A Brief Review of "Beyond Outrage" by Robert Reich
Aside from the convenience and affordability of a purely eBook edition, Robert Rech's argument is delivered clearly, explained directly, and presented unmanageably, albeit delivered in a voice even the most leftward leaning individual would call whiny.
Reich argues that out inability to recover economically, the seeming dysfunction of government, unemployment, deterioration of infrastructure, and collapse of education, among other major social problems, exist due to the unprecedented accumulation of wealth, in Reich's words, "at the top." He argues that this occurred due to the increasing influence of "big money" in politics and judicial activism, using the example of Citizens United.
As far as the writing is concerned, Reich achieves a perfect flow for the eRader experience. He makes his argument in short, simple sentences, without expense to a certain level of intellectuality.
There's a downside to this achievement, however. Reich displays a questionable tendency towards brevity and repetition. He brushes over informational details, like the names and biographies of key players in certain political agendas and movements, that I think would aid his argument to those with a predisposition to refute it, and help create a deeper awareness of the circumstances leading to the present state of our nation and society.
Despite Reich's credentials as an author and ability to make his argument clearly and convincingly, there is a certain, annoying aspect to his voice throughout, that is quite off-putting.
Knowing even a fraction of Reich's personal history, one could conclude that the member of three presidential administrations is not hurting for cash. He continually refers to "the rest of us" as if he's working two minimum wage jobs and lives in an efficiency.
Reich doesn't take his own advice that "It's too easy in modern America to preach to the converted because it's increasingly easy to surround ourselves with people who share our views...you need to express yourself in ways that enable those who may initially disagree with you to understand." He has a tendency to demonize republicans, conservatives, and "the regressive right," in his words, which is unfortunate, since it immediately makes it far less accessible to those who should read it. I really wanted to recommend this book to my conservative friends, but, much in the same way I couldn't read a book by Limbaugh, they would be easily turned off.
I come away from Mr. Reich's book with an appreciation of his message, argument, sincerity, and efforts to help the working class. Yet I also come away disappointed. From such a well credentialed author, I expected a much more information and less political read. I couldn't help but feel this was something Reich rushed to complete, and allowed himself to make far too personal.
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