Terry Turchie and Dr. Kathleen Puckett give the reader a first-hand look at how over thirty years of reckless actions by both Republicans and Democrats in the service of their own political ambitions and addiction to power have crippled the ability of the FBI to protect national security under the law. 

In detailing the disastrous effects of “politics as usual” on the safety of the United States, they indict politicians from every level of government, by name.  From Watergate to the current War on Terror, they present a clear case that the alleged ineptitude politicians have continually ascribed to the FBI is the direct result of their own agendas to promote their careers and advance their own political power. 

Since 9/11, unknown to the public, the destruction of protections insured by transparency and the rule of law has increased as covert intelligence operatives traditionally allied with whatever political party is in power have assumed positions within the FBI itself, dangerously undermining the independence from politics that is critical to its investigations of civil liberties violations, political corruption and national security.

Turchie, a former Deputy Assistant Director of the Counterterrorism Division of the FBI, was also Senior Counterintelligence Officer at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Dr. Puckett, after 23 years with the FBI, is affiliated with the University of California at San Francisco.

“A spirited defense of the Bureau and a stinging attack on those who would limit its scope...Truly fascinating insights...an account full of intriguing insights from inside...”

- Publisher’s Weekly Web Exclusive Review 9/15/08 (view)