This is a story of ever-expanding presidential powers in an age of unwinnable wars. Harry Truman and Korea; Lyndon Johnson and Vietnam; George W. Bush and Iraq: three presidents; three ever broader interpretations of the commander in chief clause of the Constitution; three unwinnable wars; and three presidential secrets. Award-winning presidential biographer and military historian Geoffrey Perret places these men and events in the larger context of the post-World War II world to establish their collective legacy: a presidency so powerful it undermines the checks and balances built into the Constitution; thereby creating a permanent threat to the Constitution itself. In choosing to fight in Korea; Vietnam; and Iraq; Truman; Johnson; and Bush alike took counsel of their fears; ignored the advice of the professional military and major allies; and were influenced by facts kept from public view. Convinced that an ever-more powerful commander in chief was the key to victory; they misread the moment. Since World War II wars have become tests of stamina rather than strength; and more likely than not they sow the seeds of future wars. Yet recent American presidents have chosen to place their country in the forefront of fighting them. In the course of doing so; however; they gave away the secret of American power—for all its might; the United States can be defeated by chaos and anarchy.
#785129 in Books Sam Moses 2007-09-04 2007-09-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .70 x 5.20l; .60 #File Name: 0345476743368 pagesAt All Costs How a Crippled Ship and Two American Merchant Mariners Turned the Tide of World War II
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Desperate Convoy in the MedeteranianBy M DeanI wanted to be more knowledgeable of WW II convoy operations at the tactical and individual experience level after researching my professional Merchant Marine uncle's death from a U-boat attack in the north Atlantic. Although this book has a good bit of repetition describing the background of individuals; this did not detract sufficiently to rate it less than 5 stars. The story is of a British led convoy to the island of Malta that experiences tremendous losses and great acts of courage in bringing absolutely critical supplies to the island of Malta. I would assume anyone with good knowledge of WW II knows both the strategic importance of Malta early in the war as well as the intense bombing and siege it suffered. This subject is well covered in "At All Costs". The book appears to be thoroughly researched and is absolutely suspenseful. Mr Moses included passages that are jaw dropping in the courage of these men both British and American; as well as the lack of courage in a much smaller number of seaman. As a child I had read a very short story of one of these ships and its' crew's skill; courage and luck in completing the mission but I never imagined the extent of the horror or difficulty in doing so. I did not want the book's story to end.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. InterestingBy KosieZA very interesting read about the importance of Operation Pedestal and the operation itself. The story covers every aspect of the operation. The author tries to convince the reader that had the operation failed then Hitler would have won the war; but personally; I doubt that. Still a good book though.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. War is Hell. Thank God to those men who ...By Brian P. LarkinWar is Hell. Thank God to those men who sailed into hell and came back and to the many who did not come back. Could not put the book down. A must read for those who want to know 'the high cost of freedom.'
