The Rise of the Vulcans, book

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  • LeeG
    Senior Member
    • May 2002
    • 72777

    The Rise of the Vulcans, book

    anyone read it?

    http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...lance&s=books& vi=reviews
  • huisjen
    innocent widdle bunny
    • Jun 2001
    • 8689

    #2
    Editorial Reviews
    Amazon.com
    While campaigning for president in 2000, George W. Bush downplayed his lack of foreign policy experience by emphasizing that he would surround himself with a highly talented and experienced group of political veterans. This core group, consisting of Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Armitage, and Condoleezza Rice, has a long history together dating back 30 years in some cases. Dubbing themselves the Vulcans, they have largely determined the direction and focus of the Bush presidency. In this remarkably researched and fascinating book, Mann traces their careers and the development of their ideas in order to understand how and why American foreign policy got to where it is today.

    As Mann makes clear, there has never been perfect agreement between all parties, (the relationship between the close duo of Powell and Armitage on one side and Rumsfeld on the other, for instance, has been frosty) but they do share basic values. Whether they came from the armed services, academia, or government bureaucracy, the Vulcans all viewed the Pentagon as the principal institution from which American power should emanate. Their developing philosophy was cemented after the attacks of September 11, 2001 and is best reflected in the decision to invade Iraq. They believe that a powerful military is essential to American interests; that America is ultimately a force for good despite any negative consequences that may arise from American aggression; they are eternally optimistic about American power and dismiss any arguments about over-extension of resources; and they are skeptical about the need to consult allies or form broad global coalitions before acting.

    Rise of the Vulcans succeeds on many levels. Mann presents broad themes such as the gradual transition from the Nixon and Kissinger philosophies to the doctrine espoused by Rumsfeld, Cheney, and the rest in clear and logical terms. He also offers minute details and anecdotes about each of the individuals, and the complex relationships between them, that reveal the true personalities behind the politicians. This is essential reading for those seeking to understand the past quarter century and what it means for America's future. --Shawn Carkonen

    From Publishers Weekly
    Mann, a former correspondent for the Los Angeles Times, offers a lucid, nonpolemical and carefully researched history of President Bush's foreign policy team, the self-described "Vulcans" (after the Roman god of fire). In doing so, Mann illuminates the administration's rationale for the Iraqi war with impressive clarity. For the Vulcans, he shows, the war is not an anomalous foreign adventure or a knee-jerk reaction to 9/11. On the contrary, the foreign policy, devised by Vice-President Dick... read more
    At first glance, I thought this was going to be about a Star Trek book....

    Dan
    Master of The Ensign's Gig: a 7 1/2 foot flat bottom plywood skiff,
    and Prudence: Lightning #7896.

    Think Good Thoughts.
    Thoughts become words.
    Words become actions.
    Actions become habits.
    Habits become character.
    Character becomes destiny.

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    • George Roberts
      Banned
      • Nov 1999
      • 6617

      #3
      ... And I rushed in from my shop to make this post.

      The author will be on PBS (Fresh Air) today. 3PM Central time here.

      Comment

      • Joe (SoCal)
        Banned
        • Feb 2002
        • 46431

        #4
        Lee were you just listening to NPR ???? They had the author on the radio - I heard it while driving FROM the DMV yet again

        Comment

        • LeeG
          Senior Member
          • May 2002
          • 72777

          #5
          wow,,maybe there is a left wing liberal media conspiracy,,,nope, his name was referenced off an article,,AND I got the book.

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