I've only gotten to Chapter 6. It actually makes for very good reading. If you're thinking that it's dry and boring it's anything but. It reads like a novel and it provides a lot of interesting insight into the exact timetables of the plot, how it was implemented, initial government response, etc. There's a plethora of primary sources that would make any historian giddy. Anyway you can either download it or buy it for $10. I have to say, best $15 million spent on any commission ever.

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Originally posted by occrider I've only gotten to Chapter 6. It actually makes for very good reading. If you're thinking that it's dry and boring it's anything but. It reads like a novel and it provides a lot of interesting insight into the exact timetables of the plot, how it was implemented, initial government response, etc. There's a plethora of primary sources that would make any historian giddy. Anyway you can either download it or buy it for $10. I have to say, best $15 million spent on any commission ever.

I thought about putting this on my reading list, but 3 other books are currently being juggled right now so it'll have to wait. I have, of course, read a number of summaries and criticisms on both sides. Based on what you've read so far, would you more or less agree that the Commission spread out the blame a little too thin, and really didn't finger anyone with emphasis? The latest one I read today was from Sibel Edmonds here (she was an FBI translator who's recently had her testimony classified by Ashcroft, even though much of what she's said has already been made public):

http://www.antiwar.com/orig/s-edmon...?articleid=3151

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Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...

i skimmed through it, but your review sounds interesting. i might have to get it.

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Originally posted by MisterOpus1 I thought about putting this on my reading list, but 3 other books are currently being juggled right now so it'll have to wait. I have, of course, read a number of summaries and criticisms on both sides. Based on what you've read so far, would you more or less agree that the Commission spread out the blame a little too thin, and really didn't finger anyone with emphasis? The latest one I read today was from Sibel Edmonds here (she was an FBI translator who's recently had her testimony classified by Ashcroft, even though much of what she's said has already been made public): http://www.antiwar.com/orig/s-edmon...?articleid=3151

The goal of the commission wasn't to assign blame or responsibility. It did outline failures that led up to the attacks and missed opportunities, but the focus on the commission wasn't so much to single out who's "fault" it was but rather to identify what went wrong and how to correct it to ward off future attacks. Sure the commission could have spent $70 million and taken the Ken Starr approach, but then you could have expected a commission lasting until next year without any recommendations that would be actionable until 2006. Doesn't sound very productive to me.

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Originally posted by occrider The goal of the commission wasn't to assign blame or responsibility.

Took the words right out of my mouth. Bully to you, Opus! Shame on you!


Out of curiousity, where to the proceeds/profits from the book sale go? It is amazing to me the amount of political books that have been published within the past 3 years for whatever the reason. The profits from this one must go somewhere, and I certainly hope they do NOT go to someONE.

quote:

Originally posted by MisterOpus1 I thought about putting this on my reading list, but 3 other books are currently being juggled right now so it'll have to wait.

Yeah same. I've got a political book, a science book and a fiction book on the go atm (so I've got something to read no matter what mood I'm in ) so once I've bumped off Worse Than Watergate I'll probably make it next on my list. Probably have to buy it from Amazon or something though, because I doubt it'll be stocked in the stores down here and I can't be bothered with the pdf.

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quote:

Originally posted by occrider The goal of the commission wasn't to assign blame or responsibility. It did outline failures that led up to the attacks and missed opportunities, but the focus on the commission wasn't so much to single out who's "fault" it was but rather to identify what went wrong and how to correct it to ward off future attacks. Sure the commission could have spent $70 million and taken the Ken Starr approach, but then you could have expected a commission lasting until next year without any recommendations that would be actionable until 2006. Doesn't sound very productive to me.

Yeah but really now, where's the fun in that? I want blame! I want controversy! How the hell are we suppose to give jabs when this thing is so well written and decisively bi-partisan?!?

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Whence September dusk grows crisper still,
with leaves all crimson conquered,
I yearn to shout,
and dance about,
and stick pickles in my honker...

quote:

Originally posted by Shakka Took the words right out of my mouth. Bully to you, Opus! Shame on you! Out of curiousity, where to the proceeds/profits from the book sale go? It is amazing to me the amount of political books that have been published within the past 3 years for whatever the reason. The profits from this one must go somewhere, and I certainly hope they do NOT go to someONE.

I assume that it's at cost or pretty damn close to it? Considering that it's 500 pages of reading and only $8 I would say that they aren't making much off it. But I imagine the proceeds go towards funding the comission. Anyway I just downloaded the pdf. Makes for great readng at work.

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my Acrobat reader is corrupted and the book hasn't arrived on the island yet.

i got an excuse for everything

Here's some of the good stuff you guys are missing out on:

Clinton to General Shelton:

"'You know, it would scare the shit out of Al-Qaeda if suddenly a bunch of black ninjas rapelled out of helicopters into the middle of their camp.'"

Cohen: "The question remained how to get the ninjas into and out of the theater of operations."



Apparentely we have ninjas ... fear us world!

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post on book recommendations

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i read most of the staff statements when i had free time at work... is it much different than those?