First published in 1977, Red Tape remains a definitive account of modern lifes greatest,
but absolutely necessary, scourge. Kaufman takes us on an unblinking tour of the
dismal landscape of red tape: its messy, it takes too long, it is out of date,
it makes insane demands, it increases costs, it slows progress.
But he also shows us another side. Red tape
is how government protects us from tainted food, shoddy products, and unfair
labor practices. It guarantees a social safety net for the elderly, the
disabled, and victims of natural disasters. One persons red tape is another
persons protection.