Democracy's Rebirth: The View from Chicago

by Dick Simpson, Lori Lightfoot

Dick Simpson draws upon his fifty-year career as a legislator, campaign strategist, and government advisor to examine the challenges confronting Americans in their struggle to build the United States as a multiracial, multiethnic democracy. Using Chicago as an example, Simpson examines how the political, racial, economic, and social inequalities dividing the nation play out in our neighborhoods and cities. His investigation of our current crisis and its causes delves into issues like money in politics, low voter participation, the politics of resentment, political corruption, and a host of structural problems. But Democracy’s Rebirth goes beyond analysis. Simpson lays out a sober, practical manifesto meant to inspire people everywhere to educate themselves and do the hard work of creating the kind of strong institutions that will allow true democracy to flourish. With a foreword by Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

268 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2022

Reviews

[Dmaino]

Dick Simpson is a well known name in Chicago politics and beyond. He is a professor, author, politician, and filmmaker who formerly served as a Chicago alderman from 1971 through 1979. This book uses Chicago as a microcosm of the political world not only in our city, but the State of Illinois, the United States and the World. My only criticism is that he is solidly behind Mayor Lori Lightfoot who has consistently left her supporters expecting so much more,

[LaShanda Chamberlain]

This book provides a very informative view of Chicago politics. I knew some of the big players but it also provided the backstory too. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. I would definitely recommend this book to others.