Drift

The Unmooring of American Military Power

By: Rachel Maddow

Narrated by: Rachel Maddow

Length: 7 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's summary

The #1 New York Times bestseller that charts America’s dangerous drift into a state of perpetual war. "One of my favorite ideas is, never to keep an unnecessary soldier," Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1792. Neither Jefferson nor the other Found­ers could ever have envisioned the modern national security state, with its tens of thousands of "privateers"; its bloated Department of Homeland Security; its rust­ing nuclear weapons, ill-maintained and difficult to dismantle; and its strange fascination with an unproven counterinsurgency doctrine.

Written with bracing wit and intelligence, Rachel Maddow's Drift argues that we've drifted away from America's original ideals and become a nation weirdly at peace with perpetual war, with all the financial and human costs that entails. To understand how we've arrived at such a dangerous place, Maddow takes us from the Vietnam War to today's war in Afghanistan, along the way exploring the disturbing rise of executive authority, the gradual outsourcing of our war-making capabilities to private companies, the plummeting percentage of American families whose children fight our constant wars for us, and even the changing fortunes of G.I. Joe. She offers up a fresh, unsparing appraisal of Reagan's radical presidency. Ultimately, she shows us just how much we stand to lose by allowing the priorities of the national security state to overpower our political discourse.

Sensible yet provocative, dead serious yet seri­ously funny, Drift will reinvigorate a "loud and jangly" political debate about how, when, and where to apply America's strength and power--and who gets to make those decisions.

©2012 Rachel Maddow (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

"Thank Ms. Maddow for picking this and every other fight that Drift provokes. It will be a smarter public debate than the kinds we're used to." (Janet Maslin, New York Times)

"Maddow’s distinctive voice in Drift is highly intelligent, often incredulous and intermittently and humorously profane...Her thesis, which is passionately and effectively articulated, remind[s] us of how far we have drifted from linking the sacrifices of our armed forces around the world to the citizens at home they so selflessly serve… Maddow…[has] provided readers with a timely and perhaps necessary provocation to examine the far-reaching consequences of the American way of war." (Gordon M. Goldstein, Washington Post)

"Crosses partisan lines and deals with issues that deserve a healthy debate...A compelling, intelligent read filled with Maddow's trademark wit." (Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times)

must read

I really enjoyed the historical review of how we changed and what caused it.

"Drift" is a must read!

Any additional comments?

Rachel Maddow reads this to you as though you're sitting with her in a coffee shop. Fabulous, engaging, fascinating. Buy this book!

A true educational piece about our military

What did you love best about Drift?

I loved how well the book carried itself through time and educated me on the different details of our military system stemming back much further then I originally knew about.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rachael, it was by her and read by here. Almost felt like I was listening to her show that I really enjoy.

What about Rachel Maddow’s performance did you like?

How she read the book as she conducts he show. It was really enjoyable.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

I found it interesting how much the american government spends on upkeep of out dated missiles and tests. A very fascinating part of the book.

Any additional comments?

If you are a fan of american history, the military and may just of Rachael Maddow this worth a read.

Rachel is a factual real life story teller.

always Rachel Maddow has the most historical information that anyone can understand she always presents in the most respectful way possible as well. She is always spot-on with her facts. look forward to many more books by her.

Enlightening

Rachel delivers again as always. We would never know these decisions about the military unless she uncovers and delivers.

Amazing thought provoking

Great book, not overly monotonous. Interesting examples and history. To the point and compelling. Highly recommended

I was surprised

I got this book with more than a little skepticism. However, this was a really great book and Rachel Maddow makes a lot of great points about a wide range of topics but always the use of American military power is central.

Inside the rabbit hole with Rachel Maddow

Drift makes sense of what I have lived through but did not understand (I am 88). Rachel Maddow puts in order the political decisions, secret deals and creative thinking that have eviscerated 'the greatest power on earth', making it subject to the machinations of industrial giants and self-aggrandizing political leaders. Drift belongs on every desk in Congress, the White House and the Supreme Court. And it should be required reading.

A Must-Read!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Drift?

The section on America's deteriorating nuclear arsenal is chilling.

What about Rachel Maddow’s performance did you like?

Her voice holds your attention. Having this author read the work means you know you hear the author's true intent for every word.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Now hear this, America!

Any additional comments?

I absolutely cherish this book.

A tough topic clearly explained

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Rachel Maddow conducted real research for this fact-based book. It is written in a clear, non-partisan manner, such a refreshing change from the bitter diatribes of talk radio hosts. Maddow's narration is professional and personable.