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The hidden history of American democracy : rediscovering humanity's ancient way of living

Hartmann, Thom 1951- (author.).

Summary: "America's most popular progressive radio host and New York Times bestselling author Thom Hartmann paves the way to saving our democracy. In this powerful, sweeping history and analysis of American democracy, Thom Hartmann shows how democracy is the one form of governance most likely to produce peace and happiness among people. With the violent exception of the Civil War, American democracy resisted the pressure to disintegrate into factionalism for nearly two centuries, and now our very system of democratic elections is at stake. So how do we save our democracy? Hartmann's newest book in the celebrated Hidden History Series offers a clear call to action and a set of solutions with road maps for individuals and communities to follow to create a safer, more just society and a more equitable and prosperous economy"--

Record details

ISBN: 9781523004386
ISBN: 152300438X
Physical Description: print
ix, 165 pages ; 18 cm.
Publisher: Oakland, CA : Berrett-Koehler Publishers, [2023]

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Some Founders thought their "enlightenment" came from Rousseau -- Ancient ways -- Trial and error -- They were citing Native Americans? -- Ben Franklin's Enlightenment -- Native Americans changed the world! -- The secular origin of America -- A nation is birthed -- The Electoral College -- The Supreme Court -- The Founders wanted us to have lots of guns to shoot at "tyrannical politicians"? -- Three "equal" branches of government -- The Senate was intended as a democratic institution -- Did rich white guys create the United States just to guarantee their own privilege, power, and slaves? -- How rich is rich? -- The "rich white guys" hypothesis crumbles -- So what did motivate the Framers of the Constitution? -- How political and economic systems interact -- Democracy's modern crisis -- The modern war on democracy and regulated capitalism -- Make voting a right instead of a privilege -- "Regulate" the Supreme Court -- Expand the Senate -- Free high-quality public education for all -- through college -- Provide healthcare for all -- Support organized labor or organize your workplace -- Use tariffs and trade policy to balance labor's playing field -- Bring back the middle class by restoring the tax laws that created it -- Keep Social Security out of corporate hands -- Clean environment and healthy public lands -- Strengthen the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and break up monopolies -- Bust up the media conglomerates and restore a robust free press -- Make the revolving door between industry and regulatory agencies illegal -- Use tax incentives and grants to jump-start alternative energy -- Human rights are for humans, not for "aggregated capital" -- Keep Church and State separate -- Make the US more democratic in its elections : set limits on campaign spending; consider public funding -- Institute "instant runoff" voting, to make minority parties viable -- Abolish the Electoral College -- Get Involved!