The Pathology of Power

I feel like I just finished watching a "60 Minutes" episode after reading The Pathology of Power. Clearly the RA who suggested this must be a Poly Sci major.  The first half of the book outlined the fraud that has occurred within the Government related to monies spent on Defense of our country and how it was misspent. The book also covered the bombing of Hiroshima and the aftermath.  The author, Norman Cousins, spent significant time visiting and attempting to assist with the rebuild of Hiroshima.  Learning about Truman’s mistakes and General Patton’s desire for a peaceful response, and Eisenhower’s follow through as President after the bombing was like a walk back through US History.  Cousins book chronicled the poor decision making of Vietnam and the Cold War, to the whistle blowers who worked at the ammunitions company who have clearly played a role in enhancing war.  This was a great 1940-1986 overview on how people in our world, (those who are in elected positions) have an obligation to use the data they have to avert war and not continue to build more and more walls (and bombs) to annihilate our society.  I suggested my son read this book as he is taking US History this fall.  A far cry from the stories I have been reading.  Perfect timing.  Cousins, the editor for the Saturday Evening Post, provided a really nice perspective on a time of instability, risk playing, and technology to enable us to be better all converging.