Critical Review on Ralph Naders Unstoppable - Book Report/Review Example

Topic: Critical book review on Ralph Nader’s "Unstoppable" of the University Topic: Critical book review on Ralph Nader’s "Unstoppable" Like politics, in the world of business also there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies; there are only permanent interests. The battle to defend free markets is as arduous as that of defending borders of a country. The technological innovations and the internet revolution have narrowed down the differences between the left and the right in their fight against corporate control. They are driven to the path of convergence by political and economic forces that are out to teach them that ‘the world is one family’. Ralph Nader (2014) in his book Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State seems to be a man of changed perceptions and is willing to concede ground to the Left. Static forces are compelled to perform heroics by providing colossal packages for bailout to financial institutions and subsidies to big corporations. The author is a consumer crusader and it is but natural to expect from him an open-minded criticism of the corporate state. In this book the author gives credence to the views of renowned economists who are the votaries of free-market. At the same time, he warns “ …while people do have wide agreement on many ends, they often disagree rigorously on the means to those ends”(Introduction, p. xii).He makes mention of lack of trust of politicians, lobbyists and capitalists who put pressure on the politicians to put government power in the service of corporate profit. Nader rightly argues that ideologies take the back seat when privileged interests play their cards and put pressure on the government to make the funds available, supposedly in the interest of the national economy. He writes “Ideological belief systems most often prevail over nationalist thought systems. Political, social, and religious movements attest to this point” (Nader, p.15).Such corporates equate their interest with the interest of the nation and expect that the rules and regulations should be modified accordingly. Nader strongly questions unlimited power to the corporates. He is not interested in putting the corporates on mat. But he criticises corporates for helping the politicians and the politicians for helping the corporates once they occupy the powerful chairs. He writes, the “so-called conservative and liberal politicians forget their labels when they join together at the trough of corporate largesse on the way to fronting for the corporate agenda” (Nader, p.21).He advocates curbing the power of corporates and suggests several measures. He resents the Citizens United decision of 2010 that permits corporations to freely spend money on political advocacy. The other ‘strong pillars’ of capitalism are the corporate shareholders. Nader articulates that their so-called control on the functioning of the corporates is nothing but fantasy. They are helpless pawns and the phrase of ‘people’s capitalism’ and their praise is just mockery of the corporate world. They are not in a position to exercise executive control and can do little to check the lavish executive-pay packages and are the mute witnesses to the corporate maneuvers designed to benefit the executives. But one cannot say that the shareholders are the victims as no one has forced them to buy the share of a particular company. Only when the rules are violated they have the right to move to the offices of the Justice Department and the SEC. Here again the shareholders are fighting against the mighty legal brains of the corporates who get fat perquisites besides hefty pay-packet. In every area, be it politics, commerce, bargaining capacity of trade unions, or the shareholders, the author articulates how the common man is at a disadvantageous position. Once voted to power, the common man hardly has any decisive say in the decision-making machinery of the government. The consumer is incapable of reading and understanding the lengthy contracts full of legal jargons. As for the capacity to dictate terms and frame working conditions, the employers are having the upper hand, and the shareholder’s relationship with the company is about their getting dividends or occasional bonus shares! They have no active say in the managerial affairs. Americans are disgusted with their government. Arguments against the Right and the Left are raging. Nader realises that the time is right now for reconciliation between the two ideologies and the two cannot function in a watertight compartment. Technological innovations and the internet revolution have played the pivotal role in bringing the different ideologies together, not only in America, but all over the world. Nader positions himself as per the demand of the issue, and as such he is neither Left nor Right. He takes specific stances on specific issues. For instance, he argues that ending corporate welfare can save the country billions of dollars. Mr. Nader is twice-blessed to deal with the issues that confront America and he comments upon them with authority. He possesses legal skills and has tremendous command over details. His experiences are profound and his contribution to political activism is noticeable throughout the chapters of the book. His serious concern is about the noxious political environment, the government going directionless and destination-less and the Corporate world making inroads into the democratic way of life, putting hurdles in the freedom of the people, stifling genuine democratic processes, causing enormous damage to the economy, and creating motivated obstacles in democratic participation. What are the positive and negative aspects of the book? Nader is a learned individual and well-experienced on all fronts. He is quite comfortable in discussing and giving opinionated statements on political issues, as he has the experience. He is the bitter critic of corporate-state alliance and is able to visualise the damage this relationship is causing to the common man and larger interests of the nation. I do not see any negative points in the book. Does it cover the issue adequately? As for political and economic issues there is nothing like complete coverage. The world scenario on these issues is continuously on the flux. He has touched the important issue of the relationship between liberals and conservatives and emphasises the need for them to work together. He warns both and advises them to shun “clinging to rigid abstractions and distancing themselves from facts and realities" (28). He is the champion of modern consumer advocacy. He emphasises the necessity for more control on nonprofits. Does it cover a historical or contemporary view? The book contains both historical and contemporary views. What would you like to see added to the book or taken out? Within the space of 240 pages the author has given his opinionated statements on the above-mentioned important issues. The author has not raised any controversies and as such nothing needs to be deleted from the book. How well does the book add to your knowledge of our American system of politics? Nader provides solid ground for the reconciliation between the liberals and conservatives and I agree with his concern on this point. As for the bailout policy, he advises the government to “Establish rigorous procedures to evaluate the claims of businesses looking for a government handout, which would end most corporate welfare and bailouts.”(Nader, p.73) The opposing political ideologies need not be at war always and what is important is the interest of the nation. Nader’s book has given me better understanding of the hapless position of the common man in America, and the necessity for the Government authorities to address this vital issue. His suggestion to rein commercial marketing to children through print and electronic media demands serious attention. Would you recommend the book(s) to others? Why or Why not? I thoroughly recommend this book to the politicians, economists, industrialists, sociologists, university students and members of faculty. Mr. Nader is an original thinker and can read the pulse of the nation well. His warning about the consequences of government intrusion into the economy needs to be taken seriously. Reference Cited Nader, Ralph (2014) Unstoppable: The Emerging Left-Right Alliance to Dismantle the Corporate State: New York: Nation Books; Print. . Read More