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Rating: 
Summary: Gratuitous self-promotion
Review: ...Ok, I'll grant that Mr. Murtha has had some interesting experiences, some of which even make interesting stories to tell, but underneath it all runs the current of self-promotion. For example, Mr. Murtha runs on and on about the importance of military intelligence, which is true enough, but since he was an intelligence officer, one must take that with a grain of salt. Largely, it's a book of his personal experiences, looked at through his own biases and self-promotion. Take it for what it is -- his story, subjectively told, and not a document of research, objectivity, or analysis.I give it two stars because taking it for what it is, it's nomt horrible, and it is mildly entertaining. But PLEASE, if you feel like you must read it, get it from the library rather than contributing to Mr. Murtha's wallet.
Rating:
Summary: Gratuitous self-promotion
Review: ...Ok, I'll grant that Mr. Murtha has had some interesting experiences, some of which even make interesting stories to tell, but underneath it all runs the current of self-promotion. For example, Mr. Murtha runs on and on about the importance of military intelligence, which is true enough, but since he was an intelligence officer, one must take that with a grain of salt. Largely, it's a book of his personal experiences, looked at through his own biases and self-promotion. Take it for what it is -- his story, subjectively told, and not a document of research, objectivity, or analysis. I give it two stars because taking it for what it is, it's nomt horrible, and it is mildly entertaining. But PLEASE, if you feel like you must read it, get it from the library rather than contributing to Mr. Murtha's wallet.
Rating: 
Summary: Important Lessons on Intelligence from Multiple Perspectives
Review: Rep. John Murtha's autobiography presents stories of his life intertwined with lessons he has learned that should be noted by others. His career in Congress, and before that in the military, allow him to provide much useful guidance.
Among the most valuable lessons this book stresses is the important of obtaining, analyzing, and understanding intelligence. Too many decisions, in defense and politics, result from not comprehending the situation at hand and making poor decisions based on faulty data. He argues, and shows with numerous examples, how faulty intelligence, or ignoring critical facts, often is the difference between success and failure.
The book takes us through his personal experiences as an intelligence officer in Viet Nam and discovering the reason why enemy bases could not be located was because enemy soldiers used underground tunnels; how poor military planning in Viet Nam signficantly reduced the effectiveness of our soldiers; how he warned our troops in Lebanon were vulnerable to terrorist attack; of how he helped monitor elections in the Philippines and in Panama; among other important events. His book deals with the attempts of Ferdinand Marcos and of Manuel Noriega to deny the forces of democracy. Fortunately, their efforts to extend power illegitimately were halted.
This book discusses various foreign policies and military affairs matters that have become the specialization that John Murtha has developed in Congress. His personal insights are enlightening. This book makes a valuable resource to those wishing to learn more about public policies.
Rating:
Summary: Important Lessons on Intelligence from Multiple Perspectives
Review: Rep. John Murtha's autobiography presents stories of his life intertwined with lessons he has learned that should be noted by others. His career in Congress, and before that in the military, allow him to provide much useful guidance.
Among the most valuable lessons this book stresses is the important of obtaining, analyzing, and understanding intelligence. Too many decisions, in defense and politics, result from not comprehending the situation at hand and making poor decisions based on faulty data. He argues, and shows with numerous examples, how faulty intelligence, or ignoring critical facts, often is the difference between success and failure.
The book takes us through his personal experiences as an intelligence officer in Viet Nam and discovering the reason why enemy bases could not be located was because enemy soldiers used underground tunnels; how poor military planning in Viet Nam signficantly reduced the effectiveness of our soldiers; how he warned our troops in Lebanon were vulnerable to terrorist attack; of how he helped monitor elections in the Philippines and in Panama; among other important events. His book deals with the attempts of Ferdinand Marcos and of Manuel Noriega to deny the forces of democracy. Fortunately, their efforts to extend power illegitimately were halted.
This book discusses various foreign policies and military affairs matters that have become the specialization that John Murtha has developed in Congress. His personal insights are enlightening. This book makes a valuable resource to those wishing to learn more about public policies.
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