Purchase Books by Robert Blaemire
Birch Bayh: Making a difference
Robert Blaemire (2019); 472 pages; published by Indiana University Press
A remarkable history of one of the most legendary US senators of our time, Birch Bayh: Making a Difference reveals a life and career dedicated to the important issues facing Indiana and the nation, including civil rights and equal rights for women. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, right before the Great Depression, Birch Bayh served more than 25 years in the Indiana General Assembly (1954–1962) and the United States Senate (1963–1981). His influence was seen in landmark legislation over his tenure, including Title IX, the 25th Amendment, the 26th Amendment, Civil Rights of the Institutionalized, Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act, and the Bayh-Dole Act. Bayh was also the author, chief Senate sponsor, and floor leader of the Equal Rights Amendment and successfully led the opposition to two Nixon nominees to the Supreme Court. Robert Blaemire profiles not only the prolific career of this remarkable senator but also an era when compromise and bipartisanship were common in Congress.
Unforced errors: 15 bad decisions that changed american history
Robert Blaemire, 2025, 210 pages, published by Austin Macauley
Americans often use terms such as “to err is human”, or “nobody’s perfect”, or “we all make mistakes”. Of course, this is true, as it is for all of America’s leaders through the years.
This book is about decisions made in politics or public policy that may be considered unwise; bad decisions that had unintended negative consequences for the decision-maker. This will not include personal decisions like deciding who to marry or whether to get divorced but rather to look at those political and policy decisions that can be considered, at the very least, unwise. Similarly, Kennedy s decision to visit Dallas in November 1963 led to his death but doesn’t really qualify as a decision of real political or policy calculation. Lincoln going to Ford’s theatre would be in that same category.
Instead, Unforced Errors lists 15 political calculations made by political figures, often at the pinnacle of their own success, which changed American history.
Coming Soon!
The Athlete is a novel about an Amish young man who may be the greatest natural athlete ever. He is discovered by a disgraced former major league baseball player who introduces him to others in Major League Baseball management to start him on his way. But the player wants to protect his identity and shield his community from this effort to play professional sports. An assumed name is used. His exploits become legendary, first in baseball and then as he migrates to football and later basketball. He learns lessons about modern fame and riches while also learning lessons about intrigue and betrayal. As successful as he becomes, he struggles over a decision about what he really wants for his life and for those he loves. While the public tries to learn who this mystery athlete really is, he is led to make a stark choice about his future.