General Category > DB Cooper
Book Discussion About DB Cooper
andrade1812:
Bruce, feel free to respond if I mischaracterize anything...
--- Quote ---How does Smith portray the Cooper investigation? As an FBI investigation only or as a shared investigation: FBI, USAF, NWA, Boeing, etc. ? Does the book make it clear who was in charge of what, and who did what at various stages of the investigation?
--- End quote ---
Smith focuses on the FBI almost exclusively. When other agencies are mentioned, it normally has to do with speculation about why the investigation went so poorly.
The book does an excellent job of tracking who the Norjack case agent was throughout the life of the mystery, and Smith includes information from interviews with other FBI agents in the case. The level of detail was greater than that found in other books (Norjack, Skyjack, etc) but falls far short of the captious hairsplitting found in the online forums.
--- Quote ---Who gets the lion's share of the blame for a failed investigation?
--- End quote ---
Smith doesn't necessarily blame anyone for the failure. He implies (strongly) that there was a cover up, not in the FBI, but in other government agencies. He doesn't claim this as fact, but his last chapter dealing with his remote viewing sessions seems to confirm this is what he believes. [I should note that I am highly skeptical of remote viewing and most paranormal claims, and dismiss remote viewing as a forensic tool. Thankfully, only one chapter of the book deals with remote viewing. The bulk of the book is based on Smith's journalism, and that's a good thing.
Smith documents the major missteps in the case, things that are obviously the FBI's fault.
--- Quote ---Does Smith tell us what was done wrong, or what was done right, by who at critical points in the investigation?
--- End quote ---
Yes, more or less. Again, the level of detail found in the forums far exceeds anything you'll find in any of the books in the case. As such, forum regulars might be disappointed that Smith hasn't tackled all the esoteric points in the case.
--- Quote ---Would you recommend Smith's book to the FBI as a training manual?
--- End quote ---
The Cooper case should represent a lesson in hubris and humility to the FBI. And I think they should be well-acquainted with that lesson.
However, I think the conspiracy element would cause the average FBI agent to ignore any lessons they'd find in the book. I've criticized Bruce enough on this point (it goes all the way back to our first interaction on this forum) so I feel discomfort touching on this any more than necessary.
I hope this response is satisfactory.
Bruce A. Smith:
Georger and 'Rade, I love reading your questions and analysis. To me, it is utterly refreshing to hear your views.
One thing I'd like to add: I never saw the book as a training manual for the FBI. Rather, I saw it as a "Codex" or some kind of "wikipedia-like" overview for Norjak case agents and their squads, such as the agents who are currently assisting SA Eng, Jimmy and Jake, or even the PIO Ayn Dietrich-Williams. I've offered to print them a special FBI edition, replete with phone numbers and contact information.
I also see my book as a contribution to the cultural shift taking place in our country in terms of how we see cops and law enforcement. Once Upon a Time, we trusted the police without question. Now, not so much.
Netflix is filled with documentaries on the abuse of power from LE, prosecutors and the Powers-That-Be. Shows like "Death Row Stories" show the horror of our judicial system. The one-thousand-plus inmates who have been freed from death row or life imprisonment due to DNA findings is proof of a failed and cruel system. The impact of "The Innocence Project" is rippling throughout our nation, to our betterment in my judgement, and DB Cooper and the FBI is my effort to assist this work.
These problems are not confined to the USA, but are probably global in nature. The Amanda Knox case is a tragedy that is not unique to Italy, the United States, or the world for that matter. In just a few days, Knox and her friend Raffaele Sollecito will confront their third Italian Supreme Court ruling in what is an egregious rail-road job designed to build prosecutorial resumes and protect the power-hungry.
georger:
You are not allowed to view links.
Register or LoginBruce, feel free to respond if I mischaracterize anything...
--- Quote ---How does Smith portray the Cooper investigation? As an FBI investigation only or as a shared investigation: FBI, USAF, NWA, Boeing, etc. ? Does the book make it clear who was in charge of what, and who did what at various stages of the investigation?
--- End quote ---
Smith focuses on the FBI almost exclusively. When other agencies are mentioned, it normally has to do with speculation about why the investigation went so poorly.
The book does an excellent job of tracking who the Norjack case agent was throughout the life of the mystery, and Smith includes information from interviews with other FBI agents in the case. The level of detail was greater than that found in other books (Norjack, Skyjack, etc) but falls far short of the captious hairsplitting found in the online forums.
--- Quote ---Who gets the lion's share of the blame for a failed investigation?
--- End quote ---
Smith doesn't necessarily blame anyone for the failure. He implies (strongly) that there was a cover up, not in the FBI, but in other government agencies. He doesn't claim this as fact, but his last chapter dealing with his remote viewing sessions seems to confirm this is what he believes. [I should note that I am highly skeptical of remote viewing and most paranormal claims, and dismiss remote viewing as a forensic tool. Thankfully, only one chapter of the book deals with remote viewing. The bulk of the book is based on Smith's journalism, and that's a good thing.
Smith documents the major missteps in the case, things that are obviously the FBI's fault.
--- Quote ---Does Smith tell us what was done wrong, or what was done right, by who at critical points in the investigation?
--- End quote ---
Yes, more or less. Again, the level of detail found in the forums far exceeds anything you'll find in any of the books in the case. As such, forum regulars might be disappointed that Smith hasn't tackled all the esoteric points in the case.
--- Quote ---Would you recommend Smith's book to the FBI as a training manual?
--- End quote ---
The Cooper case should represent a lesson in hubris and humility to the FBI. And I think they should be well-acquainted with that lesson.
However, I think the conspiracy element would cause the average FBI agent to ignore any lessons they'd find in the book. I've criticized Bruce enough on this point (it goes all the way back to our first interaction on this forum) so I feel discomfort touching on this any more than necessary.
I hope this response is satisfactory.
--- End quote ---
Great answers! I will buy and read his book based on your answers alone. Thanks! :)
Bruce A. Smith:
Thanks, G. Ching, ching. Another four bucks....
georger:
You are not allowed to view links.
Register or LoginThanks, G. Ching, ching. Another four bucks....
--- End quote ---
Can I buy this e-book through Barnes & Nobel?
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