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Book Reviews
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Crimes Against Nature: How George W. Bush
and His Corporate Pals Are Plundering the
Country and Hijacking Our Democracy
by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
(Harper Collins; $21.95; 2004)
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Wow! From the title I suppose most readers will be able to divine the point of this book. In general, I have an incredible grasp on the obvious, but I feel compelled to point out that if you believe “W” stands for “Wizard,” you might be uncomfortable with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s peek behind the curtain of the Bush administration.
On the other hand, national polls continue to show that laws securing clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment are very popular across party lines. So it’s more than likely a lot of people will be disturbed to read the details of the Bush administration’s reversals and abandoned campaign promises on environment. More than a few will be troubled by Kennedy’s exposure of the campaign rhetoric being used to conceal an agenda to destroy our forests (the Healthy Forest Act), or the air (the Clear Skies Bill). Almost certainly a majority will be concerned to read that polluters have been put in charge of the agencies that are supposed to protect Americans from pollution.
In 244 pages, perhaps the most well-known environmental attorney of our time, lays out his case that George W. Bush is the number-one threat to the environment – nationally and globally. Generously supported with over 500 citations and footnotes referencing his facts, Kennedy clearly makes the case that George W. Bush will be remembered as the worst environmental president in U.S. history.
But this book is about more than just exposing the president’s record on the environment. It is really sounding the alarm about the excesses of corporate power and the toxic impact of corporate influence on our democracy. President Bush has filled his administration and agency appointments with his political and corporate cronies, who, Kennedy points out, are “officials who view public service as an opportunity for wholesale plunder.” Citing political favors and payback for enormous campaign and partisan contributions, the book recounts the systematic dismantling of some of the most significant environmental, and worker health and safety regulation by the Bush administration. Bush’s reduced taxes for the wealthiest 2% of Americans has certainly enriched many of the US’s largest industries. And, as Kennedy points out, the Bush administration will also leave a $9 Trillion loan behind for our children and has resulted in poisoning our water and air, destroying public lands; and damaging the health of many.
This book is an expression of deep love of America as well as the ethical values that drive the author. In addition to being the Chief Council for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Robert Kennedy Jr. is president of the Waterkeeper Alliance. I was privileged to spend some time with “Bobby” this past June during the Waterkeeper Annual Convention, and my observation is that the intensity of spirit that exudes from the pages of this book is exactly what emanates from the man himself.
Gordon Hensley is a local environmentalist residing in San Luis Obispo. He can be reached at GRHensley-at-aol.com.
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