'At War with Ourselves' and 'Broken Open' are memoirs chronicling internal conflict
Sep 13, 2024
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H. R. McMaster, former National Security Adviser, shares insights from his tumultuous time in the Trump administration, discussing political infighting and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. He reflects on the three types of people he encountered and speculates on a potential second Trump presidency. Meanwhile, William Cope Moyers, a recovery advocate with 35 years of sobriety, opens up about the challenges of maintaining recovery amidst personal struggles with addiction, especially during times of crisis and the importance of community support.
H.R. McMaster's memoir reveals the complexities of navigating political infighting within the Trump administration while influencing foreign policy decisions.
William Cope Moyers shares his ongoing struggle with sobriety, emphasizing the critical need for accessible addiction treatment and support systems for recovery.
Deep dives
Navigating Politics and Personal Challenges
H.R. McMaster's memoir explores his experiences during the Trump administration, addressing the complexities of working with a divisive president and his team. He reflects on his overconfidence in his ability to bridge gaps within the administration, particularly regarding relationships with influential figures like Rex Tillerson and James Mattis, who viewed him as an extension of Trump. McMaster highlights the challenges he faced in coordinating foreign policy under a president who was at times surrounded by individuals driven by their own agendas. Despite these hurdles, he acknowledges that the administration achieved some meaningful advancements in foreign policy, underscoring the lasting effects of their decisions on global relations.
The Struggles of Continuous Sobriety
William Cope Moyers discusses the ongoing challenges of maintaining sobriety after achieving recovery from addiction, as addressed in his memoir 'Broken Open.' Although he had significant time sober, he fell back into temptation due to a dental procedure that led to prescription painkillers. Moyers candidly recounts his struggle with addiction, emphasizing the importance of recognizing vulnerability and the need for vigilance in recovery. His journey underscores that even those with lengthy recovery histories can confront setbacks, reminding listeners that multiple pathways to recovery exist and that it’s okay to be a work in progress.
Access to Recovery and Support Systems
Moyers emphasizes the critical issue of accessibility to addiction treatment, which affects countless individuals who lack resources for assistance. While he benefited from his recovery network and support systems, he acknowledges that many others do not have the same opportunities, leading to a tragic gap in care availability. He stresses that recovery is a continuous journey, highlighting the need for dignity in treatment and an understanding that everyone deserves support. Through his experiences, Moyers conveys the message that the journey to recovery is ongoing, and society must work toward increasing accessibility for all.
New memoirs by former National Security Adviser H. R. McMaster and recovery advocate William Cope Moyers document conflicts of different kinds. In At War with Ourselves, McMaster contends with his years in the Trump administration and the political infighting he experienced at the White House. Moyers' Broken Open documents a more personal struggle with maintaining his sobriety 35 years into his recovery journey. In today's episode, McMaster talks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about the three types of people he encountered at the White House–and what U.S. foreign policy would look like under a second Trump presidency. Later, Moyers speaks with NPR's Scott Simon about what happens when sobriety is jeopardized.
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