Supercapitalism: The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life Audiobook

" Robert Reich is one of the most balanced and reasonable politicos I know of. "

" Reich might be a better writer than economist. He's not exactly breaking news here, but I found this really compelling, particularly how he frames the key tension in the U.S. economy as an internal struggle between ourselves as consumers and (especially) investors, and our same selves as citizens, workers, and members of communities. Discussions that center on the idea of a split between the haves and have-nots miss this point; many Americans are on both sides of the divide. I'm not sure his policy solutions have legs, but I hope his language becomes part of the national discussion about the economy. "

" Brent was right it really thinks about the right view of business. "

" Fascinating, clearly written explanation of how our economy has been transformed over the last fifty years. "

" I've been trying to understand what's happening economically, politically, globally, and noticed quite a few discussions mentioned Robert Reich. Supercapitalism gives some really helpful insight into the ways that unregulated capitalism has overwhelmed democracy "of the people." Reich explains the power of free market mechanisms to intensify competition and to push us toward a system where money is the only recognized value. He identifies disturbing symptoms, suggests possible causes, and offers workable solutions. He shows, convincingly, that we're all part of the drive to the lowest price and the highest return in a way that jeopardizes much of what we say we want. I'm not sure I agree with all he says, but I understand the problems much better after reading his book and agree wholeheartedly with his conclusion that "corporate money . . . engulfs the system on a day-to-day basis, making it almost impossible for citizen voices to be heard," that "genuine reform will occur only if and when most citizens demand it," and that "corporations are not people." "

" i love reading about robert reich's take on economics, policy, environmentalism and the whole works. he presents his arguments in a cohesive, understandable manner that i enjoy taking a gander on once in a while. "

" Reich's account of the historical shift in the relationship between government and industry is accessible and clear. While he's a lefty through and through, his criticism of neologisms like corporate social responsibility are well thought out and reveal a flawed system in need of refresh. "

" This is a very readable work on economics and public policy that helps explain the roles of Americans as consumers/investors/citizens, and how we unwittingly help fuel our consumer/investor sides at the expense of what we believe is right as citizens. Everyone should read this. "

" I am a Robert Reich fan, and enjoy his clear, logical prose. Not ashamed to say I admire his positions on most subjects. "

" Enlightening. I have long wondered what happened to the "corporate statesmen" of the 50s. The ending (or how we solve this mess) felt a little weak. A very good read otherwise. "

" I have these feelings about Capitalism and Democracy that this smart guy put into words... that feels good to read. But he didn't spend enough time on the details of his solutions... It sounds so simple - is it really? "

" A really excellent analysis of modern capitalism and its interaction with democracy. Unhinges capitalism from democracy and shows the necessary mental switch one must make to make effective and necessary societal and policy changes. "

" This was an interesting book documenting the almost uncontrolled expansion of multinational corporations since Nixon. Though I do not share some of Reich's assumptions, it was a helpful and illuminating work. "

" Makes you think; kinda redundant at times. "

" Gets boring in places, but really lays out, in detail trends that led up to what is going on in modern capitalism. "

" Not a moving read, pretty wonkish in fact. However, I consider this one of the two most important books I have read this year; the other being Empire of Illusion. Reich clarifies the role of the corporation in America, what it is and what it should be. "

" As far as defusing Supply-Side rants goes, this is probably one of the most articulately offered arguments... "

" Interesting heuristic for understanding business and politics. Recommendable, if a little hysterical at times. "

" Probably the best big-picture look at business, politics and economics that I've read. Honest and insightful, he convincingly describes our current problems in an even-handed way. I really like his objectivity: staunch liberals and staunch conservatives will have their feathers ruffled. "

" Fabulous perspective on the role of capitalism in the increasing power of the consumer and the decreasing power of the citizen. Worth the read! "

" I enjoy Robert's commentary on NPR and thought I should check out one of his books. This was an interesting read which helped shed light on some of the macro economic fores at work in our economy. I will probably reread this at some point in the future. "

" Smart, simple, and compelling. At first, I thought this would end up being a trite rehash of the same-old same-old arguments against "big corporations" -- But the author's thesis is much more nuanced, reasonable, and informed than this. "