In a photograph at the front of this book, three fortyish political activists – Frank Trotta, Jr., Leslie Maeby, and Tim Carey – stand together at a restaurant in Peekskill, N.Y. Peekskill is the home base of conservative Republican George Pataki, who was elected New York's Governor in 1994 on promises to cut taxes and spending (i.e., social-service programs) and bring back the death penalty. Both Carey and Maeby worked for Pataki's campaign, and it's a safe bet that Trotta, a lifelong Republican, gave him his vote. Read more [...]