> [H]e’s heard ... that I’m a magazine writer looking into California’s almond boom. He demands to know what my angle is. Am I going to blame almonds for the state’s mounting water woes, like other articles have?

> When I assure him I’m after the whole story, he softens.

And yet, is not blaming almonds exactly what the author proceeds to do?

I'm not saying they aren't to blame, but this seems a bit dishonest.