As books go, American Theocracy by Kevin Phillips is above average, to say the least. Its usefulness is in setting forth in concise form the history of oil.
At this point in the book I am reading about the relative importance of the various states whose economies are strongly connected either with oil or the automobile. It is interesting to see the correlation. (Phillips' credulous assumption of the validity of the vote against Kerry in 2004 both nationwide and in Ohio can be partly forgiven due to the circumstances of the times. However, Phillips should know that the election of Bush was challenged in Congress -- the first time such a contest had been lodged since the nineteenth century.)
It is clear from the book that American life and especially its politics are intrinsically bound to the oil industry. Later in the book I hope to read suggestions for an effective divorce in the oil-politics marriage.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for commenting. All comments are moderated. Your comment will be reviewed as quickly as possible. Off-topic or inappropriate will not be considered. Timely and appropriate messages are most welcome.