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Leadership and Crisis
Tested by Fire
Bobby Jindal has been tested as few politicians have. And from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster to Hurricane Katrina, he’s shown an astounding ability to beat the odds (and beat the bureaucrats) to get things done.
Then again, Jindal is not your typical politician. The son of Indian immigrants, a Christian convert from Hinduism, and a Rhodes Scholar, Jindal presided over Louisiana’s healthcare system at age 24, headed the University of Louisiana system at 27, became a U.S. congressman at 33, and was elected governor of Louisiana at 36.
Throughout his meteoric career, Jindal has dealt with some of the worst crises of our times, from natural disasters in his home state to out-of-control spending in Washington, D.C. His the common sense solutions that bureaucrats (and politicians) ignore in favor of government–as–usual.
In Leadership and Crisis , Jindal
How the Obama administration spent too much time worrying about public perception and not enough on actually fighting the oil
How the federal government actually impeded Louisiana’s efforts to stem the flood of oil
Why the bureaucratic incompetence during Hurricane Katrina was even worse than you know
How Bobby Jindal took on Louisiana’s infamous culture of corruption
His own journey from Hinduism to Christianity, from student at Oxford to Governor of Louisiana, from policy wonk to instant midwife when he had to deliver his third child himself
Filled with behind–the–scenes stories from the oil–slicked beaches of Louisiana to the corridors of power in the U.S. Capitol, Leadership and Crisis offers an insider’s view into one of the worst environmental disasters our nation has suffered—and into one of the most unique success stories of American politics.
Bobby Jindal has been tested as few politicians have. And from the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster to Hurricane Katrina, he’s shown an astounding ability to beat the odds (and beat the bureaucrats) to get things done.
Then again, Jindal is not your typical politician. The son of Indian immigrants, a Christian convert from Hinduism, and a Rhodes Scholar, Jindal presided over Louisiana’s healthcare system at age 24, headed the University of Louisiana system at 27, became a U.S. congressman at 33, and was elected governor of Louisiana at 36.
Throughout his meteoric career, Jindal has dealt with some of the worst crises of our times, from natural disasters in his home state to out-of-control spending in Washington, D.C. His the common sense solutions that bureaucrats (and politicians) ignore in favor of government–as–usual.
In Leadership and Crisis , Jindal
How the Obama administration spent too much time worrying about public perception and not enough on actually fighting the oil
How the federal government actually impeded Louisiana’s efforts to stem the flood of oil
Why the bureaucratic incompetence during Hurricane Katrina was even worse than you know
How Bobby Jindal took on Louisiana’s infamous culture of corruption
His own journey from Hinduism to Christianity, from student at Oxford to Governor of Louisiana, from policy wonk to instant midwife when he had to deliver his third child himself
Filled with behind–the–scenes stories from the oil–slicked beaches of Louisiana to the corridors of power in the U.S. Capitol, Leadership and Crisis offers an insider’s view into one of the worst environmental disasters our nation has suffered—and into one of the most unique success stories of American politics.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2010
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85 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 11, 2011
Any book written by an active politician must inevitably be self-serving, which is wny I can't in good conscience give this one (or anything of its kind) a five-star rating. Nevertheless, Governor Jindal's book is much better than average. It's a deft mix of policy prespcription and biography, leavened with humor and a few civics lessons buttressed by well-chosen quotes. Like every other conservative, Jindal recognizes the shortcomings of politically-correct language. Unlike many other conservatives, his definition of "extremist" (someone who roots for Alabama's Crimson Tide to beat the LSU Tigers) is actually funny.
Bobby Jindal knows his own competence. Fortunately, he also knows that many of the things he's accomplished could not have been done as well had he not been nurtured by hard-working parents, steeped in the best of American culture, and inspired by his smart and supportive wife.
The book has a few editing errors, albeit not enough to impact its tone or content significantly. In the discussion of health care reform, for example, Jindal alludes to success that Texas has had in retaining doctors, but he and his unobtrusive co-writers force the reader to infer backward, because the allusion to Texas is not anchored by an introduction to what happened there.
