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The Seventeen Solutions: Bold Ideas for Our American Future – Ralph Nader on Progressive Political and Economic Reform
Consumer advocate, activist, humanitarian, and former presidential candidate Ralph Nader is arguably the most provocative and important progressive voice in America today—a fearless reformer whom The Atlantic named one of the 100 most influential figures in American history. In these troubling times of intractable fiscal and social distress, Nader offers a new program to help rescue America: The Seventeen Solutions. His powerful, paradigm-shifting proposals address some of the most pressing concerns in our country today—from corporate crime to tax reform to health care and housing—and they should find a receptive audience not only among liberals, progressives, disillusioned Democrats, Rachel Maddow fans, and Occupy Wall Street supporters, but all concerned Americans.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2012
32 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Ralph Nader
138 books265 followersAmerican 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 3, 2012
I sat down with this book already a fan of Nader so it was a "Preaching to the Converted" experience in my case. The book is made up of seventeen simple arguments for solving big problems the country faces today that seem to originate from Nader's presidential campaigns. I enjoy a book like this because it makes cogent and simple solutions to complex problems seem workable. Whether the solutions proposed would work in reality is a bit more complicated....
September 12, 2014
This book is jam-packed with political and economic history along with ideas for righting the ship of State. I particularly support citizen review of Congress and all police. I also loved the idea of protecting the family from advertisers and giving communities more control over their local schools.
There are many good ideas offered for fixing America, but the history imparted was fascinating.
Read this book!
There are many good ideas offered for fixing America, but the history imparted was fascinating.
Read this book!
April 23, 2013
Largest point to take from this book: exposes (expo-zays) only go so far in the process of progressive change in public policy; arguably, they don't go anywhere. So many books expose corruption and malfeasance without offering up solutions to the problems and injustice laid out. Like Nader's career, this book offers bright ideas and bold solutions to the ailments of our democracy and country!
January 20, 2013
everyone who is vaguely interested in saving our country from ruin should read this book, lots of practical insight here
September 13, 2018
Sensible and equitable solutions that neither the Democrats nor Republicans want you to know about
I have to admit I am biased, having worked out of Ralph's office for the Multinationals and Development Clearinghouse, and as a researcher and occasional anonymous contributor for Multinational Monitor magazine in the summer of 1992 and from May 1993 to October 1994, at which point I began working as a second year law clerk for a small but phenomenal firm that devoted itself to prisoners' civil rights litigation, with its client base at Lorton's Maximum Security Facility, which held prisoners from DC. And I was deeply moved to see Ralph give Allan Nairn--one of the bravest, most effective, most under-appreciated, and most uncompromising journalists of the second half of the 20th century--some well deserved recognition in the dedication of this book. (I was on the Board of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA from about 1999 to 2003, at which point I had to move to Seattle; and I volunteered 20 hours per week for the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala in DC from 1989 until 1991, which gave me the opportunity and honor of meeting Allan in person, though he would not remember me. My apologies for those biographical details: gross medical malpractice decimated my health in 2009, and I have spent much of my time since then fighting for my life. So once in a while, I need to remind myself that I contributed to causes that I deeply believe in, aside from finding cures to several "incurable" and fatal medical conditions since 2008. Ralph is one of the very few people I know of who became involved in national politics as a candidate for high office without compromising himself (quite the contrary of Obama and, I am sad to say, Bernie Sanders). The manner in which the Democratic Party scape-goated Ralph for Gore's disastrous, wooden, and condescending presidential campaign, and Gore's failure to engage with Ralph to negotiate the Democratic Party's platform and principles back away from the pre-Gingrich (and even some post-Gingrich) Republican Party principles it willingly swallowed as a pre-condition for Ralph to drop out of the race made me (and still makes me) wretch. No, it wasn't Gore's disastrous performance as a candidate, nor his refusal to take Ralph up on Ralph's offer to negotiate, nor the US Supreme Court's absolutely politicized sophistry when it handed the presidency to Bush the Younger that cost the purported Democratic Party the election. It was all Ralph Nader's fault. How on earth could anyone with a brain believe that? As for this book, it is Ralph at his best -- which just means it is Ralph as usual: providing sensible and equitable solutions to problems neither the Democrats nor the Republicans even wish to address.
I have to admit I am biased, having worked out of Ralph's office for the Multinationals and Development Clearinghouse, and as a researcher and occasional anonymous contributor for Multinational Monitor magazine in the summer of 1992 and from May 1993 to October 1994, at which point I began working as a second year law clerk for a small but phenomenal firm that devoted itself to prisoners' civil rights litigation, with its client base at Lorton's Maximum Security Facility, which held prisoners from DC. And I was deeply moved to see Ralph give Allan Nairn--one of the bravest, most effective, most under-appreciated, and most uncompromising journalists of the second half of the 20th century--some well deserved recognition in the dedication of this book. (I was on the Board of the Guatemala Human Rights Commission/USA from about 1999 to 2003, at which point I had to move to Seattle; and I volunteered 20 hours per week for the Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala in DC from 1989 until 1991, which gave me the opportunity and honor of meeting Allan in person, though he would not remember me. My apologies for those biographical details: gross medical malpractice decimated my health in 2009, and I have spent much of my time since then fighting for my life. So once in a while, I need to remind myself that I contributed to causes that I deeply believe in, aside from finding cures to several "incurable" and fatal medical conditions since 2008. Ralph is one of the very few people I know of who became involved in national politics as a candidate for high office without compromising himself (quite the contrary of Obama and, I am sad to say, Bernie Sanders). The manner in which the Democratic Party scape-goated Ralph for Gore's disastrous, wooden, and condescending presidential campaign, and Gore's failure to engage with Ralph to negotiate the Democratic Party's platform and principles back away from the pre-Gingrich (and even some post-Gingrich) Republican Party principles it willingly swallowed as a pre-condition for Ralph to drop out of the race made me (and still makes me) wretch. No, it wasn't Gore's disastrous performance as a candidate, nor his refusal to take Ralph up on Ralph's offer to negotiate, nor the US Supreme Court's absolutely politicized sophistry when it handed the presidency to Bush the Younger that cost the purported Democratic Party the election. It was all Ralph Nader's fault. How on earth could anyone with a brain believe that? As for this book, it is Ralph at his best -- which just means it is Ralph as usual: providing sensible and equitable solutions to problems neither the Democrats nor the Republicans even wish to address.
