A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership by James Comey is the story of the head of the FBI who was fired by Trump.
Started: 4/17/2018
Completed: 4/28/2018
Recommended By: Nobody
Recommendation: Highly recommended
Review:
I really never thought I would read a book written by an FBI director. I don't particularly have anything against the FBI, but the work of the director is broadly uninteresting to me. I have found Comey, himself, to be an unsympathetic figure. I did not like the way he handled the Clinton emails, but I admitted at the time that it was important he speak out about it. I remember discussing this with my wife and feeling that Comey had to do what he felt was right. I did not think his actions were politically motivated, but I did feel they were unfortunately timed over and over again. Reading his book helped as he makes a fairly convincing argument that he could not choose the timing of his liking. I like the truth and it is clear that Comey does as well.
My suspicions in reading his book was that I was going to hear how he was right. Those suspicions were validated. My concern was that I was going to hear the pettiness behind his self justifications. Those concerns were misplaced. I may not like what he did, how he did it, and, especially, when he did it, but I am now convinced that he was a man of integrity trying to do his best. That is really all we can ever ask of anyone.
My base position is to distrust those in power. It always feels like they are doing something for their own power grab. Having read this book, I'm inclined to trust Comey. Sure, there might be more information that comes out later, but my impression is that this is a man of character doing his best. He has character flaws, but at least he is trying to overcome those flaws. I am truly stunned that I have found myself sympathizing with this man. The full truth will probably not come out until long after I am gone and I hope my trust is not misplaced, but he seems like a man who really likes the truth.
I really never thought I would read a book written by an FBI director. I don't particularly have anything against the FBI, but the work of the director is broadly uninteresting to me. I have found Comey, himself, to be an unsympathetic figure. I did not like the way he handled the Clinton emails, but I admitted at the time that it was important he speak out about it. I remember discussing this with my wife and feeling that Comey had to do what he felt was right. I did not think his actions were politically motivated, but I did feel they were unfortunately timed over and over again. Reading his book helped as he makes a fairly convincing argument that he could not choose the timing of his liking. I like the truth and it is clear that Comey does as well.
My suspicions in reading his book was that I was going to hear how he was right. Those suspicions were validated. My concern was that I was going to hear the pettiness behind his self justifications. Those concerns were misplaced. I may not like what he did, how he did it, and, especially, when he did it, but I am now convinced that he was a man of integrity trying to do his best. That is really all we can ever ask of anyone.
My base position is to distrust those in power. It always feels like they are doing something for their own power grab. Having read this book, I'm inclined to trust Comey. Sure, there might be more information that comes out later, but my impression is that this is a man of character doing his best. He has character flaws, but at least he is trying to overcome those flaws. I am truly stunned that I have found myself sympathizing with this man. The full truth will probably not come out until long after I am gone and I hope my trust is not misplaced, but he seems like a man who really likes the truth.
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