How the Rats Re-formed the Congress

by Ralph Nader

Ralph Nader’s new book is a Fable about rats that invade Congress and astonishingly trigger a peoples’ political revolt. It starts when a Congressional reporter breaks a strange and shocking story: “Rats have invaded the toilet bowls” of both the Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader. The mighty rat invasions spark a national news frenzy. Activists seize on the burgeoning story to organize for a populist agenda. Spontaneous rallies break out everywhere. The activists see the rats upending “business as usual” routines on Capitol Hill as a powerful symbol against the lobbyists and their corporate Congress. The civic energy builds as millions of people begin flooding into Washington in a move to take back Congress from Wall Street. Congressional offices back home are overwhelmed with wave after wave of citizen rallies and meetings. Members are being challenged in primaries. Some incumbents join the movement. Wall Street and its lobbyists warn about “economic collapse” and “mass layoffs” if the citizenry’s agenda passes Congress. Corporate front groups are created to disrupt the peaceful crowds. But the corporate lobbyists and think tanks can’t overcome the organized will of the determined people. There is much realism, serendipity, and galvanizing motivation throughout this engrossing Fable.

Genres: Politics

176 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

American attorney, author, lecturer, political activist, and candidate for President of the United States in five elections, including the last election 0f 2008, with his role in the 2000 election in particular being subject to much debate.

Areas of particular concern to Nader include consumer rights, humanitarianism, environmentalism, and democratic government. Nader is the first Arab American presidential candidate in the U.S.

Reviews

[Alain Devigny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disappointed at the low ratings

What Ralph did here was make the political world, which on the outside has often been made out to be some complex and intricate riddle, and bring it back down to earth for universal accessibility.

I admire the allegoric nature of the book and the hopeful message that resonates deeply. The issues of wealth, inequality and many other social themes so prevalent today.

The choice of 'rats' is also somewhat beautiful and without giving anything away, really hits home hard in the final pages.

I had the accidental fortune of following this read with a 'UK-set' post-apocalyptic book, Down and Rising. Back to back reads made me appreciate the real-world situations we as a human race are facing, and in large part are responsible for.

Huge thank you to you Ralph.

[Søren Warland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is funny at the same time as it gives you hope about the future, and restores your faith in the power of the people. After reading it I'd recommend watching the final speech from "The Great Dictator" for even more inspiration.

[Gloria Till · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book!

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I heard Ralph talk about the book on his podcast and ordered it.

I just don't find it funny the way he does.

I think there are a bunch of inside DC jokes and references to people (using fake made up names) that I don't get.

It was good for laying out how a movement of the people could happen but I don't feel comfortable giving the book to anyone to pass on the ideas.

[Christian Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of Ralph Nader but this is not his best work. Although at times there are inspirational suggestions on how to achieve the government we want I found them far a few between. There were more Pollyanna ways in which we would have a revolution that were supported by kind hearted billionaires. He glosses over the exit of capital among the other major obstacles that would come if there was a real threat to our corporate oligarchy. Capitalism is the root problem here but Ralph never seems to want to go there. Not worth the read. He has other books based in historical facts that are much better.

[Tim Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great fictional book on working class political hope; and people of all stripes coming together for common goals and objectives in politics.