DRIFT (a book review)

Across a schismatic American political landscape it is no surprise that half the population would align its beliefs and biases with video and audio commentators and journalists who hew to a conservative ideology, and the other to a liberal one.

Rarely does a journalist produce a work that sparks the interest of both sides, but this has just occurred with the publication of Rachel Maddow’s new book, titled “Drift,” that in the space of one week made it to second place on the New York Times best seller list and to first place in the second week.

Although one side or the other consistently treats opposition pundits consistently with scorn, Rachel has climbed the mountain with this work, voicing concerns that apply to everyone. In her case there is little question but that she meets the criteria anyone would want in a reporting journalist: Intelligent? check. Personable? check. Fearless? check. Analytical? check. Inquisitive? check. Sensitive? check. ........ and so on.

“Drift” is about the growth of the military in the last fifty years and exposes how the Congress has abandoned its mandate, as established by the founders, to be sole party that determines whether the nation should go to war. In recent years that power has been ceded to the Executive branch. One man can determine whether the nation goes to war. Instead of studied deliberations in the Congress, as required by the Constitution, the president, by himself or possibly influenced by a close circle, in which individuals may have unrevealed plans, can take the nation to war at any time. In the new scenario war making is limited to the military arm and their families. The rest of the nation is expected to function without feeling much effect.

There is much more, not the least of which is material on the shift from a military that does all its own work to large scale employment of subcontractors for significant roles in guard duty, construction and services such as provision of meals and lodging.... a second tier military that was never needed before.

An informative read for all thoughtful Americans.