We the Elites Why the US Constitution Serves the Few

Description

Written by 55 of the richest white men of early America, and signed by only 39 of them, the constitution is the sacred text of American nationalism. Popular perceptions of it are mired in idolatry, myth and misinformation - many Americans have opinions on the constitution but have no idea what's in it. This book exposes the constitution for what it is – a rulebook to protect capitalism for the elites. The misplaced faith of social movements in the constitution as a framework for achieving justice actually obstructs social change - incessant lengthy election cycles, staggered terms and legislative sessions have kept those movements trapped in a redundant loop. This stymies progress on issues like labour rights, public health and climate change, projecting the American people and rest of the world towards destruction. Robert Ovetz's reading of the constitution shows that the system isn't broken. Far from it. It works as it was designed to do. Contents Preface Introduction: The United States, Democracy or Republic? 1. The Framers’ Vision 2. Preamble: “Intoxicating Draughts of Liberty Run Mad” 3. Congress: Justice to Property 4. Congress: Designed for Inefficiency 5. Congress: Power of the Purse 6. The Executive: The Rule of One 7. The Executive: Unrestrained Global Guardian of Property 8. The Judiciary: The Servant above His Master 9. Amendments and Ratification: An Act of Force and Not of Right 10. Beyond the Constitution Notes Index