Interesting Book
David Brinkley?s book, ?Washington Goes to War? was a revelation. I initially read his book in 1989 and recently re-read it. Washington, a political enclave, was not in a position to fight and win a war during the period from 1929 to 1940. The American public was distrustful of Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt and wanted no part in European wars. Communication and intelligence gathering were almost non-existent. The government employed many competent people; however, they failed to form connecting links that would create a viable and functioning working environment.
Washington, DC, before the start of world war 11, and immediately thereafter, was politically dysfunctional. It was a bundle of mismanaged organizations. The posturing of political-seeking zealots created an atmosphere of ?sleaze and hustling?. Democratic President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who, while being vilified by the Republicans, provided deft leadership for bringing the country back, from near disaster, during the ?Depression? under the Hoover administration. The lack of readiness and preparation almost stoked the fires with disastrous consequences. The prelude to war was placid; the response to, and during the war, was lethal.
Given the times, I can imagine how intolerable race relations were. Being black was detrimental and unforgiving. His book recounted the conditions that blacks had to endure when faced with inadequate housing, lack of job opportunities and other life-serving amenities, which created hardship for those seeking a better life. A southern-controlled Congress, and other racially insensitive politicians, created a dismal environment for blacks, locally and nationally. It is important for Americans to know the facts that created the racial divide and how some fought to keep it.
I enjoyed the book very much.