"Cousins of Color" is a fascinating and enlightening view of America's involvement in the Philippines at the turn of the century. President McKinley has sent US military forces to Manila for 'humanitarian' purposes. This is not a book about the men who make important decisions but about the trickle down effect those decisions have on other men. Schroder's story allows the reader to see what doors are opened by the arrogance of those in power. We see the dark side of some men manifest itself and the strength of character in others come through. It's a book about choices and one man choosing to do what is right over what is expedient.