Everything else about "Leadership and Crisis", including its end notes and photographs, sits comfortably on the plus side of the ledger. This country could use more people like Bobby Jindal.
Bobby Jindal knows his own competence. Fortunately, he also knows that many of the things he's accomplished could not have been done as well had he not been nurtured by hard-working parents, steeped in the best of American culture, and inspired by his smart and supportive wife.
The book has a few editing errors, albeit not enough to impact its tone or content significantly. In the discussion of health care reform, for example, Jindal alludes to success that Texas has had in retaining doctors, but he and his unobtrusive co-writers force the reader to infer backward, because the allusion to Texas is not anchored by an introduction to what happened there.
Everything else about "Leadership and Crisis", including its end notes and photographs, sits comfortably on the plus side of the ledger. This country could use more people like Bobby Jindal.
March 7, 2014
I have thirty-six little flags sticking out the sides of the book from my recent reading of Leadership and Crisis by Bobby Jindal, former congressman and governor of Louisiana (with his writers, of course). I thoroughly enjoyed this book which highlighted Jindal's experience as a son of Indian immigrants and his conversion from Hinduism to Catholicism and focused primarily on summarizing his political views. When I closed the book, I told my husband I wish I could vote for him this November if he really believes and would implement what he says in the book.
I guess many people expect Jindal to someday run for president, but I'm afraid he's too conservative to appeal to enough voters to get elected. I appreciate his view toward smaller government and his common sense approach to liberty, economics, education, and healthcare.
My favorite quote:
"The biggest threat to our freedom comes from within our borders, not beyond them. It comes when we are tempted to bargain away, little by little, the liberties other Americans have fought and died to place in our hands" (158).
On the government's role in the economy:
In my view, the government's role should be ensuring a robust marketplace that is competitive (so consumers have choice), transparent (so consumers can make informed decisions), accountable (so resources are leveraged to reward good clinical outcomes rather than simply paying for the process of care), effective (by engaging consumers in making good health choices for themselves and their families), and accessible (so healthcare is affordable). Moreover, the system has to be based on sound, proven economic principles--the government simply cannot suspend the law of supply and demand" (189).
Today we have the federal government in Washington trying to run car companies, banks, and our entire health care system--rather than sticking to its core job of protecting America from all enemies foreign and domestic, protecting the life, liberty, and property of the American people. What we really need is for the federal government to do those things it should be doing with excellence, and stop trying to take over pieces of the private sector that it has no business in and no reasonable chance of running well (4).
The book was very easy to read and sometimes his voice conveyed just a touch of sarcasm, which I have to admit made me smile.
Examples of his humor that made me smile:
When Congress meets, a lot of bad things happen. Astronomical amounts of money get spent; the government takes over banks and car companies; people try to re-engineer entire sectors of the economy. Elected officials inevitably feel the need to do something, and they crave the media coverage that accompanies big proposals, no matter how wasteful or destructive. As Mark Twain observed, 'No man's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session. . .Why not pay members of Congress to stay out of Washington? For decades we have paid farmers not to grow crops. We should pay congressmen a decent salary and then deduct money for every day Congress meets in session" (102).
"I would go so far as to say that a society that does not defend the defenseless and consider all human life to be both sacred and precious is really not a civilized society, at least not in my book. And this is after all. . .my book" (216).
I think this book is well-worth reading and would recommend it whether you are politically-minded or not terribly concerned with politics; whether you are conservative or not; whether you have ever considered what freedoms you are preserving for your children and grandchildren or not. It will make you think and it just might challenge your stance on several issues. While he spends considerable time criticizing current policies and practices, he also shares some solutions including a "Seven Step Recovery Program".
I most appreciated his reminder that our leadership reflects who we are as a nation and the need for us to retain (or recover!) the christian principles upon which this country was founded. If we as individuals are not hard working, moral, self-governing people, what can we really expect of our government and nation at large?
"Our republic rests on self-government. That requires people to share a common commitment to virtue, to mutual respect, to core values, to doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, to selflessness, and to 'peace, patience, kindness, and self-control'" (268).
What defines us (Americans) are our values and ideals, our commitments to individualism, a spirit of independence, limited government, and the American spirit. . .Our political system has worked brilliantly for more than two centuries because it could rely on a culture in which people share a common commitment to doing the right thing. As John Adams warned, 'Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.' Without that, even a democracy could simply become the will of the mob" (271).
I guess many people expect Jindal to someday run for president, but I'm afraid he's too conservative to appeal to enough voters to get elected. I appreciate his view toward smaller government and his common sense approach to liberty, economics, education, and healthcare.
My favorite quote:
"The biggest threat to our freedom comes from within our borders, not beyond them. It comes when we are tempted to bargain away, little by little, the liberties other Americans have fought and died to place in our hands" (158).
On the government's role in the economy:
In my view, the government's role should be ensuring a robust marketplace that is competitive (so consumers have choice), transparent (so consumers can make informed decisions), accountable (so resources are leveraged to reward good clinical outcomes rather than simply paying for the process of care), effective (by engaging consumers in making good health choices for themselves and their families), and accessible (so healthcare is affordable). Moreover, the system has to be based on sound, proven economic principles--the government simply cannot suspend the law of supply and demand" (189).
Today we have the federal government in Washington trying to run car companies, banks, and our entire health care system--rather than sticking to its core job of protecting America from all enemies foreign and domestic, protecting the life, liberty, and property of the American people. What we really need is for the federal government to do those things it should be doing with excellence, and stop trying to take over pieces of the private sector that it has no business in and no reasonable chance of running well (4).
The book was very easy to read and sometimes his voice conveyed just a touch of sarcasm, which I have to admit made me smile.
Examples of his humor that made me smile:
When Congress meets, a lot of bad things happen. Astronomical amounts of money get spent; the government takes over banks and car companies; people try to re-engineer entire sectors of the economy. Elected officials inevitably feel the need to do something, and they crave the media coverage that accompanies big proposals, no matter how wasteful or destructive. As Mark Twain observed, 'No man's life, liberty or property is safe while the legislature is in session. . .Why not pay members of Congress to stay out of Washington? For decades we have paid farmers not to grow crops. We should pay congressmen a decent salary and then deduct money for every day Congress meets in session" (102).
"I would go so far as to say that a society that does not defend the defenseless and consider all human life to be both sacred and precious is really not a civilized society, at least not in my book. And this is after all. . .my book" (216).
I think this book is well-worth reading and would recommend it whether you are politically-minded or not terribly concerned with politics; whether you are conservative or not; whether you have ever considered what freedoms you are preserving for your children and grandchildren or not. It will make you think and it just might challenge your stance on several issues. While he spends considerable time criticizing current policies and practices, he also shares some solutions including a "Seven Step Recovery Program".
I most appreciated his reminder that our leadership reflects who we are as a nation and the need for us to retain (or recover!) the christian principles upon which this country was founded. If we as individuals are not hard working, moral, self-governing people, what can we really expect of our government and nation at large?
"Our republic rests on self-government. That requires people to share a common commitment to virtue, to mutual respect, to core values, to doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, to selflessness, and to 'peace, patience, kindness, and self-control'" (268).
What defines us (Americans) are our values and ideals, our commitments to individualism, a spirit of independence, limited government, and the American spirit. . .Our political system has worked brilliantly for more than two centuries because it could rely on a culture in which people share a common commitment to doing the right thing. As John Adams warned, 'Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.' Without that, even a democracy could simply become the will of the mob" (271).
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January 2, 2021(This review written in 2011, so if it seems dated...)
This was an interesting read from Bobby Jindal, Governor of Lousiana, and whose name has been batted around occasionally as a presidential hopeful at some point in the future. I wondered as I read it if this was something in the nature of an advance manifesto for such a campaign, but I suppose only time will tell.
Jindal was born to Indian immigrants in the United States, and grew up in Louisiana, eventually attending college at Brown, followed by Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar (like a recent Democratic President who shall remain unnamed). Some of his runs for office in his early days were doomed from the start, but he eventually became a U.S. congressman and was elected Governor of Louisiana at age 36.
