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(Hardcover)
David Obey has in his nearly forty years in the U.S. House of Representatives worked to bring economic and social justice to America’s working families. In 2007 he assumed the chair of the Appropriations Committee and is positioned to pursue his priority concerns for affordable health care, education, environmental protection, and a foreign policy consistent with American democratic ideals.
Here, in his autobiography, Obey looks back on his journey in politics beginning with his early years in the Wisconsin Legislature, when Wisconsin moved through eras of shifting balance between Republicans and Democrats. On a national level Obey traces, as few others have done, the dramatic changes in the workings of the U.S. Congress since his first election to the House in 1969. He discusses his own central role in the evolution of Congress and ethics reforms and his view of the recent Bush presidency—crucial chapters in our democracy, of interest to all who observe politics and modern U.S. history.
David R. Obey (D-Wausau) is the longest-serving member of the U.S. Congress in Wisconsin history and is the current chair of the House Appropriations Committee. In the 1980s and early 1990s, he chaired the Foreign Operations Subcommittee, which funded America’s economic and political response to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
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November 21, 2008:
I enjoyed the opportunity to purchase this book at an event in David Obey's district one year ago where he also signed the book. I found this book to not be a quick read. I read it for a while, put it down, came back to it, and eventually finished it. In some ways it is like a political science textbook. I've gained a much deeper understanding of the role of raw politics in formulating public policy. I also learned how thoughtful, progressive and strong members of Congress such as David Obey can make a difference for the better.
The information in this book could lead one to develop a pessismistic view as to whether the elected Congress as a whole will be able to come out from under the thumb of lobbyists and corporate special interests who command too much influence. It was appalling yet fascinating to learn the details of corporate control of the political agenda when Republicans controlled the Congress and the White House.
Hopefully the situation will be transformed for the better starting January 20, 2009 with President Obama taking charge. Time will tell.
- John La Fave, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Former member of the Wisconsin State Assembly, 1993-2003
Currently the elected Register of Deeds of Milwaukee County