Ask the Author: William Cooper
Answered Questions (27)
William Cooper
Thank you Vincent for the interest. We did a hardcover giveaway already, but ket me see if we can do another.
William Cooper
Hi Eva, i do not see you in the winners list, but happy to send you a copy. Just need your address.
William Cooper
Thanks for the question, Vincent. They are always welcome! (1) I am not a fan of Trump. I think the criticism he gets is sometimes fair and sometimes unfair, and on balance I am not a fan. (2) I recommend The Economist magazine and books written by people who are not polarized but rather trying to be accurate in their assessment. Jonathan Rauch and Edward Larson come to mind. What books have helped you understand US politics better?
William Cooper
Thank you, Vincent, for this question. While few Americans support dictatorship or communism, socialism appeals to quite a few--especially in an ear with extreme inequality. In September 2022, Pew Research found that “36% of U.S. adults say they view socialism somewhat (30%) or very (6%) positively.” Socialism, of course, has many definitions, too.
And it’s fertile ground for highly exaggerated rhetoric. “I myself don’t use the word socialism,” Bernie Sanders explained, “because people have been brainwashed into thinking socialism automatically means slave-labor camps, dictatorship and lack of freedom of speech.”
An accurate definition, IMO, is less extreme. The core requirement of socialism is that wealth is broadly redistributed among the people. To the extent a socialist nation has a market-based economy and highly diverse government powers—and merely redistributes wealth significantly—it’s consistent with America’s design and generally okay w/ me.
Contrary to strident assertions emanating from the right, a progressive tax code is not anti-American.
To the extent, however, a socialist nation goes further and gives government control over the economy’s means of production, or concentrates government power in limited hands, it conflicts with the approach i think is best.
And it’s fertile ground for highly exaggerated rhetoric. “I myself don’t use the word socialism,” Bernie Sanders explained, “because people have been brainwashed into thinking socialism automatically means slave-labor camps, dictatorship and lack of freedom of speech.”
An accurate definition, IMO, is less extreme. The core requirement of socialism is that wealth is broadly redistributed among the people. To the extent a socialist nation has a market-based economy and highly diverse government powers—and merely redistributes wealth significantly—it’s consistent with America’s design and generally okay w/ me.
Contrary to strident assertions emanating from the right, a progressive tax code is not anti-American.
To the extent, however, a socialist nation goes further and gives government control over the economy’s means of production, or concentrates government power in limited hands, it conflicts with the approach i think is best.
William Cooper
Good question: i try to do both. A good book challenges our way of thinking about the world and, also, creates space for thinking deeply.
William Cooper
Thank you Michael! You put your finger on something and i do think it is very important to consider the role of accountability for those in power. It's essential for world leaders to be thoughtful with how their decisions impact the world.
William Cooper
Thanks, Mond, for the question. Yes, my novel can be thought of as a tool for exploring accountability. I think literature can be both: refining our understanding of justice and also as a way to reflect on the world we live in. These two overlap, of course.
William Cooper
Thank you Cynthia!
William Cooper
Haven't actually started my next book yet, but considering a series--maybe next can be The Trial of Donald J. Trump or The Trial of Elon R. Musk. What do you think?
William Cooper
Thanks for sharing this Cynthia.
William Cooper
Sounds like important civic work Cynthia. Keep it up!
William Cooper
Thanks Paulino. I'm afraid you will have to read the book to learn what happens at Rumsfeld's trial. :)
William Cooper
Thanks Afshin. Yes, there are. In the novel "President Rumsfeld" starts a war with Iran. It doesn't go well, to put it mildly.
William Cooper
Thank you for your readership, Michael. Glad you liked it! And appreciate the note about the website; it appears to be working correctly now.
William Cooper
These are great recommendations, Michael. Am familiar with some, not others. Thank you.
William Cooper
This is great Cynthia. Thanks for sharing. I don't recall seeing that before.
William Cooper
Yes, please do. Thank you very much.
William Cooper
Great question Rick. The biggest factor for making How America Works ... And Why It Doesn't a success is getting the book into people's hands. Happy readers are the best salespeople. Goodreads Givaways are a great tool for this.
William Cooper
That's a great question, Cynthia. You are not alone--many people are dissatisfied with the two-party political system. To me, while the system could be improved, there are still stark differences between what the two parties stand for, and ample room to participate and improve the system over time. Keep your head up!
William Cooper
Great, thanks for sending. I will take a look.
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