PROMISES BETRAYED: What Kind Of America Do We Want To Live In?

The award-winning 'New York Times' op-ed columnist probes the widening gap between American ideals and American realities, and urges us to do something about it Bob Herbert is the conscience of the op-ed page of' The New York Times,' and his work is characterized by a strong moral vision and a deep understanding of the human costs of political decisions. From partisan politics to popular culture, from race relations to criminal justice, few journalists bring to life so movingly the stories of ordinary people caught between the American dream and American realities. Whether it is the inherent injustice of the death penalty or the demagoguery of the war on terrorism, Herbert questions whether we are truly upholding our ideals or merely giving them lip service. In 'Promises Betrayed,' Herbert makes the case that in recent years America has too often failed to live up to its creed of fairness and justice in the lives of working people, racial minorities, children, and others not among the powerful. He introduces us to real people facing real problems and trying to maintain their dignity along the way, and he blows the whistle on imperious public officials who think the rules of common decency do not apply to them. Herbert's tenacious reporting has resulted in the overturning of many wrongful convictions and the release of dozens of innocent people from prison. In these and so many other ways, Herbert keeps us all honest and lives up to the journalist's credo: to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Bob Herbert has been an op-ed columnist for 'The New York Times' since 1993. He was previously a correspondent for NBC News and a reporter, columnist, and member of the editorial board for the 'New York Daily News.' He has taught journalism at Brooklyn College and at Columbia University, and he has won numerous awards for his reporting and commentary. He lives in New York City. Bob Herbert is the conscience of the op-ed page of 'The New York Times'; his work is characterized by a strong moral vision and a deep understanding of the human costs of political decisions. From partisan politics to popular culture, from race relations to criminal justice, few journalists bring to life so movingly the stories of ordinary people caught between the American dream and American realities. Whether it is the inherent injustice of the death penalty or the demagoguery of the war on terrorism, Herbert questions whether we are truly upholding our ideals or merely giving them lip service. In 'Promises Betrayed,' Herbert makes the case that in recent years America has too often failed to live up to its creed of fairness and justice in the lives of working people, racial minorities, children, and others not among the powerful. He introduces us to real people facing real problems and trying to maintain their dignity along the way, and he blows the whistle on imperious public officials who think the rules of common decency do not apply to them. Among the Americans we meet are: --The citizens of Tulia, Texas, who were rounded up, arrested, and convicted on drug charges fabricated by a rogue racist cop--with the acquiescence of prosecutors, politicians, and judges. --An eleven-year-old girl who was convicted of homicide despite the absence of any evidence except a coerced confession. --The phone company workers who were laid off at Christmastime even as their bosses collected million-dollar salaries and stock options. --The soldiers who were maimed and disfigured in Iraq yet who never got a good answer as to why they were fighting a war there. Herbert's tenacious reporting has resulted in the overturning of many wrongful convictions and the release of dozens of innocent people from prison. And in 'Promises Betrayed' he encourages all of us to reconnect with the neglected ideals that American leaders so readily profess yet so often fail to back up with their actions. In these and so many other ways, Bob Herbert keeps us all honest and lives up to the journalist's credo: to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. 'Bob Herbert is the conscience of a great newspaper, a powerfully compelling and consistent voice for underdogs of all colors, ages, and genders. With 'Promises Betrayed,' you can read him in one big, bracing, highly nutritional dose that will propel you off the couch and into action!'--Barbara Ehrenreich 'Bob Herbert is the conscience of a great newspaper, a powerfully compelling and consistent voice for underdogs of all colors, ages, and genders. With 'Promises Betrayed,' you can read him in one big, bracing, highly nutritional dose that will propel you off the couch and into action!'--Barbara Ehrenreich 'You will not forget the people in this book. They are people Bob Herbert will not let us forget. His journalism has the power of Dickens to enable us to see life as others experience it. In an era that may one day be known for the tragic meltdown of American journalism, Bob Herbert brings us back to the fundamentals--to what happens to our craft when it is practiced by a man who considers it a calling.'--Bill Moyers 'Herbert's strong, brilliant voice consistently reminds America of where we still fall short of the ideals of the nation we want to be and can become.'--Marian Wright Edelman 'Beneath the sharp analysis and straightforward prose of Bob Herbert's columns is dogged and, often, ferocious reporting. Herbert is determined to narrate in vivid detail the tragedies and triumphs of invisible Americans in their everyday lives. Whether writing about criminal injustice in Tulia, Texas, or worlds at war in Iraq, Herbert brings to bear on his subjects fierce intelligence, no-nonsense reasoning, and unflinching honesty. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the state of the American people--and, by extension, of our country--as we plunge headlong into the twenty-first century.'--Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 'Even though the nation is more powerful and prosperous than ever, Herbert, a 'New York Times' columnist, sees ominous signs of decay as we demonstrate national indifference to the erosion of basic rights. In this essay collection, Herbert explores troubling developments in the American vision, the justice system, economics, politics, and race relations. The book includes memories of Vietnam and its aftermath, a young Haitian refugee detained in Miami for two years, reporters covering a speech by Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia having their tape recorders confiscated, and sweeping arrests of the black population of Tulia, Texas, on drug charges later proved to be false. Herbert laments that the nation, once engaged in the pursuit of lofty ideals, has lost its way as he explores a spirit of vengefulness and growing discontent with the war in Iraq. But he ends with a hopeful look at those things that continue to remain true to American ideals, including sports and the blues. These are heartfelt essays by a man disheartened by the direction of the nation. Y.A.: A rich source of material for civics and journalism students.'--Vanessa Bush, 'Booklist' 'There's a fire burning in America's basement, 'New York Times' columnist Herbert urges in this well-chosen collection of op-ed pieces. No one's rushing to put it out. Instead, 'we're behaving as if we cannot even smell the smoke.' What's wrong with America today