Social Justice/Activist/Globalization Books
Many Social
Justice/Activist Books also available at
Earth’s General Store 10832 Whyte Ave (upstairs) www.earthsgeneralstore.ca as
well as The Edmonton Small Press Association (ESPA) 6th floor, room 9, Stanley A. Milner
Library www.edmontonsmallpress.org and
the APIRG Library HUB Mall U. of
A. www.apirg.org Some also available on cd and/or
cassette tape and/or as internet electronic resources.
The books that follow deal
with various aspects of neoliberalism, globalization, corporate rule, and their
consequences. Also covered are American imperialism and environmental problems.
All are highly recommended but I have tried to start each section with what I
consider the most useful, general, or overarching books at the top of each
list. Those unfamiliar with neoliberalism will probably benefit by starting
with the first introductory section.
QUICK AND EASY INTRODUCTIONS TO
GLOBALIZATION/NEOLIBERALISM/CORPORATE RULE
GLOBALIZATION/NEOLIBERALISM/CORPORATE
RULE
NEOLIBERAL ECONOMIC
MYTHS/FALLACIES
CORPORATE
SOCIAL/CULTURAL HIJACKING/COMMODIFICATION
PRIVATIZATION/COMMODIFICATION/CORPORATE
OWNERSHIP
CORPORATE CORRUPTION/MONPOLIES
U. S.
HISTORY/POLITICS/MILITARISM/HEGEMONY
RELIGION/VALUES IN AMERICAN
POLITICS
ALTERNATIVES TO CORPORATE
GLOBALIZATION/FREE TRADE
These books provide an excellent guide to those unfamiliar with
the “new economy” and its effects on society with a very basic introduction to
this subject.
Culture Jam: The
Uncooling of America by Kalle
Lasn (1999)
Lively, readable account by
the creator of Adbusters of the neoliberal corporate takeover of our culture
and society.
Goodbye Canada by Paul Hellyer
(2001)
Very basic introduction into the
“free trade” treaties Canada has been led into and our resulting loss of
sovereignty.
The No-Nonsense Guide
to Globalization by Wayne
Ellwood (2001)
A good basic introduction to
the institutions involved in corporate-led globalization.
Since the 1980’s we have been subjected to an unrelenting
propaganda campaign on the virtues of unrestricted freedom for big business,
while being assured that the blessings of neoliberal “free market”
capitalism will be made available to all through the magic of “trickle down”
economics. In the global corporate “race to the bottom” known as globalization
manufacturing has been relocated to sweatshops in developing countries and
money has been freed to flow to wherever the highest profit margin can be pried
out. In Canada these objectives have been championed by the Canadian Council of
Chief Executives as well as corporate funded “think-tanks” such the Fraser and
C. D. Howe Institutes. This section explores the NAFTA, WTO, IMF and other
members of the “free trade” menagerie as well as the transnational corporations
which relentlessly push these corporate bills of rights. The corporate control
of government and continuing erosion of Canadian sovereignty are also examined.
Too Close For Comfort:
Canada’s Future Within Fortress North America by Maude Barlow (2005) Excellent account of the struggle to maintain Canadian
independence in the face of “free trade” and the corporate push for Deep
Integration with the U.S.
Global Showdown: How
the New Activists Are Fighting Global Corporate Rule by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke (2000) Best single
book on neoliberal globalization, NAFTA, WTO, IMF and government complicity in
advancing the big business agenda as well as the worldwide citizen’s fight-back
When Corporations Rule
the World by David C. Korten
(1995) Classic work on corporate control of government in pursuit of the
neoliberal agenda and “free trade”.
The Shock Doctrine: The
Rise of Disaster Capitalism by
Naomi Klein (2007) Details how around the world neoliberal
economic policies require disaster, deception, or dictatorship for their
implementation upon and victimization of an unwilling population.
The Collapse of
Globalism and the Reinvention of the World by John Ralston Saul (2005) Chronology of the rise
and fall of globalization and its artificial linkage to neoliberalism.
Academically oriented.
The Case Against the
Global Economy and For a Turn Toward the Local edited by Jerry Mander and Edward Goldsmith (1996)
Wide-ranging series of essays by some of the world’s foremost critics of
globalization.
All You Can Eat: Greed,
Lust, and the New Capitalism by
Linda McQuaig (2001) Historical perspective on “free trade” and its relation to
past enclosure movements.
The Vanishing Country:
Is It Too Late To Save Canada by
Mel Hurtig (2002) Effect of NAFTA and American ownership, harmonization and
privatization on Canadian independence.
Zip Locking North America: Can Canada Survive Continental Integration? by Murray Dobbin (2003)
The threat posed to Canadian
sovereignty and our medicare and social programs by Deep Integration with the
U.S.
Corporation: The Pathological
Pursuit of Profit and Power by
Joel Bakan (2004) History of corporations, effect of deregulation and
privatization, corporate control of government, corporate penetration of
schools and public spaces.
Tthe World Trade
Organization: A Citizen’s Guide 2nd edition by Steven
Shrybman (2001) Thorough look at the
major institution for worldwide corporate globalization.
Profit Over People:
Neoliberalism and Global Order by
Noam Chomsky (1999) Interview highlighting the concepts behind neoliberalism
and the reality of their effect on people.
Globalization and its
Discontents by Joseph E. Stiglitz
(2002) Former chief economist of the World Bank discusses its effect and that
of the International Monetary Fund on the world’s population.
The Selling of ‘Free
Trade’: NAFTA, Washington and the Subversion of American Democracy by John R Macarthur (2000) Political manoeuvering in
the U.S. behind the push for NAFTA.
The neoliberal project could not have been advanced without a series of myths designed to sell it to the public. Distorted and mangled economic theology masquerading as science is used to prop up corporate rule. Primary in this has been the equation of corporate dominated capitalism with “free markets”. Competing independent entrepreneurs would supposedly bring to life economist Adam Smith’s concept of supply and demand ruling the marketplace. In reality we have corporate monopolies and oligopolies with competition even further curtailed through the constant rounds of mergers and acquisitions, promoted as increasing business efficiency. Corporate capitalism is equated with formal democratic institutions even though it leads to an even further erosion of real power by the people. We are told there is only one inevitable model of globalization when this particular form has been deliberately chosen and pursued by a small elite for their own financial gain. David Ricardo’s 19th century economic theory of comparative advantage is used to back up international free trade when it no longer even applies in an era of hyper-mobile investment capital. Increased global trade is supposed to somehow bring about an improvement in general material well-being when the reality is increased concentration of wealth in fewer hands. International investment is applauded by the financial media even though the vast majority of it is short term speculation- “hot money” that can destabilize entire regions of the world. Foreign investment in Canada is celebrated as an unmitigated blessing when in reality it means the profit from and control of business activities as well as the top jobs flow out of the country. Mandatory regulation of business behaviour has been replaced by “smart regulations” in which companies are allowed to voluntarily police themselves. Corporations whose only reason for existence is to generate profits for shareholders by any means possible, legally or otherwise, are presented as the best hope for world prosperity. Big business leaders portray themselves as valiantly struggling to compete on their own while receiving huge subsidies and government handouts. Meanwhile the working poor are admonished to get by with less. All this is done in the name of an economic efficiency trumpeted as being for the betterment of humankind.
The Myth of the Good
Corporate Citizen: Canada and Democracy in the Age of Globalization 2nd edition by Murray Dobbin (2003)
Exposes the myths Canadian corporate media uses to promote neoliberalism and
the business groups behind the push for globalization.
The [undeclared] war:
Class Conflict in the Age of Cyber Capitalism by James Laxer (1999) Explores the reality of the
growing class inequalities of the new economy behind the neoliberal rhetoric.
The Cult of Impotence:
Selling the Myth of Powerlessness in the Global Economy by Linda McQuaig (1998)
Good introduction to economic
concepts and post World War II economic history.
The Divine Right of
Capital: Dethroning the Corporate Aristocracy by Marjorie Kelly (2001) Examines the aristocracy of
wealth created by shareholder demands for ever increasing corporate
returns.
Wealth By Stealth:
Corporate Crime, Corporate Law, and the Perversion of Democracy by Harry Glasbeek (2002) Implications of Canadian corporate law, as well as detailed
discussion of corporate crime, boycotts, ethical investing, and the false
equation of corporate capitalism with free markets. Very academically oriented.
False Dawn: The
Delusions of Global Capitalism by
John Gray (1999) Debunks myths of the “free market”, provides a history of
English laissez-faire capitalism, and looks at alternative forms of capitalism
from around the world.
The Vampire State and
Other Myths and Fallacies About the U.S. Economy by Fred L. Block (1996) A look at the true role of
government in the economy.
