Unhealthy Politics gives a historical context to a very current issue – universal health care for all Americans. Most people, these days, know that senators these days are raising the issue in concert, and few could forget the terrible struggle Clinton endured proposing it in his presidency. But how many people know that this struggle dates back as far as Roosevelt? What’s more shocking and tragic, however, are the billions of dollars Brazda exposes flowing from special interest groups to oppose any kind of fair and equal coverage for all citizens.

Brazda uses a lot of hard facts to support his information and contextualizes his work well in the times. He divides his time between recounting events and describing the enormous cast and range of characters involved. Brazda is presenting an obviously biased view and is not afraid to cast dispersions on those who oppose universal health care. That said, he does show many of the pros and cons of the system while making his very convincing argument. His writing is clear and detailed, though sometimes there are too many characters to keep track of. Nonetheless, the story and message remain clear.

Part history, part expose, part conversation, Unhealthy Politics is a meaningful work of incredible importance to our times. Whether you are for universal health care or against it, this book contains a lot of important information that really must be considered before making a final decision on this subject. Brazda’s work is of importance to everyone who is still breathing and paying taxes in the United States today.

TB Koskie
T&R Reviews

Jerry Brazda, from his long years as an astute observer of our political system, has given us a readable and informative account of one of our country's most infuriating public policy failures. Congress's repeated inability to enact comprehensive healthcare reform is an instructive example of how self-serving vested interests can trump public-spirited creative ideas. Brazda's indictment offers a chilling insight into our public life.

Jordan J. Cohen, MD
President of the Association of American Medical Colleges

This story, by a keen, long-time observer of the American health scene is a concise, lucid account of the many obstacles we have encountered in achieving a system of universal financing of health care. In spite of the set-backs, the author has a sense of optimism--that the gaps in health care can be closed and that it doesn't have to be this way. Everyone interested in equity in health care should read this book.

Dr. Julius B. Richmond, MD
Harvard Medical School professor of medical politics and former U.S. Public Health
Service Surgeon General

Author Biography

Jerome F. Brazda