Geneology in Action

The biography begins with a significant description of two ethnic strains. One of these is defined as "the Bunton strain", and includes a set of specific characteristics that may or may not be desirable depending upon what it is that one wants to achieve. Another is called the "Johnson strain". This is set against the Bunton line in order to exemplify advantages and weaknesses or shortcomings that might be of some legitimate concern. The author does not explicitly state, but shows clearly that Lyndon Johnson's lack of ethics stems directly from the consequence of mixing the Johnsons with the Buntons. The ambitions demanded their outlet, and where the Johnson strain left Lyndon without an additional degree of much needed toughness and practicality, he made up for this lack with a level of ruthlessness not found among the Buntons. The ambitions were even greater than those of...