Bostonist: Bostonist Book Review: Cape Wind

Barbara Durkin

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:29:39 -0500

I agree, Caper, Cape Wind, the book, is insulting as a hard copy tabloid. I understand that it's sitting on the book shelves at the Cape, and consider that as indication that the "favor" is being returned to Wendy and Robert. The Cape and Islands is a very special place. The propaganda and insults hurled by these author will not advance Cape Wind to Nantucket Sound. Apparently, the tactics and strategy used by the authors isn't helping books sales either.

Caper

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:14:39 -0500

Caroline, I agree, it is a matter of taste. Anyone one that has taste knows how tasteless this fable is. It is an insult to every grandfateher and mother that brought their families to the Cape because it was so special. Williams has managed to insult every Cape Codder that it is trying to keep it that way. Nantucket Sound is the heart and soul of our economy. It is what makes Cape Cod and the Islands a special place. This book is nothing more than a hard copy tabloid.

Caroline

Thu, 31 May 2007 21:32:36 -0500

Caper, whether or not the book is excellent is a matter of taste. But I must defend the authors on one of your points - they did not insult Walter Cronkite. In fact, they treated him with the respect that he deserves. They may have satirized other people in the book, but not Cronkite.

Barbara Durkin

Thu, 31 May 2007 21:28:10 -0500

We have developer directed development ongoing as we have not done our job by zoning first. We need to create exclusion zones that apply to alternative energy, or alternate use projects being proposed for the Outer Continental Shelf. While I object to Cape Wind proposed for Nantucket Sound as a tourist who appreciates the current scenic value, I also recognize that Cape Wind would create a public safety hazard, kill birds in unacceptable numbers, some endangered, and destroy the fishing industry according to actual fishermen working in this Essential Fish Habitat. Cape Wind promises to give wind energy generation in the U.S. a black eye. We have developer directed development ongoing as we have not done our job by zoning first. We need to create exclusion zones that apply to alternative energy, or alternate use projects being proposed for the Outer Continental Shelf. The best place for us to start is to finish the job of protecting Nantucket Sound in perpetuity from inappropriate development. This place is on the active list for consideration as a national marine sanctuary. Nantucket Sound is surrounded by state sanctuary water. Wendy Williams is on the outside looking in. Her bias was likely the reason she was denied access to the Alliance to Protect Nantucket Sound. Wendy and Robert are crusading for Cape Wind as pointed out by Jim Braude. While, there are many serious considerations that this book overlooks. Cape Wind, the book, can’t be taken seriously as it exploits the exploitation proposed by Cape Wind. It’s not science, it’s junk science and provides no basis for informed decision making during a permitting process. Wendy Williams provided the bird issue as an example of a wild claim made by Cape Wind's opponents during a recent interview with Jim Braude. At about the same time, a Congressional Subcommittee had been formed, and a Full Legislative Hearing on this issue was underway... “The fear is that with all the new wind farms rolling out, there is a new Altamont being created today,” says Greg Butcher, National Audubon’s director of bird conservation." "The exact reasons for the improvement are a matter of debate, but collisions seem far fewer when wind farms keep out of major flyways and give a wide berth to rich prey sites like Altamont and attractive bird habitats such as wetlands.” Either Wendy hasn’t done her homework, or her dog ate it. In either case, her credibility is lacking, and her book is an incredible extension of that. I don’t need to read the book understand that. The tone of self righteous indignation taken by the authors over the political prowess and maneuvering of the opponents of Cape Wind is rich. They conveniently fail to mention that Cape Wind passed "Go" in the developer favorable clause slipped into the Energy Policy Act of 2005 that provided this developer with a "no bid" deal for Nantucket Sound. Cape Wind eliminated all competition for our resource. Dennis Duffy of Cape Wind testified in favor of weakening the National Environmental Policy Act NEPA, federal law under which Cape Wind is being reviewed. Congressman Pombo failed to disclose his family’s interest in wind energy when he sought to tweak laws to favor wind interests. This list goes on and reflects that Cape Wind and friends, GE, AWEA, and to whomever our $billion in subsidies, and this resource would be payable to, have indeed participated in nefarious activities themselves. That is at least according to the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington in House Resource Chair, Congressman Pombo’s case. Cape Wind also poses a threat to public safety and wildlife.

donatracy

Thu, 31 May 2007 21:03:59 -0500

I spoke with the book reviewer from the New York Times. He put it plainly "Cape Wind" "is a bad book and written badly too".

Caper

Thu, 31 May 2007 20:47:43 -0500

Excellent ???? You have to be kidding!! This book is so poorly written and outdated, that it is not worth the trees that were killed for it. This is more science fiction combined with National Enquirer tabloid slander. The author never spoke to the airports, fisherman, chambers or state reps that are against the project. We expected this kind of crap from Williams, but we are very surprised that Whitcomb would lower him self to this gutter talk. Think about it, this arrogant hack writer has the gall to insult a world class gentleman reporter such as Walter Cronkite? Get the facts! Radar interference, closing of fishing grounds, ship and air navigation dangers. This high school level fable should be called Cape Spin!!

Joe

Tue, 29 May 2007 23:23:26 -0500

What about the other Ted? US Senator Ted Stevens attempted some legislative chicanery to stop the project?