Product Description
A look at the US legislative process, including the various detours or shortcuts a major bill is likely to encounter. The process is illustrated with real-life examples through a series of case studies on national service legislation, regulatory overhaul, the omnibus drug bill, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very timely
I received the book in a timely manner. It was in an ok condition, I was expecting a little better based on the description, but it is okay.

Informative Book
This book is a great source of information on the legislative process in Congress today.It is a bit technical and has a lot of examples (that you can skim over), but it is very informative.If you want to know more about the legislative process or are going to work on the Hill, this is definitely a useful book.

A Few Holes
In her book, Unorthodox Lawmaking: New Legislative Processes in the U.S. Congress, Barbara Sinclair successfully argues that legislation no longer follows the common "textbook method."Representatives and senators alike have adapted new methods, sending each bill through a different custom-tailored process.Though she leaves a few questions unanswered, Sinclair uses multiple forms of research to paint a clear picture of how legislation is now passed.

Sinclair divides the book into three sections - first analyzing the path bills take, then exploring how and why these processes developed, and finally making an in-depth analysis of these changes through several case studies.

The House, she argues, has grown more efficient through this developmental process.The leadership has seized power through a variety of rules and other manipulations.By shipping bills to what committee it wants (or, in some cases, committees), the leadership can put bills in friendly hands. Post-committee changes make bills passable, and finally the leadership can use rules to craft debate exactly how it wants.

In the Senate, the opposite has happened.Senators have used new methods to gain individual power.Most importantly, Senators have often use filibusters, both covertly and overtly, to prevent the majority from getting its way.The need for a 60 person majority gives a minority senator incredible power.

After this analysis, Sinclair then turns to examine how these changes came about.She suggests that opportunity and necessity drove the changes.As parties became more polarized and constituents demanded more efficient legislation, the Senators looked for ways to outsmart and out manipulate the other side.Ultimately, Sinclair argues that these processes have made passing legislation more efficient.Significant legislation has passed more often when such measures have been applied.

Proving any thesis, including this one is a difficult task.Some books, including the Jacobs/Shapiro book and the Fenno book, lack a strong backbone because they rely on only one method of research that each have obvious shortcomings.Sinclair avoids this mistake, opting for a variety of research methods that paint a broad and tightly constructed picture.

The first method Sinclair turns to is statistical data.Multiple charts confirm Sinclair's argument that the legislative process is becoming more complex.Figure 5.1 notes a distinct and obvious trend towards the use of more special maneuvers. Later figures confirm these trends (at least to a degree) in the Senate.

As evidenced in Jacobs and Shapiro, statistical evidence does, however, have its limit.Sinclair successfully researches history and changing political dynamics to explain the statistics, not leaving them to stand on their own ground.Of course, this method has its drawbacks.The reader is forced to accept Sinclair's interpretation and conclusions.Nonetheless, there is no better method to interpret the data, and Sinclair seems to have done her homework, presenting a thoughtful and well researched chapter.

Finally, Sinclair uses another method to bring her point together.Standing alone, case studies do not pass muster; they are simply too narrow to make broad generalizations.When taken in the context of statistical data and interpretations, however, they effectively bring the numbers to life.Sinclair starts by examining the National Service Bill.She highlights a more or less traditional process.The reader does, however, see several uses of non-traditional methods, particularly in the Senate, where a filibuster threat and a non-germane amendment give the minority quite a voice.By the time the Omnibus Health Bill was passed, Sinclair describes a process that was completely different.The bill is sculpted and directed at every turn.The reader sees a clear difference from the first case study to the last.

Using these methods, Sinclair does paint a convincing picture.However, she leaves some notable holes.The first concerns the role of the President in the legislative process.In her initial analysis (chapters 1 through 5), she considers the president only briefly, mentioning his veto power and the occasional need for a summit.Surely, the president's role is not limited to a brief meeting. From reading the case studies, it becomes obvious the president is often influential, even a driving force in legislation.Why is the president's role essentially ignored in her descriptive analysis?

Sinclair's ultimate conclusion is that "unorthodox lawmaking" makes legislating more efficient, but she seems to recklessly add that legislation will now "reflect the will of the people."Through examination of this book, I have encountered scant evidence that would suggest this to be true.The new tools are used to overcome the power of the opposing party; how this reflects public opinion is not seriously addressed.

In fact, Sinclair offers little proof that new legislative processes have significantly increased responsiveness to the general public.By making this statement, Sinclair opens a whole new set of inquiry about the dynamics of public opinion and the influence of outside interests.Unfortunately, she can not substantiate any claims in this area.An interesting addendum to this book might include an analysis of how closely legislation's relation to public preference has changed as these processes developed.Another addendum might include an inquiry into how the public sees these processes.Does it further the view that the Congress is simply power driven and unresponsive?

