Your World As I See It

In addition to my interest in American politics, I also enjoy taking a look at how things work behind the scenes, which is explanation for my summer reading choices. Both Dr. Mary Trump and Ambassador John Bolton are in unique positions to provide these insights that I find fascinating (not to mention, informative in this critical juncture). Of course, there are clear differences between their styles, which I will get into more thoroughly at the end of this review series. However, just a first, basic comparison is in order before I get into her book.  First, while both are focused on President Trump, the framing is quite different: Bolton addresses his actions in the administration through the lens of foreign policy decisions; Dr. Mary Trump examines the forces that shaped the man. So, if you are imagining another book full of current(ish) criticism of the administration, be prepared for something completely different. Second, there is the matter of purpose and perspective. One of ...

The Epilogue: "Yeah, I Could Have Testified, But It Wouldn't Have Made A Difference (and also: $$$)" Hey, thanks for taking this little journey with me, I'm sure we're all glad it's finally at an end. Next week I'll be diving into Dr. Mary Trump's book, so stay tuned for that if you dare, haha. Today I'll be wrapping up with final thoughts on the book and the epilogue section. But first, here what you're actually interested in: my recommendations! Q: Should I read this book? A: Well, it depends. If you think Trump is doing a good (or even ok) job as president, you should definitely read it. If you think you think it's fine to vote 3rd party or sit out this election, you should read this book. Otherwise, I'd say you'd be fine skipping it. It isn't particularly fun in a literary sense, though I suppose it might be useful for showing people anti-Trump quotes from a conservative republican, though you could just ask me to send you t...

Chapters 12-14: "Bolton's Exit Strategy" There is, of course, the epilogue to deal with, but here we are at the end of the book proper. While there are certainly more salacious lines from Bolton in this section, honestly, it is tiring to turn this pages while daily new travesties are being visited upon us and constant demonstrations of self-dealing and willful deceit and ignorance abound. However, let's get into it, I guess... Quick hits: Bolton finally gives up. He took on the job of National Security Advisor with the dream of transforming the inner workings of the American foreign policy and intelligence apparatus, or at least of enacting clear, hardline positions against those he believes to be our enemies or rivals. However, he at last came to realize that he was working for a president that in his judgment does not have the temperament to lead a nation, one more interested in his own accomplishments than the needs of the country, one that lacked any sense of focu...

Chapters 10 ("Thunder Out of China") and 11 ("Checking Into the Hanoi Hilton, Then Checking Out, and the Panmunjom Playtime") Quick Hits: these chapters highlight Bolton's view (again) of Trump's foreign policy problems of personal relationships vs. the country, inconsistency and lack of resolve, and discord in the administration. We are presented with a cabinet that squabbles with itself while also trying to prevent the president from pursuing disastrous and uniformed decisions. I will relate the information in these chapters by expansive commentary around some of the more interesting lines from Bolton's prose. Let's start with the headliner that basically every journalist put out to the raised eyebrows of the public: [Trump] then stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming US presidential election, alluding to China's economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure he'd win. He stressed the importance o...

Chapter 9: "Venezuela Libre" or "We Can Make A Mess of Foreign Policy Anywhere" Quick Hits: Bolton spends this chapter discussing the failed attempt by the opposition in Venezuela to topple Maduro. He notes that while there were no guarantees of success, the president's characteristic lack of resolve and focus basically ensured its failure. Naturally, he has criticisms for other administration officials as well, but, as we all know, only one man is ultimately responsible (even if he tries to not take any responsibility for anything): "Perhaps Trump forget he made the actual decision on policy, except when he said he was the only one who made decisions" (Bolton 276). 1. President Trump: as always, the president constantly changes his positions on the foreign policy decision. Bolton again implies that the issue stems from from Trump's obvious lack of experience in and knowledge of American policy. As constantly demonstrated throughout the administra...

Chapter 8 - "Chaos As A Way Of Life"  or "Actually Bolton's Title for this Chapter is Fine as is" While there are certainly many criticisms of the president present today (even more so in the short but already overflowing 2020 life), I feel like this chapter points at the central failing of the Trump administration: a complete lack of order and professionalism, which both influences and is influenced by Trump's own inconsistent and self-centered style. Quick Hits: John Bolton tackles the theme of chaos and disorder of this White House, especially compared to previous administrations that he has served in. He portrays an administration constantly scrambling to put out fires started by the president and to take the gasoline out of his hands as he moves into another room. He talks about the vindictive pettiness in the treatment of friends and foes alike, the constant undermining of administration officials and cabinet members, and frustration of the nepotistic ...