Hard-hitting critique of the heritage-industrial complex… < Announcement details on eCultural Resources >

Hard-hitting critique of the heritage-industrial complex…

Most Americans agree that our heritage--both natural and cultural--should be protected. Then why does development run rampant, aided--rather than controlled—by government? Tom King has been a participant in and observer of this system for decades, as a government worker, heritage consultant, and advocate for local communities. In this hard-hitting critique of the heritage-industrial complex, King points the finger at watchdogs who instead serve as advocates, unintelligible (often contradictory) regulations, disinterested government employees and power-seeking agencies, all of whom conspire to keep our heritage unprotected. His solution to this crisis will be uncomfortable to many in power, but may help save more of our cultural and natural resources.

03-04-09 - Book Release / Review

CA, United States, North America

“The book was a joy to read: It’s provocative yet reasonable with a copious dash of delightfully dry humor. It also goes directly to the heart of some of the biggest problems with environmental protection and historic preservation. I would make this book required reading for any course on the National Environmental Policy Act or the National Historic Preservation Act. Undergraduates and graduate students preparing for environmental careers need to know about both acts, and they need to know how in practice our country goes about implementing them. The book lays it out clearly with both a practical and theoretical understanding...I don’t think I have ever read something on these two acts that I would call a page-turner, but this book is exactly that. I kept wanting to read more!”
- John H. Perkins, the Evergreen State College

“A necessary and must-read for anyone who has tried to penetrate the system! Whether you are an individual citizen, a tribal government, or a concerned political representative who wonders why destructive and unjustified projects catapult to fruition, this book unveils the deep and cracked truth of how the well-intended environmental and historic preservation laws are redirected to justify predetermined outcomes. I am encouraged by the suggested adjustments to the existing laws; this book is a beginning that holds great hope for a discouraged and frustrated person who for 25 years has attempted to work within the confines of a stay-in-the-box system. Kudos to Tom for going out on the limb of a great tree of many colors for true democracy, of the people, by the people, FOR THE PEOPLE!”
- Nora McDowell, Former Chair, Fort Mojave Indian Tribe