Description
Book SynopsisCombines personal memoir with analysis to provide a behind-the-scenes account of the formation and conduct of US foreign policy. This work also tells the story of a man committed to service and community. It contains the congressman's November 15, 2005, press release concerning the redeployment of US troops.
Trade Review“Congressman Murtha has written an insightful and powerful account of his life of public service and of the significant events in our nation's recent history that he has witnessed. It is a firsthand account by one of the most respected members of our Congress. This is a must-read if you want to hear it straight from a savvy man of action who was there making history.”
—Anthony C. Zinni,USMC (Retired)
“Every official serving in the Pentagon and State Department must read Jack Murtha's book. He has been a troubleshooter for presidents, a critic of the brass, but always a friend to the men and women of America's armed forces. Jack Murtha has earned his reputation—a straight-talking, hard-charging, independent leader who goes straight to the front lines. From Vietnam to 9/11 is his story, but it's pure American.”
—Rudy de Leon
“This uniquely powerful book offers the reader an opportunity for a new voyage of discovery. Congressman Murtha presents you an opportunity to discover the innermost workings of our democracy, our Congress, and the evolving shapes of complex decisions.
“The completion of this voyage will enable the reader to better comprehend the eddies, currents, tides and endless complexities which face our nation in national security and foreign policy. The author, through his personal experiences and efforts vividly detailed in this book, will make every reader a better informed citizen.”
—Retired Congressman Joseph M. McDade
“I expected the book to be the usual ‘walks on water, leaps over tall buildings’ political puffery that such books can be. It wasn't; it is much better than that.
It is an analytical history of defense and foreign affairs matters that Murtha has been involved in from the Vietnam War through Sept. 11. He makes his comments from the informed position of longtime membership on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, the panel responsible for appropriating the money for America’s various military ventures.
Best of all, many of his observations are very relevant to what Americans are going through right now as the country appears to be headed for a major regional war in the Middle East.”
—Dan Simpson Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“It is a history that should be required reading for any class wanting to learn the story of the country’s dealings with the world over the past half-century.”
—Patrick Cloonan McKeesport Daily News
“This is a sober, intelligent, insightful book written by a veteran of Congress who has been involved in most of the major foreign policy decisions of the last quarter century. Currently the ranking Democrat on the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Murtha has had a unique vantage point on the passing scene.”
—Richard Robbins Tribune-Review
“This is a book that should be included in every history and current events collection.”
—Vicki Rock Daily American
“Congressman Murtha has written an insightful and powerful account of his life of public service and of the significant events in our nation's recent history that he has witnessed. It is a first-hand account by one of the most respected members of our Congress. This is a must-read if you want to hear it straight from a savvy man of action who was there making history.”
—General Anthony C. Zinni,USMC (Retired)
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments
List of Acronyms
1. Service in Vietnam: 1966-1967
2. Election to Congress—Return to Vietnam
3. Tragedy in Lebanon
4. Soviet Union’s Defeat in Afghanistan
5. High Drama Election in the Philippines
6. Stolen Election and American Intervention in Panama
7. “Operation Desert Shield” and “Operation Desert Storm”
8. Humanitarian Mission to Manhunt in Somalia
9. War in the Balkans
10. September 11, 2001
11. Reflecting on the Past/Looking to the Future
Index
