We Hold These Truths: The Hope of Monetary Reform [Paperback]

Richard C. Cook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 4, 2008

In the wake of this U.S. economic meltdown, the mainstream population faces four possible futures: 1. Adjust and accept diminished prosperity, in a life that includes two or three part time jobs, a perpetual job search in a declining economy, nd the need to share housing with extended family or even strangers. And by the way, plan to join the underground economy. 2. Jump on the bandwagon of a new international war! Hey, World War II got us out of the post1929 depression, why not try that strategy again? 3. Prepare for chaos in the streets and a rightwing response of martial law and the suspension of our core doctrine the Bill of Rights. or 4. Join a real and positive revolution to reform a broken monetary system, rebuild our public infrastructure, and develop an income assurance strategy that gives everyone a chance at a future that provides for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around [the banks] will deprive the people of all property until their children wake up homeless....The issuing power should be taken from the banks and restored to the people, to whom it properly belongs. Thomas Jefferson, writing to the Secretary of the Treasury in 1802

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Richard C. Cook is a government analyst who, after thirty-two years in government service, retired from the U.S. Treasury Department in January 2007. While at the Carter White House, Cook began his study of monetary reform. During his twenty-one years with Treasury, he continued his study of U.S. monetary history, analyzed Treasury financial and administrative programs, and developed and taught training programs on public finance. In February 2007 he wrote the first of a series of essays that predicted the brutal economic landscape of Summer 2008.

Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Tendril Press (December 4, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 098021906X
• ISBN-13: 978-0980219067
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,222,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Material, April 25, 2010

By 

David Kendall "David Kendall" (Spokane, WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: We Hold These Truths: The Hope of Monetary Reform (Paperback)

"We Hold These Truths: The Hope of Monetary Reform" by Richard C. Cook is an essential toolbox for anyone who is concerned about the economic condition of our nation and our world. Having learned so much from reading this book, I am obliged to give it my highest recommendation.

Written by a 20-year veteran in project management for the US Treasury Department, "We Hold These Truths: The Hope of Monetary Reform" provides readers with a detailed history of monetary policy in the United States and a front-row seat at the bubble-to-rubble disaster that has characterized American economics for more than a quarter century. Many thanks to Richard C. Cook for delivering all this technical analysis in very plain layman's terms that anyone can understand, instead of resorting a lot of professional jargon. Bravo!

I was particularly impressed with Chapter 15, "Concepts Progressives Must Know". This is an invaluable quick reference for understanding the functions and dysfunctions of the American monetary system from its inception until now. Cook provides a wealth of information here with a concise and logical flow, which very effectively summarizes the in-depth analysis covered in previous chapters.

Based on a career in public finance, including work in the Carter White House, Cook concludes that credit should be treated as a public utility, not a private playground for the financial elite. Instead of private banks driving whole societies irretrievably into debt by lending money into circulation that must be repaid with interest, he maintains that governments should spend interest-free money directly into circulation based on annual production values. One step further, Cook recommends a national dividend, including a Basic Income Guarantee for every US citizen regardless of employment status, to eradicate poverty, debt-slavery and the pestilence of unemployment.

These are practical applications of monetary policy that proved to be essential during pivotal periods in US history, not theoretical ideas plucked out of thin air. Moreover, these policies do not inherently yield unlimited power and control to a tiny minority of extremely wealthy financiers. Hence, this group typically responds by manipulating legislation to eventually regain control of the monetary system, thereby enslaving the rest of society to an endless cycle of debt.

What can we, the people, do to prevent this cycle of insanity and corruption from constantly repeating itself? "We Hold These Truths: The Hope of Monetary Reform" by Richard C. Cook is a critical resource for people everywhere who are fed up with economic crisis and who are interested in a viable route toward financial stability and economic democracy worldwide.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important book for today!!!, April 29, 2009

By 

Starlake (Hyattsville, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Hold These Truths: The Hope of Monetary Reform (Paperback)

This is an amazing and important book for our times. Richard Cook has hit the nail on the head with regards to the causes of our current economic crisis. He also offers historical proof that a better way exists. I recommend this book highly! However, why it takes 1 to 2 months for Amazon to send it is a mystery that needs to be solved.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well done, September 20, 2010

By 

R. McLendon (Tallahassee, FL) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: We Hold These Truths: The Hope of Monetary Reform (Paperback)

I'd say this is one of the most important books written in recent history. Having read "The Lost Science of Money" and "Web of Debt", I already knew what a scam the FED is but the solutions contained within this book were new to me. This is a well thought out answer to our country's problems. The question that goes unanswered is- Are we smart enough to do something about the collapse of our debt-backed monetary system or are we too corrupt to avoid an inevitable Depression?