Despite these minor shortcomings, Sinclair nonetheless proves her point.Congress today is a different body than it used to be several decades ago.Legislation no longer follows the textbook method on its way to becoming law.Instead, it takes many different paths and contours, contours that help promote its passage.Unorthodox Lawmaking is a piece of sound research that describes an evolving process.

The Ugly Reality of Lawmaking
There exists a profound difference between the legislative process observed on Capitol Hill and the legislative process described in most U.S. Gov't textbooks and Sinclair's work presents a fluid and well written testament to that fact!
In her preface, she explains that this work was written to help the most nascent student of Congress understand the legislative process, but I would say those without a working knowledge of Congress will not appreciate the nuances in this work.
Sinclair compares historical and even for their time, controversial legislation (Clean Air Act) with the more modern examples of legislation that proved out signficantly more problematic than their earlier counterparts.Moving back and forth between the House and the Senate, she begins to paint the picture of the divisiveness that is partisan politics today.

That Sinclair would write such an ambitious work, is a tribute to her understanding of this body.This book is sophisticated and insightful and should be on the shelves of EVERY student in political science, but particularly those who study Congress.

I would add this disclaimer however, that this book is not for the faint of heart.If one has already developed an abiding mistrust in Congress, this book may only serve to reinforce it.The simple fact is, if more people were exposed to the true nature of "doing the business of the people," they would appreciate the "ugliness of democracy" and embrace it for that!Three cheers to Barbara!

Not light reading
I had to read this book for a course on the Legislative Process. While it is definitely readable, and well-researched, it is expectedly dry. Sinclair describes methods that are becoming more common in getting majorlegislation passed, and shows that this unorthodoxy is not necessarily abad thing. The first half of the book describes the changes that the systemhas undergone, while the second half illustrates how these methods affectedseveral major bills. Examples include a national service bill, regulatoryoverhaul, an omnibus drug bill, and two budgets. ... Read more

Product Description
This book explains why Congress is the indispensable institution for safeguarding popular, democratic, and constitutional government. Even though its record over the past two centuries presents a mixed picture, the record of the other two branches is also decidedly mixed. The author has worked for Congress for the past four decades and writes from a perspective that intimately understands its shortcomings while appreciating its strengths. He contends that portraying Congress as so inherently inept that it must be kept subordinate to presidential or judicial power is misguided and uninformed. The Constitution looks to Congress as the first branch because it is the institution through which citizens at the local and state level engage in self-government. Although Presidents claim to be the national representative, they cannot substitute for the knowledge and legitimacy brought by members of Congress. Congress, after all, is the people's branch and this book restores it to its rightful claim. ... Read more

Product Description
Presented here in an enlarged edition, Black Faces, Black Interests presents persuasive evidence that challenges the notion that only African Americans can represent black interests effectively in Congress. This pivotal work argues for black and white representatives to form coalitions to better serve their constituents. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Faceless
Professor Swain wrote an incredible account of both black and whiterepresentatives of African-Americans (both minority and majority districts)in the US Congress.She examines the history of blacks in Congress, thedefinition of "black interests," and the difference between blackdescriptive and substantive representation.The book was originallywritten between the 1990 general election and the 1992 Presidentialelection.Although this may seem to make the book out of date, Dr. Swainupdated her manuscript with an addendum to the first edition.This chaptercovers the Republican Sweep of the 1994 general election and discusses itsconsequences to black descriptive and substantive representation. 'BlackFaces, Black Interests' can be highly relevent to the historically minded,as the facts of the past shape the future.In this end, the author canhave the most impact by educating readers, thus possibly touching thefuture representatives of African-Americans. ... Read more

Product Description
Surviving Inside Congress provides essential and non-partisan educational information to new Congressional staff and fills in some gaps for those who are not so new to the Hill. Many books are written with advice for new Members of Congress, and no doubt they would benefit from this book. However, Surviving Inside Congress is the first publication of its kind to give staff detailed insight into what is expected and required of those who are the glue that holds the institution of Congress together.

Most new members of Congressional staffs are ill equipped to the meet the diverse and critical needs of elected officials and their constituents. There are no comprehensive training programs, and no curriculum that adequately addresses the multiple roles they will play and functions they will perform. This is due in large measure to the uniqueness of these roles and the environment in which their work will be done. As a result, the academic credentials and professional experience they bring with them will have little relevance to the tasks they re about to undertake.

Surviving Inside Congress tries to address these challenges. National Journal wrote: "The book gives plenty of tidbits on how congressional offices are staffed, parliamentary procedure, ethics guidelines, and the e-mail and snail mail systems." Elizabeth Kenigsberg of Roll Call wrote: "The book does a thorough job of explaining the history, rules and procedures of the legislative branch, and even provides an easy-to-use glossary and procedures manual... The book is perhaps most valuable for its understanding of the new challenges that legislative staff must face and its in-depth look into the ever-changing and increasingly rapid realm of Congressional communication... Special attention to political strategy and the undeniable challenges of working on Capitol Hill also play a critical role in the book, and the authors advice is easy to read and comprehend."

Founded in 1987, the Congressional Institute, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) corporation dedicated to helping Congress better serve its constituents and helping their constituents better understand the operations of the national legislature.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A "how-to" that is refreshingly non-mechanical
I agree with the other commentator who concluded that books on "how Congress works" tend to come either from academics who think politics can be diagrammed, or from malcontents happy to burn bridges while killing trees. Instead, what a young semi-idealist needs to know is how the House and Senate function and -- especially -- why they trounce the executive branch as a place to engage in politics.

This offering by Strand, Johnson and Climer transcends all those problems. It's warm without being hot, conversational without being gossipy, and "knowing" without being smug. There are just enough historical references for the big-picture reader, along with plenty of action items for those who manage rather than create. I worked on Capitol Hill during the Reagan Era but never knew where the term "pork barrel" started or that staff take the same Constitutional oath Members do. The book's three pages on mission statements are excellent (and will spare you from winding up with a three-page mission statement). So are the subtle distinctions made among various blue-chip print publications. And the authors still favor reporters over bloggers, a stance that shows why "content is not journalism."

Bottom line? If you work on Capitol Hill and are weary or stretched too thin, buy this book by Strand, Johnson and Climer to restore your energy and focus. Or, if you desire to "take root" on the Hill, "Surviving Inside Congress" will start your service sooner and -- most importantly -- allow it to avoid the extremes of Ideology on the one hand and too much "I" (egotism) on the other.

Hard for the cynics to believe, but survival can be reinforced by your nobler goals.

The Long and short of it
As a veteran of 15 years of Congressional staff work (Members's staff, Committee staff and Leadership Staff), and almost that many in lobbying; I have read, seen, and heard countless essays, speeches, and barroom conversations about working "on the Hill".

"Surviving Inside Congress" is the one book that does what everything else hasn't; give a full and readable guide to working in the Congress without falling into the Poli. Sci 101 ditch (boring and irrelevant);orstewing in the garden of cynicism (".. so I called the guy and got the deal done").

Strand, Johnson and Climer have put together a book that will not only save the new or aspiring Hill staffer several months or years of learning the ropes, but would be of value to any citizen who wants to go beyond a tabloid understanding of how their Congress works.

It's comprehensive, yet pithy.

I love this opening line to Chapter Five, "Genesis of a Law":

"Question: How does a bill become law?
Answer: Any way it can."

Youwill never hear that question answered that way in any Poli Sci course.And it is, of course, quite true.But, besides providing the pithy truth, the book provides the understanding of the formal procedures and informal processes in the Congress that make that statement so true.

Well done.

Terrific practical guide to working on Capitol Hill
Surviving Inside Congress is an excellent guide to the legislative branch.It is especially useful for people working on Capitol Hill, either as full-time staffers or interns.It takes a very practical view of the institution, with concrete advice on what to do, day by day.I advise many prospective interns and staffers, and I highly recommend this book to them. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

Analyzing the influence of the judicial decision-making and control through congressionally appointed judges
When Courts And Congress Collide: The Struggle For Control Of America's Judicial System by Charles Gardner Geyh (Professor of Law and Charles L. Whistler Faculty Fellow at Indiana University at Bloomington) is an in-depth, comprehensive, and scholarly study of the history of various checks and balances involved in the procedures of the American court system. Analyzing the influence of the judicial decision-making and control through congressionally appointed judges, When Courts And Congress Collide produces a definitive study of the intricate political power struggle arising from the ideological processes of judicial powers and competing influences throughout the entirety of America political, cultural, and economic life. When Courts And Congress Collide is very strongly recommended to students of American history and political science, as well of the study of the American judicial system in history, in the present, and the foreseeable future.

Congress and Judicial Independence
Given all the recent conservative uproar about Terry Schiavo, and the resulting DeLay/Frist threats to "discipline" the federal courts, not to mention the continuing fallout over Bush v. Gore, this book could not have come along a more opportune time.And a fine book it is irrespective of the timing.The author, currrently a law professor but formerly a judicial clerk, litigator, Judiciary Committee staffer, and judicial branch "lobbyist," is admirably equipped to address this important topic. This is simply the best book on this topic I have seen and an invaluable reference source on this topic.

Basically, the author contends that the various methods we usually associate with legislative control of the judiciary--including impeachment, control of jurisdiction, budget, etc. -- have, with one exception, not proven effective.That one exception is, as recent Supreme Court and Circuit Court nominee hi-jinx illustrate, the power of the Senate to confirm judicial nominees.The central reason for this sitution, the author demonstrates, is a long-run recognition by Congress of the importance of judicial independence resulting in a marked reluctance to interfere with sitting judges and their decisions.

