Hard Measures

How Aggressive CIA Actions After 9/11 Saved Americ

By: Jose A. Rodriguez Jr.

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

As seen on 60 Minutes

A New York Times bestselling, explosive memoir about the creation and implementation of the controversial enhanced interrogation techniques by the former Chief Operations Officer for the CIA’s Center for Counterterrorism.

Former Chief of the CIA’s Center for Counterterrorism, Jose A. Rodriguez, Jr., reveals how, in the wake of 9/11, government-approved hard measures used on captured high-level al-Qa’ida operatives derailed terrorist threats to the US, contributed to the capture of Osama bin Laden, and saved countless American lives. That is, until initial support gave way to shortsighted political correctness, leaving those responsible for protecting our nation second-guessed, hamstrung, and investigated. In effect, the United States has chosen to willfully and unilaterally disarm itself in the war on terror.

Rodriguez melds his fascinating life story with a reasoned, previously untold, and convincing case for hard measures. Fully disclosing explosive details of when and how they were used, and why these methods were necessary, he offers a rare insider’s look at an issue that seizes public attention and inspires vigorous debate.

Not politically slanted as I expected

If you could sum up Hard Measures in three words, what would they be?

First hand account

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The author explained the process so precisely & gave the reader the best understanding of the motives and logic behind the decisions that are used within the intel community to keep our citizens safe. I trust now, even less than I ever have, the media for taking the work of these individuals so far out of context. The sad thing is, so much has been revealed as a result of the fact that the CIA had to defend themselves that we may less safe as a nation than before this issue was raised.

What does Sean Pratt bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

That the folks within the Intel Community are humans too!

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

How blatantly un-American our Liberal media has become.

Any additional comments?

Very definately worth the time to read/listen!

Thank You

Thank you for your service, you are a true HERO.
It's truly a sad chapter in our history when Americans should be rallying to support our government officials for protecting our way of life, instead choose to condemn those who provide our freedoms.
People want to enjoy their filet mignon,then turn around and protest with PETA!

Good discussion on rendition and interrogation

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I don't have the credentials to layout this argument.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The discussion on what exactly waterboarding is, how it was used, what information came from it's use and the fact that we do it to all of our own special forces people as part of their training.

Which character – as performed by Sean Pratt – was your favorite?

Jose

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Rendition often resulted in prisoners being returned to us in less than satisfactory condition so we found it necessary to interrogate our prisoners ourselves.

Any additional comments?

The funny part is, when the interrogation practices the CIA uses were demonstrated on CIA agents for the Obama administration their reaction was " is that really all you guys do?"

Heroes harassed by the people they protect & serve

I have read quite a bit about EITs and I'm glad I learned more about what the men and women in the CIA did to protect us. The only disgusting thing in the story is what our own leaders did to these heros is beyond belief. Nancy Pelosi, Diane Fienstien, and a couple republicans too need to be tried for treason for what they did to keep others from safeguarding America.

A true American Hero

Hard Measures by Jose A. Rodriguez is a testament to how we hope all government employees especially CIA personnel should act. He took necessary measures to make sure that America was safe. I for one have no problems with EITs if it protects the homeland and those abroad. I have great respect for him and the people who helped him take down the terrorists. I also find it satisfying that he is a Latino and shows me that we can all achieve greatness no matter our background.