Monday, March 26, 2012

DRIFT BY RACHEL MADDOW: A VERY SPECIAL PREVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
DRIFT
The Unmooring of American Military Power
BY RACHEL MADDOW

ABOUT THE BOOK:
"One of my favorite ideas is, never to keep an unnecessary soldier," Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1792. Neither Jefferson nor the other Found­ers could ever have envisioned the modern national security state, with its tens of thousands of "privateers"; its bloated Department of Homeland Security; its rust­ing nuclear weapons, ill-maintained and difficult to dismantle; and its strange fascination with an unproven counterinsurgency doctrine.

Written with bracing wit and intelligence, Rachel Maddow's Drift argues that we've drifted away from America's original ideals and become a nation weirdly at peace with perpetual war, with all the financial and human costs that entails. To understand how we've arrived at such a dangerous place, Maddow takes us from the Vietnam War to today's war in Afghanistan, along the way exploring the disturbing rise of executive authority, the gradual outsourcing of our war-making capabilities to private companies, the plummeting percentage of American families whose children fight our constant wars for us, and even the changing fortunes of G.I. Joe. She offers up a fresh, unsparing appraisal of Reagan's radical presidency. Ultimately, she shows us just how much we stand to lose by allowing the priorities of the national security state to overpower our political discourse.

Sensible yet provocative, dead serious yet seri­ously funny, Drift will reinvigorate a "loud and jangly" political debate about how, when, and where to apply America's strength and power--and who gets to make those decisions.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rachel Maddow has hosted the Emmy Award–winning Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC since 2008. Before that, she was at Air America Radio for the duration of that underappreciated enterprise. She has a doctorate in politics from Oxford and a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Stanford. She lives in rural western Massachusetts and New York City with her partner, artist Susan Mikula, and an enormous dog. 

PRAISE FOR DRIFT:
“Rachel Maddow's Drift is a long overdue and provocative examination of the abuses, excesses and just plain foolish elements in our national security systems. These are issues that deserve our attention.
--TOM BROKAW, NBC News Special Correspondent and best-selling author of The Greatest Generation

“In her hard-hitting debut, popular MSNBC host Maddow examines how the country has lost control of its national-security policy...[Written with] humor and verve."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred)
 
"Scathing...The author presents sharp, well-supported analyses...spicing them with a caustic wit...Incisive."
--Publishers Weekly
 
"An insightful look at the cost of military vigilance to ideals of democracy."
--Booklist (starred)

"Maddow wears her expertise lightly, counterbalancing hard details with phrases (e.g., “the lemons-into-lemonade-moment” or “the sliding-off-the-aircraft-carrier-thing”) that keep her narrative invigorating...Highly recommended to all readers engaged in the world today and with how we got here."
--Library Journal (starred)

"Drift is a provocative, important book that displays all the qualities of its author: intelligence, humor, depth, and originality. Maddow raises vital questions about how the American ways of war have changed and endangered our democracy, but she does so without cant or predictability. America’s most charismatic liberal has crafted here an argument for skepticism about our military-industrial complex that will persuade many conservatives--a remarkable achievement."
--STEVE COLL, author of Ghost Wars
 
“With her savage wit, dazzling command of facts, and eye for the absurd, Maddow tells the epic story of how American warfare came to be both never-ending and practically invisible. In the process, she revives a radically old-fashioned idea: waging war should be wrenchingly difficult for a nation, for that is what prevents unnecessary battles from being waged. This courageous book deserves to spark a national debate about the purpose of war.”
--NAOMI KLEIN, author of The Shock Doctrine
 
“In Drift, Rachel Maddow brings her passion, wit, cool common sense and intellectual firepower to the epic and darkly farcical story of how America has declined into an overfunded and unchecked national security state--one that inflicts more damage on America’s assets, our military included, than it does on our adversaries. At a crossroads when Americans of all stripes are rethinking their country’s priorities, Maddow’s compelling take on how we drifted into the costly habit of perennial war--and how we might yet reverse it--could not be more timely.”
--FRANK RICH, writer-at-large, New York magazine
 