In order to explore this relationship, the book first looks at the origin of judicial independence before and at the constitutional convention, the Judicary Acts of 1789 and 1801, five key periods of stress between the courts and the presidency and congress, and the development of a self-regulating and discipling judiciary (e.g., the Judicial Conference, the Rules Enabling Act, and the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts).Separate chapters address impeachment (perhaps a bit too much in detail) and appointments, appointment being the sole way to exercise control unrestricted by concerns for judicial independence.A very strong chapter discusses the ways in which courts can avoid or mitigate conflict, including the Aswander rules and Bickel's "passive virtues" among other topics.

The author suggests this "dynamic equilibrium" may be shifting due to congressional interference through such devices as sentencing guidelines.For its part, the Rehnquist Court cut back the margins on long established congressional power in several areas.Moreover, the judiciary has developed an interesting technique of lobbying congress for or against changes, and striking down as unconstitutional those legislative changes with which it disagrees.Hopefully, the author is overly pessimistic--it would be a shame to have radicals of whatever persuasion controlling the federal courts to suit their own agendas.An outstanding discussion, superbly researched, and skillfully written (though a bit overly detailed in sections). ... Read more

Product Description
What does Congress do? How does it do it? Why is it such a complicated institution? This concise primer offers students and general readers a brief and systematic introduction to Congress and the role it plays in the US political system. Drawing on his experience as a former Congressional staff member, the author explores the different political natures of the House and Senate, examines Congress's interaction with other branches of the Federal government, and looks ahead to the domestic and foreign challenges that are likely to drive the Congressional agenda for decades to come. The book provides revealing insights into the sometimes-contradictory Congressional responsibilities of representation and lawmaking; oversight and appropriation; and managing and organizing the government. It includes a case study (on the formation of the Department of Homeland Security) that sheds light on Congress's often-complicated procedures. The book also includes boxed features on Congressional action - highlighting such topics as file sharing and student loans - that show students how Congress's work affects their lives. Chapter-ending lists of web resources add to the book's usefulness. ... Read more

Product Description
In 9/11 Contradictions, David Ray Griffin shows that the official story about 9/11 is riddled with internal contradictions. Two contradictory statements cannot both be true. These contradictions show, therefore, that individuals and agencies articulating the official story of 9/11 have made many false statements. Congress and the press clearly should ask which of the contradictory statements are false and why they were made.

This book is purely factual, simply laying out the fact that these internal contradictions exist. As such, the book contains no theory. Politicians and journalists who deal with the issues raised herein, therefore, will not be giving credence to some "conspiracy theory" about 9/11. They will simply be carrying out their duty to ask why the official story about 9/11, arguably the most fateful event of our time, is riddled with so many contradictions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

DAVID R.GRIFFINAMERICAN PATRIOT AND HERO
David Ray Griffin's rigorous research and compelling writing on 911 are a must reading for anybody who wants to be informed on what really happened on that infamous day
in the history of America and the World: the official tales and repeated images do not add up to the official version of events andhave only one purpose : cover up
the truth and the real culprits (hiding at the highest levels of Washington's shadowy corridors of power) who orchestratedthis heinous massacre of 3000 innocent citizens
through a sophisticated high tech hollywood style military operation with the tacit cooperation of the CIA's Saudi intelligenceassets.Although Iraq was in no way involved yet
it was (not Saudia Arabia)invaded and devastated!
The thousands of distinguished and patriotic Americans (senior military and civilian officials , academics, engineers etc..) who don't believe the official story and have pertinent
questions on this historic event are ignored by the Political Establishment and made invisible by the major media.But the truth will eventually come out and the real criminals will hopefully be brought to justice and punished for their crime!

The book Griffin Should Have Written in the First Place!
Wow, has my opinion changed radically after reading this book! No, I still do not believe that the US government took part in orchestrating the 9/11 attacks. Not because I doubt that they would intentionally sacrifice American lives for profit (if you still don't believe that then I only have two words for you: Iraq Invasion), but simply because they "couldn't" do it.
However, I have no doubt that something is being covered up. In truth, I don't see why a "9/11 truth movement" even needed to be formed. From day one there was widespread belief that we were not being told the truth. This is hardly a radical or revolutionary thought.
Additionally, my opinion of Griffin has been heightened. Here, I see him doing what EVERY responsible American should be doing: asking questions about a tragic event that has affected so many lives.
By not presenting alternate theories, Griffin proves his cases. Two contradictory statements about each aspect have been said. They can't both be true, so one of them is false (whether the source is lying or just wrong is up to the reader).
With this logic, there is little doubt that Griffin's claims deserve attention. After reading this and Jesse Ventura's "Don't Start the Revolution Without Me" I decided to at least be a little more open minded to what the truth movement has to say. You don't have to believe every theory they propose (I sure don't) in order to recognize that their view point is worth hearing as well.
That there are glaring omissions in what we have been told about 9/11 there can be no doubt. Griffin here wakes us up to that point, and we have a responsibility as citizens to take notice. Of course, Griffin and the truth movement are ultimately goign to disagree with me about the implications of these omissions and about, as Griffin puts it in "Debunking 9/11 Debunking" "the nature of what the government is lying about", but, hey, let's let this truce last as long as it may and work together as responsible citizens.

