Kill It to Save It - by Corey Dolgon (Paperback)

About the Book

Kill it to save it lays bare the hypocrisy of US political discourse by documenting the story of capitalism's triumph over democracy. Dolgon argues that American citizens now accept policies that destroy the public sector and promote political stories that feel right "in the gut", regardless of science or facts.

Book Synopsis

How have powerful Americans convinced their fellow citizens to support policies beneficial only to the wealthy? Why have so many given up on public education, safe food and safe streets, living wages - even on democracy itself? Kill it to Save it lays bare the hypocrisy of US political discourse by documenting the story of capitalism's triumph over democracy. As the Progressive Left tries to understand how President Trump came to power, Corey Dolgon documents his historical, political and cultural road map. Dolgon argues that American citizens now accept policies that destroy the public sector and promote political stories that feel right "in the gut", regardless of science or facts. Covering the post-Vietnam era to present day, Dolgon dismantles US common sense cultural discourse and explains why the endless crisis in US policy will continue until American citizens recognize what has been lost, and in whose interest.

Review Quotes

"A precious trove of information and analysis for policy makers, "social partners", NGOs and researchers in quest of policies and consensus-building for barring the road to populism by strengthening democracy that should lead to an economy and society with a human face." Relations industrielles/Industrial Relations

"A provocative, thoughtful, and engaging book, a must-read for people trying to find out "what's that sound and what is goin' down." Policymakers looking out for the interests of their corporate benefactors are selling our institutions to the highest bidders and idly looking away as the lives of the most vulnerable among us are pushed to the edge of survival." Rogelio Sáenz, University of Texas at San Antonio

"Dolgon's analysis will be useful in efforts to oppose privatization and reassert the idea that government's main function is serving the people, not propping up business. What's more, Kill It to Save It...offers a clear and accessible look at how policy is crafted, marketed, and ultimately sold or rejected." - Rewire

"Longtime activist and provocative thinker, Corey Dolgon, has written a compelling and timely new book, "Kill It to Save It," which explores neoliberalism, popular culture, the decline of public institutions, and the serious challenges activists and organizers face as we imagine a world beyond the crumbling edifices of U.S. capitalism." Barbara Ransby, University of Illinois, Chicago

"The left is in disbelief by Trump's election. Thankfully, Corey Dolgon's book had anticipated such a development. Dolgon shows how capitalist hegemony and hyper-individualism reshaped America's national identity, making us ever more susceptible to embracing a Reality TV star who promises to "Make America Great Again" despite promoting the worst elements of the country's historical DNA. Required reading for those hoping not only to resist Trumpism, but envision a new left for the 21st Century." Eduardo Bonilla-Silva Author of Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America

About the Author

Corey Dolgon is professor of sociology and director of community-based learning at Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts. He is the author of three other books, including the award-winning The End of the Hamptons: Scenes from the Class Struggle in America's Paradise.