The Tie Goes to Freedom: Justice Anthony M. Kennedy on Liberty by Helen J. Knowles

Publishers Weekly

While billions of dollars have gone toward researching treatments, and ultimately a cure, for breast cancer, very little has gone toward studying preventative action, except on the personal level (diet, exercise, etc.). This eye-opening book from health and sociology scholar McCormick explores numerous environmental causes of breast cancer, but more importantly casts a harsh light on the motivations of industries that donate to cancer research while manufacturing carcinogenic toxins. The narrative takes a tour of research data and advocacy groups while following the progress of one Long Island woman undergoing breast cancer treatment. McCormick's text is full of disturbing details, in the form of statistics and individual obstacles; there are thousands of breast cancer diagnoses every year, many for women who take good care of themselves and don't engage in risk behaviors. McCormick also addresses the inevitable question, "Why me?", with a compelling and strident determinism, attempting to jog readers into realizing that giving money and buying products with pink ribbons isn't enough; rather, people must become aware of the chemicals around them and hold corporations accountable with their spending dollars.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Becky Kennedy - Library Journal

Knowles (political science, SUNY-Oswego) has written a philosophical treatment of Justice Kennedy's tenure (so far) on the Supreme Court. When Kennedy was appointed in 1987, he was hailed and criticized as a strong conservative. Over time, he has become controversial as a moderate voice and is now considered to be a pivotal vote on the Court. The author weaves a discussion of Kennedy's background as a law student and classroom teacher with an examination of how this has influenced his judicial philosophy. The beginning of the book examines his judicial thought in the context of libertarian thought. However, Knowles does not call the justice a libertarian. Instead, she uses libertarian philosophy to show that Kennedy is a believer in small government and individual liberty. Each chapter looks at Kennedy's views on issues such as affirmative action, civil rights, and free speech by discussing the level of judicial scrutiny applied to them. This is an extensive, thought-provoking look at judicial decision making that tackles complex issues. Recommended for law and academic libraries.

Product Details