Unlimited Access: A First Step Workbook for Twelve Step Programs

by Gary Aldrich

Book Overview

Gary Aldrich was an FBI agent closing out his career with a stint at the White House. What should have been a peaceful exit left him shaken. Unlimited Access is Aldrich's electrifying expose of a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0895264544
• ISBN13: 9780895264541
• Release Date: June 1996
• Publisher: Regnery Publishing
• Length: 24 Pages
• Weight: 0.99 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Don't Vote for Hillary 'Till You Read This

I read this book years ago, but I recommended it again just today. If even a fraction of it is true (and I suspect it is a whole lot more than a fraction), it is REALLY scary.

Substantial and important book

I found this book very interesting. I'm British, but I take an interest in American politics. In this book ex-FBI agent Gary Aldrich relays his impressions and experiences of the Clinton White House. AS is obvious from some comments in reviews here, the fact that the book has the political arena as its background means some strong reactions will be stirred almost by default. But I did not find Aldrich was trying to score political points. His is actually something of a matter of fact analysis of more nuts and bolts issues surrounding the functioning of the White House. And he obviously cares very much about the dignity, efficiency and security of the place. And indeed, through his work he is obviously very knowledgeable about it. Which was one reason I found the book interesting, because it allows a glimpse into some of the basic mechanics of the place at the centre of American politics. But even though I guess political loyalties will be fired up, it is quite plain to me that the book transcends these, and is in fact about what endures in the system of government beyond them. And although some individuals might get hot under the collar because of political considerations, nevertheless I suggest persons of any political persuasion should really be able to see the issues run deeper. As for the reliability of the book, surely, the obvious basic fact of the matter is that Aldrich is an eminently credible and authoritative source. His job was to dispassionately and meticulously assess character in the highest office in the land for the sake of the standing of that office. A job he evidently took pride in, took very seriously indeed, did well and was respected for. It's obvious to me the man had Public Servant written all over him. I suggest he has proven a faithful servant to his nation. I do not sense political opprtumism in this book, but moral courage. Aldrich seems to me to be a decent guy who felt it wrong to just shut up. And in so doing he offers an affirmation of the existence of bedrock decency in law enforcement agencies, itself no small matter. I can't imagine he took the decision to publish lightly. It seems there was something very wrong in the corridors of power and Aldrich felt duty bound to alert the country. No matter what actual political persuasion Aldrich himself may have, this book is not in itself about that, and I think it's only reasonable to recognise this in assessing it. I think the book is actually well written, which is part of its effectiveness. But it's not the fancy writing of the novella, its that of the informed, matter-of-fact report. Aldrich cuts to the chase, and his style is fluid and concise, making it very easily readable. I highly recommend it. It obviously raises specific concerns, but more than that I think it raises fundamental questions about the nature of government in the USA; questions, for instance, pertaining to distinctions between process and personality, important issues when considering

If you don't want your bubble busted about the Clinton years, don't read this.

As a career FBI officer, Gary Aldrich was at the pinnacle of his career. Having served with Pres. Reagan and Bush, he found the Clinton Administration to be a stark, horrible contrast. As one of two FBI agents permanently assigned to the White House, one of his responsibilities was to do the background checks on White House staff and advisors. At almost every turn, he was stonewalled and not allowed to do even perfunctory checks of Clinton's friends and associates... Though it is supposed to be complete within 90 days of the new President assuming office, many people never did get properly "vetted". Another major disappointment was the crude and vulgar language used by Clinton and his First Lady, the "F" word being quite popular. Then there was the revulsion he experienced when asked to help decorate the White House Christmas tree, only to discover that the majority of the "ornaments" were sex toys. There are many other examples of the appaling lack of character exhibited by the Clintons and their cronies... so much so that Aldrich finally had enough, and retired early... The book isn't a literary masterpiece, it's a litany of the excesses, abuse of power, and moral turpitude of the persons we should be able to look to for leadership and moral courage.

Live in DC ... teach H.S. ....and .. a past tense Democrat

This book made me angry .. yet I couldn't put it down. Rumors from many sources had reached me prior to reading this book .. the Monica bit made me sick .. yet I've noted that this book was written prior to the Monica affair...most curious for a "fabrication"as some would like us to believe. Living here in DC folks often come in contact with those who give you "tidbits".. when I add up the tidbits .. and the known facts, this mess slams me in the face. An interesting note.. at present, Clinton is immune from prosecution and civil suits until he leaves office...BUT what if his wife becomes a Senator? Isn't a Senator's spouse immune too? Seems a convenient way to avoid prosecution. I guess what makes me even angrier is that I am trying to teach my students to be good citizens, to have faith in the system ... how do I answer their challenges when the White House has so little reguard for common decency? I'm A single parent who works hard, pays taxes, and finds that my dollars are squandered. This book is REAL .. that's the scary part .. and it's only the tip of the iceburg. This is a must on the read list .. thank you Gary for having the guts to write this ... most are too afraid.

Very disturbing, but essential reading.

The more I read the book, the angrier I became with the Clinton administration. Unlimited Access will lead the reader to come to one of two comclusions: either the author is a malicious liar, or the Clinton White House has many serious problems which must be investigated immediately. As for myself, I trust the word of a decorated FBI agent over that of a President and administration clouded by scandal after scandal. Before you go to the polls in November, I highly recommended that you read Aldrich's book. Voters will find it extremely informative, and essential if one is to make an informed choice. Those who do not think character matters in our elected officials will probably reconsider after reading Unlimited Access.