"Here's this conservative's assessment of Rachel Maddow's Drift:  It's scathingly funny, deeply insightful, and informed throughout by a deep and abiding sense of patriotism. Bravo, Rachel!”
--ANDREW J. BACEVICH, author of Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent War
 
"Written with the flair for scintillating satire that has endeared Rachel Maddow to liberals and moderates alike--and infuriated neo-conservatives, evangelicals, and some tea partiers--Drift is funny, rich, and right. But at its end, when you put it down, you will be troubled. We are losing our republic and Ms. Maddow tells you why."  
--LAWRENCE WILKERSON, Professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William and Mary and former chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell
 
“America is in urgent need of a real debate over its addiction to sprawling militarism and endless war. It affects, and degrades, every aspect of national life: political, cultural, and economic. Nobody is better positioned to trigger that debate than Rachel Maddow, and that's exactly what she does in this startlingly insightful and well-written book. By stripping away the propaganda that distorts national security policy and laying bare its reality, Maddow has written one of those rare political books that can transform Americans' understanding of what their government is actually doing.”
--GLENN GREENWALD, columnist for Salon and author of Liberty and Justice for Some
 
“Drift never makes the case that war might be necessary. America would be weakened dramatically if we had underreacted to 9/11. However, Rachel Maddow makes valid arguments that our country has been drifting towards questionable wars, draining our resources, without sufficient input and time. People who like Rachel will love the book. People who don’t will get angry, but aggressive debate is good for America. Drift is a book worth reading.”
--ROGER AILES, Chairman and CEO, FOX News
 
“Drift is a serious and carefully-conceived piece of investigative reporting, illuminating a subject--the vast and mostly secret militarization of our society--that most Americans have no idea of, thanks in large part to the failure of many high-profile journalists to discuss it. Rachel has once again broken the mold and she should be immensely proud of this book, which is written in the same bright, clear, engaging style she brings to broadcast television.”
--MATT TAIBBI, author of Griftopia
 
“In Drift, people who love Rachel Maddow will discover that her gift for finding amazing anecdotes and funny, revealing details totally translates to the page. People who hate her may be surprised by how often in Drift she espouses some of the most conservative values: a suspicion of big government and unbridled federal power, a zeal to cut wasteful spending and a yearning to return to the intentions of the Founding Fathers.” 
--IRA GLASS, host of public radio’s “This American Life” 
 
“Brilliant book. Drift will stun Americans with its portrait of a hyperventilating United States that has produced too many real live Dr. Strangelove moments. Drawing from thoughtful, national interest-driven conservatives and not just the liberal establishment, Maddow makes the case that what ought to be a strong nation is instead risking shipwreck, by letting war and military matters escape real political and economic gravitational forces. Every page informs and angers at the same time.”
--STEVE CLEMONS, Washington editor-at-large, The Atlantic
 

MY THOUGHTS ON DRIFT:
Don't miss this one! I am waiting with great anticipation to start my copy that arrived today from the publisher and will be starting it as soon as possible. I know that I will be up all night once I begin reading because I can listen to Rachel Maddow on the news forever. OK, yes, I am a huge fan but who wouldn't be with a woman who is not only so brilliant and informed, but can deliver the news in a smart, clever, and always entertaining way?! AND she has a segment I enjoy so much called "Moment of Geek"! I hope to post about the book at a later date but did want you to know that the reason I don't have a review up today is because I not only just got home from being away, but I also just received my copy. In case you can't wait for a chance to win DRIFT by Rachel Maddow, check my left column and click and order your copy today!
 
GIVEAWAY

THANKS TO DANIELLE AND THE WONDERFUL
PEOPLE AT CROWN PUBLISHERS, I AM
THRILLED TO HAVE AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY
OF RACHEL MADDOW'S COMPELLING BOOK,
DRIFT, TO ONE VERY LUCKY READER! 
 
--U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY
--NO P. O. BOXES
---INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
IN CASE YOU WIN!
--ALL COMMENTS MUST BE SEPARATE TO
 

COUNT AS MORE THAN ONE!


