Politics Ain''t Beanbag

About the Book

This lively self-deprecating memoir traces the author’s 45 year evolution from being an idealist, pure and simple, to being what he describes (borrowing a phrase from JFK) as an “idealist without illusions”. He learns the hard way, from experience in a wide variety of governmental and party positions, that “politics ain’t beanbag”, as Finley Peter Dunne’s Mr. Dooley once remarked. The stakes are high, and most of the actors are motivated chiefly by self-interest. To expect otherwise is naive. But, Pittenger says, his is not a counsel of despair; an “idealist without illusions” can have at least a marginal impact on public life if he or she understands the rules of the game.

At the same time, Pittenger’s memoir is a celebration of the satisfactions to be derived from a commitment to public life. His is a plea for young people, especially, to test the political waters. At a time of widespread disenchantment with the American political scene, he offers guarded encouragement to those who would follow in his footsteps, be they Democrats (as he is) or Reublicans.

About the Author

John C. Pittenger was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1930 and was educated in the public schools of Swarthmore, PA and at the Phillips Exeter Academy, Harvard College and Harvard Law School. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955.

In 1958 Pittenger settled in Lancaster, PA where he practiced law for the next seven years. He first ran for the state House of Representatives in 1962, beginning the career in local and state politics which furnishes the subject matter of this book.

In addition to his political activities, Pittenger has been a college teacher, a law school dean and professor, a squash coach, a farmer, and an author (The Pursuit of Justice, with Henry Bragdon, Macmillan, 1966). He was awarded an honorary degree by Franklin and Marshall College in 1981. Pittenger is married to the former Pauline Leet.