The emperor has no clothes
Sometimes it takes a Jesus or a child to state the obvious.Personally, I do not embrace the religions that Jesus inspired, but I do recognize the example he set by saying the obvious.

We humans yearn for explanations .When short on answers, we tend to make them up. Then we find ourselves identifying with and defending them, even going to war over them.

You will not find explanations in this book.Nor will you find political or personal agendas, anger, frustration, exasperation, sarcasm, arrogance, or self-righteousness.If you absolutely need answers to 9/11, Griffin leaves those for you to ponder.

All he does is lay out the obvious case that what we have told so far cannot be true. Why?For the simple reason that there are so many in-your-face contradictions in the hundreds of statements upon which the official explanation is based that the only conclusion one can draw is that "the emperor has no clothes."

This book will allow you to be the "child" or the "Jesus" who states the obvious.It will bring out the human in you.For to be a "child" is to be "Jesus" is to be human.

911: A category not by itself
As you read David Ray Griffin's elegant and restrained text, as you read, for example, that an Air Force E-4B was caught on news video over Washington, DC during the 911 crisis and the Pentagon claims it had no planes aloft, your entire brain screams for relief: How can this be? you cry. With the eyes of the world focused on the events of 911, how could the Pentagon deny the reality of the aircraft when there is irrefutable evidence it was there, and no one in authority challenge that? How, oh how, could this be?

911 is in a category not by itself. In the post-war period, I can think of four controversies which fall in the category, defined as matters so explosive in their implications that the utterly outrageous "contradictions" which accompany them go unchallenged because the American people simply cannot bear to contemplate those implications.

The four controversies are: (1) that John Kennedy was assassinated by elements of the US government; (2) that the CIA traffics in illegal drugs; (3) that UFOs are extraterrestrial and the US government knows it; and (4) that 911 was a false flag operation carried out by elements of the US government. If criminal responsibility of the US government was established for any of these four controversies, it would shake American society to its foundations. That is why the American people do not want to know about these controversies beyond the official story.

I remarked to a friend one day, "You can load the World Trade Center with explosives, kill 3000 people and get away with it, but don't fire nine US Attorneys! Oh, they'll get you for that."

To reach a conclusion about any of the four controversies requires years of study. I have put my time in on only one of the controversies, (3) UFOs. As for (4), the 911 controversy, I try to keep up with it, which led me to Griffin's book. It is written with exceptional restraint, care, deliberateness. Griffin presents his facts with an almost plodding deliberateness; one by one they are set in front of the reader, with little comment and no hype at all. It is a manner of writing which gives the book great credibility.

Dissent from the official line on each of the four controversies has spawned a cottage industry in which the controversy scholars toil away and produce analysis of impecable quality--all ignored outside their respective cottage industry communities.In each case, the public would rather have the corruption, the depravity, the audacity, the venality implied by the controversies remain in place than face the disintegration of our institutions that would result from revelation.

Extending The 9/11 Inquiry Farther Than Ever
Why buy this book?

1. If you believe the cause of the demolition of three skyscrapers was a conspiracy of Arab amateur pilots who flew planes into two of them.

2. If you know that story can't be true, and are looking for an intelligent, objective, scientific investigation of it.

3. If you've seen every video and read every book about what really happened on 9/11. By impartially exploring the facts of just 25 of the many contradictions in official 9/11 testimonies and alibis, Griffin exposes both the extent of U. S. Government corruption, incompetence, and complicity in the attacks, as well as the complete failure of its censored, controlled "official" reports -- more unassailably and completely than any single work has exposed it so far.

People have been asking some of the book's 25 questions for years, e.g.: "How did Rudy Giuliani know in advance that the towers were going to collapse?" (Griffin points out, "Had the [9/11] Commission investigated and reported on this issue, it could have answered, at least partially, the question as to the source of this foreknowledge. Information relevant to this question is contained in the oral histories recorded by the Fire Department of New York." Though the 9/11 Commission's report neglects it, this book does follow the trail of those oral histories to shed some light on the puzzle of Giuliani's foreknowledge that the buildings would collapse when the architecture, engineering, emergency, and firefighting experts who were there that morning believed it was impossible, and Dr. Griffin concludes "Congress and the press need to do what the 9/11 Commission failed to do: Ask Giuliani what he and his people in the OEM knew that other people did not know.")

This book also raises questions that haven't yet occurred even to most of the better-informed, e.g.: "Where was General Richard Myers that day?" Myers was the highest-ranking military officer at the Pentagon on 9/11. Griffin points out that "Dozens of people would surely know where he was that morning. And yet, we have been given two radically different accounts of his whereabouts."