Poor-Bashing: The
Politics of Exclusion by Jean
Swanson (2001) Examines the myths used to scapegoat and marginalize the poor in
Canada.
No other province better exemplifies the theological reverence for neoliberalism than Alberta. Its precious nonrenewable resources are being squandered as the provincial government virtually gives them away to energy companies, mainly American, at rock-bottom royalty rates. Taxes for the corporate sector and the wealthiest Albertans are cut. Meanwhile social programs are starved of funding and we are told that Alberta Medicare spending is unsustainable. The Alberta government maintains power by appealing to fundamentalist “family values” while its policies undermine the livelihoods of working families. Regressive labour laws and disregard for environmental degradation are standard policies in the creation of a “business-friendly” climate in the province. Conservative premiers come and go but the interests of big business remain supreme. Wedded as it is to its “free market” fantasy the provincial government shows no sign of a coherent plan for managing the problems created by uncontrolled development or of limiting tar sands exploitation. With the oil price driven boom the old deficit pretext for downsizing and privatization has vanished, but the provincial government continues its privatization drive with public-private partnerships (P3s). Proportional representation would allocate seats in the Legislature to reflect the actual percentage of votes cast in our elections. Without this Alberta’s democratic deficit continues unabated.
A wide selection of publications dealing with Alberta political
and economic issues including energy, royalties, health care, climate change,
and water issues may also be obtained from the Parkland Institute 11045 Saskatchewan Drive www.ualberta.ca/parkland. Another excellent source is Public Interest Alberta Suite 35
9912 106 Street www.pialberta.org
Democracy Derailed: The
Breakdown of Government Accountability in Alberta-and How To Get It Back On Track by Kevin Taft (2007) Brief survey
of the abuses of power that occur in our one-party government.
Shredding the Public
Interest: Ralph Klein and 25 Years of One-Party Government by Kevin Taft (1997) Lively and readable expose of government cutbacks and corporate
welfare in Alberta.
The Return of the
Trojan Horse: Alberta and the New World (Dis)order edited by Trevor W. Harrison (2005)
Series of essays providing
comprehensive survey of the effects of neoliberalism on Alberta’s citizens and
the myths used to justify it. Very academically oriented.
More and more of our daily lives revolve around and are dominated by economic exchange. Public spaces are replaced with privately owned malls whose only function is to promote commercial interaction. Small neighbourhood businesses are replaced by cloned chain stores. Our mental landscape itself is colonized by advertising. “Fashion” turns people into walking billboards. Authentic real life experiences are obliterated by media-driven shallow and frenetic sensation seeking. Mindless “entertainment” and celebrity worship function as Weapons of Mass Distraction. The purpose of education has been perverted to the creation of a pliable, compliant workforce. Culture has no meaning unless it can be used as a marketing vehicle with all the artistic integrity of an advertising jingle. Even our youngest children are targeted by the marketers. The world’s rich tapestry of diversity is homogenized to better generate McProfits. Nothing is of value unless it can be bought and sold. Marketplace democracy is reduced to one dollar/one vote. People are no longer citizens but only consumers whose value to society is determined by what they can afford to purchase. I shop, therefore I am.
No Logo: Taking Aim At
the Brand Bullies by Naomi Klein
(2000) The classic work on globalization and its effect on people’s lives.
Consuming Kids: The Hostile Takeover of Childhood by Susan Linn (2004) Exposes the insidious techniques used by advertisers targeting children and the damage they cause.
Born to Buy: The Commercialized Child and the New Consumer Culture by Juliet Schor (2004) Examines the effect of our ubiquitous advertising onslaught on the young. Academically oriented.
We Know What You Want: How They Change Your Mind by Martin Howard (2005) Quick and easy and frightening survey of deceptive advertising and public relations techniques.
Not Buying it: My Year Without Shopping by Judith Levine (2006) One couple’s year of voluntary simplicity.
Branded: The Buying and
Selling of Teenagers by Alissa
Quart (2003) The exploitation of young people by corporate advertisers and the
commodification of their everyday environment.
Can’t Buy Me Love: How
Advertising Changes the Way We Think and Feel by Jean Kilbourne (1999) Effect of advertising on our perception of ourselves and our
world.
A major objective of neoliberalism is to bring everything from
medicare to education to the right to clean water to the genetic heritage of
life itself into the marketplace for the exclusive use of those who can afford
them. Governments have systematically underfunded our healthcare, education and
social programs and when quality declines and waiting times increase we are
told by the corporate leaders that the only viable solution is to privatize. In
fact this leads to higher prices due to higher administrative costs, marketing
costs, and the need for investor profits. In addition poorer training, pay, and
working conditions for those providing the services usually result, but all
this is presented as a “reform” of the system. The latest incarnation of the
privatization maneuver is the Public-Private Partnership (P3) in which
governments lease facilities from corporations for extended periods with
guaranteed profit margins to investors, while the public is left to pick up the
extra cost and suffers decreased quality of service.
You Don’t Always Get
What You Pay For: The Economics of Privatization by Elliott D. Sclar (2000) Reveals the true cost we
pay for privatizing services to the corporate sector.
Profit Is Not The Cure:
A Citizen’s Guide To Saving Medicare
by Maude Barlow (2002) Deconstructs the arguments for medicare privatization
and looks at the corporate forces behind the privatization push.
Blue Covenant by Maude Barlow (2007) The fight against the
corporate takeover of the world's water resources.
The End of Food by Thomas Pawlick (2006) Lively account of the
deterioration of our food supply, the realities of factory farming, and an
exploration of the alternatives.
Fast Food Nation: The
Dark Side of the All-American Meal
by Eric Schlosser (2001) Chronicles the rise of fast food, factory farms, and
the corporate takeover and commodification of our food. Also available on cd and cassette.
Stolen Harvest: The
Hijacking of the Global Food Supply
by Vandana Shiva (2000) Examines
genetically modified foods, the World Trade Organization, and the biopiracy
committed against countries of the developing world.
Worker’s real wages in the Western world have been largely
stagnating or declining since the 1970’s. People are either underemployed or
working longer and harder (often at multiple McJobs) for less. Simultaneously,
unions have been subjected to an unrelenting assault by neoliberal
governments. Even lower and middle
management jobs have been deteriorating as upper management and corporate
shareholders reap more of the rewards in a globalized economy. Employees are
exhorted to be ever more dedicated to their jobs even as those jobs provide
fewer benefits or less financial security. In Alberta the oil boom has led to
increased demand for workers but most employees find their wages barely keeping
up to inflated housing and rental costs. Each year during the week leading up
to May 1 The Edmonton District Labour Council www.edlc.ca sponsors
a series of Mayweek labour-related events www.mayweek.ab.ca
Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich (2001) Undercover look at the absurdity of trying to survive in America while working poverty-waged jobs. Also cd and eResource
White-Collar Sweatshop:
The Deterioration of Work and its Rewards in Corporate America by Jill Andresky Fraser (2001) Fascinating account of
how under neoliberalism even formerly coveted white collar jobs are becoming
less and less desirable.
Take Back Your Time:
Fighting Overwork and Time Poverty in America edited by John De Graaf (2003) Wide-ranging series of essays on the
philosophical basis of work, the economy, capitalism, and inequality.
The European Dream: How
Europe’s Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream by Jeremy Rifkin (2004) Excellent history of the
origins and development of the American dream and the new European alternative.
Academically oriented.
The mass media presents itself as an objective, neutral, if occasionally somewhat sensationalistic, chronicler of the news of the day. Right-wing critics charge it with a social or cultural liberal bias but this obscures the true nature of media spin. Mass media is overwhelmingly corporate, embracing and expounding the values of corporate leaders. The major media outlets are links in huge media chains with many of these conglomerates themselves owned by transnational corporations. Corporate control is further solidified by the advertising dollars other corporations spend on the media. Thus it comes as no surprise that mass media consistently supports globalization, neoliberalism, and the politicians that push these corporate agendas along with American military aggression. Editors serve as the day-to-day gatekeepers for corporate media, deciding which stories will be covered and what their spin will be. They may occasionally report ongoing social problems but rarely examine the underlying economic cause. Stories that may be unflattering to corporations or harm the bottom line tend largely to be either ignored or have a business friendly spin placed on them. Capitalism itself is not to be criticized when reporting on the misdeeds of a “few bad apples”. Much of what is presented as "news" actually originates from a public relations firm's press or video release.
Rather than providing in-depth journalism the mass media serve
as stenographers to the rich and powerful. “News” consists of context-free
sound bites with all the analysis of an infotainment program. Corporate media
has been instrumental in propagating the myth that what’s good for big business
is good for the rest of us. Canadian mass media, while not as extreme as the
American, follows the same general trend.
PBS and CBC television
may be considered quasi-corporate since they both derive some of their income
from advertising or corporate sponsorship. Broadly, the corporate media may be
considered as falling into two general groups. The old-style establishment media
is overwhelmingly pro business but maintains some basic journalistic standards.
They have been pulled ever more rightward by the rise in recent decades of the
more extremist, rabidly neoliberal media, such as the National Post, Fox
News, and right-wing talk shows.
Corporate media is a major contributor to the democratic
deficit in our society. By reporting on politics as if they were
handicapping a horse race, mass media helps to create elections devoid of any
real issues. The emphasis is placed on a candidate’s image, charisma, polling
numbers, and presentation, resulting in a meaningless beauty contest. Any
contender threatening the status quo of entrenched business interests is
ignored, marginalized, ridiculed, or demonized. What we are left with is an
increasingly narrow spectrum of allowable political discourse, a debate between
the right and the far right.
Ultimately the corporate media may be seen as the chief
instrument for the advancement of hegemony. In a modern society with
democratic trappings rule by an economic elite requires co-opting the support
of the exploited majority who must be convinced to vote against their own
interests. Gaining their participation in their own exploitation requires
selling them an ideology that this is for their own benefit, is the right thing
to do, or is unavoidable. Today this is the ideology of neoliberal
globalization and corporate media plays its role in disseminating these
ideological myths as if they were the natural order of life.
What Liberal Media?:
The Truth About Bias and the News
by Eric Alterman (2003) Deconstructs right-wing “liberal bias” claims, reveals
effect of “think-tanks”, and exposes pro-corporate news slant. Also eResource
Trust Us, We’re
Experts: How Industry Manipulates Science and Gambles With Your Future by John Stauber and Sheldon Rampton (2001) Exposes
“neutral third party” techniques and front groups corporations use to
manipulate public opinion. Lively and readable account.
Toxic Sludge Is Good For
You! Lies, Damn Lies, and the Public Relations Industry by John Stauber and Sheldon Rampton (1995) Details
corporate front groups, spying/infiltration of activist groups by public
relations firms, “green washing”/co-opting environmental groups, etc. Also a
lively and readable account.
Our Media, Not Theirs:
The Democratic Struggle Against Corporate Media by Robert McChesney and John Nichols (2002) Brief but
insightful look at corporate media concentration in the U.S. and around the
world, its deleterious effects on democracy, and the citizen’s movement
resisting it.
PR! A Social History of
Spin by Stuart Ewen (1996)
Comprehensive look at a century of corporate public relations propaganda and
its role in setting the public agenda. Academically oriented.
Rich Media, Poor
Democracy: Communication Politics in Dubious Times by Robert McChesney (1999) U.S. broadcast history, conglomerates, and media myths.
The Media Monopoly 6th edition by Ben Bagdikian (2000)
Classic work of U.S. mass media concentration in a few corporate hands and its
effects on democracy.
The Habits of Highly
Deceptive Media: Decoding Spin and Lies in Mainstream News by Norman Solomon (1999) A look at the techniques
corporate media uses to ensure a business-friendly news spin.
Blinded By the Right:
The Conscience of an Ex-Conservative
by David Brock (2002) A former insider’s behind-the-scenes look at the American
right-wing propaganda machine and its political ramifications.
These books highlight some of the most egregious examples of
unmitigated corporate greed and monopolistic practices. They represent what
happens when the unrelenting “free enterprise” pursuit of profit is allowed to
run to its natural conclusion.
It’s the Crude, Dude:
War, Big Oil, and the Fight For the Planet by Linda McQuaig (2004) Comprehensive but lively
history of the oil industry, its monopolies, price-fixing, and industry
collusion with the U.S. government.
Pigs at the Trough: How
Corporate Greed and Political Corruption Are Undermining America by Arianna Huffington (2003) Details the corporate
control of government, corruption, lobbying, and corporate interest vs the
public good.
The Best Democracy
Money Can Buy: An Investigative Reporter Exposes the Truth About Globalization, Corporate Cons, and High Finance Fraudsters
by Greg Palast (2002) From Bush’s 2000 U.S. election theft to energy
deregulation to Wal-Mart this book is a wide-ranging look at corporate
corruption and control of the U.S. government. Also on cd.
Slam-Dunking Wal-Mart:
How You Can Stop Superstore Sprawl in Your Hometown by Al Norman (1999)
Explores Wal-Mart’s predatory tactics and their effects on workers and communities as well as how citizen coalitions can fight back.
The United States of
Wal-Mart by John Dicker (2005)
Lively description of Wal-Mart’s union busting, overseas sweatshops, and how
its impoverished “associates” rely on public assistance to survive.
The Truth About the
Drug Companies: How They Deceive Us and What To Do About It by Marcia Angell, M.D. (2004) A former editor of The
New England Journal of Medicine exposes the phony research and development
costs drug companies claim to justify inflated monopoly prices, their shoddy
drug testing procedures, and influence on the U.S. government.
The Microsoft File: The
Secret Case Against Bill Gates by
Wendy Goldman Rohm (1998) The real story of Microsoft’s rise as a corporate
giant through the use of monopolistic bundling techniques.
Power Failure: The
Inside Story of the Collapse of Enron by Mimi Swartz (2003) Details Enron’s creative accounting practices to
inflate its share prices and its use of political influence to push
deregulation and engineer artificial energy shortages.
For decades throughout
Latin America, the Middle East, and around the world the U.S has covertly or
through direct military invasion destabilized and overthrown governments, often
democratically elected, to institute “regime change” while simultaneously propping
up corrupt right-wing military despots. The American government claims to have
done this in its role of “fighting communism”, “fighting the drug lords” or
“fighting the war on terrorism”. In fact the motivation has invariably been to
advance U.S. strategic interests and/or to benefit its corporations by creating
investor-friendly governments. Corporate profits are enhanced by securing
scarce resources as cheaply as possible and new markets for their products.
Meanwhile U.S. backed dictators clamp down on any dissent in the countries
being victimized. In many ways America's foreign wars may be viewed as a more
direct method of economic globalization. A constant war footing is also
necessary to justify ever upwardly spiraling military spending and profits for
the military-industrial complex. Canada’s reputation, earned over several
decades as a peacekeeper, is being shredded by the misuse of our military
forces as auxiliaries in America’s farcical “war on terror”. For decades
Americans have ascribed their economic prowess to unrestrained capitalism or
the blessing of divine providence, but in reality the high standard of living
enjoyed by many in the U.S. has been built upon the ruthless exploitation of
the resources and labour of other countries at far below their fair value.
American corporate media are complicit in this by spinning a
fantasy world far removed from real-world information and context. “American
exceptionalism” is used to excuse hypocritical conduct by that country. Anyone
attempting to hold U.S. actions to the same standards that it claims apply to
the rest of the world can expect to be accused of “moral relativism” by U.S.
apologists. Right-wing critics can be counted on for an immediate knee-jerk
dismissal of this as “anti-American” but in reality it is a description of the
American Empire at work.
Why Do People Hate America? by Ziauddin Sadar and Merryl Wyn Davies (2002) Details U.S. invasions/coups, cultural imperialism, and the myths that sustain the American Empire.
Hegemony or Survival:
America’s Quest For Global Dominance
by Noam Chomsky (2003) Reveals U.S. human rights hypocrisy, marginalization of
the U.N., American invasions and coups around the world and control of the
media. Also on cd.
Confessions of an
Economic Hit Man by John Perkins
(2004) A former insider describes how developing world countries become
entrapped by debt and then fall victim to pressure by the U.S. government and
are preyed on by its corporations.
Also on cd.
Killing Hope: U.S.
Military and C.I.A. Interventions Since World War II updated edition by William Blum (2004) Comprehensive blow-by-blow history American
invasions, coups, electoral interference, and support for terrorists in the
post-war era.
Static: Government
Liars, Media Cheerleaders, and the People Who Fight Back by Amy
Goodman and David Goodman (2006)
Chronicles the lies and deceptions of the Bush White House and media
complicity.
The Sorrows of Empire:
Militarism, Secrecy, and the End of the Republic by Chalmers Johnson (2004)
Describes how U.S. military
bases form the physical infrastructure of its empire, the rise to supremacy of
the military-industrial complex, and provides a detailed analysis of American
military/espionage institutions.
Rogue Nation: The
America the Rest of the World Knows
by Peter Scowen (2002) U.S. aggression against and overthrow of governments of
various countries from the end of World
War II onward. Also looks at the American religious right and 2000 election.
Rushing to Armageddon:
Canada and America’s Star Wars by
Mel Hurtig (2004) Exposes U.S. efforts to coerce Canada into joining its
offensive military project masquerading as a “defensive shield” as part of its
plan to weaponize space.
An Ordinary Person’s
Guide to Empire by Arundhati Roy
(2004) A series of essays mainly concentrating on the American Empire and its
effects on the world.
A People’s History of
the United States: 1492-Present
by Howard Zinn (2003) The classic work on American history from the perspective
of the common people and their struggle.
The Bush Dyslexicon:
Observations on a National Disorder
by Mark Crispin Miller (2001) A look at the right-wing in America and its
political influence.
Dude, Where’s My
Country? by Michael Moore (2003) Raises
unanswered 9/11 questions and examines White House lies about the Iraq war as
well as looking at the Wall Street financial casino. Also on cd and cassette tape.
Since the Reagan years a
new dynamic has been growing in the United States. The ruling neoliberal
corporate elite, together with the neoconservatives with their socially
regressive policies, have co-opted the radical Christian right. The
constitutionally mandated separation of church and state is being eroded as the
government downloads more of its social responsibilities on religious
organizations. Right-wing politicians and their fundamentalist televangelist
allies cynically manipulate the faithful for the benefit of wealthy corporate
backers. Under the guise of protecting “family values” and fighting the culture
war fundamentalists have been mobilized in a business-friendly jihad that often
undermines their own economic interests and brings poverty and war to the rest
of the world. Implications for Alberta politics?
Talking Right by Geoffrey Nunberg (2006) How the wealthy American
elite and the media obscure real economic differences between classes and use
contrived cultural divides to perpetuate their political control.
American Fascists: The
Christian Right and the War on America by Chris Hedges (2006) Details the hypocrisy and dangers posed by the
political agenda of the right-wing American Fundamentalists.
What’s the Matter With
Kansas: How Conservatives Won the Heart of America by Thomas Frank (2004)
Terrific analysis of how the anger of the Christian right/”family values”/culture war backlash was mobilized by the wealthy to advance their corporate interests at the expense of ordinary Americans by separating class from economics.
Don’t Think of an
Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate by George Lakoff
(2004) How the American right-wing uses deceptive issue framing to push
its neoliberal agenda and how it can be overcome. Also on cd.
Our environment is under assault as never before in human history, with its ability to sustain our civilization no longer by any means assured. The dominant force propelling this ravaging is the lust for ever-larger corporate profits. The planet and its wildlife face clearcutting and deforestation, unsustainable mining, chemical pollution, and global warming. In Alberta the tar sands have become a national sacrifice zone while the industrial heartland northeast of Edmonton is subjected to unlimited development regardless of the ecological cost. While overpopulation is a danger, the world’s real threat is over consumption. The hundreds of billions of dollars spent on advertising yearly around the globe are designed to create wants where they don’t exist and then turn those wants into needs that must be met. The result of this runaway consumerism is a waste of our natural resources and huge mountains of garbage. The ecological footprint, the area of land needed to support each person, keeps relentlessly expanding. Rather than living off the interest the biosphere generates, since the 1980’s the human race has been squandering its principal. One of many false claims of neoliberal globalization, that everyone in the world can consume at the same level as North Americans, would require the resources of several earths. Ultimately, to maintain the constant profits capitalism requires, the economy must keep expanding without limit on a finite planet.
When corporations are confronted with evidence of how their activities are damaging the planet and human health, the first line of defence is stonewalling: unrelenting denial of the problem or any contribution from their operations. When this becomes too absurd in the face of mounting evidence, they embark on a long drawn out stalling campaign, calling for ever more studies before anything is done. In this they are supported by “experts” for sale as well as government and corporate media allies who together sow doubt and confusion among the public. They are frequently aided by artificial “grass roots” Astroturf groups created by public relations firms to back the corporate position. Meaningless intensity targets for each industrial site are proposed while ignoring total cumulative impact. When all else fails jobs are held hostage. P.R. campaigns seek to greenwash the corporate image with bogus claims of sustainability while they carry on with business as usual. Even the backers of nuclear power are peddling it as “green”. Industries may also use strategic lawsuits against public participation (slapp suits), frivolous lawsuits designed to intimidate activists. Governmental “smart regulations” allow corporations to police themselves, while “free trade” treaties harmonize environmental regulations to the lowest common denominator. Independent peer-reviewed academic research critical of corporate environmental or health impacts is dismissed as “junk science”. Government scientists, attempting to do their job of protecting the public, face interference and intimidation from their bureaucratic overseers if their findings possibly threaten corporate profits.
Global Spin: The
Corporate Assault on Environmentalism rev. ed. by Sharon Beder (2002)
Details corporate use of front groups, phony Astroturf “grass roots” citizen’s
groups, lawsuits against activists, corporate funded “think-tanks” and public
relations firms.
The Republican War On Science by Chris Mooney (2005) U.S. governmental interference in global warming research and environmental regulation as well as creationism and stem cell research.
Boiling Point: How Politicians, Big Oil and Coal, Journalists, and Activists Have Fueled the Climate Crisis- And What We Can Do to Avert Disaster by Ross Gelbspan (2004) Details corporate and government collaboration in their effort to block action on global warming.
The Weather Makers: How We Are Changing the Climate and What It Means For Life on Earth by Tim Flannery (2005) Detailed look at the causes and effects of global warming, corporate and government responsibility, and possible solutions. Also cd and eResource
An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It by Al Gore (2006) Quick but comprehensive introduction to the dangers of global warming and industry and government denial.
Big Coal: The Dirty Secret Behind America’s Energy Future by Jeff Goodell (2006) Details coal’s environmental impact, contribution to global warming, and U.S. political influence of its corporations.
Nuclear Power is Not the Answer by Helen Caldicott (2006) Exposes the true costs and dangers of nuclear power and weapons proliferation, and explores the renewable alternatives.
Genetically Altered Foods and Your Health by Ken Roseboro (2004) Quick and easy introduction to genetically engineered foods, their potential dangers, and the organic alternative.
Oil Sands Fever: The Environmental Implications of Canada’s Oil Sands Rush by Dan Woynillowicz (2005)
Pembina Institute’s brief overview of Alberta’s tar sands development, its environmental cost, and the province’s low royalty rates.
Since the collapse of Soviet communism neoliberals have
proclaimed the unregulated global marketplace supreme. Their rallying cry has
been Margaret Thatcher’s infamous “TINA” (there is no alternative). To this activists
around the world have replied “TATA” (there are thousands of alternatives).
These books provide the answer to that perennial taunt of globalization’s
boosters: “we know what you’re against, but what are you for?”
Alternatives to
Economic Globalization: A Better World is Possible by John Cavanagh (2002) Great summary of neoliberal
globalization and its institutions and systematic analysis of the possible
alternatives. Academically oriented.
Deglobalization: Ideas
For a New World Economy by Walden
Bello (2002) History and activities of the World Trade Organization,
International Monetary Fund, etc and the alternatives.
The No-Nonsense Guide
to Fair Trade by David Ransom
(2001) Presents the alternative to corporate “free trade” globalization.
Good News For a Change:
Hope For a Troubled Planet by
David Suzuki and Holly Dressel (2002) Describes how people have
begun to change the way they do business to create a more sustainable lifestyle
out of our present dysfunctional economic system.
Resistance is futile? Hardly! From Mexico’s Zappatistas rising
up against NAFTA to Argentine workers taking over abandoned factories to the
WTO “Battle of Seattle” to local Edmonton activists finding everyday ways to subvert
the system, the struggle against neoliberalism, war, and corporate-style
globalization is growing. Explore the diverse ways people around the world are
empowering themselves and learn a few tips for your own fight-back.
Global Uprising:
Confronting the Tyrannies of the 21st Century by Neva Welton and Linda Wolf (2001)
Essays from around the world
on citizen’s resistance to corporate rule.
The Global Activist’s
Manual: Local Ways to Change the World edited by Mike Prokosch and Laura Raymond (2002) A wide-ranging series
of essays on coalition building, direct action, consumer mobilization, and
other practical aspects of activism.
An Action a Day: Keeps
Global Capitalism Away by Mike
Hudema (2004) A how-to manual on resisting neoliberalism by a legendary
Edmonton activist.
We Are Everywhere: The
Irresistible Rise of Global Anticapitalism edited by Notes From Nowhere (2003)
Comprehensive overview of a
decade of anti-corporate globalization protests from around the world.
Fences and Windows:
Dispatchs From the Front Lines of the Globalization Debate by Naomi Klein (2002)
On-the-scene reports from the
battle against neoliberal globalization.
The Legacy of Luna: The
Story of a Tree, a Woman, and the Struggle to Save the Redwoods by Julia Butterfly Hill (2000) One woman’s account of
her two year tree-sit to save the California redwoods.
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