HOW TO ENTER:


+1 ENTRY: "LIKE" RACHEL MADDOW ON FACEBOOK HERE AND COMMENT ON HER BOOK AND THIS GIVEAWAY WHILE YOU ARE THERE

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON WHAT YOU READ ABOVE ABOUT DRIFT THAT MADE YOU WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK... DON'T FORGET YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS 

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON ONE ITEM OF "PRAISE" FROM ABOVE AND TELL WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT WAS WRITTEN AND PERHAPS WHY IT WOULD MAKE YOU WANT TO READ DRIFT EVEN MORE

+1 MORE ENTRY: BLOG AND/OR TWEET ABOUT THIS GIVEAWAY AND COME BACK HERE AND LEAVE ME YOUR LINK

+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON SOMETHING YOU FIND INTERESTING ON RACHEL MADDOW'S "THE MADDOW BLOG" HERE


+1 MORE ENTRY: COMMENT ON A CURRENT GIVEAWAY THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED ON MY BLOG. IF YOU ENTERED MORE THAN ONE, YOU MAY COMMENT SEPARATELY FOR EACH TO RECEIVE MORE ENTRIES
 
GIVEAWAY ENDS AT
6 PM, EST, APRIL 10
GOOD LUCK!

71 comments:

debbie said...

I just liked her page on fb and left a message.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I love her show. I saw the it other day that she announced she wrote a book. I can't wait to read it.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered lethal.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered calico joe.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered bliss.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered inside apple.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

debbie said...

I entered inside apple.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

lag123 said...

I liked her FB page and commented.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

dogwood said...

Love Rachel Maddow! The idea that we're "weirdly at peace with perpetual war," is a provocative and interesting one, and I can't wait to read this!

dogwoodlane at suddenlink (dot) net

dogwood said...

Matt Taibbi is another journalist that I really respect, and having his praise makes me want to read this even more.

dogwoodlane at suddenlink (dot) net

Carol N Wong said...

I liked the Rachel Maddow FB page and about entering this giveaway. I am a big fan of her TV show.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I am glad that she is speaking out in book besides her TV show. It is hard to understand why we are in this perpetual war as she calls it.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

Tom Brokow is the one that I am the most familiar with. I am glad that he praised this book. I agree that it is long overdue.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I tweeted:

http://t.co/a5qXjLqG


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)cok

Carol N Wong said...

There was a link to an article from the Christian Science Monitor that Arizona OK's guns on campus and the Texas has it in the works. I have joined the group, Majors Against Illegal Guns on line a long time ago, apparently the message is not getting through.

I think this is a very dangerous for the states. If I had a college age son or daughter, I would send them to a different state because I would fear for their safety.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Lone Wolf".


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
"Lethal".


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
'Where the Shadows Dance".


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
'Calico Joe".


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
'Bliss'.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
'A Surrey State of Affairs'.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
'Sketch A Falling Star'.


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I entered the giveaway for
'Elegy for Eddie".


CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

+5 March Facebook Bonus Entry

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

+5 March Facebook Bonus Entry

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

+5 March Facebook Bonus Entry

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

+5 March Facebook Bonus Entry

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

I think it's wonderful that a woman has made sense of the absurdity of war that men have placed us in almost constantly since Vietnam. I would love to read what she has to say.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Roger Ailes says it perfectly... "People who like Rachel will love the book. People who don’t will get angry, but aggressive debate is good for America. Drift is a book worth reading." I have never watched her program but I can tell I would like it.

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

I enjoyed the 'When in doubt, pick a fight with the New York Times' and 'Plouffe targets the 'Romney-Ryan' plan' posts/

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

+5 March facebook
1
lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

+5 March facebook
4
lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Entered LONE WOLF

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

Linda Kish said...

Entered LETHAL

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Linda Kish said...

Entered BLISS

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Linda Kish said...

Entered SKETCH A FALLING STAR

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Linda Kish said...

Entered LOSING CLEMENTINE

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Linda Kish said...

Entered THE UPRIGHT PIANO PLAYER

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Sue Farrell said...

