The Conscience of a Liberal, Essay Example

In his book, Paul Krugman describes the inequality of economic classes in the United States and the growing dichotomy between the Democratic and Republican parties (Krugman 3-23). The author describes the post-World War II era as “a relatively equal society with a strong middle class and an equable political scene” (Krugman 4).

In recent decades however, political parties and economic inequalities have become increasingly polarized.  He makes a strong case that the two fall into a parallel pattern and that “economic inequity and political polarization move as one” (Krugman 6).

Krugman explains that the left has not moved much since the New Deal was enacted.  Their goals and values have remained fairly static over time. Conversely, the Republican Party began adopting a significant right-wing philosophy in the mid-1970s. He cites money as “the glue of movement conservatism which is largely financed by a handful of wealthy individuals and… major corporations” (Krugman 10) that gain from inequitable tax policies. In essence, Krugman describes US politics as being more of a plutocracy than a democracy.

The author suggests that the new Democratic majority should “pursue an unabashedly liberal program of expanding the social safety net and reducing inequality” (Krugman 14). Without such action, the US could well return to another Gilded Age.

The observations and recommendations in this book are very similar to the views espoused by Michael Moore in his recent movie “Capitalism: A love story.” In this movie, Moore questions the very morality of a capitalistic economic system that encourages the wealthy to exploit all resources (including the environment and the poor) in order to gain greater wealth. Apparently Paul Krugman is not alone in his observations.

Works Cited

Krugman, Paul. The Conscience of a Liberal. Edition ed. City: Publisher, Year. Print.