The Shield and the Cloak: The Security of the Commons

Senator Hart has gained a reputation for thinking outside the box. But, thinking outside the box really comes down to simply challenging unproven assumptions with common sense, and Sen Hart does just that in this little book. His writing is to the point, clear, and concise. It is sad that only a handful of military thinkers grasp the importance that comes with the common-sense assertion that it is people who fight wars and not weapons systems. Without that common-sense understanding of the "big picture," no one will find the answers to our dilemma - not even bi-partisan Iraqi war study groups. Sen Hart provides some real solid answers but, unfortunately, few of the right people seem to be listening. Like Cassandra of Troy, Sen Hart seems cursed to speaking truth to a city that prefers lies.

As always, Senator Hart gives us a clear and compelling alternative to the present chaos of thinking about our role and place in the world and how to make it a better and safer place. All teachers of history and politics should read this book, as with several other books by Senator Hart, and share it with their students.

No Democrat or non-Democrat comes close to understanding the 21st Century paridagm shift in protecting our national security better than Hart. He warned us of impending terrorist attacks prior to 9/11 and our leadership ignored him. We cannot ignore his brilliant three-dimensional strategy, if we expect to win the war against terrorists and other dangers looming on the horizon.

Things have come a long way since Senator Hart's presidiential candidacy. The book seems to be a sensible read on our national security dilemma.