Introduction
In his book "It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism," Bernie Sanders presents a passionate argument for democratic socialism and a critique of the current capitalist system in the United States. As a long-time advocate for progressive policies and a two-time presidential candidate, Sanders shares his vision for a more equitable society and explains why he believes it's not only acceptable but necessary to be angry about the current state of capitalism in America.
The Rise of Democratic Socialism
Sanders begins by addressing the misconceptions surrounding democratic socialism and explaining why he believes it's the path forward for America. He argues that true freedom is impossible without economic security, and that the current system limits the choices and opportunities of the majority of Americans.
The 2016 and 2020 Presidential Campaigns
Sanders reflects on his presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020, which were built on a platform of social democratic ideas. These included:
- Universal healthcare
- Higher taxes on the wealthy
- Workers' rights
- Climate protection
Despite being labeled as "too radical" by many in the media and political establishment, Sanders' campaigns achieved surprising success. In 2016, he won 22 states in the Democratic primary and was particularly popular among young Black and Latinx voters. His campaign was unique in that it relied on millions of small donations rather than contributions from billionaires.
Although he ultimately lost the nomination to Hillary Clinton in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020, Sanders views his campaigns as successful in other ways. They helped organize a large, diverse, and progressive grassroots movement through local rallies, door-to-door canvassing, and effective use of social media.
The 2020 Campaign and Democratic Establishment Pushback
Sanders describes how his 2020 campaign built on the momentum of 2016, winning the first three Democratic primary states. However, he faced significant opposition from the Democratic establishment, which rallied behind the more moderate Joe Biden. Sanders explains how other moderate candidates dropped out to consolidate support for Biden, while progressive candidate Elizabeth Warren remained in the race, splitting the progressive vote.
Despite suspending his campaign, Sanders emphasizes that the movement he started continues to grow. He notes that many of his ideas, once dismissed as too radical, are now seen as necessary for building a fair America.
The Democratic Party's Shift Away from the Working Class
Sanders expresses disappointment in the Democratic Party's failure to follow through on progressive promises made during the 2020 campaign. He contrasts the party's current stance with its historical role as the party of the working class, citing Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal as an example of pro-worker policies.
The author argues that over the past few decades, the Democratic Party has increasingly accepted corporate and billionaire money, leading to a shift away from working-class interests. As a result, many working-class voters have turned to the Republican Party, despite its support for policies that often work against their economic interests.
Sanders highlights his own efforts to push through legislation to help working-class Americans, including:
- The American Rescue Plan of 2021
- A $15 minimum wage bill
- Legislation to make billionaires pay their fair share of taxes
- The Build Back Better Act
He expresses frustration that many of these efforts were thwarted not just by Republican opposition, but also by fellow Democrats.
The Growing Wealth Gap and Its Consequences
A central theme of Sanders' book is the increasing wealth and income inequality in the United States. He provides stark statistics to illustrate this point:
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, America's 725 billionaires increased their wealth by 73%
- The top 1% of society owns more wealth than the bottom 92%
- Over 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck
- 85 million Americans are uninsured or underinsured
- Adjusted for inflation, the average worker makes $44 less per week than 50 years ago
Sanders argues that this level of inequality is not only morally wrong but also economically unsustainable. He calls for a system that ensures access to decent jobs, healthcare, education, food, and shelter for all Americans.
The Healthcare Crisis
Sanders dedicates a significant portion of the book to discussing the failures of the American healthcare system. He argues that the current system is designed to generate profits rather than provide care, resulting in:
- High costs and limited accessibility
- Poor health outcomes, including declining life expectancy
- High infant and maternal mortality rates, especially among minorities
- "Diseases of Despair" linked to poverty and stress
The author proposes a Medicare for All system, arguing that it would not only improve health outcomes but also save money in the long run. He estimates that his five-year plan for phasing in universal healthcare would save $650 billion annually in bureaucratic overhead.
Media Concentration and Its Impact on Democracy
Sanders expresses concern about the concentration of media ownership in the United States, with 90% of media controlled by just eight large conglomerates. He argues that this concentration leads to:
- Limited diversity in news coverage
- Pressure to emphasize certain issues over others
- A focus on politics as celebrity gossip rather than substantive issues
The author calls for increased public funding for local and national news, citing successful models in countries like Germany and Norway. He emphasizes the importance of diverse, competitive, and independent news sources for a healthy democracy.
Education and Empowering Citizens
Sanders believes that empowering citizens to think for themselves is crucial for a functioning democracy. He advocates for:
- Improved funding for education
- Teaching students about important contemporary issues
- Encouraging active citizenship
The author argues that, like healthcare, information and education should be free and accessible to all.
The Path Forward: Grassroots Organizing and Policy Proposals
In the final sections of the book, Sanders outlines his vision for change and the steps he believes are necessary to achieve it. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing, including:
- Getting working-class candidates into local and state offices
- Standing with workers and unions
- Showing disenfranchised Americans that change is possible
Sanders proposes a range of policies to address the issues he's identified, including:
- Getting money out of politics
- Making the voting process more democratic
- Revitalizing the media
- Treating healthcare as a human right
- Supporting workers' rights
- Making billionaires pay their fair share of taxes
- Protecting the environment
Conclusion: Embracing Anger as a Catalyst for Change
Throughout "It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism," Bernie Sanders makes a compelling case for why Americans should be angry about the current state of capitalism in their country. He argues that this anger can be a powerful force for positive change if channeled into political action and grassroots organizing.
Sanders' book serves as both a critique of the current system and a roadmap for a more equitable future. By combining personal anecdotes from his political career with detailed policy proposals and statistical evidence, he presents a comprehensive argument for democratic socialism and against unfettered capitalism.
While critics may disagree with Sanders' proposed solutions, his book succeeds in highlighting many of the pressing issues facing American society today, from healthcare and education to wealth inequality and media concentration. "It's OK to Be Angry About Capitalism" is likely to resonate with those who share Sanders' progressive vision, while also providing food for thought for those across the political spectrum who are concerned about the future of American democracy and economic fairness.
Ultimately, Sanders' message is one of hope and empowerment. He encourages readers to channel their anger and frustration into positive action, reminding them that significant social and political change is possible when people come together to demand it. Whether or not one agrees with all of Sanders' ideas, his book serves as a powerful call to action for those who believe that a more just and equitable society is both necessary and achievable.