The Limits of Power - Andrew J. Bacevich - Part 1

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"The Congress is a haven for narcissistic hacks, for whom self-promotion and self-preservation take precedence over serious engagement with serious issues." In this two part episode of The Massachusetts School of Law's program, Books of Our Time, Dean Lawrence R. Velvel interviews Andrew J. Bacevich, former U.S. Army Colonel and Professor of international relations and history at Boston University, on his book: The Limits of Power - The End of American Exceptionalism.
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[Veltanschaung]

....and Canadian patients outlive their American counterparts....seems their social democratic system is not only less costly, but HEALTHIER. Except, perhaps, for the insurance vultures down south....

[Veltanschaung]

64% of ALL personal bankruptcies filed in America are due to "medical bills". That percentage is 0 Zero in Canada where a far more efficient system produces more egalitarian results, better mortality and longevity.

AND less expensive. Only 11.5% of the GPD expenditures vs the horrific American 18% because of middle-men Insurance Companies making the Profit$ at the expense of patients! Google Tommy Douglas.Need 3rd Party politics!

[youmichaelmouse]

@Veltanschaung They can't file for bankruptcy after they die from their illness!

[rebirth24]

@Veltanschaung

Just a small question: when you say "64% of Americans file bankruptcy..." do you mean that 64% of the Americans who file bankruptcy do so because of medcial costs?

[ThePassionCoach]

Congress is truly a haven for narcissistic acts. The amount of money they get paid for speaking, book deals and when they retire (or get caught up in a scandal and quit) a talk show, is insane. We are truly puppets on string when it comes to these people. They have taken self promotion at the expense of the American people to a new high. Many run for office knowing that they will lose, but will get major national attention-which leads to the same cycle aforementioned.

[floods89]

Fantastic interview, discussing a fantastic book.

Please keep conducting these interviews Mr. Velvel, they are extremely informative and enjoyable to view!

Thank you!

[marcostar57]

@Veltanschaung Oh Canada! .. Yes, I admire you progressive folks up North... 

[Veltanschaung]

Excellent interview and the book is more than insightful!

Of course, Bacevich is right! If it weren't for fact that Canada has 3 (actually 4 counting Greens) Big Parties. And if it weren't for the NDP third Party's Tommy Douglas who religiously fought in the 60s for Single Payer Universal healthcare for Canadians, they'd be where the Americans tragically are currently. Douglas is the Father of Canadian national Medicare. 64% of Americans file bankruptcy due to med.bills. None in Canada!

[YRebBugleman]

The health care legislation, and all that surrounds it, are indicative of what Prof Bacevich has written in his book. Neither party has a clue as to how to properly address this matter. We have been, and will be continue to be, spent into oblivion by both parties. Just as we are spending dollars aimlessly on defense as the professor indicates in his book on militarism in the USA. Andy, I too served in Vietnam and made a career of the Army. I agree with you. Keep up the

fire. COL, USA, Ret.

[jereuter01]

It seems an utter waste of time given the plethora of interesting and debatable comments made by the Col. but you are mistaken - "ism" is nothing more than a suffix with NO MEANING in and of itself, wholly dependant upon what it suffixes; thus "ism" is neither constructive or destructive in and of itself.