In my review of the first edition of this book, I remarked about how hard it would be to make the book better. It seems like this is Schmid's answer to that. Everything I said in my review of the first edition goes double here.
This is more than just a revised edition, in some ways it is a new book. While the first edition touched on most of the subjects contained in this second edition, Schmid pushes to much greater range and depth in most of those areas.
He has increased the amount and depth of information about the history of the relationship between humans and bovines, and elaborated on the impact of that relationship on both species.
He has also delineated the overt and covert campaign against healthy raw milk in vastly greater detail. He goes into greater depth in his discussions of the legal cases involving raw milk and the people who produce it. If the stories about the behavior of government officials paid good tax money to protect the citizens of this country described in the first book upset you, then the additional material and depth on that collective malfeasance/criminal negligence in this edition will make you positively fume.
My personal feeling is that a tax-paid official who knowingly misdirects or otherwise influences an investigation of toxic substances in food is guilty of at least a couple of felonies, especially if people die or are severely injured. As the case histories here show, this has happened far too many times, with raw milk getting blamed for illnesses known to be caused by other foods. This is criminal on at least two points - attacking innocent citizens (wrongful prosecution, malfeasance), and letting the real culprits continue to poison people (aiding, abetting, and conspiracy). The fact that there has not been a massive investigation into this situation is very disturbing and also rather revealing. (As always, cui bono - who benefits? The "Medical-Industrial complex?)
The additional depth Schmid adds to the scientific discussion is a wonderful and welcome example of real scientific analysis in action. He deftly dismantles the errors, omissions, language tricks, and outright lies in the scientific reporting, and exposes the corruption involved in the production of faulty "research," which is used to shore up the unwarranted, untenable, and sociopathic attacks on raw milk. In this, he credits Sally Fallon Morell, Chris Masterjohn, Mary Enig, and others for their assistance.
An example of this is Ancel Keys' infamous Six Countries Study, which has been quite thoroughly debunked as a textbook example of hand picking your data to support a hypothesis. Junk science at its worst, yet still quoted by many as valid research.
It is a very instructional piece on digging into research reports to see if the data really support what the summary says it does. Most people would be shocked and angered by how often the data do not support the conclusions in scientific research. If you apply the same level of inquiry to the global warming scam, you will see even greater corruption.
He also clears up many myths and misconceptions from both sides of the milk debate, and clarifies what the valid research actually shows. He dismantles the arguments of critics with ease, as they are mostly propaganda and junk science.
(Science, contrary to what we hear from the media loving hacks, is never "settled." Scientific understanding consists of constructing models, which are always limited by our measuring technology, previous knowledge, competence, willingness to research a given area, greed, ego, and many other things. When a model fails, it should be replaced. This seldom happens, especially when there are large financial stakes involved. There are far, far more errors in science than most will admit.)
This edition is a bit more difficult to read than the first, due to the inclusion of so much more detail, including biochemistry and physiology. I found the discussion of lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, and related antimicrobial substances in raw milk particularly interesting and potentially very helpful. I am also pleased to see he has looked at the research and seen through the cholesterol scam, and discusses this in detail. Good job, Ron!
The book over 400 pages long, with about 30 additional pages of citations and an index. There are also a few pages of photos.
This is an outstanding example of making scientific understanding accessible and useful to the general public. Unlike some authors who simply make grandiose, authoritative-sounding pronouncements, Schmid backs up his statements with solid research, and exposes his reasoning for all to see.
Easily one of the best books on health, nutrition, science, and history in print today. I heartily advise reading it if you are at all interested in health and the forces (and people) lined up against it. You will also come away with a newfound respect and admiration (maybe even love?) for our bovine buddies.
Cows rock, dude.
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Charles Simon
Inform yourselves, read the facts..
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2012
