Bryce, Robert. Cronies.

BRYCE, Robert. Cronies. Public Affairs. 327p. notes, c2004. 1-58648-337-4. $14.00. SA

After Hurricane Katrina and the appointment of a fellow Texan to the Supreme Court who has never been a judge, it is not hard to believe the premise of this book. Bryce sets out to show how the history of the oil industry in Texas has led to the dominance of Texan politicians, starting with Sam Rayburn, LBJ, and the Bush dynasty. Although Bryce exposes Democrats and Republicans alike, he especially attacks the current Republican administration. This paperback edition has a preface that updates events through the 2004 election, and there is sure to be a newer edition that covers the indictment of Tom DeLay, the appointment of Harriet Miers, and the continuing saga of Haliburton and its no-bid contracts. Corporate America has repaid the many favors of the Texas ruling class by providing corporate jets for campaign travel and huge campaign contributions, the disclosure of which are often overlooked. Although Texas as a state suffers from substandard education and has the most citizens without health insurance and the most citizens incarcerated, Bush and his cronies have used the example of Texas to run the country.

Bryce is a writer for the World Energy Monthly Review and numerous other publications and the book has extensive notes and numerous charts that show the historical progression of events, such as the development of the oil industry. The book is well written and well researched, but it is disillusioning for anyone who still believes in the way things are supposed to work in America. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL