They Rule: The 1% vs. Democracy

Description

This book reflects on key questions raised by recent movements and statements about the status of American politics and polity-from the Tea Party to Occupy, from the 1% to the 47% to the 99% that is the rest of us. These questions have also been raised by previous generations of labor, farmer, socialist, anarchist, and populist protestors and critics: Who owns and rules America beyond the pretense of democratic popular governance? Why does it matter that the nation's economy, society, culture, and politics are torn by stark class disparities and a concentration of wealth in the hands of a privileged few? What is the price of that savage inequality? And what can "we the people" do about it in defense of democracy, a livable natural environment, and the common good of all? Along the way, this book sharpens readers' sense of who the US oligarchy are; how their fortunes have changed over the course of American history; how they live and think; and how to detect and de-cloak them. Paul Street is a master at revealing what lies beneath the surfaces of American politics and society and bringing his readers to the forefront of action. Contents Acknowledgments Introduction: John Carpenter’s Magic Sunglasses and the Real Choice 1 “They Own the Place” 2 Richistan and the Rest of Us 3 Political Economy 4 Dismantling Domestic Development 5 How They Rule 6 No Crystal Ball Epilogue Notes Epigraphs Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Epilogue Index About the Author