--by Abby
I'm really enjoying My FBI, I'm about a third of the way through. The first chapter was all about the bombing of the Khobar Towers, and did not reflect well on the Clinton Administration. I hate to hear bad things about Bill (he's my homeboy) but I was never really up on foreign policy in the '90s. Anyway, the Khobar Towers debacle sort of pushed right through the end of Freeh's stint as Director of the FBI, and therefore, is chronologically the end of the saga.
The second chapter has so far covered his entire childhood and jumped right up to Bill Clinton convincing Freeh to take the job. This chapter was kinder to Mr. Clinton. Apparently, it is impossible not to like the man on first impression. Also, Freeh thinks he's the single best politician of his generation. I'm not sure yet if that's a compliment.
Sidenote: the chapters are really long. So I'm still in the 2nd chapter.
Yeah, so its out of order, but it's really interesting, compelling reading. Rarely have I been able to read about any event with so much circumspection. Not only do you see the event--all the facts plus the details provided by hindsight-- but you also get the microcosm of internal politics and personal motives and the macroscopic impact of decisions made by people in power.
I'm now thoroughly convinced that I do not belong in government, nor any position where so much is at stake. Waaaay too much pressure. Freeh seems to deal with it well. I'm liking the man. Even though he's from Jersey.
2 comments:
I like that you used the word "circumspection."
And in an interesting* sidenote: I recently decided to rethink a career in publicity because I didn't want to deal with the stress. I think a job in Government would probably make my head explode from the pressure.
*not actually interesting.
I saw this book on the bargan rack at B&N the other day and I almost bought it. But then I realized that if I ever decide I actually want to read about the FBI and government, I'll just borrow it from you. I did buy 3 other books though. But that's an entry for another time.
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