June 5, 2015
Amazing book! Ralph Nader strikes again with his wisdom and intellect. The 17 Solutions addresses key issues that are hindering our nation from prospering and setting an example for the rest of the world. From white collar corruption to an over bloated military budget, to restoring public works programs, Ralph makes the case for the improvement of all these essential systems and offers his solutions on how to implement them. As I have read more about Ralph as well as listening to his weekly radio show, I have grown to respect him and his ideas more and more. And although I may not agree with everything he says, I respect his convictions. I am really sad that we had a chance to elect him as our president multiple times but have failed and instead sold out to the establishment candidates.
April 10, 2018
I loved this book because unlike a lot of voices on the left he brings an array of pragmatic solutions to the table with extraordinary detail that the left & right can agree upon. Bernie Sanders wouldn't shine this guys shoes and I like Sanders. Nader should have been President. Nader keeps repeating "we the people" theme throughout the book and he is right. We the people have to work together to reverse the corporate coup d'etait that has taken place in this country since the 1970's. We have no one to blame but ourselves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2019
This is a great book with over a dozen subjects Nader offers advice in hopes to spur reform and change for We The People.
Nader is my hero, so I have a bias of course, however the book is definitely a great read. I would say it could be shortened primarily in the first few chapters and some of the material in the longer chapters could have been organized or trimmed a bit but it does offer great advice, hope, and vision.
It took a while to get through, but it was worth it.
Nader is my hero, so I have a bias of course, however the book is definitely a great read. I would say it could be shortened primarily in the first few chapters and some of the material in the longer chapters could have been organized or trimmed a bit but it does offer great advice, hope, and vision.
It took a while to get through, but it was worth it.
January 15, 2021
How to be a citizen
For one who is looking for direction in getting involved in civic endeavors I can think of no better book to read.
For one who is looking for direction in getting involved in civic endeavors I can think of no better book to read.
July 19, 2025
It was some time ago when I read this, but I'll do my best to recollect. The book was tedious at times despite it being an easy read. I mostly wanted to see what these bold ideas were and whether I supported them. Some did resonate while many did not. I appreciate what he is trying to do, but some ideas have not stood up over time. Regardless, I applaud Nader for the stances he takes and the boldness behind them.
August 22, 2017
I think Nader is a great American. He has devoted his life to looking out fro the American people. I think most people would agree with the points he lays out in this book. Working these ideas into our political system is another story.
Read
December 23, 2021The best wolf in the world will read him forever!
July 25, 2015
With Nader's 50+ years of advocating for the greater good, this book is powerful, purposeful, and--sadly--ultimately pointless, to me. I consider myself an educated citizen and there was rarely anything in this read that was surprising. If more people cared, this title would have 100,000 likes and garbage like "Fifty Shades of Grey" would be nothing more than kindling for winter fireplaces. But this is not the case, and Nader gives us a very noble exercise of "pissing in the wind" of power, corruption, hypocrisy, and inequality that is only grower stronger. His hope is pure, hammered home by his portfolio of activism and advocacy. But one just has to follow where the money goes, and there you will find the cancerous truth of this "democracy" called the United States.
I truly believe that mandatory civic service would benefit the nation, a 2 or 3 year term of service, be it the Peace Corp, food pantries, nursing homes, the military, environmental groups, etc., which would better educate everyone on the inner-workings of politics, create a more streetwise and politically invested citizenry, and challenge the powers-that-be to change. But like gun laws, corporate welfare, predatory marketing towards kids, the military-industrial complex, and the impotency of civil protest, stuff ain't gonna change without a nuclear war, asteroid strike, or financial market collapse. As Edward R. Murrow deftly stated: "A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves."
If you wish to gain an education of the inner-workings of the United States, and grasp some hope towards actively engaging in changing the system, read this book. I myself signed two petitions this morning, one for stopping the slaughter of whales off Puget Sound, and another for protecting elephants in Africa being exterminated for their ivory tusks. It's not even noon yet. What have you done today?
I truly believe that mandatory civic service would benefit the nation, a 2 or 3 year term of service, be it the Peace Corp, food pantries, nursing homes, the military, environmental groups, etc., which would better educate everyone on the inner-workings of politics, create a more streetwise and politically invested citizenry, and challenge the powers-that-be to change. But like gun laws, corporate welfare, predatory marketing towards kids, the military-industrial complex, and the impotency of civil protest, stuff ain't gonna change without a nuclear war, asteroid strike, or financial market collapse. As Edward R. Murrow deftly stated: "A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves."
If you wish to gain an education of the inner-workings of the United States, and grasp some hope towards actively engaging in changing the system, read this book. I myself signed two petitions this morning, one for stopping the slaughter of whales off Puget Sound, and another for protecting elephants in Africa being exterminated for their ivory tusks. It's not even noon yet. What have you done today?
July 28, 2013
Not always easy to digest, but loads of very interesting ideas.
October 9, 2015
Too upsetting, will go back to this later.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews