Cross Fire: The Eight Years With Eisenhower

by Ezra Taft Benson

Cross Fire, by Ezra Taft Benson (1962) The Eight Years With Eisenhower. “Why was this book written? One reason is that I believe the more the people know about what goes on in government the better. The people need to know more about what their leaders are like, what motivates them, how decisions are made, the kind of infighting that takes place as political forces and figures struggle to pass or defeat legislation programs and in so doing mold the future of this republic. Running through this book is of course, the ‘farm problem’ and an eight-year struggle to bring more common sense and less politics into the search for its solutions. The farm problem is much more than the two words indicate. It is a problem not of the farm alone but of the future of freedom in America. To those who contend that there is today little difference between most Republicans and Democrats, or between conservatives and liberals, I say that there is a world of difference in their respective approaches to the farm problem because there is also a world of difference in their approaches to freedom. As I think about it, I realize that there were many reasons why I wanted to write Cross Fire. But there was one reason why I had to write it. This book became inevitable because I am deeply persuaded that our precious, God-given freedom is dying and because, to paraphrase another, too many good men do nothing to preserve it.” (Foreword) 627

Genres: Biography, American History, Politics, History, Lds

627 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

The thirteenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1985 until his death and was United States Secretary of Agriculture for both of the administrations of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

On October 7, 1943, both Benson and Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) became members of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, filling two vacancies created by the deaths of apostles that summer. Because Kimball was the older of the two, he was given seniority over Benson in the Quorum. Succession to the presidency of the church is by chronological order of ordination to apostleship, allowing Spencer W. Kimball to become president of the church years earlier than Benson. Upon Spencer W. Kimball's death in 1985, Benson became the president of the church.

Benson suffered poor health in the last years of his life from the effects of blood clots in the brain, strokes, and heart attacks, and was rarely seen publicly. He was hospitalized in 1992 and 1993 with pneumonia.

Benson died of congestive heart failure in his Salt Lake City apartment at the age of 94. Funeral services were held June 4, 1994 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle under the direction of Gordon B. Hinckley. He was buried near his birthplace in Whitney, Idaho, at the Whitney City Cemetery.

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I learned so much about the economics and politics underlining the US farm policies. Even though this book was written in the early 60's, I think that politics has not changed much through the years. It has helped me understand why it takes so long to enact legislation and, especially, why no one is really satisfied with much that is enacted. President Benson's way of "story-telling" whether about government issues or his family life is very interesting and fun to read.
I would have given it a 4.5 if it were possible. The only negative was how long the book is -- a 2-volume set (one for each of Eisenhower's terms) would have been my choice.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book greatly, both for political insight of how hard it is to remove government subsidies for land not being farmed and for the personal insights into the life of a great man, leader, and prophet. I read it about 1986, but I don't recall the exact date. I came across it while visiting my parents in South Royalton, Vermont, where they were serving as missionaries and tour guides at the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

[Kirt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed accounting that offers wonderful insight to the intrigues and machinations of Washington politics, the struggle to lead with integrity and principle, and the place of America in the world. Though there is abundant detail about agricultural issues, Cross Fire has broad appeal to all who have interest in the workings of American government. It paints Dwight Eisenhower in a very authentic and complementary light.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone who is interested in at least two of the following things; politics, the Eisenhower administration, agriculture, or LDS figures. Remarkably insightful considering the fact that the United States had a love/hate relationship with Secretary Benson and today the most successful USDA programs emerged under his tutelage.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend gave me this to read. It really shows what it is like to serve in a cabinet post in our government in the U.S. Benson was also serving as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when asked to serve by Eisenhower.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this when I was homeschooling, it was actually at my small local library and I wish I had finished it, because it was fascinating, but I was a little young for it.