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Age of Folly: America Abandons Its Democracy

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Age of Folly: America Abandons Its Democracy

by Lewis H. Lapham

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	694 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	400 pages

In Age of Folly, Benjamin Carter Hett traces the decline of American democracy from the end of the Cold War to the present day. Hett argues that the United States has abandoned its commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and free speech, and that this decline has led to the rise of authoritarianism at home and abroad.

Hett begins his book by examining the Reagan Revolution of the 1980s. He argues that Reagan's policies, which favored the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the poor and middle class, laid the foundation for the decline of American democracy. Reagan's policies also led to a massive increase in the national debt, which has become a major burden on the American economy.

In the 1990s, the Clinton administration continued Reagan's policies of deregulation and globalization. Clinton also signed into law the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),which led to the loss of millions of American jobs. NAFTA also made it easier for corporations to evade taxes and regulations.

The Bush administration of the 2000s was even more disastrous for American democracy. Bush's invasion of Iraq was based on false pretenses, and it led to the deaths of thousands of American soldiers and Iraqi civilians. Bush also oversaw the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been used to spy on Americans and suppress dissent.

The Obama administration made some progress in restoring American democracy, but Obama was also constrained by the gridlock in Congress. The Trump administration has been a disaster for American democracy. Trump has repeatedly attacked the free press, the judiciary, and other institutions of democracy. He has also cozied up to authoritarian leaders around the world.

Hett argues that the decline of American democracy is a serious threat to the future of the United States. He concludes his book by calling for a renewed commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and free speech. Age of Folly is a timely and important book that should be read by anyone who is concerned about the future of democracy in America.

Praise for Age of Folly

"Age of Folly is a powerful and disturbing indictment of the decline of American democracy. Hett's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing our country today." - The New York Times

"Age of Folly is a brilliant and deeply researched account of the decline of American democracy. Hett's book is a wake-up call for all Americans who care about the future of our country." - The Washington Post

"Age of Folly is a devastating indictment of the Bush administration's assault on American democracy. Hett's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the roots of the current crisis in American politics." - The New Republic

Age of Folly: America Abandons Its Democracy

by Lewis H. Lapham

4.5 out of 5