
Who Would Like This Book:
If you've ever wondered how wealth and power got so concentrated at the top, this book lays it out in plain English. Robert Reich walks you through modern American economics and politics with punchy, clear-eyed storytelling and just enough optimism to leave you thinking change is possible. It's a great pick for anyone curious about 'rigged systems,' fans of political analysis, or readers of current affairs titles like "Winners Take All." If you feel that the system isn't working for everyday people, you'll find yourself nodding along and maybe even fired up to learn more.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers wanted more practical solutions and found the book heavy on diagnosis but light on actionable steps forward. If you’re looking for a detailed, step-by-step policy blueprint or tire of repeated points about inequality, this might not hit the mark. Those who prefer a focus on consumerism or broader economic themes may also find the discussion a bit narrow.
About:
The System by Robert B. Reich delves into the analysis of how the political and economic systems in America have been distorted by power dynamics, leading to a concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few at the top. Reich highlights the shift towards shareholder capitalism, the decline of union bargaining power, and the financial influence of Wall Street as key factors contributing to the rigging of the system. Through a compelling narrative, Reich addresses the impact of consumerism, the lack of concrete proposals for change, and the battle between democracy and oligarchy, emphasizing the need for systemic reform to restore balance and prioritize the common good over individual gain.
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From The Publisher:
From the bestselling author of Saving Capitalism and The Common Good, comes an urgent analysis of how the "rigged" systems of American politics and power operate, how this status quo came to be, and how average citizens can enact change.
There is a mounting sense that our political-economic system is no longer working, but what is the core problem and how do we remedy it? With the characteristic clarity and passion that have made him a central civil voice, bestselling author of Saving Capitalism and The Common Good Robert B. Reich shows how wealth and power have combined to install an oligarchy and undermine democracy. Reich exposes the myths of meritocracy, national competitiveness, corporate social responsibility, the "free market," and the political "center," all of which are used by those at the top to divert attention from their takeover of the system and to justify their accumulation of even more wealth and power. In demystifying the current system, Reich reveals where power actually lies and how it is wielded, and invites us to reclaim power and remake the system for all.
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About the Author:
ROBERT B. REICH is Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He has served in three national administrations and has written fifteen books, including The Work of Nations, which has…
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