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They said it all May 09, 2008
I would have written a long review of this book if I didn't believe that the other reviewers had summed up my views already.
Like another reviewer, this sat in my "must read" stack for months but I read it while on a recent trip to Europe and, wow it is compelling and worrying stuff because we are for sure going right down the road predicted in 'Operation Capitol Hill'
Some tongue in cheek stuff like a couple of references to senators named Hal E. Burton and Thomas Delaid but otherwise well written and researched.
I just hope it does not come true !
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Thought Provoking, Compelling, and Truly Important Political Thriller That Parallels Our Troubling Times Aug 08, 2007
Operation Capitol Hill is a must read for anyone concerned about the current state of our democracy and interested in real solutions - both on the philosophical and constitutional level. Author Ron Wolff crafts a hugely entertaining read that combines both on-the-mark political commentary and scathing/hilarious renditions of the "powers that be" at the top. The protagonists, especially liberal journalist Roland Raines, are deeply fleshed out and all of their unique traits and back stories give the reader a reason to care how this story unfolds. The political parallels to the current administration and its impact on our society kept me interested from beginning to end. The extensive historical research on the Constitution is well used and makes this book a much more intelligent, interesting, and worthwhile read than your average thriller. From VOX news to Attorney General Chesterfield, the characters and events in this book are sadly not too far from our current political climate. In fact, I couldn't help but get an uneasy feeling at times that Wolff is writing about a future not too far away. Considering the President and the rest of the administration's stance on executive privilege, privacy standards, and even the identites of CIA agents like Valerie Plame, what will stop them (or future leaders cut from a similar mold) from stomping on the Constitution even further? Fortunately, Operation Capitol Hill boasts a hero in Roland Raines that is willing to take a stand and work against such actions.
Additionally, the philosophical themes addressed in the book, especially about the impact of disparity of wealth in our society, are enthralling. The book is packed with some of the great philosophical, ethical, and moral questions of our times. Lines such as, "People are easily distracted from long-range necessity by perceived short-range desirability" hold as much importance today as they did in earlier eras. The issues and points brought out in Operation Capitol Hill should not be ignored. Otherwise, our democracy will continue to be in dire straits.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Geat Novel With a Timely Message Jun 10, 2007
I read this book yesterday (all in one day) after 6 or 7 months in my "to read" stack. Wow, I couldn't put it down. In the first 20 pages or so I was a bit skeptical that the book would hold my interest. It begins in the year 2040 and the Original Bill of Rights have all been officially repealed and replaced with shadows of their original intent --- all done legally because of fears of terrorism and domestic security. Jumping into a novel at this stage of destroyed freedom was a bit of a jolt and initially difficult to accept. However, as the story proceeds, it holds together and moves very nicely. It was very hard to put the book down to eat lunch or take a bathroom break.
My guess is that this book will become an important work in literature, similar to "Animal Farm" and "The Giver" (both of which this book reminds me of). Operation Capitol Hill warns what our country can look like if we don't watch out. We can't keep clamping down on our freedoms out of fear --- because the end result is totalitarianism.
I particularly enjoyed the theoretical discussions of how the founding fathers decided checks and balances was the best way to establish our government.
I gladly recommend this book to others who are interested in: 1) a good novel 2) government or 3) civil liberties --- or any combination of these.
1 of 2 found the following review helpful:
surprisingly thought provoking Feb 24, 2007
This is a great, easy to follow, delightful political thriller with a tongue in cheek thought provoking message. Combined with many historical references and a likeable protagonist, the author puts forth a prophetic, albeit profound and often disturbing message focused on behind the scenes government shenanigans and the resulting consequences of a particular ideology aimed at social control. Wolff provides several layers of political, social, psychological and economic insights within a possible scenario of what life could look like in the next 30 years if we do not pay more attention to the actions and attitudes of our national agenda today. I recommend this book as a gift to anyone with a love of country, a strong sense of democracy and a great sense of humor.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Operation Capitol Hill Jan 09, 2007
I enjoyed this novel on many different levels -- It's a first-rate political thriller with page-turning suspense that makes reading it a lot of fun. It's also a wicked satire on current political events and personalities (the character "Shrill O'Malley" is inspired)... and it offers informed commentary on the Bill of Rights, the importance of dissent, and the role of government in a complex society. This may be the only novel ever written with a bibliography! I highly recommend it.
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