It Could Happen Here

October 15, 2009
Judson believes economic inequality is the single greatest predictor of revolution, and inequality in America has reached catastrophic levels. He urges the Obama administration to raise the relative prosperity of the middle class in order to avoid frustration and unrest. Unemployment is the worst since the Great Depression, and foreclosure or near-foreclosure status affects one in nine homes, 47 million Americans have no health insurance, many families with two wage earners cannot meet basic needs, and the retirement savings of many individuals have been lost. The author explains that inequality in the U.S. has developed over the past 30 years and suggests policy changes and goals, including restoring trust in government, finance, and business; instituting greater economic security for low- and middle-income households; and reining in some of the excesses that evolved from free-market abuses. All readers will not agree with Judson, but his book will excite argument and discussion, serving as an excellent springboard for considering these important, timely issues.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)