One Sentence Summary:
“Dereliction of Duty” is a gripping account of how President Bill Clinton’s actions compromised America’s national security, offering a unique insider perspective from author Robert Patterson.
Book Genre:
Non-fiction, Political Memoir, Military and National Security
Main Topic of the Book:
The main topic of “Dereliction of Duty” is the author’s firsthand account of how President Bill Clinton’s actions and decisions during his term in office, specifically in regards to national security, had a detrimental effect on the long-term safety and well-being of America.
Key Ideas:
- Exposing the consequences of political decisions on national security.
- Providing an inside look into the operations of the Clinton administration.
- Highlighting the importance of prioritizing national security over personal and political gain.
- Demonstrating how President Clinton’s actions compromised America’s long-term national security.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:
- Part 1: The Secret Service Years – The author, Robert Patterson, shares his experiences and observations as a member of the Secret Service protecting President Bill Clinton.
- Part 2: The Pentagon Years – Patterson leaves the Secret Service to join the Defense Department and continues to witness Clinton’s lack of knowledge and interest in national security.
- Part 3: The White House Years – As an aide to the National Security Council, Patterson becomes increasingly concerned with Clinton’s decision-making process and how it affects national security.
- Part 4: The Woodward Years – The author reacts to Bob Woodward’s book “The Agenda” and breaks his silence to speak out about the truth behind the Clinton administration’s decisions.
- Part 5: The Brass’d Off Years – Patterson describes the events leading up to his resignation from the National Security Council and his growing disillusionment with the Clinton administration’s actions.
- Part 6: The Denouement Years – The author reflects on the impact of Clinton’s presidency on national security and shares his thoughts on the future of America’s safety.
Key Takeaways:
- Political decisions can have serious consequences on national security.
- The importance of prioritizing national security over personal and political gain.
- The need for more transparency in government decision-making processes.
- The role of the military and national security in protecting America’s long-term safety and well-being.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Robert Patterson is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force and former aide to the National Security Council under President Bill Clinton. He also served in the Secret Service and Pentagon during his military career. As someone who has worked closely with and observed President Clinton, Patterson offers a unique and insider perspective on the events described in the book.
Target Audience:
“Dereliction of Duty” is a book that will interest readers who are interested in political history, national security, and the inner workings of government decision-making processes. It may also appeal to those who are interested in the Clinton administration and the impact of its policies on America’s national security.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
“Dereliction of Duty: The Eyewitness Account of How President Bill Clinton Compromised America’s Long-Term National Security” was published by Regnery Publishing in 2003.