The Liberal Politics & Current Events Book Club discussion
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What's the Matter with Kansas? by Thomas Frank - general discussion
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It took less time to read than I expected, but it very informative. Much as I try to stay involved in current events and contemporary politics, I realized as I read this book that I'm actually rather ignorant of the history of politics in America. I found this to be very informative of that history, focusing largely of course on the development of the modern Republican party but also showing how changes in the Democratic party got both where they are today. As one moves to the right, so does the other, until, as today, there is no truly liberal party.
It's not a guide to how to change things today, but it's half the battle: knowing how we got here in the first place means we can avoid coming back in the future.
P.S. I've put my copy on the book swap if anyone needs it!
It's not a guide to how to change things today, but it's half the battle: knowing how we got here in the first place means we can avoid coming back in the future.
P.S. I've put my copy on the book swap if anyone needs it!
We need to start convincing people who SHOULD be on our side why they should be and get 'em back. We can't keep on treating them like we are better than they are. Or that we know so much more. They know things too. We need to listen.
I can definitely agree with that. If you're referring to the book, though, I don't think that this book is at all about how liberals are "better" than conservatives. Rather, it is about how corporate interests have manipulated the working class, using the idea of a culture war, into voting against their interests. Knowing how things got the way they are is important if we are going to understand the current political landscape and converse with people to work at changing minds.
Just a reminder: I'm listing my copy on the book swap if anyone wants it!
This thread can be used to give book reviews as well as for a general discussion of the book. Please feel free to start a new discussion in the book club folder if you'd like to focus on specific aspects of or ideas from the book.
Discussion leader: none*
*Volunteers for discussion leader are welcome. Otherwise we'll leave it as a free-for-all ;)