America: The Farewell Tour

Description

A profound and provocative examination of America in crisis, where unemployment, deindustrialization, and a bitter hopelessness and malaise have resulted in an epidemic of diseases of despair—drug abuse, gambling, suicide, magical thinking, xenophobia, and a culture of sadism and hate. America, says Pulitzer Prize­–winning reporter Chris Hedges, is convulsed by an array of pathologies that have arisen out of profound hopelessness, a bitter despair and a civil society that has ceased to function. The opioid crisis, the retreat into gambling to cope with economic distress, the pornification of culture, the rise of magical thinking, the celebration of sadism, hate, and plagues of suicides are the physical manifestations of a society that is being ravaged by corporate pillage and a failed democracy. As our society unravels, we also face global upheaval caused by catastrophic climate change. All these ills presage a frightening reconfiguration of the nation and the planet. Donald Trump rode this disenchantment to power. InAmerica: The Farewell Tour, Hedges argues that neither political party, now captured by corporate power, addresses the systemic problem. Until our corporatecoup d’étatis reversed these diseases will grow and ravage the country. A poignant cry reported from communities across the country,America: The Farewell Tourseeks to jolt us out of our complacency while there is still time. Dedication......Page 5 Epigraph......Page 6 Chapter 1 – Decay......Page 7 Chapter 2 – Heroin......Page 64 Chapter 3 – Work......Page 90 Chapter 4 – Sadism......Page 117 Chapter 5 – Hate......Page 155 Chapter 6 – Gambling......Page 206 Chapter 7 – Freedom......Page 232 Acknowledgments......Page 311 About the Author......Page 317 Notes......Page 323 Bibliography......Page 349 Index......Page 355 Copyright......Page 396