Others: "Had 9/11-Type attacks been envisioned by members of the Bush Administration?""Is there hard evidence of bin Laden's responsibility for the attacks?" "What caused the hole in the C-Ring of the Pentagon?" All followed by systematic analyses of the contradictory answers that no official report has yet addressed.

Questions this book doesn't explicitly ask, but sure makes you wonder about:

Q: How could a terrorist attack of such colossal proportions have been committed anywhere, let alone in the most militarized part of the most militarized country in the world? (A: The terrorists were not foreigners, and the attack was a crime by United States citizens rather than an act of war by enemies of the United States.)

Q: How could the people who committed these crimes have even dreamed them up, or helped cover them up, and had such confidence that they'd never be held accountable? (A: Perhaps they believe, and have been taught to believe and allowed to believe, that they're smarter and more entitled to privilege than the rest of us, who are perceived as vastly gullible, controllable, and powerless.)

Q: What were the people who committed these crimes thinking? How could the conscience of any human being justify planning and carrying out such evil? (A: Maybe the prospect of increasing personal riches and power, and belief that gullible, controllable, powerless people and institutions would fail to detect or contain them.)

Q: How could one of the most advanced and respected justice systems in the world have failed to prosecute even one person responsible for an attack on the citizens of the United States in crimes of such colossal proportions? How could they remain in power and go unpunished for so long after committing them? (A: There's still time; no statute of limitations on many of the crimes.)

Q: How could our military, elected representatives, media, courts, and other institutions have so completely failed to serve us in preventing, reporting, investigating, prosecuting, and responding to crimes of such colossal proportions? (A: Maybe because this is all a more challenging problem than any republic has ever had to contend with. And how many people ever work as hard and conscientiously as we're going to have to work to get this job done? Other than Dr. David Ray Griffin?)

What would we do, what would the 9/11 truth movement be, if we didn't have Dr. Griffin writing and speaking with such integrity, honesty, and impeccable credibility? I know without him, I'd have far less hope for the future, and the present, and the fate of the U.S. Constitution, and the possibility of justice here or anywhere, and the condition of the world, than I do.

To protect yourself, your future, and your children's future, buy this book. Better: buy several copies and put them in the hands of your elected representatives and local journalists. That's who it's addressed to. Law enforcement professionals, educators, clergy, and anyone with any influence in every community needs to read this book too.

P.S. If you live in New York, be sure to register to vote, and then sign the 9/11 Ballot Initiative before June 30, 2008 (nyc911initiative.org). ... Read more

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Explains the history and the role of senators and representatives elected to the legislative branch of the government, called the United States Congress. ... Read more

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This is the first book that looks at how the US House of Representatives really works, by drawing on the insights and experiences of former members. Chapters address every aspect of life in the House, from running for Congress to the impact on family life. ... Read more

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Exposes a self-serving game, typically played by congressmen to curry favor with constituents, that involves the creation and subsequent dissolution of government service agencies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Congress, the Bureaucracy, and the Voter
Fiorina contends that many politicians running for office in Washington campaign against the "Washington establishment."He contends that the Washington establishment - beneficial relations between bureaucrats, congressmen, interest groups, etc. - exists.Fiorina examines how this network how come to be.He contends that much of it stems from Congressmen themselves, although they often fail to realize that they are party of the cause.Fiorina contends that Congress today is composed of career politicians, i.e. those serving long terms.He contends that much of the reason for this stems from the fact that marginal districts - those that are not firmly controlled by one party or another - have declined and we now have many safe seats.

Fiorina contends that the decline in safe seats is partly the result of Congressman increasingly concentrating on constituent service.Congressmen in marginal districts tent to spend a lot of time in Washington concentrating on shaping national policy.As such, they are making stands on controversial issues which are quite polarizing. For every position he takes, he may gain one vote but will lose another.This is of importance because the difference between Republicans and Democrats is quite narrow.In safe districts, we are likely to see a congressman who concentrates on constituent service and maintains a nonpartisan stance on most issues.This is especially useful in that as government expands, demands for government service expand.This safe district Congressman helps Republican and Democrat alike which blurs partisan lines, and subsequently he gains more votes.
The author takes a rational choice approach to analyzing the Washington establishment.Congressmen want to get reelected.Bureaucrats want to expand their organization, and the voter wants the maximum benefit from government at minimum costs.

The congressman is occupied with three main issues: lawmaking, pork-barreling, and constituent service.Law making is dangerous.It forces the Congressman to make a partisan stance.This will alienate some constituents.Pork-barreling is beneficial.The more a congressman can bring back to the district, the more support he will receive and the more credit he can take.Constituent service is crucial.The more people he can help, the more allies he garners.Congressmen help constituents through red tape in working through the ever expanding bureaucracy.The congressmen have some power here as Congress is responsible for budgeting.As such, the bureaucracy wants the congressman to be happy, and helps constituents.This turns into a vote for the Congressman.What we see, then, is much more time spent on getting pork and performing constituent services, and les on law making.

