Robert Patterson (1)

Close to Clinton while toting the nuclear "football", author Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson (Ret.) of the USAF gives an insider's account of Clinton the man - and Hillary the woman. It does not surprise me that Patterson has much to criticize in Clinton-directed military reduction as well as a reluctant military policy and lack of decisiveness. In this foreign policy opinion, this dovetails with In the Arena: A Memoir of the 20th Century which is liberally excerpted in an appendix. Beside show more these opinions - probably resonant to many considering 9/11 and the follow-on War on Terror - I found most interesting the candid observations of the Clintons' characters. This adds to multiple opinions of Bill as a charismatic misogynist with a generally unprofessional approach to executive position and Hillary as abusive with both treating the military and other resources with a sense of entitlement. A new observation for me was spinning Hillary has a sharp-tongued shrew to Bill as a meek sufferer of her tirades. show less

This book casts former president Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary Clinton, in an uncomplimentary light. Conservatives and Republicans love this book and naturally, liberals and Democrats discover a bad taste. Dereliction Of Duty by Lieutenant Colonel Robert "Buzz" Patterson, USAF (Retired), deserves more than just being cast into or out of a particular camp.

I found the descriptions of the nuclear football and how it was handled during the Clinton administration fascinating. If you want to show more read about Bill Clinton's extra marital relationships, this book is not for you.

Dereliction of Duty should be read for what it is, an eyewitness account. Every witness views events from his or her own perspective. I believe that Patterson's strongest perspective is not his being a conservative, but rather his military profession. Duty and honor are paramount. Most would agree that "duty and honor" is not the best description of former president Bill Clinton.

This is a short book that is quickly read. show less

Although Reckless Disregard has the look and feel of a political hit piece, it should not be dismissed without careful reading. Patterson paints a chorus of liberal Democrats as consistently viewing the US military as increasingly unnecessary in the modern world. Hit piece or not, American voters of all stripes will be well served by reading Reckless Disregard and asking whether a strong US military is more likely with Kerry or Bush residing in the White House? Under which man's leadership show more will America be safer today and tomorrow?

Author Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson, USAF, Retired, is passionate about his respect for the USA military. From his perspective liberal Democrats - Carter, Clintons, Gore, Kerry and Ted Kennedy - are dangerous leaders in that they either do not understand or care about the military, or both.

Considering Reckless Disregard as a whole, the book is worth reading. However, it is a bit disappointing when compared to Patterson's Dereliction Of Duty (reviewed 8/16/2004). Patterson's earlier book is a first person account whereas Reckless Disregard has significant portions either authored by others or is reprinted material.

I found the appendix to be a valuable addition to the book, although the font size of the reprint of President Bush's National Security Strategy is too small and the quality of the print of John Kerry's testimony makes the reading tedious. This is unfortunate and careless editing. show less

We all know what a schmuck Clinton was. AND, now we all know not to hire Robert Patterson, because he'll tell all your secrets.