In 'Outside the Wire', Jason Kander, a former soldier and politician, recounts his profound experiences in Iraq and their lasting impact on his life. As he navigates the realm of political ambition and personal trauma, Kander poignantly examines the invisible wounds of war. He delves into the complex relationship between honor and mental health, challenging societal perceptions of veterans. This compelling memoir intertwines the threads of courage, vulnerability, and redemption. Join Kander on a journey that questions the very fabric of patriotism and self-identity.
By Jason Kander
Published: 2018
"In the end, it's not the battles fought in the field that define us, but the courage to confront our own truths in the silence that follows."
NOW A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! A smart and revealing political memoir from a rising star of the Democratic Party. "In life and in politics, the most important work is often that which happens outside the wire." Going "outside the wire" -- military lingo for leaving the safety of a base -- has taught Jason Kander to take risks and make change rather than settling for the easy option. After you've volunteered to put your life on the line with and for your fellow Americans in Afghanistan, cynical politics and empty posturing back home just feel like an insult. Kander understands that showing political courage really just means doing the right thing no matter what. He won a seat in the Missouri Legislature at age twenty-seven and then, at thirty-one, became the first millennial in the country elected to statewide office. An unapologetic progressive from the heartland, he rejected conventional political wisdom and stood up to the NRA in 2016 with a now-famous Senate campaign ad in which he argued for gun reform while assembling a rifle blindfolded. That fearless commitment to service has placed him at the forefront of a new generation of American political leaders. In his final interview as President, Barack Obama pointed to Kander as the future of the Democratic Party. "...do something rather than be something..." In OUTSIDE THE WIRE, Jason Kander describes his journey from Midwestern suburban kid to soldier to politician and details what he's learned along the way: lessons imparted by his dad on the baseball diamond, wisdom gained outside the wire in Kabul, and cautionary tales witnessed under the Missouri Capitol dome. Kander faced down petty tyrants in Jefferson City -- no big deal after encountering real ones in Afghanistan. He put in 90,000 miles campaigning for statewide office in 2012 -- no sweat compared to the thirty-seven miles between Bagram Air Base and Camp Eggers. When confronted with a choice between what's easy and what's right, he's never hesitated. OUTSIDE THE WIRE is a candid, practical guide for anyone thinking about public service and everyone wishing to make a difference. It's a call to action, an entertaining meditation on the demands and rewards of civic engagement, and, ultimately, a hopeful vision for America's future -- all seen through the eyes of one of its most dedicated servants.
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“In the end, it's not the battles fought in the field that define us, but the courage to confront our own truths in the silence that follows.”
Outside the Wire
By Jason Kander
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Jason Kander is an accomplished author, political figure, and veteran. He served as the Secretary of State of Missouri and was a prominent candidate for the U.S. Senate. Kander is best known for his memoir, "Outside the Wire: Ten Lessons I Learned in the Military that Will Help Us Fight the War on Terror," where he reflects on his military service and its impact on his life and politics. His writing is characterized by its candidness and engaging storytelling, often blending personal anecdotes with broader societal themes.
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