The government is expanding, partly as the result of increased budgets established by Congress.As the bureaucracy grows, so do constituent interaction with government.This leads to greater problems between constituents and the bureaucracy which provides more opportunity for casework and more chances for the congressman to gain votes.In addition, the expansion of government provides more opportunities to get pork.Again, we have to remember that the congressman is benefiting from expanding government, and plays a role in the federal budget, so he votes for expanding government, and the Washington establishment continues.

Fiorina is arguing that voting behavior has changed as a response to changes in the behavior of congressman, i.e. law making, pork, and casework.Voters value an experienced (incumbent) congressman as he can get more done.
He contends that the strength of the Washington establishment stems from some institutional changes developed by the Congressmen themselves.These include: an expansion of staff, increased "perks," and the decentralization of parties.

Congressional staff has increased and is used predominantly to handle constituent services.The perks - paid trips home, mailings, etc. - have also increased the Congressman's connection to constituents.We have also seen a decline in the power of party leaders and greater powers with the rank-and-file congressman, and subsequently a rise in the power of subcommittee assignments.This means that there are more individual members in positions of power, especially in relations with the bureaucracy.This has led to the rise of "sub governments" in which the congressman has almost a direct line with the bureaucratic leadership which makes it easier for constituent issues to be addressed.

Fiorina is not claiming that law making is a nonissue.Rather, he recognizes that legislative action has increased along with constituent services. What we do see is that Congressmen will support legislation as it relates to their districts.Their position is carefully considered.They could care less about the actual results of said legislation.So what we see is that both constituency services have increased, as has policy responsiveness, i.e. supporting legislation beneficial to the district regardless of broad policy implications and good government.
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/8770C-5, 0-13-087703-4, Keefe, William J., Ogul, Morris S., The American Legislative Process: Congress and the States, 10/E//--> This book describes and analyzes the American legislative process using a wide variety of perspectives and sources to encompass legal, behavioral, normative, and historical dimensions. Its current content reflects evolving legislatures and the latest literature on the legislative process. Chapter topics include financing congressional elections, pork barrel politics in Congress, initiative and referendum, term limits, impeachment, redistricting and the courts, recruitment of legislative candidates, PACs, committee politics, committee floor relations, rules, legislative strategy, party caucuses, party voting, independent counsels, presidential leadership in Congress, congressional accountability, reapportionment, incumbency, congressional norms, house speakership, seniority, majority-minority districts, interest group influence, party impact on policy making, legislative-judicial relations, and legislative ethics. For anyone interested in the United States Congress, the legislative process, and American political institutions.

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Since the beginning of time, the demonic races have gathered every century to resolve conflicts among them and to determine the course of their future. This centennial event was called the Dark Congress.

In the second century b.c., however, the Dark Congress failed to resolve their conflicts. Instead, the Congress ignited into a war that drove wedges between the various demon races from that time until now. And all of it began as a result of Kandida, the great North African river demon, being nearly killed by forces in the Congress and magically entombed in the riverbank.

But now, Kandida is free, and for the first time in centuries, the Dark Congress is being called again. All demon races and other varieties of supernatural creatures have been called to gather at the Hellmouth in Providence, Rhode Island. Some gather in hopes of resolution, some in favor of war, and Kandida is tasked to broker a treaty and guide the Congress to peace, wherein everyone might simply agree to disagree. And so the demons gather under a banner of a truce.

But the demons still harbor many bitter disagreements with one another. The Congress must have an arbiter of these conflicts, and that someone is Buffy Summers.

Buffy is horrified and disgusted to be included. After all, she is not a demon...is she? She knows so little about her powers that she cannot say for certain where they truly spring from. How can she spend so much time wallowing in the darkness without becoming part of it? Can she possibly agree to a truce with all the horrors of the world, and allow them to come Providence without any attempt to stop them? And does she have a choice? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Buffy in an interesting position.
Dark Congress was an enjoyable read. The Dark Congress is a gathering of demon races every century to sort out any issues that they have. Some time back the conflicts couldn't be resolved and the demon Kandida was magically entombed.
Now Kandida is free and a Dark Congress is called again.
Buffy's interesting position is that much to her horror and disgust they want her as an arbitar.
The demons still have many disagreements to sort through.
Buffy has many fears about her position and worries about the choices she may have to make.

A quick, interesting read
It seems the more Christopher Golden novels I read, the more I love him!He has a true flair for BtVS characterization, enough that I can easily and fluidly imagine them acting out his novels.

The storyline for this one kept my attention and involved duos that worked together well, even ones I was worried about: Buffy & Faith, Xander & Oz, Willow & Tara (read it to see what I mean!), and Giles & a female watcher. The story itself takes place after the Sunnydale Hellmouth has closed, so it's a nice look at the characters after the tv series ended.

