by William B. Greider (1992)
In Secrets of the Temple, his acclaimed national best-seller, William Greider traced the inner workings of the Federal Reserve. Now Greider turns his investigative savvy and long Washington experience to a subject of even more vital concern: the failure of American politics and the faltering of the democratic process itself. Democracy is in deep trouble, trouble more serious than we realize. The very fabric of our system--the meaning of self-government, the values that have sustained us--is unraveling quickly, dangerously and perhaps irrevocably. Who Will Tell the People is a passionate, eye-opening challenge from a man determined to make us understand. Here is a tough-minded exploration of why we're in trouble, starting with the basic issues of who gets heard, who gets ignored, and why. Greider shows us the realities of power in Washington today, uncovering the hidden contours of relationships that link politicians with corporations and the rich and subvert the needs of ordinary citizens. He shows us how "modern methodologies of persuasion," often originating in the public relations firms, direct-mail companies and opinion-polling firms that line the streets of the capital, have created a new hierarchy of influence over government decisions. He shows us today's Capitol Hill, where a lone congressman who tries to represent the public interest can find himself aligned against an army of well-paid "authorities." The public's belief that government serves "a few big interests" is not mistaken. Greider explains exactly how this has come to pass. And where are the institutions designed to represent the people? Where are the unions? The political parties? The press? Gone, Greider writes, or transformed so radically that they no longer speak faithfully for the people. Citizen action is reduced to media stunts designed for shock value. Voters leave the traditional parties and dismiss elections as meaningless. Reporters write to please the people whose values they share--the guys at the top. How can we make change happen? How do we put meaning back into public life? Greider tells us the stories of some citizens who have managed to crack Washington's "Grand Bazaar" of influence buying and peddling as he reveals the structures of power designed to thwart them. Without naivete or cynicism, Greider shows us how the system can still be made to work for the people as he tackles gut issues like who pays taxes and who escapes them; who breathes bad air when industries manipulate environmental organizations; and who'll suffer the biggest losses as the world economy goes global and our national economy contracts. Who Will Tell the People delineates the lines of battle in the struggle to save democracy. Greider shows us the reality of how the decisions that shape our lives are made and how we can begin to take control once more.
Elizabeth May
"In 'Losing Confidence,' Elizabeth May offers a challenging and compelling look at the problems facing us, asks us to join the growing political debate, and offers some inspiring solutions to our dilemmas. May argues that average Canadians are the drivers of the country, and she implores us to make change happen, based on a simple but powerful premise: "Politics is not a spectator sport" --Back cover.
Michael A. Genovese and Lori Cox Han
It is clear that the tectonic plates of the American political system are gravitating towards a model of presidential government not envisioned and, in fact, precluded by the constitutional design of the framers of the United States Constitution. As the presidency eclipses Congress and the courts in power, and public/media attention, the balance of powers has tilted. In this accessible book, leading scholars explore the reasons for and implications of the rising power of the presidency.
Victor Lasky
The author contends that Watergate was mainly a media event, points to Democratic scandals which have been relatively ignored, and claims that leading Democtats were fully aware of plans for the break-in and did nothing to prevent it.
John Mukum Mbaku, Julius O. Ihonvbere
Contains a mixture of analytical views on the transition to accountable, and democratic governance structures in Africa. The text looks at the struggles of creating appropriate and viable governance structures and economic systems that maximize the participation of citizens in national development.