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Macroeconomics Search Macroeconomics MacroeconomicsThe Conscience of a Liberal: Reclaiming America from the Right
Penguin Search Penguin by Paul Krugman Search Paul Krugman
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Well articulated political argument
The conscience of a liberal is a very interesting read on the economic and social evolution of XXth century America. The language is clear and the thesis well articulate.
It is, as actually stated by the author, a partisan book which helps explain how democrats can and should regain power. The author uses two main arguments:
1. The society as it is today has not evolved as a natural reaction to technology changes, immigration or development of international trade but it is the fruit of a conservative political will.
2. The resulting model is actually less American-friendly than the more egalitarian model democrats put in place after the New Deal. It has created a large income gap and on average has impoverished the population.
enjoyable- maybe a little facile?- but definitely worth buying. 
Krugman's clarity and wit are themselves worthy of a Nobel prize. Since he is presenting his thesis so directly, doubts cross one's mind as to whether some of his arguments are facile. However, Krugman -presumably- has already thought through the objections. After all, as a top Economist, he spends his time working through the dreary details.
I think it is worth buying Krugman's books- especially at this sort of price point- because in a few years time we can come back to them and see how well his thinking stands up.
My guess is he will come out well- perhaps way ahead of the competition.
Well Written,Cleary Explains concepts and ideas, brilliantly referenced in laymens terms
Would reccomend to everyone, exposes the'movement conservatism ' which has come to take over America and our media something not healthy for our democracy,
Democracy first
As a true liberal, Paul Krugman pleads in this mightily important book for a new `New Deal', a new agenda for the expansion of social safety nets (universal health care) and for the reduction of social inequalities.
He gives in this hard-hitting book a brilliant analysis of US elections, which until F.D. Roosevelt took the presidency, were con trolled by a plutocracy.
Under Bush II an authoritarian, fundamentally anti-democratic and unacceptably violent (`liberals should be physically intimidated') clique (movement conservatism - MC) took all political powers. It is financed by a handful of extremely wealthy individuals and major corporations (drug, energy). Their agenda comprised the undermining of government safety nets, regulation restraints, the breaking of union power and the privatization of nearly all government institutions and services.
FDR created with his New Deal the US middle class. The MC destroyed it and created (enormous tax cuts) a new plutocracy (in a particular US state some representatives can be controlled by 20 individuals).
But, why could a small movement monopolize political power in the US and attack the welfare system?
For Paul Krugman, race (racism) is at the heart of US politics. Welfare distribution goes foremost to minorities. The GOP could exploit the white backlash against civil rights. The MC could take the GOP in a stranglehold, steal elections and rule by cronyism and corruption.
But, there is hope. Demographics (immigration) and mentalities are changing: the US becomes less white and less racist.
Paul Krugman is a staunch defender of liberalism and concomitantly of true democracy, civil liberties, the rule of law and the preservation of the social fabric.
This fascinating book, written by a superb free mind is a must read for all US historians and for all those who want to understand the world we live in.
Clear , incisive , damming
This book has one central tenant - the USA has a huge issue on lack of healthcare for all its citizens and that its the Republican party that has systematically blocked attempts to create this.
Its a damming inditment of 'movement conservatism' and its roots in inequality of income that had got worse in the US in the last 20 years.
He also lambasts the racism that has helped perpetuate this inequality.
Its clear also that he regards FDR as possibly the most liberal of all Presidents with the introduction of the 'New Deal' that systemtically raised incomes for the poorest and took income in the form of taxes from the wealthy - and yet helped cause the biggest , sustained growth in US history which critically was shared out so that people all felt they had gained.
It is also striking that there was a level of bi-partisanship in government and unionisation in that time that helped this happen - unlike the almost hatred that exists today.
Krugman believes that universal health care is the primary goal of the new Democratic president - it will be a crucial test to see if the vested interests can stop that
The cross over to the UK is striking - we have the greatest icome inequality in our history and Krugman belives that this helps the disengagement of people from society .. makes you wonder if the Labour party really are different to the Tories in that respect
An excellent . clear account , good not just for economics but for social history in the US
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