The Little Book of Revolution: A Distributive Strategy for Democracy

by David Akadjian, Mollie Brumm (Editor), Mehdi Maiez (Design)

The direction of change in the United States over the past 40-50 years has been decidedly in favor of wealthy individuals and corporate special-interest groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These groups have influenced government to lower the cost of labor, to cut their contributions to our country, and to establish monopoly-like conditions for certain industries. For all practical purposes, the government of the United States no longer acts in the interests of the people of our country. Is the situation hopeless? No. But the game has tilted heavily in favor of money and corporate interests. How do we shift the direction of change in the face of this tremendous money disadvantage? The answer, I believe, lies in our strengths: our numbers, our values, and our story. Trying to do it all at once, however, can appear daunting and even overwhelming. The question I hear most often is: What can I do? This book focuses on this very basic question. It examines our options and describes several simple and practical steps that, if taken by enough people, create a system for change---a way to make the seemingly impossible task of restoring democracy possible.

Genres: Politics

284 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2014

Reviews

[Daniel Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Mr. Akadjian makes a persuasive case for changing the way we have political conversation. He suggests that we speak about our values and try to move the frame of our political debate. In an age where too many facts are politicized and unheard, I think his approach is useful. The book has many examples of the types of political speech the author is advocating for. He also works from the simplest and easiest things to do to the harder ones.

While aimed squarely at liberals, I think this book could be useful to people of any political alignment who hold their beliefs sincerely and wish to move beyond the left-right shouting game.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked the concept of mutual responsibility, as well as approaching frameworks. obviously very bias against the Chamber, and demonized corporations quite a bit more than matches my taste. added to my list of reads on the left.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and helpful book. It articulated things that I had some knowledge about, but it did so in a way that provided clear plans of action. Every progressive should read this book, and so should the Democratic leadership.