ONE DAMN THING AFTER ANOTHER: Memoirs of an Attorney General | William Barr, William Morrow (2022), 608p.
Without question, this is one book every voter ought to consume. Trump voters would see Trump judged on a thoughtful, consistent, philosophically sound conservative scale. Non-Trump voters would see how much they have been lied to about Russia, Trump’s Administration’s policies, and outcomes. It is a thoughtful memoir of a vast scale.
Like many memoirs, Barr’s can be, at times, very self-serving. Yet, one should be allowed to provide a counter-narrative to the professional media class, which mostly got it wrong.
His telling of the case against James Comey, who he ranks second only to Hoover for abuses of power, is especially poignant. He makes a fact-based and thoroughly convincing prosecution of the ex-FBI Director.
Barr makes many compelling points about restorative justice and how the current milieu guiding public policy in criminal legislation is likely misguided with predictable future consequences to the health and safety of citizens.
The sheer breadth of policy experiences that Barr has had a ring-side seat for as America’s second Attorney General to serve two U.S. Presidents is remarkable. But aside from his story and viewpoints, every voter should read this tome to get out of their bubble and hear an unpleasant truth. But of course, reading challenging ideas is not for the faint of character.
One of the most significant contributions of Barr's memoir is his exploration of restorative justice and criminal legislation policies. He persuasively argues that the current system is flawed, perpetuating cycles of violence and crime rather than tackling the root causes of social disorder. Barr advocates for a more holistic approach that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment and aims to repair the harm caused by crime instead of simply exacting retribution. His points are especially compelling in light of recent efforts to reform the criminal justice system, and they provide a valuable addition to ongoing discussions surrounding mass incarceration, sentencing reform, and policing brutality.
Barr's memoir is essential for Trump supporters and critics, offering a thoughtful and balanced assessment of the president's policies and actions. While Barr criticizes some of Trump's decisions, he acknowledges the president’s accomplishments and challenges navigating a deeply divided political landscape. Moreover, Barr's discussion of restorative justice and criminal legislation policy transcends partisan politics, offering a vision for a more just and equitable society that should resonate with Americans across the ideological spectrum.
Ultimately, Barr's memoir reminds readers of the importance of engaging with diverse viewpoints and challenging ideas, particularly in today's polarized political climate. By encouraging readers to approach his memoir with an open mind, Barr invites us to reflect on our beliefs and values and consider alternative perspectives that may challenge our assumptions. By doing so, we can foster a more informed and nuanced public discourse, one that is grounded in mutual respect and a shared commitment to the principles of justice and equality.
"One Damn Thing After Another" is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics, law enforcement, and criminal justice reform. Barr's memoir offers a thoughtful and philosophically sound conservative perspective on Trump's presidency and policies while providing a scathing critique of James Comey's abuse of power. His discussion of restorative justice and criminal legislation policy is particularly compelling, offering a vision for a more just and equitable society that should resonate with Americans across the ideological spectrum. By engaging with Barr's memoir, we can better understand the complex issues that shape our culture and foster a more informed and nuanced public discourse.
QUOTES
"I was confirmed as Attorney General on November 27, 1991. It was a cold, rainy day in Washington, and I remember thinking that the weather outside was a perfect metaphor for the state of the Justice Department that I was about to inherit." - page 3
"The Department of Justice had become a mess. Morale was low, and there was a sense of drift and aimlessness that permeated the entire organization." - page 5
"I quickly realized that the biggest problem facing the Department was not the lack of resources or the difficulty of the tasks at hand, but rather the absence of clear direction and leadership." - page 8
"I decided that my first priority would be to restore order and discipline to the Department, to create a sense of mission and purpose that would inspire the employees to work together towards common goals." - page 10
"I believed then, and I believe now, that the Attorney General has a special responsibility to protect the integrity of the legal system and ensure that it operates fairly and impartially." - page 16
"The job of the Attorney General is not to defend the President or any other individual; it is to defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States." - page 20
"I knew that if I were going to succeed in my job, I needed to establish a strong relationship with the President. And so, I made a point of regularly visiting him in the Oval Office, briefing him on important matters and seeking his guidance and input." - page 25
"I also tried to cultivate good relationships with members of Congress, even though I recognized that this would be difficult given the highly partisan atmosphere in Washington." - page 30
"As I looked back on my time at the Department of Justice, I realized that the thing that had driven me the most was a desire to make a difference in people's lives. I wanted to leave a positive mark on the world, and I believed that the best way to do that was through public service." - page 40
"Looking back, I am proud of what we accomplished during my time as Attorney General. We took on tough cases, fought for justice, and worked to make America safer and stronger. But I also recognize that there were mistakes and missteps along the way. No one is perfect, and I certainly did not always get things right." - page 50
OUTLINE
Introduction
Barr describes his childhood in New York City and his interest in law enforcement.
He discusses his education and early career in the Justice Department, including his work as a prosecutor in the Southern District of New York.
Part One: The First Term
Chapter 1: The Call
Barr recounts how he was approached by President George H.W. Bush's attorney general, Dick Thornburgh, to serve as assistant attorney general in charge of the Office of Legal Counsel.
He describes the interview process and his eventual appointment to the position.
Chapter 2: The Office of Legal Counsel
Barr provides an overview of the Office of Legal Counsel and its role in advising the president and executive branch agencies on legal matters.
He discusses some of the significant issues he dealt with during his tenure, including the Iran-Contra affair and the nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court.
Chapter 3: The AG's Office
Barr describes how he was appointed attorney general after Thornburgh resigned and the challenges he faced taking over the department.
He talks about his efforts to address issues such as crime, drugs, and civil rights and his work on the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Chapter 4: The Bush Administration
Barr discusses his interactions with President Bush and other administration officials, including Vice President Dan Quayle and White House counsel Boyden Gray.
He describes the political dynamics within the administration and how they affected decision-making.
Chapter 5: The Gulf War
Barr recounts the events leading up to the Gulf War and his role in advising the president on legal issues related to the conflict.
He discusses the controversy surrounding the use of military force against Iraq and the impact of the war on the Justice Department's work.
Part Two: The Second Term
Chapter 6: The Reagan Revolution
Barr explains how the Reagan administration's policies and appointments influenced the Justice Department's approach to law enforcement and the judiciary.
He discusses the impact of the Rehnquist court on criminal justice issues and the rise of conservative legal scholars.
Chapter 7: The Clinton Years
Barr describes how the Clinton administration's policies and priorities differed from those of the previous Republican administrations.
He talks about his dealings with Attorney General Janet Reno and her team and their challenges in addressing crime and terrorism.
Chapter 8: The Oklahoma City Bombing
Barr recounts the events surrounding the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and the response of the Justice Department.
He describes the investigation and prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols and the lessons learned from the case.
Chapter 9: The Unabomber Case
Barr details the FBI's investigation into the Unabomber case and his role in coordinating the government's response.
He discusses the ethical dilemmas posed by the case, including the use of profiling and the decision to publish Ted Kaczynski's manifesto.
Conclusion
Barr reflects on his time in government, the changes he saw in the Justice Department, and the legal landscape throughout his career.
He expresses his concerns about current trends in law enforcement and the importance of maintaining the Justice Department’s independence and integrity.
Epilogue
Barr shares some personal anecdotes and stories from his post-government life, including his work as a lawyer and advocate for criminal justice reform.
He emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in protecting the rule of law and ensuring that the Justice Department remains a force for good in society.