Public Policy in the Public Interest

MAKING PUBLIC POLICY: A HOPEFUL VIEW OF AMERICAN GOVERNMENT, by Steven Kelman, Basic Books, N. Y., 1987. Oliver North seems to be Steven Kelman's ideal public official. He uses his own initiative to carry out policies in which he passionately believes. He is not hampered by standard operating procedures or the need to clear his plans with a range of functionaries in various departments.

He is flexible, creative, and hardworking in carrying out his view of the public welfare. After his downfall he quotes the beatitudes: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for they shall see God."