The retired deputy chief of the State Department's Diplomatic Security Service takes readers behind the scenes of investigations into some notable terrorist attacks of the 1980s and '90s. In a fast-paced narrative that at times reads like a spy novel, Burton describes the methodology for cracking some tough cases. The author, now a private-security consultant, has a keen eye for detail and uses it when discussing incidents including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the crash of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland and the arrest of a man planning to assassinate then-Secretary of State George Schultz. Burton offers interesting factoids, such as why lace-up shoes are preferable to loafers (less likely to come off when kicking someone), and more significant information on how to scope out a crowd for suspects. His passion for his work-and hatred of those who have harmed innocent people-is apparent throughout. Describing his feelings when interrogating a terrorist who is about to become a double agent and betray his colleagues, he writes: "I firmly believe in our system of laws. I believe in justice. Yet reading a piece of filth like Ahmed [last name never disclosed] his Miranda rights makes my stomach do slow rolls." Burton's book contains little introspection, sentimentality or information about his personal life. The literary self-portrait he paints is of a typically hard-charging law-enforcement type with a John Wayne streak who is frustrated by what he sees as bureaucratic obstacles to achieving vital objectives. His prose is descriptive but never flowery, and he rarely wastes words. Burton is critical of officials in both political parties for not being sufficiently proactive, though hedoes not spend enough time explaining the constraints he ran up against. Sparsely written but thorough-a nice complement to policy-laden, big-picture analyses of the war on terror.
I predict that Jon will love this guy. I was more interested in reports that several endangered giant blue iguanas were found stomped to death (warning: link has graphic descriptions) at a Grand Cayman facility. The Director of the Blue Iguana Recovery Program is also named Fred Burton. Investigations are continuing, and the surviving iguanas are recovering.
And then there's Tennessee artist Fred Burton. Some of his work is kinda interesting. And I'm sure that there are other Fred Burton's out there of some interest.
But about counterterrorism guy. I found excerpts from the preface and first chapter out there. It looks very much like summer beach reading. Although possibly not for me.
Step right up: McCaskill takes on Stephen Colbert Happy Birthday, honey! Your present? You get to watch mom – in this case, Sen. Claire McCaskill – appear next Wednesday night on The Colbert Report (both "t’s" are silent) and very possibly: a.) Make a fool out of herself on national television. b.) Get the better of one of the sharpest late night comedy wits. c.) Rhetorically joust to a draw. Being a guest on the show is the Missouri Democrat’s present to her daughter, a college freshman, and fan of Stephen Colbert, who delights in skewering puffed up pundits, politicians and the otherwise famous. * "There are few things in this world that make my daughter laugh the way the Colbert Report does," McCaskill said. "With her birthday coming up soon, it seemed like a unique gift to have her come with me to laugh at Stephen Colbert making fun of her mom. I’m not sure what I’ve gotten myself into, but at least she won’t forget her 19th birthday."
Step right up: McCaskill takes on Stephen Colbert
Happy Birthday, honey!
Your present?
You get to watch mom – in this case, Sen. Claire McCaskill – appear next Wednesday night on The Colbert Report (both "t’s" are silent) and very possibly:
a.) Make a fool out of herself on national television.
b.) Get the better of one of the sharpest late night comedy wits.
c.) Rhetorically joust to a draw.
Being a guest on the show is the Missouri Democrat’s present to her daughter, a college freshman, and fan of Stephen Colbert, who delights in skewering puffed up pundits, politicians and the otherwise famous.
Dunno whether her previous experience on Bill Maher has helped her prep for Colbert. I guess we'll find out. Sounds fun.