Square Peg : Confessions of a Citizen Senator

Square Peg : Confessions of a Citizen Senator

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  • 製本 Hardcover:ハードカバー版/ページ数 288 p.
  • 言語 ENG
  • 商品コード 9780465028672
  • DDC分類 B

Full Description


From one of the most famous politicians in America, a wise and startling book about the lessons he's learned in more than twenty-five years as a U. S. Senator. From Senator Orrin Hatch, one of the most widely respected and best-known legislators in America, comes an accessible, lively, deeply personal book: part essay on how politics should be practiced, part memoir of how he has tried to embody those principles during his long and very successful tenure in the U. S. Senate--the only public office he's ever held. He addresses matters close to his own heart: the true role of the public servant, the role of mentors in politics, the importance of having convictions and when to yield on them, the proper role of faith in public service, how a politician survives personal attacks, and how one should behave when he realizes he was wrong. He also gives behind-the-scenes looks at what really went on during some of the most controversial and important debates of his career, including the Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings, the Clinton impeachment hearings, and the current struggle over anti-terrorism legislation.Anecdotal, soul-searching, at times hilarious, this is a unique and surprising book from one of the great political mavericks of our time. From Square Peg:I had been a Senator only a few weeks when one night I noticed James Eastland walking toward me on the Senate floor. At the time, he was a titan, one of a small group of men who ruled their committees like lords in the Middle Ages. Their will was never challenged; their decisions were never questioned. Eastland was a chairman's chairman, a son of the South, a master of the rules and a man with an unshakable contempt for the foolish and, worse, the inexperienced. "Hatch," he barked, "how about going to dinner?'I'd be delighted," I said quickly, having no intention of refusing. I was the newest member of his committee and had the most to lose from his displeasure. After we had ordered, Eastland fell silent. For twenty minutes, I said nothing, waiting for him to speak. He puffed on his cigar and worked on a large bowl of soup, the whole time glaring into the distance. I began to wonder if I'd made a mistake, if I wasn't supposed to be there. Suddenly Eastland looked over at me, his face in a snarl. "Hatch," he snapped. "Yes, sir?'Do you think we can save this country?'Oh, yes, sir," I said, bushy-tailed with enthusiasm. "Bullshit," Eastland growled.