The Last Honest Man: The CIA, the FBI, the Mafia, and the Kennedys-and One Senator's Fight to Save Democracy

Senator Frank Church of Idaho was an unlikely hero who led congressional opposition to the Vietnam War and exposed abuses of power in the intelligence community,shaking the nation to its core and forever changing the way Americans thought about their government.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company

For decades, the United States has been expanding its national security state, becoming increasingly secretive, powerful, and abusive. However, there was one individual who managed to halt this trend: Senator Frank Church of Idaho. Church was an unlikely hero, as he had previously led congressional opposition to the Vietnam War and become a vocal critic of American imperialism. Despite his political ambitions and desire for acceptance within the foreign policy establishment, he possessed a remarkable sense of integrity and a commitment to truth.

In the wake of Watergate, Church was tasked with investigating abuses of power within the intelligence community. What he uncovered was a shocking revelation of dark truths that would shake the nation to its core. Church exposed assassination plots by the CIA, revealed links between the Kennedy dynasty and the mafia, and exposed the surveillance of civil rights activists by the NSA and FBI. These revelations would forever change the way Americans thought about their government and their ability to hold it accountable.

James Risen, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, has written a compelling book titled "The Last Honest Man" that tells the untold story of truth and integrity standing against unchecked power and winning. Risen has conducted extensive research, drawing upon hundreds of interviews, thousands of pages of recently declassified documents, and reams of unpublished letters, notes, and memoirs. Some of these materials remain sensitive today, highlighting the ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability in the national security realm.

Through the lens of Senator Church's story, Risen explores the complex dynamics of power, politics, and journalism. He highlights the courage and resilience of individuals who stood up against the establishment, risking their careers and reputations to expose the truth. Church's unwavering commitment to justice and his willingness to confront powerful forces make him a true hero in American history.

The book also sheds light on the broader implications of the national security state's expansion. It raises questions about the balance between security and civil liberties, the role of the media in holding government accountable, and the dangers of unchecked power. Risen's writing is compelling, informative, and thought-provoking, making "The Last Honest Man" a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history and current state of American politics.

In conclusion, Senator Frank Church of Idaho was an unlikely hero who stood up against the expansion of the national security state. His commitment to truth and integrity led him to expose dark truths that shook the nation to its core. Through the lens of his story, "The Last Honest Man" by James Risen provides a powerful exploration of power, politics, and journalism. The book raises important questions about the balance between security and civil liberties, the role of the media in holding government accountable, and the dangers of unchecked power. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the history and current state of American politics.

Weight: 709g
Dimension: 240 x 158 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780316565134