The Conscience of a Liberal
by Paul Krugman
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Book Reviews of The Conscience of a Liberal
Book Review: Not Krugman's Best, But Still Worth the Read
Summary: 3 Stars
Paul Krugman is an incisive observer of economic trends, and his customary acumen is displayed in portions of "Conscience of a Liberal". Krugman is his best in describing the growth of U.S. income inequality since 1980, in drawing parallels between contemporary America and the pre-New Deal era, and in prescribing a way forward for America's embattled liberals and progressives. Krugman is also persuasive in arguing that political reforms drive income distribution, a theory that runs counter to substantial commentary over the past several decades that asserts that economic trends drive political developments. These elements of "Conscience of a Liberal" make worthwhile reading.
But despite these considerable strengths, Krugman's coverage of the rise of movement conservatism is a tired repackaging of the substantial literature on the rise and rule of the political right. This material has been covered at length and in more persuasive detail by others, and there is little to be learned-- unless you are new to this subject-- by Krugman's recounting of how the Democratic Party lost the South.
Krugman is at his best when he sticks to economics and aspects of public affairs which are linked to the subjects of living standards and income distribution. This reader looks forward to a volume in which Krugman displays his talents more fully.
Book Review: Imperfect but very good
Summary: 4 Stars
Professor Krugman does an excellent job in this book, though the title is very unoriginal (Paul Wellstone wrote a book with the same title). Nonetheless, this is a valuable read. Krugman covers unions, Social Security, (especially) health care, income inequality, and other key economic issues.
His chapter on health care is the best part of the book. He makes the devastating retort to demagogues --like Rudy Giulani-- who keep warning us of the danger of "socialized medicine." Krugman points out that a single-payer system is socialized insurance, not socialized medicine. As he points out, in France and other countries that have national health insurance, the government does not own the hospitals or control the doctors. The doctors work for private hospitals; they are merely paid by the government. It, of course, remains to be seen if the public will realize the difference. Krugman recounts the funny story about a constituent of a former Senator who begs him not to let the government get its hands on Medicare.
I couldn't give the book 5 stars, unfortunately- for two reasons: 1. he unfairly accused conservatives of racism, and 2. he is too sanguine about the New Deal. There is no discussion of the regressive nature of the Social Security tax (cap of 94,500). Nonetheless, this is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.
Book Review: Re-read the last 60 pages several times
Summary: 5 Stars
America would be better off if all the presidential candidates, members of Congress and other federal bureaucrats read the last 60 pages of this excellent book. Since 28 others have already reviewed it for Amazon, I'll focus on its last three chapters. They concisely explain the national health care issue, the damage America is suffering because of the tremendous gap between the few very rich and the ever-increasing number of very poor, and the steps Americans must take to right the ship of state. Krugman argues logically for universal health care and describes why it isn't the "socialized medicine" threat President Bush and his followers claim it is. He also notes that the growing inequality in Americans' income has already condemned the children of today's adult poor to the likelihood that few of them will do well in college but many will continue their parents' poverty. And he calls on liberals to join progressives in becoming partisan -- and active -- in efforts to re-establish "a truly vital, competitive democracy." America's goal shouldn't be the one-party rule some on the right seek, he says. Instead, the parties should compete to show they can "deliver a decent life to all Americans and keep each other honest." Say it again, Paul.Book Review: History DOES Repeat Itself Both in Economics and Politics
Summary: 5 Stars
Paul Krugman has written a book documenting that history, from an economic and political standpoint, does repeat itself to a large degree. He does this by comparing the days of the Robber Barons to today's CEOs and explains the similarities and the differences.
This is a critical analysis of where the middle class has gone in the past 30 years and why the middle class is shrinking as we speak. He discusses what he calls "movement conservatives" (also known by many as neocons or the rabid right) and how they have let ideology interfere with bipartisanship. He also compares Republican Presidents such as Eisenhower and Nixon to Reagan and Bush and explains the differences in economic policies. In addition, he demonstrates that the tactics used by this group are a failure to most people and are hurting this country deeply.
The book is very well documented, balanced, and is thoughtfully presented. His conclusions of what need to be done to swing the country back on course are dead on and presented in a well written style, making the book a relatively easy read considering the subject matter. Highly recommended and a must read for all in the middle class who wonder why they cannot get ahead.
Book Review: Amazing insight from the NY Times' most astute columnist!
Summary: 5 Stars
Krugman's last book The Great Unraveling was a series of essays and articles, many of which have already appeared in the New York Times, so it's great to see him come out with an entire book dedicated to analyzing the political shifts in our country. As a union organizer, I especially enjoyed his view on unions and the role the labor movement historically played in reducing economic inequality, and the argument for why a resurgence in union membership is needed today. If you read What's the Matter With Kansas by Thomas Frank, you will probably also enjoy Krugman's critique and his analysis of how race has played a central role in the Republican Party's ability to galvanize the Southern white vote. He also spends a lot of time examining the New Deal. I had developed a loathing for FDR because of his decision to place Japanese citizens into internment camps during the war, but Krugman's look at the New Deal and how they shaped the future of our country made me appreciate FDR's legacy. Yet it is still unfinished and as active librals (or "progressives" as Krugman proffers they be called) it is imperative that we educate ourselves and make sure we put our theory into action. Reading this book is the first part!