Synopses & Reviews
The two decades since the Watergate scandal have seen an unprecedented focus on ethics in government. The public integrity scandals of the Clinton administration have, once again, focused national attention on ethics in Washington. This work addresses this very topical subject and the authors come to some unusual conclusions. Tracing the origins of the modern public integrity war back to the very birth of the nation, the authors explain how conservatives and progressives have used allegations of unethical conduct in an effort to persuade the American public to accept their respective visions for American society. A cynical public, anesthetized to the distinction between actual wrongdoing and partisan attack, follows ideology and self-interest rather than character, allowing politicians to get away with even the most egregious conduct.
Review
Roberts and Doss have produced a very important, timely, and prescient book. Robert and Doss's book...is absolutely essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the development, application, and politics of federal ethics law. From Watergate to Whitewater is an extremely valuable book. It brilliantly analyzes the history and contemporary organization of federal ethics law and polictics. It is exceptionally well researched, comprehensive, and clearheaded. It should be required reading for everyone in public life, including journalists and public integrity lawyers.The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
Synopsis
This work shows how two armed camps have waged warfare for America's soul from the early days of the republic to the present, and how they have used the institutes of public integrity to destroy foes rather than promote ethics.
About the Author
ROBERT N. ROBERTS is Professor of Political Science and Law at James Madison University.MARION T. DOSS, JR. is Professor of Political Science and Law at James Madison University.
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
The Gathering Storm
The Moral Foundations of Public Service
Barbarians at the Gate: 1828-1883
The Public Service Counterrevolution: 1883-1930
Peace in Our Time: The Rise and Fall of Administrative Legitimacy, 1930-1996
Strategic Ethics Initiatives: 1960-1973
Public Ethics Warriors
Regulatory Rebels
Return of the Robber Barons
The Public Integrity Shock Troops
War Reporting
The Public Ethics Firestorm
The Great Ethics Crusade
Returning Fire
The Clinton Scandals
It's Not Character, Stupid!
Selected Bibliography
Index