Summary

In "Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government," P.J. O'Rourke embarks on a satirical journey through the American political landscape, dissecting its absurdities with sharp wit and unapologetic cynicism. He questions the very nature of government, its relentless expansion, and its often-tedious operations, painting a picture of Washington as a place where logic often takes a back seat to bureaucracy.

O'Rourke doesn't shy away from tackling the core issues, from drug policy and poverty to agricultural subsidies and foreign interventions. He exposes the hypocrisy and self-serving motives that drive many political decisions, highlighting the disconnect between what politicians promise and what they deliver. The book is a hilarious yet incisive commentary on the gap between the ideals of American democracy and the often-disappointing realities of its execution.

He also casts a critical eye on the various branches of government, from Congress and the presidency to the Supreme Court and the vast bureaucracy, revealing how each contributes to the overall dysfunction and inefficiency of the system. O'Rourke's exploration isn't limited to institutions; he also examines the influence of special interest groups, from compassion fascists to ecologists, and their role in shaping policies that often benefit a select few at the expense of the many.

Through his signature blend of humor and conservative ideology, O'Rourke challenges readers to reconsider their expectations of government and to recognize the inherent limitations and absurdities of the political process. "Parliament of Whores" is a call for greater individual responsibility, a skepticism toward centralized power, and a healthy dose of laughter in the face of political madness. It's a wild ride through the cesspool of American governance, guided by a humorist who isn't afraid to call out the fools and foolishness that plague the system.

In a new foreword to this edition, Andrew Ferguson reflects on the book's enduring relevance, noting that many of the issues O'Rourke tackled in the early 1990s remain strikingly similar today. The book's central truth—that Americans are rhetorically libertarian but operationally statist—continues to resonate, making "Parliament of Whores" a timeless and hilarious guide to navigating the ever-turbulent waters of American politics.