It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism Book Review
Summary: It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism peers through the curtain of American politics and shows just how broken the system is... but all hope isn't lost... grassroots organizations are starting to make positive change.
4.5
Bernie's Bluntness
Anyone watching stories of American politics over the last few years would be aware of just how chaotic things seem to be and how frustrating the process seems.
Though it seems he embraces it… Bernie is far more than a mittened meme. He is a man who not only isn’t afraid to say just how the system is broken and abused… he’s more than willing to put forward ideas for how to fix it and how to start making the system work properly again.
In some ways It’s OK to Be Angry About Capitalism is a bit of a tough read… it’s a little dry and it can be arguably somewhat depressing at times (well, unless you live somewhere with good public health care and decent social security). But, I do think it’s an important book, especially for U.S. readers… but also just for people interested in politics. Bernie isn’t shy about pointing out just where the system is broken or at the very least, being abused. Corporate interests who sway policy to benefit their bottom line over the well being of the public. A health care system that not only costs an arm and a leg… but for what you pay isn’t even close to the standards in “comparable” countries.
The myth of the amazing United States is laid bare and what is left is a somewhat dystopian landscape. Bernie explains how this political/societal landscape has come to be via the machinations of what he calls the “uber-capitalists”. It’s interesting that America has a pre-occupation with demonising socialism which has the general aim of making sure those less fortunate are not left behind and instead champions extreme capitalism, the notion that “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good”… an idea that essentially encourages people to step on anyone and everyone in order to make more money whether it’s “needed” or not.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Bernie points out that there are some glimmers of hope… grass roots organisations that are making some waves… some new blood stirring up the political landscape and showing the potential to flip the system and perhaps start working for change that will see the system work for the people not against them. Showing the successes both Bernie and his colleagues have had and where future positive changes can be made, he sets a path ahead that might see some sign of equality make it’s way back into America.
Many people have an idea that the system is currently broken/in disarray/being abused… Bernie focuses on at least some of the areas that need work and explains some ways to start changing things for the better.
It may not be the easiest read… but it is an important read and I hope people on both sides (all sides?) of the political spectrum read and really consider Bernie’s words because they can literally be the difference between life and death.
About the Author
Chris O'Connor Father of four, husband of one and all round oddity. Gaming at home since about 1982 with a Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Moving on to the more traditional PC genre in the years that followed with the classic Jump Joe and Alley Cat. CGA, EGA, VGA and beyond PC's have been central to my gaming but I've also enjoyed consoles and hand helds along the way (who remembers the Atari Lynx?). Would have been actor/film maker, jack of many trades master of none.
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