.Horry for...government...being in the interests....of the people....or....OK fuck it, I give up. I'm only on page 30 and I'm already so disgusted with this guy. This is supposed to be about all of the things Congress has accomplished over the years, but so far all I've heard is about things HE'S accomplished for HIMSELF or his close friends to keep them in power. By page 30, he's gotten himself to DC by convincing other Democrats not to run against him in a newly-formed district. Good thing too, or the people he represents might have had more choices! Talk about politics as usual. This kind of bullshit is precisely what the American people are sick to death of. So in the end, the book turned out to be exactly what I thought it would be...only it proves the point UNINTENTIONALLY, which is just so much more depressing. I don't think I have the strength to finish, or I'd have to move to Canada. And it's fucking cold up there.
review 2: The book was pretty boring and one-sided. I was hoping to get a feel for how Congress really worked but all I got from it was "Republicans mess everything up." And while I'm a Democrat myself, that was not what I was hoping to gain from this read. Besides the bias, the prose is also difficult to read. I had to reread sentences several times to understand where pauses were intended to be inserted and which adjectives matched with which nouns.In general, I'm a fan of all of Waxman's efforts. I enjoyed reading the reasoning behind his steps and the triumphs and tribulations involved. However, the book was not thought provoking. I liked the fact that he spear-headed an inquiry into steroid use in the MLB, supported AIDS research, and took on Big Tobacco companies. But I want to know if (why) Republicans/Conservatives disagreed with his intentions and methods. The book paints the picture in a very idealistic manner: everybody supported (and subsequently benefited) from Waxman's actions. I assume that is not the case and I want hard numbers to show why (or why not) it was so.If you're unsure of your political allegiance and want a book to push you towards the Democrat's corner, read this book. If you're looking for real insight towards Congress' proceedings, unbiased recollection of decisions and consequences, etc., do not expect to be enthralled by this book. less

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