The only qualm I have with it is that, even with all the action that causes some serious reminiscing, there is no mention of Buffy's thoughts on Spike.I don't want to give away anything that happens in the book, but there were plenty of times in the story that I felt Buffy would have likened events to her last couple weeks with Spike...yet she mentions her thoughts on just about everything except that.Minor point for most people, but if you were hoping to get some closure on the Buffy/Spike thing in this book, be aware that won't happen.

Other than that, I found the action and ending quite satisfying. Reading this book was time well-spent.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer without the Star of the show
Very disappointed in this book.It had an interesting premise, Buffy is named to be the mediator in a demon congress.Unfortunately that aspect of the book was barely touched.In fact Buffy is only in about 5% of the story.The first 100 pages are mainly introducing 15-20 characters and it jumps around between these characters every other page, so you really can't get into any flow.It's a choppy, poorly written book.

Bait-and-switch
Christopher Golden has written several "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (BtVS) novels. As has Nancy Holder. And they've also collaborated on a few. I think Christopher Golden's books are pretty good, the Golden/Holder collaborations are acceptable, and Holder alone is perfectly dreadful.

So what's my point?

I don't believe that this is a Christopher Golden novel. It's a Nancy Holder novel.

Her style is very distinctive. For one thing, there'san archness about it. A smugness. And a kind of over-the-top melodrama (but not in a good way). Original characters in her books die in horribly gory, painful, shocking, sadistic ways. (And honestly, that was never BtVS. Just because it's technically in the "horror" genre and deals with vampires, doesn't mean revelling in gore.)

There's a lot of time spent on the back story of each of the bad guys, which irritates me because it takes time away from the BtVS characters. I've read all of the BtVS novels simply because I want to spend more time with the Scoobies, and, in this one, they were only present in about half of the scenes.

(Also, every woman in the book--and I do mean every--is "stunningly beautiful" or "breathtakingly exquisite" or, in one case, "a woman of singular beauty". One character was referred to as "the beautiful witch" three times in four pages. Not a big point, but it started to exasperate me after awhile.)

I'd bet money on the theory that, for some reason, Nancy Holder wrote this, not Christopher Golden. Perhaps he'd contracted to write the book, but circumstances prevented him, so Holder stepped in? Or perhaps the publishers preferred to use Golden's name, since Holder's last BtVS novel (and the only other novel to be set post series), "Queen of the Slayers", seems not to have been very popular?

If I'm wrong, and Golden really did write it, then I can only say that I think he's been working with Holder too long.

As for "Dark Congress" itself, you'll probably want to read it if, like me, you're still missing Sunnydale and eager to have news of the Scoobies. And, it was great to see Xander, Faith, Oz, Giles...and a couple of others that I'm not supposed to mention. (One thing that disappointed me was that Dawn was absent.) I just would have preferred not to have the story cutting back and forth from them to the bad guys. (Eventually I started skipping those parts and flipping ahead to the next Scooby scene.) This story didn't really sate my thirst for BtVS...but it was a nice sip.

Stoked
I loved this book.I think Golden wrote the characters true to their nature.I loved bringing the older characters back, even if they were not all meant to stay.I have read a few books that begin after the S7's ending of BTVS, and I have to say this one hits the closest to what I would have thought the show could have gone.

Hope to see more of this continue, and I urge the author to please give us a little more. ... Read more

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The key to understanding a volatile region
In 1989, to the surprise of many, the infamous Iron Curtain separating Western and Eastern Europe collapsed. In a matter of months, a world that had existed for four decades was overturned, and nations and peoples who had for centuries been dominated-and at times destroyed-by their more powerful neighbors were detached from the Russian sphere of influence and set on a radically new economic and political path.
Major articles on the countries of Eastern Europe
The cornerstones of the encyclopedia are the articles on countries and regions of Eastern Europe: Albania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and the countries that once made up Yugoslavia. Additional coverage of European Russia is also included. These articles are both detailed and concise, offering the reader a brief but comprehensive introduction into a country's history during the last two centuries.

Articles on the major political organizations and movements
Eastern Europe was an area rich in diverse political ideas and movements, stretching from monarchists on the one extreme to radical socialists and anarchists on the other. These movements often played decisive roles in the political and social evolution of the region but have often been little covered in histories written from a Western European orientation. The book also covers the leading figures who shaped the region's political destiny, as well as the major artists, writers, and other culturally significant individuals during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Maps and other reader aidsAn extensive map program enriches the text and helps the reader place a topic in geographic context. Bibliographies at the end of entries direct the reader to accessible sources for further reading on Eastern European history.
This encyclopedia serves as an excellent introduction for the reader who is unfamiliar with Eastern Europe, ut it is also a comprehensive reference for the expert interested in checking a detail or examining the latest historical perspective about a subject. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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