Courage: Orrin Hatch, Leading the Fight for Constitutional Rights

by Lee Roderick

Issue-oriented and revealing, this biography of the senior U. S. senator from Utah, Orrin Hatch, shines a light on the recent years of the Senate’s leading consensus builder for conservative ways to solve national problems. From his opposition to President Obama's health care bill to his repeated sponsorship of constitutional amendments to balance the federal budget, Hatch seldom leaves questions on where he stands. The political life of one of the nation’s most visible and influential senators is explored, from his toe-to-toe confrontations with both Democrats and his own Republican colleagues on issues from tax cuts and labor-law reform to terrorism and the war in Afghanistan. Engrossing and informative, with more than 100 pages of photos, this is a detailed, honest look at one of the leading conservative voices in America today attempting to renew the country for tomorrow.

608 pages, Hardcover

First published August 29, 2011

Reviews

[Kirsten (lush.lit.life) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm babysitting this book for a local Mormon missionary who can't lug it around with her and trying to read it before her mission ends. It is interesting, but dry. Less a traditional biography than it is a rhapsody on a theme of Orrin-worship, it is unabashedly biased in his favor. That means of course that a fairly small faction of Republicans and Hatch fans will agree with and be pleased with the history as presented. Those who lean towards the far right or even faintly left will find aspects hard to swallow. It is a great example of how even "non-fiction" can be biased and needs to be read carefully. I'm not saying it shouldn't be written, I'm just saying the reader should be aware. In this case, the reader cannot miss the slant - so at least it's not deceptive.

I prefer biographies that explore history and the background of the individual - the way their life/past influenced who they became/what they did/do. The explorations of his history cover that ground but are less detailed than a wikipedia entry. This is clearly intended as a biography of his political career. In that respect, I find it interesting in highlighting the way "Washington" works. Since the way Washington works is a little gross, I find that part enlightening but depressing.

I have to say I am still reading and am prepared to allow any of my impressions to evolve. For now, I am mostly interested in the theme of political compromise that runs through the book. How to make compromises in a peaceful and principled way. This seems an important concept in a diverse nation.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of material that was well organized. Gave me better insight into the workings of Congress. It is surprising any bill gets through all the politics. Gave me appreciation for what Hatch has contributed to Utah and the nation. I'm voting for him.