Dave Barry Hits Below the Beltway

By: Dave Barry

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Understanding the urgent need for a deeply thoughtful, balanced book to explain our national political process, Dave Barry has not even come close. Though he himself has covered many campaigns, run for president several times, and run for cover at the rainy inauguration of George W. Bush (the man will spare nothing for his art), Barry has instead outdone himself.

Below the Beltway includes Barry's stirring account of how the United States was born, including his version of a properly written Declaration ("When in the course of human events it behooves us, the people, not to ask 'What can our country do for us, anyway?' but rather whether we have anything to fear except fear itself") and a revised Constitution ("Section II: The House of Representatives shall be composed of people who own at least two dark suits and have not been indicted recently").

Dave also cracks the income-tax code and explains the growth(s) of government, congressional hearing difficulties, and the persistent rumors of the influence of capital in the Capitol.

Among other civic contributions, his tour of Washington, D.C., should end school class trips forever.

©2002 Dave Barry (P)2004 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Barry has run amuck again, and until someone tosses a big net over him he will easily remain one of the funniest fellows writing today. This book is a true original, not a collection of columns. You can call it satire, or you can call it pure extravaganza, but it is always boisterously funny." ( Library Journal)

Our Government revealed

Dave at his best. He realy tells us how BIG and Complicated or government is. The sad thing is that he is correct. All of the waste that he explains in this book is probably the way it really is, but with a funny twist.
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I Love everything Dave Barry, BUT...

Dave Barry is one of only a handful of contemporary writers who can make me literally laugh out loud. He is insightful without being preachy. Unfortunately, this narrator was so bad I had to make myself listen all the way through- he uses a rising inflection at the end of sentences, making statements sound like questions. I find that habit extremely annoying. If it doesn't bother you, go for it!