Profit Pathology and Other Indecencies

by Michael Parenti

From market crisis to market boom, from welfare to wealth care, from homelessness to helplessness, and an all-out assault on the global environment-these are just some of the indecencies of contemporary economic life that Profit Pathology takes on. Here, Michael Parenti investigates how class power is a central force in our political life and, yet, is subjected to little critical discernment. He notes how big-moneyed interests shift the rules of the game in their favor while unveiling the long march by reactionaries through the nation's institutions to undo all the gains of social democracy, from the New Deal to the present. Parenti also traces the exploitative economic forces that have operated through much of American history, including the mass displacement and extermination of Native Americans and the enslavement of Africans. Parenti is a master at demonstrating the impact of monomaniacal profit accumulation on social services-especially health care-and human values. Here he takes us one step further, showing how unrestrained capitalism ultimately endangers itself, becoming a "self-devouring beast" that threatens us all. Finally, he calls for a solution based on democratic diversity and public ownership-"because it works."

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Economics, Theory, History

182 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

Michael John Parenti, Ph.D. (Yale University) is an American political scientist, academic historian and cultural critic who writes on scholarly and popular subjects. He has taught at universities as well as run for political office. Parenti is well known for his Marxist writings and lectures. He is a notable intellectual of the American Left and he is most known for his criticism of capitalism and American foreign policy.

Reviews

[csillagkohó · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very accessible book that showcasts the dramatic societal effects of privatised industries and unrestrained capital accumulation. Without becoming overly theoretical or heavy-handed, Parenti lists examples of the so-called free market leading to injustices. Highlights are the chapters on "free market medicine", on the deep-rooted failures of companies like PG&E and on the myth of ecological capitalism. It would be hard for anyone who has finished this book to still believe privatised and profit-oriented industries function better than socialised industries under democratic supervision.

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A leftist perspective on many different topics that are relevant in modern America. However, no topic is explored in any great detail. Many times I wished Parenti would delve into more detailed explanations and discussions of the topics he covers. His writing style is very easy to grasp and I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is curious about leftist critiques of modern capitalism.

[Toby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parenti nails it.

[Roberto Yoed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twentieth, and last, book from Parenti.

As with his previous book ('The Face of Imperalism'), there isn't anything new with the exception of some critiques to identity politics.

This man is a treasure and his work is essential to understand capitalism and imperialism in USA both in the XXth and XXIth century.

[Jenny Pohly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written short read, but some overlap (verbatim phrases) from his other books. Still had great analysis given the length of the chapters. The section about private utilities was very interesting and new!

[Medical Gunch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not his strongest book (which is sad seeing as it’s likely his last) but it was cool to see him writing about elite pedophile rings. It’s also funny given that he had a blurb on the back of Dave McGowan’s first book. There’s a not-zero percent chance Parenti has read Programmed to Kill.

[Pushon Bhattacharya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly entertaining critique of neoliberalism.