Jindal tears into the federal response to the recent BP oil spill, from the White House's concern with political appearances being more important than getting resources mobilized to help people and fight the spill, to the endless battles with bureaucracy. Every time the people of Lousisiana tried to get things done, the EPA or the Coast Guard or OSHA or the labor unions got in the way. He's not very kind to BP's leadership, either. The only federal forces that get his full respect are the Louisiana National Guard units that logged countless hours aiding cleanup efforts.
After spending two terms as a congressman in Washington DC, Jindal hasn't got a lot of respect for the representatives we've elected to "serve" us there, either. He believes in making Congress a part-time job, enacting term limits, and strong restrictions on lobbying by former members, relatives and friends of members. The only time that Congress does the economy any good, he says, is when it's out of session.
Jindal represented Lousiana when Katrina hit, and he doesn't show any more respect for the federal bureaucracies operating under a Republican administration than he does for the current one. It's just more of the same, rules and regulations on steroids and inconceivable delays in approval of common-sense measures because approval is so centralized, rather than decisions being made at the local level by people on the ground in a crisis. One of the things that was crazy was that there were plenty of people with private boats who were willing to participate in rescue efforts, but the Coast Guard insisted that every boat launched be given a safety inspection and make sure that it was properly licensed before going in the water. Are you kidding me? In fact, private businesses probably provided the most help during the catastrophe, with donations of everything from food and water to fleets of vehicles. The other group that helped without a fight were religious organizations of all kinds, housing and feeding refugees, and performing other vital services. The government response, unfortunately, sucked.
Jindal seems to have a comprehensive plan for immigration reform, fighting corruption, stimulating the economy, and providing true improvements and cost savings in healthcare. I found it thought-provoking and interesting.
This was an interesting read from Bobby Jindal, Governor of Lousiana, and whose name has been batted around occasionally as a presidential hopeful at some point in the future. I wondered as I read it if this was something in the nature of an advance manifesto for such a campaign, but I suppose only time will tell.
Jindal was born to Indian immigrants in the United States, and grew up in Louisiana, eventually attending college at Brown, followed by Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar (like a recent Democratic President who shall remain unnamed). Some of his runs for office in his early days were doomed from the start, but he eventually became a U.S. congressman and was elected Governor of Louisiana at age 36.
Jindal tears into the federal response to the recent BP oil spill, from the White House's concern with political appearances being more important than getting resources mobilized to help people and fight the spill, to the endless battles with bureaucracy. Every time the people of Lousisiana tried to get things done, the EPA or the Coast Guard or OSHA or the labor unions got in the way. He's not very kind to BP's leadership, either. The only federal forces that get his full respect are the Louisiana National Guard units that logged countless hours aiding cleanup efforts.
After spending two terms as a congressman in Washington DC, Jindal hasn't got a lot of respect for the representatives we've elected to "serve" us there, either. He believes in making Congress a part-time job, enacting term limits, and strong restrictions on lobbying by former members, relatives and friends of members. The only time that Congress does the economy any good, he says, is when it's out of session.
Jindal represented Lousiana when Katrina hit, and he doesn't show any more respect for the federal bureaucracies operating under a Republican administration than he does for the current one. It's just more of the same, rules and regulations on steroids and inconceivable delays in approval of common-sense measures because approval is so centralized, rather than decisions being made at the local level by people on the ground in a crisis. One of the things that was crazy was that there were plenty of people with private boats who were willing to participate in rescue efforts, but the Coast Guard insisted that every boat launched be given a safety inspection and make sure that it was properly licensed before going in the water. Are you kidding me? In fact, private businesses probably provided the most help during the catastrophe, with donations of everything from food and water to fleets of vehicles. The other group that helped without a fight were religious organizations of all kinds, housing and feeding refugees, and performing other vital services. The government response, unfortunately, sucked.
Jindal seems to have a comprehensive plan for immigration reform, fighting corruption, stimulating the economy, and providing true improvements and cost savings in healthcare. I found it thought-provoking and interesting.
August 13, 2017
Bobby Jindal reminds you of what it means to be an American as he is only a second generation American, but holds our values very dear. He would have made a fine President, but I don't think that is going to ever happen. I'm glad I finally read this before it got any more stale.
August 14, 2013
Two things are clear to me after reading "Leadership and Crisis" by Bobby Jindal. One, I should STOP reading books written by politicians of any Party, and two, I should never try to leave a review of this type of book. Reviews tend to be meaningless, with the political party supporters loving the book, and the political party opponents, if any bother to read the book, hating it.
My motivation for reading the book wasn't to hear more of the Party platform, nor to find fault with the rhetoric, but simply to find out a little more about Bobby Jindal. In that regard, my goal wasn't a total failure, but it was close. I did find out a lot about Jindal, including his academic excellence, his conversion to Catholicism, his strong religious beliefs, and his strong resume including a number of leadership positions in government.
But that part, the part I was interested in, was overwhelmed by what sounded too much like the typical TV or radio political campaign adds. "My party will make America great, and my opponent's party is trying to destroy everything that makes our Country good". You'll hear Jindal complain about the secular cultural elitists who live on both coasts who want to undermine our American values. You'll hear how our mega-sized National Government is a bloated bureaucracy unable to move quickly in times of need, you'll hear about the plight of our K - 12 educational system. Taxes, Energy Policy, Defense, etc., it's all here. Yet to a greater or lesser degree, I see both Political Parties doing the same thing when they get in power, e.g., spend more than they should, and blame the other party for all the problems. The only difference is which group of supporters benefit from their excesses.
The political rhetoric and ideology you can get anytime and anywhere. I wanted to get more of an understanding about Jindal as a person as as a possible future candidate. Jindal appeared to be a rising star in the party, and was considered by some to be a likely challenger to Obama in the 2012 presidential election. While that didn't happen, I was still interested in learning more about him in case he enters the 2016 election cycle. So the part of the book I liked was the personal side. If Jindal does run for a national office in the future, as had been rumored, you'll get to know him a little better by reading the book. But you'll have to get through a lot of the Party talking points first.
My motivation for reading the book wasn't to hear more of the Party platform, nor to find fault with the rhetoric, but simply to find out a little more about Bobby Jindal. In that regard, my goal wasn't a total failure, but it was close. I did find out a lot about Jindal, including his academic excellence, his conversion to Catholicism, his strong religious beliefs, and his strong resume including a number of leadership positions in government.
But that part, the part I was interested in, was overwhelmed by what sounded too much like the typical TV or radio political campaign adds. "My party will make America great, and my opponent's party is trying to destroy everything that makes our Country good". You'll hear Jindal complain about the secular cultural elitists who live on both coasts who want to undermine our American values. You'll hear how our mega-sized National Government is a bloated bureaucracy unable to move quickly in times of need, you'll hear about the plight of our K - 12 educational system. Taxes, Energy Policy, Defense, etc., it's all here. Yet to a greater or lesser degree, I see both Political Parties doing the same thing when they get in power, e.g., spend more than they should, and blame the other party for all the problems. The only difference is which group of supporters benefit from their excesses.
The political rhetoric and ideology you can get anytime and anywhere. I wanted to get more of an understanding about Jindal as a person as as a possible future candidate. Jindal appeared to be a rising star in the party, and was considered by some to be a likely challenger to Obama in the 2012 presidential election. While that didn't happen, I was still interested in learning more about him in case he enters the 2016 election cycle. So the part of the book I liked was the personal side. If Jindal does run for a national office in the future, as had been rumored, you'll get to know him a little better by reading the book. But you'll have to get through a lot of the Party talking points first.
December 19, 2011
This book is good for young adults because it discusses politics from the view of Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal. This book makes it an easy read for people with a casual interest in politics. It goes in depth of what a day is like for the governor of Louisiana. This book focuses on the recent events of Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater horizon oil disaster. Although conservative based, its main focus is on what is better for the State of Louisiana and how Bobby Jindal copes with trying to better his state through hardship.
Perhaps high school students involved or interested in politics would appreciate this book best. He explains through his eyes where the United States government failed in supporting his fellow Louisiana citizens in their time of hardship. He explains why he feels the government needs to take a step down; instead of worrying about power, worry about the people.
He discusses his viewpoints clearly and it is easy to understand, therefore young adults can follow his story. He goes into depth over his ideal punishment for child molesters, potential school board ideas, and the way military is treated. Students will be able to discuss where they agree and disagree with Bobby Jindal despite political backgrounds. Although, he discusses his political view, he also gives light to his personal life which allows him to become known to his readers.
Perhaps high school students involved or interested in politics would appreciate this book best. He explains through his eyes where the United States government failed in supporting his fellow Louisiana citizens in their time of hardship. He explains why he feels the government needs to take a step down; instead of worrying about power, worry about the people.
He discusses his viewpoints clearly and it is easy to understand, therefore young adults can follow his story. He goes into depth over his ideal punishment for child molesters, potential school board ideas, and the way military is treated. Students will be able to discuss where they agree and disagree with Bobby Jindal despite political backgrounds. Although, he discusses his political view, he also gives light to his personal life which allows him to become known to his readers.
May 4, 2011
Governor Jindal sets forth in straightforward language a lot of what is wrong with the direction the U.S. is headed with its policies, both foreign and domestic. His suggestions for policies that would right the ship and provide for the strength that we need to continue to be the nation our Founding Fathers intended follow correct principles. The only reason I didn't give this book five stars is that it contains some errors that should have been caught in proofreading. In one instance, the word "censors" is used where "sensors" would have been the correct word. In another, the word "that" is used in a situation where "than" was clearly the word intended.
November 21, 2014
This is a better than average political study by the conservative governor of Louisiana – Bobby Jindal – and likely presidential candidate in 2016. As is often the case with similar works of this kind, the book moves quickly, provides some biographical information, speaks to a number of issues of interest, and establishes a path for change at the national level. His first love is health care administration and reform, a skill set that will put him in a unique position to deal with Obama-care in the near future. Fortunately, the book is written with a slight sense of humor, providing some sarcasm and a few laughs along the way.
August 18, 2012
This book is written by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal whom I talked with when he came to Santa Barbara. He is a really nice guy who has helped his State immensely. He writes about the BP oil spill in the gulf and how he dealt with the situation. He explains how the Federal Government made it difficult for the State of Louisiana (through regulations) to act swiftly and clean up oil before it came ashore and destroyed wildlife. Through it all, he exemplifies how leadership is about getting things done and serving the people. I admire this man and would recommend the book to everyone.
January 27, 2011
Outstanding. Easy to read. Bold but simple analysis with anectodal evidence of many of the apocolyptic problems in America....with proposed action plans to resolve. Jindal is the kind of guy who will throw status quo and chain of command out the window to get it done. I hope to see more of him and his type of work in the future of US government.
April 11, 2011
"Leadership and Crisis" reveals Jindal's background and the principles he stands for. He seems earnest, honest, and reasonable, discussing recent crises and government's inability to react quickly and effectively. It satisfied my curiosity about Jindal's life story but parts of it felt like a political campaigning.
August 23, 2011
Easy read and enjoyable. Jindal has a very east to listen to voice, common sense and great sense of humor. He humbly shares the glory when it comes to the successes he led in Louisiana and lays out specific recomme4ndations for what he thinks should be changed in government. He wouls easily get my vote for any leadership job he wanted..
January 5, 2012
One of the more readable of the many political manifestos out there. The first chapter -- Jindal's experience with the BP Oil Spill -- is quite engaging but the rest does tend to come off as a series of campaign planks. What's refreshing is Jindal's lack of the bombast one usually sees in these books.
May 6, 2013
Wow! I definitely enjoyed this book. I admired Bobby Jindal before I read this, and now admire him even more. He hits all the key issues of the day, and addresses them in a way only a conservative could.
April 6, 2016
The people of Louisiana are so lucky. Only read this book if you are ready to hear the common sense solutions government should have instituted decades ago. We need this kind of leadership at the national level. Thank you Governor Jindal for writing this book.
August 4, 2015
Amazing incite into the rise and vision of this underrated American Leader! I look forward to what he has in store for this country!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews