This book by Louis Uchitelle is in some ways a sequel to his book 'The Disposable American: Layoffs And Their Consequences' a book that dealt with shrinking job opportunities and the laying off of American workers. This book came out about ten years ago, so it was interesting to read his new one.
Sad to say, much has not changed, indeed the situation has gotten worse. The job market as far as number of jobs isn't necessarily the problem. Wages are. I know many people who work long hours at more than one job, and still struggle. And it is to the author's credit when he says that this country needs to value physical labor more than it does. For the foreseeable future there will be a need for a certain amount of physical labor, labor that is vital to the functioning of our culture and way of life.
A previous reviewer made a point of Mr. Uchitelle's nostalgia about the way things used to be, how this country was the leader in manufacturing. All of that is true, including nostalgia for the way things used to be. But trade agreements that led to the exodus of manufacturing has been around since Clinton was president, time enough for the next generation to have no idea how things used to be. I agree that too much of that is futile. But before we can move forward as a society, we have to know how things were, and objectively look at what was good and what wasn't, and to understand what the problems truly are. With the current political climate in this country, I'm not so sure that's possible. When so many are willing to follow idealogues that fit everything into preconceived notions, there can be little discussion and compromise. One side tries to use excessive force dictated by their ideology, and the other side obstructs according to theirs.
Wage and income disparity is killing the middle class at a larger rate than ten years ago. Without a sound, productive, well-paid middle class, we as a nation stagnate. That is something the author says as well. And I agree.
The author has been writing about this subject for a long time. He is one of the voices of experience that we need to listen to objectively. Unfortunately, as he has been associated with the New York Times for many years, some dismiss him out of hand. That is unfortunate. Agree with him or not, his intelligent writing has many times caused me to think of issues that we need to address as a nation, rather than given me answers. We need to work together to arrive at solutions instead of letting misguided executive orders and the Elite Social Club otherwise known as Congress tell us what we are going to do.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