I already liked Rachel Maddow on facebook---but I did add a comment about this giveaway.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I've been concerned for some time about our continual state of war with an all volunteer army---so I really want to read Rachel's take on this since I am a huge fan.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I am surprised that even Roger Ailes of Fox New says the book is worth reading--not that I value his opinion, but it must surely be REALLY good if he can give it praise.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

Now that I spent over 30 minutes on the Maddow Blog reading several articles and watching the video on the loosening of gun laws----I guess I can say I found it interesting!
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I entered Lethal.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I entered Where Shadows Dance.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I entered Calico Joe.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I entered Sketch a Falling Star.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

I entered Elegy for Eddie.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

March facebook +5 bonus - #1
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

March facebook +5 bonus - #2
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com

Sue Farrell said...

March facebook +5 bonus - #3
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Sue Farrell said...

March facebook +5 bonus - #4
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Sue Farrell said...

March facebook +5 bonus - #5
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Pamela Keener said...

I tried to friend Rachel on FB but it says she has too many friends *wink* I would love to read this insight to America at war.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Pamela Keener said...

I am intrigued by Steve Clemons comment about the book every page will inform and anger at the same time
Love & Hugs,
Pam
pk4290(at)comcast(dot)net

Danie said...

Why do I want to win it? 'Cause she's one of the only political commentators that I can stand, she's a fellow New Englander (even if not by birth) and she picked a topic that no one would think she would do at first.

daniexj(at)gmail(dot)com

Danie said...

Ah, what do I like about Rachel's blog. My favorite part is the stuff that she does on Saturday with craziness that has gone on in the past week regarding God. I forget exactly what it's called, but I find it sometimes funny, sometimes depressing, and always awesome!!

daniexj(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered murder for a tshirt
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered hannah giveaway
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

entered girl unmoored giveaway
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

i love ira glass and his comment makes me want to read this more
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

the opening quote by thomas jefferson is interesting...i never thought about standing armies this way. sounds like an intersesting topic for a book
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

gail said...

looked at her website and i like that she gives links of topics she talks about in her show
gkuroda(at)gmail.com

Denise said...

Watch her every single night! If Rachel says she wrote a book, then I want to read it!

Denise said...

Oh I forgot my email address in the post above. denise AT denisedesio DOT com

Unknown said...

"Liked" Rachel Maddow on Facebook and posted a comment about 'Drift" referencing Bookin' with Bingo:
(http://www.facebook.com/therachelmaddowshow#!/photo.php?fbid=10150655400769067&set=a.155589224066.115093.25987609066&type=1&comment_id=6100009)

I also posted about this giveaway on my own blog!

Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I am already a fan of Rachel Maddow and love her wit and intelligence. I'm interested in this book because it points out how the USA has become obsessed with war and is moving farther and farther from the ideals of our Constitution. I have felt for a while that our country's focus on war was endangering its people and I want to get a better grasp of the issues and problems with the focus on war which "Drift" discusses in a way that appeals to someone like me who isn't very political!

Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

Steve Coll's comment really spoke to me. He commented on the topics Maddow discusses in "Drift" which are about America's way with war is hurting the country and we need to be skeptical about the military machine. These are issues that are important to me and I want to understand them better. Coll also comments on the peronal qualities that Maddow brings to the book: her humor, intelligence and depth, all the reasons I love her show.

Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I like the Mini-reports on The Maddow blog the best. I also think her blog highlights some very interesting articles.

Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I entered 'The Replacement Wife' giveaway.

Aimala127(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I'm a big fan of Rachel Maddow and love the fact that she is both incredibly intelligent and refreshingly down-to-earth. I think her book sounds fascinating and am glad that she is addressing "the plummeting percentage of American families whose children fight our constant wars for us." I don't like the fact that our military forces today too often reflect the socioeconomic divide that exists in our country. I'm also intrigued to learn more about "the gradual outsourcing of our war-making capabilities to private companies." I am amazed by the number of people, particularly in the Washington, DC area, who are or are involved with defense contractors. I'd like to know more about how this came to be and what exactly all these contractors do.

bronwen(underscore)blass(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am both amused by the matter-of-factness of Tom Brokaw's description of the "just plain foolish elements in our national security systems" and horrified by the implications of that statement.

bronwen(underscore)blass(at)yahoo(dot)com

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