The People's Pension: The Struggle to Defend Social Security Since Reagan [Paperback]

Eric Laursen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 29, 2012

"Readers mystified by the yawning gulf between public opinion and current political discussion might benefit from the background provided in Eric Laursen’s magisterial history, 'The People's Pension: The Struggle to Defend Social Security Since Reagan' The book offers more than 800 pages of fascinating if gory details about the lobbying efforts and misinformation campaigns aimed at bringing the program down."—Nancy Folbre, NYTimes Economix Blog

“Laursen has given us a comprehensive account of the three decade long war against Social Security. . . . This is a fascinating history that progressives must learn, not only to protect Social Security but also to understand the dynamics behind an effective long-term strategy.”—Dean Baker, author of False Profits: Recovering From the Bubble Economy

“This magnificent history documents the hydra-headed campaign to cut and kill Social Security, conducted over decades by rightwing bankers, foundations, economists, and politicians. [The People's Pension] is utterly urgent.”—James K. Galbraith, author of The Predator State

The People's Pension is both groundbreaking history and an indispensable guide for anyone concerned about one of the biggest issues in the upcoming election. With 95 percent of Americans participating in the program either as beneficiaries or through their payroll tax contributions, Social Security is quite literally the “glue” that binds Americans together as a community. Yet in the aftermath of the debt reduction deal between Barack Obama and congressional Republicans, the 2012 election promises to be a kind of referendum on the size and role of government—including economic support programs like Social Security. Arguing to democratize, not disable, the program, Eric Laursen suggests that the only solution for Social Security is taking it out of the government's hands altogether.

Eric Laursen is an independent financial and political journalist, activist, and commentator. The co-founder and former managing editor of Plan Sponsor, a magazine for pension fund executives, Laursen is also the co-author of Understanding the Crash (2010). His work has appeared in a wide variety of publications, including The Huffington Post, The Nation, Institutional Investor, The Village Voice, and Investment Dealer's Digest.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you want to put the current struggle over Social Security’s future in context, read this book."—Mark Miller, RetirementRevised.com

"Independent financial reporter Laursen offers a breathtakingly comprehensive look at the history and politics behind ‘the largest income support program in the U.S.,’ ... Comprehensive and compelling reading on an important topic."—Booklist, starred review

"Eric Laursen has written a comprehensive and exhaustive history of the Social Security program in the United States. The People’s Pension is an honest, detailed and even eye-opening discussion of the program’s origins and continuing efforts to provide elderly and disabled Americans with a livable income. Equally important, it is a discussion of the attempts to alter and ultimately destroy the program by forces whose only interest seems to be profit and the elimination of any government institution that guarantees every citizen worker an income in their old age." — Ron Jacobs, CounterPunch

About the Author

Eric Laursen, born 1960, is an independent financial and political journalist, activist, and commentator. A native of San Francisco and graduate of Columbia University in New York (B.A. in History, Master's in International Affairs), he began his journalistic career as a reporter for Wall Street Letter, a weekly newsletter for the financial services industry. He later worked for a succession of publications: as a staff writer for Corporate Finance Magazine; editor of Asset International, a weekly newsletter for international investment firms; and as co-founder and managing editor of Plan Sponsor, the leading monthly magazine for North American pension executives. It was there he became interested in the debate over Social Security.

An independent journalist since 2000, Eric has written for publications ranging from Z Magazine and The Nation to Institutional Investor and CFO. His specializations are national politics, retirement and aging, global trade, U.S. fiscal policy, social services, business and financial services, civil liberties, and alternative economics. He has also written on anarchist theory, practice, and history for a variety of publications.

Product Details

• Paperback: 750 pages
• Publisher: AK Press (May 29, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1849351015
• ISBN-13: 978-1849351010
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 2.3 x 8.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,400 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Politics & Government > Public Affairs & Policy > Social Security

More About the Author

Eric Laursen is an independent journalist and activist who writes about politics, economics, culture, and the many and devilish ways that all three intersect. He has contributed to a wide range of publications including The Village Voice, Institutional Investor, YES!, In These Times, CFO, Z Magazine, The AICPA Journal of Accounting, and Huffingtonpost.com. He has even reviewed books on Amazon.com. He is the author, most recently, of The People's Pension: The Struggle to Defend Social Security Since Reagan (AK Press), which was named an Editor's Choice nonfiction book of the year by BookList for 2012. He also co-authored Understanding the Crash (Soft Skull, 2010). Long engaged in the movements against war, corporate globalization, and neoliberal economics, he lives in the United States.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything you always wanted to know about social security May 10, 2012

By Moshe Adler

Format:Kindle Edition

There is a no more instructive telling of the endless struggle between the 99% and the 1% than Eric Laursen's wonderful book "The People's Pension." This page turner tells the story of the fight against social security -- and of the defense of it -- with incisive analyses of both the solvency of the system and of the numerous arguments that have been made over the years about why it "must" be changed to survive.

The program has survived, so far, but the fight to defend it is far from over. Why? This book will tell you who would benefit from the destruction of social security and how these individuals are trying to destroy it; it will also tell you who are the politicians and organizations that benefit from serving these socially destructive individuals. Brace yourself! Many that you assumed to be on your side are not. This book will also tell you about the heroic individuals and organizations who tirelessly defend social security on your behalf.

Senator Tom Harkin called the Obama 2% cut of social security taxes the unraveling of social security and there is no doubt that it has
been a major blow. Social Security is now in greater peril than it has ever been, but as this book shows the system has always been on the precipice, and the only reason it has survived is because of its defenders.

For all who believe in the system designed to put an end to "poverty-ridden old age," in Franklin Roosevelt's words -- and
for all those of who doubt the effectiveness of activism -- "The People's Pension", is a must read.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book That Is Needed May 16, 2012

By Reader & Writer

Format:Paperback

Having worked with Eric Laursen on numerous financial magazines, I'm very familiar with his profound, if not arcane, knowledge of such things as Social Security. This is a book that needed to be written for a long time, and it's good that a precise writer like Eric Laursen took it on. While it's a terrific historical read, The People's Pension: the Struggle to Defend Social Security Since Reagan, is also very topical in regard to today's political brinkmanship. This should be required reading in the halls of Congress.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Defend Social Security! May 31, 2012

By wildflowerboy

Format:Paperback

In "The People's Pension", political journalist Eric Laursen chronicles the ongoing fight to defend Social Security from bipartisan attempts to privatize and destroy it. As Laursen shows in this important and informative book, Social Security is the product, not of benevolent politicians, but of grassroots activism organized from below. As such, it will take a mass movement to save it from a greedy ruling-class indifferent to the suffering of millions of poor, disabled, and elderly people. More than just a call to preserve Social Security, it is also a call to radically democratize it. With so many activists taking to the streets these days demanding economic equality and social justice, this is a timely book that should be read immediately by everyone working for revolutionary social change. If you're debating whether or not to read this book because of its size, I can assure you that this is a quick and enjoyable read, a real page-turner. Eric Laursen is a great writer and I commend him for writing this excellent book!